Dream Interpretation Terms Glossary

The name given to the totality of visions and experiences seen during sleep. In Islam, dreams are considered important signs that may carry divine messages. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated, "The dream is one forty-sixth part of prophethood."

The process of attributing meaning to the symbols and signs seen in a dream. The word "ta'bir" in Arabic means "to cross over, to pass through" — that is, to cross from the outward appearance of a dream to its inner meaning. The Quran mentions Prophet Yusuf's (Joseph's) gift of dream interpretation.

Muhammad ibn Sirin (d. 728), a scholar of the Tabi'in generation, is considered the greatest authority in the science of Islamic dream interpretation. His work "Muntakhab al-Kalam fi Tafsir al-Ahlam" constitutes the foundational source of dream interpretation literature. Based in Basra, Ibn Sirin is renowned for his thousands of dream interpretations.

Abdulghani al-Nablusi (d. 1731), an Islamic scholar of the Ottoman era, made significant contributions to dream interpretation. His comprehensive work "Ta'tir al-Anam fi Ta'bir al-Manam" serves as a systematic dream symbol dictionary and remains one of the most frequently consulted sources today.

True dreams sent by God (Allah), containing glad tidings or warnings. True dreams may be clear (manifest) or symbolic (encoded). Dreams seen before dawn are generally considered more potent. All dreams of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) were true dreams.

The name given to frightening and disturbing dreams. In Islamic tradition, nightmares are considered whispers of Satan (adghas). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended spitting lightly three times to the left, seeking refuge in God (saying A'udhu Billah), and not telling anyone about the dream.

Any kind of image, object, or event seen in a dream that carries a message beyond its literal meaning. For example, a snake symbolizes an enemy, water symbolizes knowledge, and a horse symbolizes honor and dignity. The correct interpretation of symbols is the foundation of dream interpretation.

A prayer performed before making a decision, asking God (Allah) to show what is best. Dreams seen after performing the istikhara prayer may be directly related to the istikhara and are evaluated in a special manner. Colors and emotions are important indicators in istikhara dreams.

Means "righteous (good) dream." These are dreams of glad tidings or warning nature from God (Allah). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated, "The righteous dream of a believer is one forty-sixth part of prophethood."

The name given to mixed, meaningless, and inconsistent dreams. This term, mentioned in Surah Yusuf in the Quran, describes dreams of satanic origin or arising from the self (nafs). It is recommended that such dreams not be interpreted.

Means "dream interpreter" or "dream analyst." In Islamic tradition, a mu'abbir is described as a person with knowledge of religious sciences, mastery of the Quran and Sunnah, wisdom, and piety. Dream interpretation is not something anyone can do; it requires qualification and expertise.

The name given to dreams originating from Satan or arising from the desires of the self (nafs). Hulm is a category that must be distinguished from true dreams (ru'ya). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated, "The dream (ru'ya) is from God, and the hulm is from Satan."