We had the honour of hosting Shaykh Yahya Ibrahim for a deeply moving and thought-provoking session that explored one of the most intimate aspects of the human experience: dreams.
Titled “Messages from the Unseen” and “Whispers from the Darkness”, the talk invited attendees to reflect on the reality of good dreams and bad dreams in Islam. How they originate, what they mean, and how a believer should respond to them with clarity, adab, and faith.
It was a reminder that even in our sleep, our souls remain in conversation with the unseen.
Good Dreams: A Mercy from Allah (s.w.t.)
Shaykh Yahya began by defining ru’ya sadiqah—true and good dreams that come from Allah (s.w.t.). These dreams are not random images or passing thoughts; they are a form of mercy and reassurance.
The Prophet (s.a.w.) described good dreams as one of the 46 parts of prophethood, a gift that remains for the believers after the seal of prophecy. The Sahabah themselves experienced meaningful visions, and the Prophet (s.a.w.) would often ask after prayer, “Has anyone seen a dream?”
This sunnah reflects the importance Islam places on dreams. Not as superstition, but as moments where Allah (s.w.t.) allows the heart to glimpse something beyond the visible world.
Yet, Shaykh Yahya reminded us of an important adab—never lie about a dream. Claiming to have seen something that Allah (s.w.t.) did not send is a serious matter. Dreams are a trust, and when shared or interpreted carelessly, they can lose their meaning entirely.
The Nature of the Soul & the Ghayb
Dreams also opened a wider discussion about the nature of the soul and the unseen. While the body rests, the soul remains active, moving within a realm we cannot fully comprehend.
We may not remember every dream, but that does not mean we did not dream at all. Sometimes, Allah (s.w.t.) allows us to experience a vision long before its reality unfolds in our waking life, moments so vivid they feel as though we were awake.
These experiences serve as reminders that life does not begin with this world, and it does not end with it.
Bad Dreams: Whispers from the Darkness
Shaykh Yahya then addressed bad dreams—dreams that bring fear, anxiety, or despair. While unsettling, they are not a sign of weak faith. Even the Sahabah, those promised Jannah, experienced dreams that frightened them or caused inner unrest.
Fear is not the opposite of iman. It is often a sign of a heart that is alive.
Bad dreams may arise from different sources:
- Shaytan is manipulating thoughts and emotions.
- Psychological or physical states.
- Or at times, a warning meant to return a believer to Allah (s.w.t.).
The key is discernment and strengthening one’s connection to Allah (s.w.t.) so that the heart can distinguish truth from whispers.
Protecting the Night
One of the most powerful reminders from the talk was this: the night is intentional. Allah (s.w.t.) created it as a time of rest, reflection, and protection. But Shaytan also waits for moments of vulnerability.
The Prophet (s.a.w.) taught us how to guard our sleep:
- Recite Ayat al-Kursi, which brings the protection of an angel throughout the night.
- Recite the last 2 verses of Surah al-Baqarah.
- Recite Surah al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq and an-Nas, 3 times.
- Avoid sleeping before ‘Isha’ and greet the morning early, aligning the body with its natural rhythm.
When a bad dream occurs, the Prophet (s.a.w.) advised us not to share it, and instead seek Allah’s (s.w.t.) protection quietly.
Returning to Allah (s.w.t.), Even in Our Dreams
Perhaps the most comforting reminder of the day was this: whether pleasant or unpleasant, all dreams exist by Allah’s (s.w.t.) permission. They are not meant to control us, but to guide us closer to Him.
Shaykh Yahya encouraged attendees to make a simple du’a’ — “Oh Allah, if there is goodness for me, allow me to see a good dream.”
Dreams, like life itself, ask us a question: “What are you willing to work toward when you wake up?”
Thank You for Being Part of This Journey
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the talk and visited our book booth. Your presence, reflections, and conversations made the day truly meaningful.
If this session resonated with you and you wish to continue exploring the unseen through the guidance of the Qur’an and sunnah, Shaykh Yahya Ibrahim’s latest release, “From Revelation to Return”, is now available. The book invited readers to trace divine messages across history and return to clarity, purpose, and truth.
Because sometimes, the journey doesn’t take us forward.
It brings us home.
