Dua after a frightening dream

Recited after a bad dream; also, one who is frightened in a dream blows to the left three times and seeks refuge in Allah from its evil.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) taught anyone frightened in a dream to seek refuge in Allah with these words; a bad dream is from Shaytan, and one should seek refuge in Allah from it.

This dua is based on the Quran and hadith sources below.

• HadithSunan Abi Dawud, 3893

  It is reported from Amr ibn Shu'ayb that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to teach these words for fear.

• HadithJami at-Tirmidhi, 3528

  This dua is reported as a supplication of refuge against fear and frightening dreams.

Other duas connected to this topic.

• Dua before sleeping

  O Allah, in Your name I die and I live.

• Ayatul Kursi

  Allah: there is no god but Him, the Ever Living, the Sustainer of all. Neither drowsiness nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on the earth. Who can intercede with Him without His permission? He knows what is before them and what is behind them. They cannot encompass anything of His knowledge except what He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and preserving them is not a burden to Him. He is the Most High, the Most Great.

Common questions about this dua.

• What should one do after a frightening dream?

  It is Sunnah to blow (without saliva) to the left three times, seek refuge in Allah from the evil of Shaytan, and recite the dua “A'udhu bi-kalimatillahit-tammati...”

• Is it permissible to tell someone about a bad dream?

  A bad dream is from Shaytan; it is recommended not to speak of it, to seek refuge in Allah from it, and to turn onto the other side and pray.