The Principles of Dream Interpretation in Islam

Discover the wisdom and scholarly principles behind Islamic dream interpretation — grounded in classical texts and ethical reflection.

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About The Course

This beginner-level course explores the Islamic science of dream interpretation (taʿbīr al-ruʾyā) based on foundational Islamic texts, with a particular focus on the renowned classical work popularly attributed to the tābiʿī and early Muslim scholar Muḥammad Ibn Sīrīn (rahimahullah). While Islamic dream interpretations are commonly linked to his legacy, this course carefully examines the historical context, key themes, and interpretive principles that have shaped this unique discipline.

The Art of Dream Interpretation is among the first structured online programmes designed to introduce students to the ethics, boundaries, and methodologies associated with understanding dreams in Islamic tradition. It offers a reflective overview of dream-related content in the Qur’ān and Sunnah, explores the symbolic language found in historical sources, and highlights the cautions issued by scholars regarding interpretation.

The course does not train participants to become dream interpreters. Instead, it aims to offer valuable insights into how the early Muslim community approached dreams, the types of dreams recognised in Islam, and how classical and modern scholars have understood their spiritual and psychological relevance. It also includes lessons from rare and significant dreams reported in Islamic history, including those of the Prophets (‘alayhim as-salām), while placing emphasis on the proper adab (etiquette) in discussing or sharing dreams.

This course is particularly beneficial for Muslims seeking a deeper appreciation of Islamic knowledge, as well as for students, professionals, and researchers interested in cultural studies, spirituality, and the intersection of Islam and psychology.

Course Team

Shaykh Mustaqeem Shah

(Lecturer, Al Balagh Academy, UK)

Syed Huzaifah Ali Nadwi

(Research assistant, Understanding British Imams Project, Cardiff University)

Professor Dr. G. Hussein Rassool

(PhD, MSc, FRSPH, FIAIP – Professor at Charles Sturt University; Director, Islamic Psychology & Counselling, Al Balagh Academy)

Dr Samir Mahmoud

(Academic Director, Usul Academy, USA)

AT A GLANCE

13 Live Online Sessions

Duration: 3+ Months

Saturdays, 12PM - 1PM (London, UK)



1 hr per lecture (13 hrs)

Video Recordings Available

Mobile App

Live Q&A

Digital Certificate

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Starts on 15th November 2025

Course Fee: Free

Registration Deadline:

14th September 2025

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Sessions

Module 1

1. Introduction to the Science of Dream Interpretations

● What dream interpretation (tafsīr/taʿbīr al-ruʾyā) is and why it matters.
● The three types of dreams: ruʾyā ṣāliḥah (from Allah), ḥulm (from Shayṭān), aḍghāthu aḥlām (mixed/subconscious).
● Dreams in the Qur’an: Yūsuf, the King; Ibrāhīm (as-Ṣāffāt 37:102); sign of sleep (ar-Rūm 30:23).
● Dreams in ḥadīth; early community practice.
● Practical etiquette (overview): positivity, context, discretion.

Module 2

2. Imām Ibn Sīrīn (r.a.) and His Authority in Dream Interpretation

● Basran milieu; Tabiʿī status; ḥadīth & fiqh background.
● Significance of dream interpretation in Islam.
● Method highlights: classifying dream types; weighing personal life context.
● Common symbolic themes (e.g., water, animals, flight, gardens) as reported examples.
● Legacy, influence on later scholars; cultural impact of his name.

Module 3

3. Al-Mubashshirāt: True Dreams as Glad Tidings in Prophetic Teachings

● “Nothing remains of prophethood except al-mubashshirāt” (Bukhārī).
● Nature of ruʾyā ṣāliḥah: uplifting, clear, value-aligned.
● Guidance: consult knowledgeable people; self-reflection; avoid over-analysis.
● Notes from classical scholars (Ibn Sīrīn, al-Ghazālī, al-Rāzī).
● Journaling for reflection (not for rulings).

Module 4

4. Dreaming of the Prophet ﷺ: Meanings, Conditions, and Spiritual Implications

● “Whoever sees me in a dream…” (Bukhārī 6993); Shayṭān cannot imitate.
● Ibn Sīrīn’s caveat: recognition by true description.
● Scholarly explanations: literal vs spiritual outcomes.
● Strengthening connection: ṣalawāt, learning shamāʾil, living the Sunnah.
● Illustrative reports from the pious.

Module 8

8. What Does the Qur’an Say About Dreams?

● Qur’anic narratives: Yūsuf’s (A.S.) childhood vision, prison dreams, the King’s dream.
● Ibrāhīm’s vision of sacrifice; the Prophet’s ﷺ vision of peaceful entry (48:27).
● Roles of dreams: divine communication, tests, guidance, warnings.
● Historical, psychological, and cultural reflections framed by Qur’an.
● Practical lessons: discretion, patience, action when indicated.

Module 9

9. Assessing Dreams Using Proper Names, Context, and Traditions

● Names: personal/historical/linguistic; direct & indirect meanings.
● Context: emotions, settings, actions; anchoring to lived reality.
● Qur’anic/Prophetic archetypes (e.g., Mūsā vs Firʿawn); scholar use of symbols.
● Reported scholarly practice: treating meanings as indicative ranges.
● Emphasis on principles and adab.

Module 11

11. Theories of Dreams in Psychology: Freud, Jung, Cognitive, Lucid & Stress Dreams

● Freud: manifest/latent content; wish-fulfilment; dream processes.
● Jung: archetypes, balance, collective unconscious; example analysis.
● Hall: cognitive structures (self, impulses, conflicts).
● Other approaches; lucid dreaming; stress dreams & mental health.
● What psychology can/can’t claim; ethical integration.

Narrated 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud (RA):

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said to us,

When Yûsuf said to his father: “O my father! Verily, I saw eleven stars and the sun and the moon, I saw them prostrating themselves to me.” He said: “O my son! Relate not your vision to your brothers, lest they arrange a plot against you. Verily! Shaitân is to man an open enemy!“

[Surat al-Yusuf, Verse4-5]

Course Overview

Dream interpretation is one of the earliest sciences of knowledge revealed to humankind. There are many questions scholars address in relation to dreams, like the principles of how to interpret your dreams, who witnesses the dream, the soul or the self, what does it mean to see oneself doing something unnatural and what is the difference between true and false dreams. This course has been specifically designed to provide the response to these questions and more.

In Islam, dreams are seen as a form of spiritual perception. Dream interpretation is also generally termed, ‘‘tafsir’’ or ‘‘ta'bir’’. Multiple Muslim intellectuals and philosophers have devised various Islamic dream interpretation theories and observations over the past 1400+ years. Many of these reflections and statements match with many recent theories and ideas proposed by modern psychologists associated with the psychology of mind.

Muhammed Ibn Sirin, the most popular dream interpreter in the history of Islam, formulated a framework for dream interpretation, with both Hadith and the Qur’an as its foundation. There are false attributions to him and those which are true. It is important to be able to differentiate the two. One thing is sure, there is valuable psychological and spiritual importance of a true dream experience. According to Ibn Sirin, the interpretation of a dream depends entirely on the dreamer’s life circumstances and personal characteristics, along with the meaning of the dream. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) classified these dreams when he informed us, “There are three types of dreams: a righteous dream which is glad tidings from Allah, the dream which causes sadness is from Shaitan and a dream from the ramblings of the mind.”

This beginner-level course is a must-attend for professionals, intellectuals, psychologists, Muslim scholars, students, and people from different walks of life who have an interest in understanding Islamic perspectives on dream interpretation.

Course Objectives

This course aims to:

Explore the life of Ibn Sirin as an authority in dream interpretation and whether current works are his
Understand the key attributes of a dream interpreter
Explore scholarly discussions on the Islamic fiqh boundaries of dream interpretation — what was historically accepted or cautioned against.
Examine classical Islamic etiquette in reporting or listening to dreams, based on prophetic guidance and scholarly commentary.
Examine dreams using proper names, context, and traditions
Understand how scholars historically approached symbolic interpretation, including frameworks like contraposition and contextual correlation

.

Learning Outcomes

Know about the life of Ibn Sirin and his authority in dream interpretation
Recognize the key attributes of a dream interpreter
Acknowledge the Islamic fiqh rulings on dream interpretation
Realize the art of relating one’s dream and the art of receiving someone’s dream
Understand scholarly methods of interpreting dreams using names, contexts, and traditions as illustrative tools.
Gain an understanding of the concepts of Interpretation by Contraposition and Correlation

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Al Balagh courses recognised or accredited?

Al Balagh courses do not provide an externally accredited or recognised qualification. Our own expert team works at the course content. With over 40000+ learners, we are continuously growing and our vision is to make Al Balagh qualifications renowned worldwide through our expert team, without seeking formal accreditation or recognition from external institutional bodies.

How is this online course structured?

Our online course comprises live interactive online sessions, pre-recorded videos, online course material that include, presentations, reading material & online learning activities. Students may ask questions and get their doubts cleared from their respective lecturers, if any. Our dedicated academic support team will assist you as required.

Are the course structure, content, and schedule guaranteed to remain the same?

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of relevant bodies or revisions to subject benchmark statements. We may also make changes to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

When will I have access to the online course material?

Upon successful enrollment, you will get access to ILM Portal (our advanced online learning portal) within 24 hours. (login details and important contact information will be provided on your registered email address)

Will I get notification for live sessions?

You will be able to view all course wise live session details including joining links on your ILM Portal calendar.Weekly email reminders are also sent out on your registered email address. If you find any difficulty with the link/calendar please contact us immediately via Email: admin@albalaghacademy.org or by Phone: +447946835578 . Our dedicated support team will ensure that your problem gets resolved at the earliest

Is it mandatory to attend live sessions?

Attending live sessions, while not mandatory for course progression, is strongly encouraged. Prominent scholars and educators highlight the unique value of live attendance, emphasizing its role in the authentic transfer of knowledge. Live participation fosters an interactive learning environment, allowing for real-time questions, discussions, and clarifications that are not as easily replicated through recorded materials. This live engagement is seen as essential for a deeper understanding and connection to the subject matter, echoing the tradition and Adab of scholarly learning.

I missed a live session. Can I get the video recordings?

If you miss a live session, don't worry! You can access the recorded sessions, presentations, and relevant materials on your course dashboard within 24 - 48 hours after the live class is delivered. Our admin team uploads the content promptly so you can catch up on what you missed and be well-prepared for the next live class. Simply log in to the ILM Student portal and find the materials under the respective course section if you miss a scheduled live lecture.

Can I download the video recordings on my device (Desktop/Laptop/Mobile/Tab)?

We understand that having constant access to educational content is important for our students. However, to maintain the integrity and security of our course materials, videos are not available for download directly from the Learning Management System (LMS). We ensure that our LMS is accessible at all times and from various devices, allowing you to study at your convenience, wherever you have internet access. If you have any concerns about accessing the materials or need assistance with the LMS, please do not hesitate to contact our support team for help.

What is the process for reaching out to the instructor?

For inquiries about instructor contact information, please reach out to the course administrator directly. Instructor details will be shared only with their explicit consent. However, participants are encouraged to connect through group discussions.

( Please note, they often have demanding schedules and may not always be able to address individual queries. We encourage you to attend live sessions and utilize the Q&A period for questions. For queries post-lecture, feel free to contact our administrators, and we will do our best to assist. Responses from instructors will depend on their availability. Thank you for your understanding.)

When will the final exam be held?

The Final Exam will be held at the end of the course(approximately one month after the final live lecture of the course) and will be a Graded And Timed Exam.

I have doubts but I cannot attend the live session. Any other way to ask my questions?

For any doubts or discussions, join the dedicated Course WhatsApp Groups where you can engage with peers for question clarification and discussions. Course instructors may be part of these groups at their discretion. If you need to contact a specific instructor, please reach out to the Admin Team.

How do I interact with my classmates?

You can interact with your classmates on our WhatsApp Groups exclusive for the course students. To join the official WhatsApp group, log in to your course on https://ilm.albalaghacademy.org/ and access the "Join Official WhatsApp Group'' tab. Go to Start → Sessions → Welcome Aboard: Course Introduction → Join Official WhatsApp Group

Joining the group will allow you to connect with fellow course students for discussions and updates.

How long will I have access to the free online course(s)?

For free courses the access time for your course is 6 Months.

I am facing trouble signing into the “ILM” Online Student portal. What should I do?

In case you find any trouble accessing your account, then please contact us immediately via email: admin@albalaghacademy.org or by phone: +447946835578 . Our dedicated support team will ensure that your problem gets resolved at the earliest. The time taken to resolve issues depends on the team's availability and working hours. We guarantee prompt resolution of your queries. Please be aware that it typically takes around 24 hours to resolve any technical issues.

How can I apply for the Al Balagh Scholarship?

Al Balagh Academy values seekers of knowledge more than anything. Please visit here to apply for a scholarship. Our team will assess your application and respond in 2-3 working days.

What is the course grading policy?

Our course grading policy is designed to ensure a comprehensive understanding and mastery of the subject matter. To successfully pass, students are required to achieve a minimum grade of 40% across all courses. Here's how your performance will be evaluated:

Weekly Assessment Exams (60% of total points): Throughout the course, you will encounter approximately 5-6 online objective assessments aimed at testing your understanding and honing your skills. These weekly checkpoints are pivotal in tracking your progress and ensuring you're on the right path.
Course Final Exam (40% of total points): The culmination of your learning journey is marked by the course final exam. This decisive assessment evaluates your grasp of the entire course content.
Achieving a score of 40% or above is essential to pass the course. This balanced approach between regular assessments and a comprehensive final exam ensures that you not only retain information but also apply your knowledge effectively.

When can I expect to receive my Certificate of Achievement?

Following successful course completion, you will be eligible to receive your digital certificate of achievement. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

Completion of All Course Modules: Full engagement with all designated course materials, including readings, assignments, and assessments, is mandatory.

Attainment of the Minimum Passing Threshold: A minimum grade of 40% is required to qualify for the certificate of achievement.

Who do I contact if I still have doubts related to my courses ?

If you have questions or need assistance during your journey, our dedicated support team is here for you. Your success is our priority. Please be patient as our team works round the clock to provide support.

📞 Admissions Team( Payment, Scholarships, Enrollment, or information about New Courses):

🚀 Short-Term Course Support (Assessment, Course-related, or IT-Technical issues):

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