Bad Dream Etiquette (Spit, Turn, Silence)
Threefold shield after a frightening dream
Also searched as: bura khwab etiquette • bad dream spit left • nightmare sunnah
Arabic
يَبْصُقُ عَنْ يَسَارِهِ ثَلَاثًا، وَيَسْتَعِيذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ وَمِنْ شَرِّ مَا رَأَى ثَلَاثًا، وَيَتَحَوَّلُ عَنْ جَنْبِهِ، وَلَا يُحَدِّثُ بِهَا أَحَدًا
Transliteration
Spit dryly to the left three times, seek refuge with Allah from Satan and the dream’s evil three times, turn to the other side, and tell no one.
Meaning
A four-step shield: spit left 3x, refuge 3x, change sides, stay silent — then it cannot harm.
Reference
Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
When to recite
After a bad dream • As described
Virtue
Dreams that frighten are from Satan; this etiquette voids their harm by Allah’s permission.
Sources & review
Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
Prophetic dua • Narrated by Abu Qatadah • Grade: Sahih • Learn personal details from a qualified teacher; minor school differences exist.
Educational content — not a fatwa. See methodology and disclaimer.
Reviewed • 2026-01-01Our methodology
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When should I recite Bad Dream Etiquette (Spit, Turn, Silence)?
After a bad dream. Repeat: As described.
What is the virtue of Bad Dream Etiquette (Spit, Turn, Silence)?
Dreams that frighten are from Satan; this etiquette voids their harm by Allah’s permission.
Where is Bad Dream Etiquette (Spit, Turn, Silence) from?
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim (narrated by Abu Qatadah). Grade: Sahih. As always, learn the wording from a teacher and consult scholars for rulings.
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