Nightmares are common in young children. Islam gives a simple, comforting routine.
First, comfort
- Hold them; speak softly.
- “It was just a dream. You’re safe. Allah is protecting you.”
The Sunnah after a bad dream
The Prophet ﷺ taught that good dreams are from Allah and bad dreams from Shaytan. After a bad dream (Sahih Muslim 2262):
- Spit lightly (a dry puff) to the left three times.
- Seek refuge in Allah from Shaytan three times: أَعُوذُ بِاللّٰهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ.
- Turn over onto the other side.
- Don’t tell people about it; it won’t harm you.
Some narrations add standing to pray, which suits older children.
Back to sleep
- Recite the three Quls and Ayat al-Kursi together.
- Say the sleeping dua.
- Stay with them a few minutes.
See bedtime routine.
Reduce nightmares
- No scary films, games or videos, especially before bed.
- A calm bedtime routine.
- A small night light if they’re scared of the dark. See fear of the dark.
When to get help
If nightmares happen most nights, or follow something frightening that happened, talk to your GP.
Teacher’s tip: practise the routine in daytime as a game, so at night your child knows exactly what to do. Knowing what to do takes away much of the fear.
