Is there definitive proof from the Quran or Sunnah for the permissibility of interpreting dreams in Islamic law, despite the perplexing fact that the interpreter can interpret anything, and the impossibility of enumerating and defining everything?
Interpreting dreams is permissible for those skilled in it, but it is not permissible for someone who is not knowledgeable to speak about it. Imam Malik said: "No one should interpret dreams except he who is skilled in it. If he sees good, he should tell of it; but if he sees something disliked, he should say good or remain silent." Dreams are not interpreted merely by looking at books, because their meaning varies according to individuals, circumstances, times, and the descriptions of the dreamers. The knowledge of dream interpretation is complex and requires a deep understanding of contextual relationships. It is a part of prophecy, so the more truthful the dreamer and the interpreter are, the sounder the dream and its interpretation will be. However, the interpreter may sometimes err or be unable to interpret certain dreams.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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