What is the ruling, Islamically, on interpreting dreams, and on interpreting them in newspapers and magazines? And does interpreting dreams make the vision come true?

People's preoccupation with dreams and their interpretations is a waste of time and an attachment to delusions, and it may lead to neglecting duties. Some interpreters have exploited this to gain money or fame, and many of them are ignorant of the principles of interpretation.

Interpreting dreams is a fatwa, and therefore one must be cautious about delving into it without knowledge. Expanding upon this matter is a great evil and a manipulation of this knowledge. Muslims should cooperate in preventing this, and rulers should strive to close this door.

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "A dream is perched on the foot of a bird as long as it is not interpreted, but when it is interpreted, it falls." This means that the interpretation of a dream comes to pass if it is interpreted by someone who is correct, not by someone who errs. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, clarified to Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq that he was correct in interpreting some dreams and erred in others, which indicates that interpretation is not absolute for the first interpreter if he is not correct.