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(Abu Sa‘id, may God be pleased with him, said:)
The fundamental principle in this type of dream is that the interpreter should reflect carefully on the dream that is being narrated to him in this context. If the verse the dreamer saw himself reciting is a verse of mercy and glad tidings, then the dream signifies that he will receive mercy, blessings, safety, and contentment. But if the verse is one of punishment, then it is a warning for the dreamer to avoid a sin for which he is liable. The interpreter should advise him to refrain from a sin he is either currently committing or intending to commit deliberately.
Reciting the Qur’an in a Dream
If someone sees himself reciting the Qur’an aloud, this indicates that he fulfills trusts, is upright in truth, enjoins what is right, and forbids what is wrong — based on the saying of God: “They recite the verses of God…” up to “…and they enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.”
Seeing a Mushaf (Physical Copy of the Qur’an)
If someone sees himself reading from a mushaf, it means he will attain wisdom, honor, remembrance, and sound religious practice. The mushaf represents wisdom in interpretation.
If someone sees that he buys a mushaf, it means that his knowledge in religion will spread among people, and he will bring about good.
Negative Actions Involving the Mushaf
If someone sees that he sells a mushaf, it means he engages in immoral acts.
If he sees a mushaf burning, it means his religion is corrupted.
If he sees himself stealing a mushaf, he will forget his prayers.
Unusual Interactions with the Mushaf
If he sees a book or mushaf in his hand, but upon opening it finds no writing inside, this indicates that his outer appearance contradicts his inner reality.
If he sees himself eating the pages of a mushaf, it means he writes muṣḥafs for payment and seeks his livelihood through an improper means.
If he sees himself kissing the mushaf, it means he does not fall short in fulfilling religious obligations.
Writing the Qur’an in a Dream
If he sees himself writing the Qur’an on pottery or shells, it means he interprets the Qur’an according to his own opinion.
If he sees himself writing on the ground, he is a heretic.
It is reported that al-Hasan al-Baṣri, may God have mercy on him, once saw in a dream that he was writing the Qur’an on a woolen cloak. He related his dream to Ibn Sīrīn, who said to him: “Fear God, and do not interpret the Qur’an based on your own opinion, for your dream indicates that you are doing so.”
Reciting While Naked
If one sees himself reciting the Qur’an while naked, it means he is a person of whims and deviant desires.
Eating the Qur’an in a Dream
Whoever sees that he is eating the Qur’an, it means he earns his livelihood through it.
Resting on a Mushaf
Whoever sees that he is resting his head on a mushaf, it means he is a man who does not act upon the Qur’an he possesses — based on the saying of the Prophet ﷺ: “Do not rest upon the Qur’an.”
Memorizing the Qur’an
Whoever sees that he has memorized the Qur’an when he had not actually memorized it, will attain power — based on the verse: “Indeed, I am a good keeper, knowledgeable.”
Hearing the Qur’an
Whoever sees that he is listening to the Qur’an, his authority will grow strong, and his end will be good.
Mushaf Taken Away
Whoever sees that the mushaf is taken from him, it means his knowledge will be taken away and his deeds in this world will cease.
Hearing the Qur’an Without Understanding
Whoever sees that the Qur’an is being recited to him and he does not understand it, harm will come to him — either from God or from the ruler — based on the verse: “And they said: If only we had listened or reasoned, we would not be among the companions of the Blaze.”
Difficulty Reciting Verses
Whoever sees that he is reciting a verse of mercy, but when reaching a verse of punishment, he finds it difficult to read, he will find relief.
Whoever sees that he is reciting a verse of punishment, but when reaching a verse of mercy he cannot read it, he will remain in hardship.
Completing the Qur’an
Whoever sees that he has completed the Qur’an will achieve what he desires, and his good will increase.
Story: Woman with Mushaf in Her Lap
It is reported that a woman saw in a dream that she had a mushaf in her lap and was reading from it. Then, two hens came and began pecking at all the writing in it until they consumed every bit. She told her dream to Ibn Sīrīn, who said: “You will give birth to two sons who will memorize the Qur’an.” And it came to pass as he said.
Story: Burning Qur’anic Pages to Calm Fire
It is reported that a man, one of the Qur’an reciters, saw in a dream that he was tearing out pages from the mushaf and placing them on a fire, which would then calm its flames. He related the dream to one of the interpreters, who said: “There will be a trial caused by the ruler, and it will be calmed by your recitation of the Qur’an.” And it happened as he said.
Hearing Qur’anic Recitation Again
Whoever hears the recitation of the Qur’an, his authority will be strengthened, his outcome praised, and he will be protected from the plots of schemers — based on the verse: “And when you recite the Qur’an, We place between you and those who do not believe in the Hereafter a concealed barrier.”