Throughout the Holy Quran, dreams and visions serve as one of the channels through which Allah communicates with His prophets and, in a broader sense, guides the faithful. The Arabic term ru’ya (رؤيا) refers specifically to the true vision — a form of divine communication that is distinct from ordinary dreaming, known as hulm (حُلم).

In Surah As-Saffat (37:102–105), Allah narrates the extraordinary vision of the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), in which he saw himself sacrificing his son Ismail (peace be upon him). Ibrahim took this dream as a direct divine command and prepared to act upon it — a testament to the gravity with which the prophets treated true visions. Allah intervened at the last moment, revealing it was a test and rewarding Ibrahim with the highest honour.

The Rule of Istikharah

The Quran’s consistent acknowledgment of dreams as a mode of divine guidance has inspired Islamic jurisprudence to develop the prayer of Istikharah — a supplication in which a Muslim asks Allah for guidance through a decision, and then looks with open eyes to the inclinations and even the dreams that follow. This living tradition connects modern Muslims to the Quranic understanding of the relationship between sleep, dreams, and divine will.

For those seeking to understand the Quran’s perspective on dreams, studying the stories of the prophets remains the most enriching and authentic starting point.