Parenting Perspective 

When a child wakes from a nightmare, their fear is real to them, even if the dream itself has no power. The parent’s role is to respond with calm reassurance, helping them feel safe while also teaching gentle ways to settle their mind. Overreaction can increase their fear, while dismissing their feelings may make them feel alone. A balanced script (warm, steady, and faith-rooted) can become an anchor for them in these moments. 

A Gentle Script to Use 

Offer physical comfort first, such as sitting close, stroking their head, or giving a hug. Then calmly say: 

“I know that dream felt frightening, but it is gone now. You are safe here, and Allah Almighty is protecting you. Let us say Bismillah together, and your heart will feel calm again.” 

Combine Comfort With Practical Steps 

• Keep lights low to avoid waking them fully. 

• Encourage a short Dua or Dhikr such as “A‘udhu billahi min ash-shaytanir-rajim.” 

• Give a small sip of water, which can be a soothing reset. 

• Tuck them back in gently with steady presence, showing that the night is still safe. 

Teach Coping Over Time 

Once they are calmer, you can explain at another time (not during the night) how bad dreams are harmless. Teach them that turning to Allah Almighty with Dua is the strongest protection. Over time, this builds resilience so that even when parents are not present, they remember what to do. 

This approach makes the child feel both protected and empowered; fear is replaced with tools and faith to face the night calmly. 

Spiritual Insight 

Bad dreams are not unusual; the Sunnah recognises them and gives us clear guidance. Islam teaches that frightening dreams are whispers from Shaytan meant to disturb, but they cannot harm us when we turn to Allah Almighty. Parents can use this moment to connect their child’s fear to spiritual comfort, showing them how remembrance transforms fear into peace. 

Guidance from the Noble Quran 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Anfaal (8), Verses 10: 

‘And Allah (Almighty) designated (such an army of Angels) only as a good news (for the believers), and so that your hearts may be pacified (with this news); and there is no (true) victory, except when it is ordained by Allah (Almighty), indeed, Allah (Almighty) is the Most Cherished and the Most Wise…’ 

This reminds us that calm and reassurance come only from Allah Almighty, and even hearts shaken with fear can find peace through Him. 

Teaching from the Hadith 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2261, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Good dreams are from Allah, and bad dreams are from Shaytan. So if any one of you sees a dream which he dislikes, let him spit lightly to his left three times, and seek refuge with Allah from it, and it will not harm him.’ 

This teaches us that by remembering Allah Almighty and seeking His refuge, fear from a nightmare becomes powerless. 

By offering a steady script, gentle actions, and reminders of Allah Almighty’s protection, you guide your child from fear into calm. Over time, they learn that nightmares may visit, but safety, faith, and peace will always remain stronger.