Assalamu alaikum,
Many people wake up frightened after seeing a snake in a dream. Snakes chasing, biting, coiling around or swallowing them, or a path filled with snakes—when these dreams recur, people may wonder, “Is there sihr?” or “Am I affected by the evil eye?”
Many people who come to Ruqiya Wellness report regularly seeing such dreams. These are recorded here as experiences people have shared. Dreams and other difficulties, individually or together, do not establish sihr or the evil eye. Allah knows best.
Seeing a Snake in a Dream — An Islamic Perspective
Some traditional dream interpretations associate a snake with an enemy or hidden harm. This interpretation cannot be applied to every dream.
Some people who approached me with concerns about sihr described the following dreams:
- A snake chasing them
- A snake biting them
- A snake circling or coiling around their body
- A snake swallowing them
- A path filled with snakes
- A black or large snake
Dreaming of Falling into a Pit
Some people who approached me with concerns about the evil eye (ayn) reported dreams of falling into a pit.
Dreaming of Falling from a Height
Some people have also shared experiences of dreaming about falling from a height.
Dreams of Dogs Chasing You
Some people who approached me have described dreams of dogs chasing or biting them.
Dreams of Wild Animals Chasing You
Dreams of large animals such as leopards, tigers or elephants chasing them are also among the experiences people have shared.
Jerking or Trembling as You Fall Asleep
Some people also report suddenly feeling their body jerk or tremble as they begin to fall asleep.
What If the Dreams Continue Despite Reciting Duas?
Many people say, “I recite all my duas before going to bed, but the dreams keep recurring.”
In such situations, some take this as a warning. However, a particular dream cannot be confirmed as an indication from Allah or as evidence of sihr or the evil eye.
Dreams continuing despite reciting duas do not establish sihr or the evil eye.
Other Difficulties People Shared Alongside Dreams
Some people who approached me shared the following difficulties alongside their dreams. These are experiences reported during my work, not a checklist for identifying sihr or the evil eye:
Physical Difficulties
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Fatigue and physical weakness
- Anaemia
- Migraine or headache
- Acidity, gas, heartburn and acid regurgitation
- Constipation
- Itching
- Gynaecological problems
- Pain extending through the shoulder
- Recurring mouth ulcers
Emotional and Marital Difficulties
- Disagreements between spouses over minor matters
- Uneasiness at home
- A wife being unable to love her husband wholeheartedly, or a husband being unable to love his wife wholeheartedly
Other Difficulties
- Repeated financial difficulties
- A condition remaining undiagnosed despite consulting many doctors
- Illnesses that persist despite years of medication
- Illnesses that cannot be scientifically demonstrated
These difficulties, individually or together, do not establish sihr or the evil eye. Not finding a cause through medical investigations is not evidence of either. Continue appropriate medical assessment and treatment for health problems; ruqya may be practised as spiritual support.
What to Do Immediately After a Frightening Dream
- Blow to your left three times.
- Say “A‘udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim” three times.
- Turn over onto your other side.
- Do not tell anyone about it.
Practices for Protection
- Before sleeping, recite Ayat al-Kursi and Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas.
- Make daily adhkar a regular habit.
- Learn to practise Self-Ruqya.
- Increase your recitation of the Qur’an.
If sihr or the evil eye is suspected, practise only Ruqya based on the Qur’an and Sunnah. Avoid shirk, amulets and unknown rituals.
The Ruqiya Wellness Approach
We provide guidance based only on the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah.
Self-Ruqya teaching, Islamic counselling, and online or in-person guidance are available.
If dreams frighten you, turn to Allah. He alone is the Protector.
Allah knows best.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does seeing a snake in a dream always mean sihr?
No. Recurring dreams or the presence of other difficulties do not establish sihr.
2. What if the dreams continue despite reciting duas?
This should not be treated as evidence of sihr or the evil eye. You may continue Self-Ruqya and adhkar, and seek professional help for problems affecting your sleep.
3. What other difficulties have people shared alongside dreams?
Abdominal pain, fatigue, migraine, marital problems, financial difficulties and illnesses that doctors have been unable to identify, among others.
4. What should I do after a frightening dream?
Blow to your left three times, say “A‘udhu billahi…”, turn onto your other side and do not tell anyone about it.
5. What should I do if sihr or the evil eye is suspected?
Practise only Ruqya based on the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Related Reading
Hadith references for practices after a bad dream and before sleep: Sahih Muslim 2262, Sahih Muslim 2263a, Sahih al-Bukhari 2311 and Sahih al-Bukhari 5017. These references are not evidence that specific dreams diagnose sihr or the evil eye.
