- He should show sincerity and submission to Allah to guide him to the correct interpretation.
- He should listen carefully to the dream and understand all its details.
- He should inquire about the dreamer’s background, and should have the wisdom and ability to distinguish between people’s status and condition so as to modify the interpretation accordingly.
- He should deal only with dreams that have an apparent value as glad tidings, warnings, or guidance; and should avoid dealing with other dreams that appear to be mixed-up medleys.
- He should realize the seriousness of dream interpretation, and that it is at the level of giving fatwa in matters of religion.
- He should not rush to interpret a dream before having the chance to fully understand it and ponder over its possibilities.
- He should have no hesitation to admit his limited knowledge and inability to interpret dreams that perplex him.
- He should use the dream as a chance to advise the dreamer.
- He should give the interpretation that he believes to be true, without trying to give a good interpretation for a bad dream.
- He may withhold the interpretation of harmful dreams.
- He should guard the dreamer’s secrets.
- He should suppress any conceit about his skill — remembering that any correct interpretation is only by Allah’s guidance and favor.