Abu Bakr al-Bassari, or Mohammed bin Sirin, known as Ibn Sirin, was one of the pioneers of the science of the interpretation of dreams in Islam, combining his linguistic knowledge, wisdom and insight which enabled him to become a leader in this "art" form, similar to Prophet Yusuf in his time.

Ibn Sirin was born in Basra in 33 AH (653 AD) and died in 110 AH (729 AD), where he lived for 76 to 77 years.

He was known for his friendship with the mystic hermit Hassan al-Basri (110-110 AH) who died only 100 days later, both of whom took a route no different from the other. But it is said that they parted ways for some unknown reason.

About his family

Ibn Sirin’s grandfather is from the region of Jerjeraya in central Baghdad, east of the Tigris River. He was born in the era of the third caliph Uthman ibn Affan, two years before he took the Caliphate.

His father was owned by Anas bin Malik who took him after the battle of Ain al-Tamar, which occurred in 12 AH, between the army of Khalid ibn al-Walid and the armies of the Sassanian and the Persians west of the city of Anbar, and where Khalid conquered the area in the days of the succession of Abu Bakr Siddiq.

His father Muhammad was a copper potter artisan and came to work in Ain al-Tamer. As for his mother, she was called Safia and she was owned by Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, before she was freed.

Abu Bakr took his name from his mother's former owner, the first caliph of Muslims following the death of Prophet Mohammed.

Ibn Sirin had a close relationship with his mother. He was very attached to her and never raised his voice in her presence.

Ibn Sirin grew up in an educational atmosphere where he studied under many companions, including: Zaid ibn Thabit, Amran bin Hossain, Anas bin Malik, Abu Hurairah and Abdullah bin Zubair.

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