Interpreting Dreams Based on Religious and Socio-Cultural Context

The Meaning of Symbols in Dreams

Interpreting dreams often requires a deep understanding of one's religious and socio-cultural environment. For example, if someone is offered a lemon in a dream and it does not symbolize money or a child, it may instead represent fraud, hypocrisy, or falsehood. Dream symbols, therefore, can carry different meanings depending on the context.

Interpreting Dream Symbols: Length of Arm and Charitable Acts

If one sees their arm longer than usual in a dream, it could suggest that they like to show off their charitable deeds or, conversely, it could symbolize generosity. This idiom stems from the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) when he told his wives, "Those who have longer arms amongst you will follow me first." In this context, Zainab Bint Jahsh was the first to pass away among his wives.

Dreams of Sickness: Symbolizing Hypocrisy

In dream interpretation, sickness can be linked to hypocrisy, stemming from the expression "sick at heart," which also connotes poor judgment or emotional disturbance. The connection between sickness and hypocrisy can also be seen in phrases like "He is a sick person," implying a person whose promises cannot be trusted. This connection is reinforced in the Holy Qur'an: "There is a disease in their hearts; and God has increased their disease." (Qur'an 2:10).

Folkloric Tales and Dream Symbols: Snot, Sneezes, and Offspring

In some folkloric traditions, the expression "The lion sneezed, and a cat came out of his nose" was transmitted from tales about the arc of Noah. In dream interpretation, snot can symbolize an impudent or insolent child. Similarly, ejaculated fluid and snout can symbolize the birth of a son. (See Also: Nasal Mucus, p. 300).

Associating Slander with Curses

Slander is often equated with curses in dream interpretation. As mentioned in the Holy Qur'an: "Those who slander chaste women are cursed." (Qur'an 24:23). The common proverb, "If you live in a glass house, do not cast stones at others," reflects the interpreter’s association between one’s own faults and those of others.

Severing Family Ties and Washing One's Hands

When it comes to severing family relations, the Holy Qur'an states: "We broke them up into sections on this earth." (Qur'an 7:168). In another example, washing one's hands in a dream can symbolize losing hope or interest in a situation. The expression "I washed my hands from it" means letting go of any hope or involvement in a matter.