Interpreting Dreams Through Names and Lexical Derivations

Author: Abu Muhammad Khalid bin Ali Al-Anbari (رحمہ اللہ)

Interpretation Through Names in Dreams​

In dream interpretations, certain names can indicate specific meanings based on their linguistic roots. For instance:

• If a person named "Rashid" appears, it signifies guidance and righteousness.
• Seeing "Salim" symbolizes safety and security.
• "Saeed" represents happiness and prosperity.
• "Manafi" denotes benefit and profit.
• "Uqbah" implies a favorable outcome.
• "Rafi" signifies elevation and high status.
• "Ahmad" represents praise and appreciation.
• "Salih" indicates goodness and capability.

Narration of a Dream by Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم)​

Hazrat Anas (رضي الله عنه) narrates that Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

"I saw in a dream that we were sitting in the house of 'Uqbah bin Rafi' (رضي الله عنه) and we had ordered dates from Ibn Taab. I interpreted it as a sign of worldly elevation and honor for us, a favorable outcome in the Hereafter, and improvement in our religious condition."

Commentary by Imam Munawi (رحمہ اللہ)​

While explaining Ibn Al-Wardi's poetry, Imam Munawi (رحمہ اللہ) notes:

"If a sick person dreams that someone named Salim, Saleem, Salamah, Sulaiman, Salam, Salman, Najah, or Najee visits him, it indicates that he will recover from his illness. However, if he dreams of departing from his home, traveling from one place to another, or observing other travelers, it suggests that he will soon pass away due to his illness."

When these primary signs are not sufficient for interpretation, one should refer to reliable dream interpretation texts.

Illustrative Examples from Imam Ibn Sirin (رحمہ اللہ)​

1. Example 1: Hajjaj bin Yusuf's Dream
   
   • Dream: "Two beautiful maidens descended from the sky; he captured one, and the other returned."
   • Interpretation: Ibn Sirin (رحمہ اللہ) interpreted it as a sign of two trials—one during Hajjaj’s life and another after his death. Indeed, the turmoil of Ibn Ash'ath occurred during Hajjaj's life, and the fitna of Ibn Muhalib followed after.
   • Key Points: The descent of the two maidens was associated with trials since women in dreams symbolize tests, per a prophetic saying: “After me, I have not left any fitna more harmful to men than women.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
2. Example 2: Dream of a Fiancee
   
   • Dream: A man saw his fiancée as dark-skinned and short in stature.
   • Interpretation: Ibn Sirin (رحمہ اللہ) explained that her dark complexion symbolized wealth and her short stature indicated a short life. Shortly after, the woman passed away, leaving her wealth to the man.
3. Example 3: Dream of Joining a Deviant Sect
   
   • Dream: Abdullah bin Muslim dreamed of people carrying the Prophet Muhammad’s (صلى الله عليه وسلم) bier.
   • Interpretation: Ibn Sirin (رحمہ اللہ) deduced that Abdullah had joined the gatherings of those who intended to undermine the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم).
4. Example 4: Wearing a Golden Crown
   
   • Dream: A man saw himself wearing a golden crown.
   • Interpretation: Ibn Sirin (رحمہ اللہ) advised him to fear Allah, indicating that his father was alone in a foreign land, had lost his eyesight, and yearned for his son to visit. The dream was confirmed by a letter from his father with the same message.

Important Guidelines in Dream Interpretation​

• Method of Deduction: Dream interpretation requires linking different signs with lexical meanings, symbols, and sometimes idiomatic references. For example, wealth may be represented by dark colors in Arabic phrases, and age may be symbolized by stature.
• Reliance on Context and Status: The interpretation varies with the dreamer’s character and situation.
• Optimism in Interpretation: It is preferred to interpret dreams in a positive light when possible.
• Confidentiality of Negative Interpretations: If a dream’s interpretation reveals a flaw or secret of a Muslim, it should not be disclosed or shared.

Impact of Interpretation on Reality​

According to the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم):

"A dream unfolds as interpreted, like a foot suspended in the air, ready to land as anticipated."

Therefore, dream interpretations should be handled by someone knowledgeable or trustworthy, as interpretations can influence outcomes.

Specific Cases in Interpretation​

• Analogous Interpretation: Sometimes a dream about one person may actually pertain to a relative or associate if the dream has no direct relevance to the dreamer.
• Differentiating Based on Moral Standing: The same dream may yield different meanings depending on the dreamer’s moral character. For example, the act of making an announcement in a dream may imply pilgrimage for a righteous person or theft for someone with a poor reputation.

These examples and principles demonstrate the precision and depth required in dream interpretation, as practiced by great scholars like Imam Ibn Sirin (رحمہ اللہ), who often saw the outcomes of his interpretations manifest in reality.