Islamic Interpretation
The twelve lunar months—Muharram, Safar, Rabi‘ al-Awwal, Rabi‘ al-Thani, Jumada al-Ula, Jumada al-Thaniyah, Rajab, Sha‘ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhu-l-Qi‘dah, and Dhu-l-Hijjah—carry distinct dream implications. A dream seen in Muharram is regarded as especially reliable and closest to an unveiled vision, promising success, ease after strain, release from confinement, or recovery from illness. One who has left his homeland may return, echoing the deliverance granted to the Prophet Jonah—peace be upon him—after emerging from the whale. The dreamer might encounter a profound spiritual test, witness the passing of a revered scholar, or see the rise of a deeply insightful guide. A sinner who dreams in this month is shown repentance, for God accepted Adam’s turning back during this period. One who yearns for honour will rise in rank, as God elevated Idris—peace be upon him—then. A traveller who dreams in Muharram is promised safe return, for it was the month in which Noah—peace be upon him—was delivered and his ark came to rest on Mount Judi. Whoever longs for a child may be granted a righteous son, as Abraham and Jesus—peace be upon them—were born in this month. A person in tight livelihood may find relief or escape from danger, recalling the rescue of Abraham—peace be upon him—from Nimrod’s fire, or his turning away from misguided ways like the repentance of Prophet David—peace be upon him. One deprived of rank may regain leadership, as Solomon—peace be upon him—was restored to his authority. The bedridden may recover, resembling Job’s healing, or he may be entrusted with an important mission, reflecting Moses—peace be upon him—receiving divine speech in this month. Dreams occurring in Safar carry a contrasting rule: if the dream leads the seer to dread its message, the true outcome may unfold opposite to his fear. A sick person may regain strength, the needy may find relief, and distress will not harm the dreamer. Dreams in Rabi‘ al-Awwal often bode well for merchants, suggesting expanding trade, abundant provision, and possible childbirth. Worries clear, injustice is overturned, victory appears, good news arrives, and one may be granted authority or play a role in calling others toward righteousness, reflecting the birth of the Prophet Muhammad—peace and blessings be upon him—during this month. A vision seen in Rabi‘ al-Thani promises good if it heralds joy, but the dreamer may have to wait patiently. If the dream warns of harm, its consequences may come quickly. This month may also signify triumph over enemies or conceiving a blessed son destined for spiritual insight or courage, for Imam ‘Ali—may God ennoble his face—was born then. Dreams of Jumada al-Ula advise caution in trade and dealings. They may foreshadow the loss of a daughter or wife, recalling the passing of Fatimah—may God be pleased with her—during this period. A dream in Jumada al-Thaniyah that carries good tidings will materialize, though slowly, and should not be resisted. Rajab, the month of the Prophet’s Ascension, brings meanings of honour, elevation, and distinction to whoever dreams within it. Sha‘ban signifies rank, generosity, and the rewarding of good deeds, for in this month noble actions are especially esteemed. Ramadan carries meanings of suspended hardship, protection from evil, generosity, and the emergence of blessings. Goodness becomes manifest and troubling dreams lose their force. Believers’ dreams and unbelievers’ dreams may be interpreted differently in this month. Seeing Ramadan itself symbolizes divine favour, profit, encouraging good and discouraging wrongdoing. Seekers of knowledge receive knowledge, since the Qur’an was revealed in this month. One afflicted with seizures may recover because devils and malignant spirits are restrained. A dream in Shawwal that suggests battle or confrontation foretells victory. Seeing this month also means leaving difficulty behind and finding joy, devotion, and stability, as the Ka‘bah was completed during Shawwal. Dreams in Dhu-l-Qi‘dah caution against travel; delaying a journey may be wiser. The dreamer should guard himself and avoid whatever brings stress. A dream in Dhu-l-Hijjah, however, encourages travel or profitable ventures, as the month is blessed with pilgrimage rites and sacrificial worship. Seeing oneself performing sacrifice or festival prayers during this month points to paying debts, fulfilling vows, repentance, and guidance. It may also indicate the death of notable scholars, the removal of rulers, political upheaval, or the outbreak of sudden conflict.