Islamic Interpretation
(Behind, Posterior, Rear side) Within the dream, a person’s back mirrors the praise or censure others heap on him, the welcome or refusal he meets, esteem or disgrace, and it may likewise point to what he owes. Observing someone’s back also suggests tracing that person’s footsteps or habits. If the glimpse brings something pleasant—a gentle scent or a gleam of light—or if the back turns to iron, it expresses thankfulness for one’s present lot. The rear side further shows the outer shell by which one is judged, the robe one wears, a boastful nature, pride in class, parade of riches, the area behind the house, the edge of town, the public face of faith or doctrine. A fractured back signals dread, tight straits, grief. Should its colour appear dark, black or red, beatings or blows may strike the dreamer in a brawl. Seeing one’s own back can mean obtaining fresh garments, or feeling sturdy through learning, a son, authority, political ties, wealth, or estate. It may also indicate divorcing one’s wife. A seared or cauterised back denotes niggardliness or neglect of divine dues. A bent back foretells calamity. The back of a friend turning away shows he will be absent just when needed most; the back of a foe facing the dreamer promises protection from that enemy’s malice. The back of an old woman implies the world is abandoning him; if she is middle-aged, he hunts something hard to gain; if young, he awaits a gift and must stay patient. The back likewise symbolises advancing years. Back ache betokens want, illness, weakness, a boss’s jail, or a brother’s death. It may also mark reliance on a powerful patron. Shouldering a heavy load refers to debts or a harmful neighbour. A snapped back equals loss of vigour and command, or death itself. For a sick dreamer it warns that the carer may die soon, or that poverty waits. Burdens equal sins; a coffin or trade goods forgotten debts surfacing at awkward moments; timber slander, tale-bearing, lies; many children with little cash to feed them. Noticing a hunchback forecasts comfort, long life, or a numerous household. (Also see Backbone, Backside, Body’)