Islamic Interpretation
The chessboard, with its alternating black and white squares, is regarded as a perfect representation of the dunyā (this world) in all its affairs and trials. Just as the board raises certain pieces to prominence while lowering or capturing others, so does this world elevate some of its inhabitants to honour, wealth and authority one day, only to humiliate, impoverish or destroy them the next. The black and white squares themselves symbolise the perpetual alternation between ease and hardship, joy and sorrow, victory and defeat, truth and falsehood, day and night, life and death. If the dreamer sees himself standing upon the chessboard or moving pieces upon it, the dream indicates that he is deeply involved in the affairs of this world—pursuing ambitions, competing with others, and being tested by the constant fluctuations of fortune. If the board is beautiful, clean and well-lit, it may point to a life of relative balance and lawful striving, whereas a broken, dirty or tilted board warns of chaos, injustice, oppression or impending calamity in one’s personal or communal life. (Also see Chess, Chessmen)