Islamic Interpretation
Applying henna or any colouring substance to the hair or hands in a dream signifies a herbalist’s trade, festive occasions, joyful announcements, gentle affection, or deep mercy. Dyeing one’s hair also indicates concealing or safeguarding one’s private matters and those of others. To colour the grey strands of one’s beard denotes showing off, embellishing one’s goods or actions to appear more impressive than they truly are. Dyeing hair can likewise proclaim abundant blessings and favours, or, for someone in a position of power, imposing terms upon an adversary; otherwise it warns of hardship, irritation, debts, distress, or estrangement from loved ones. A woman dyeing her hair carries the same meaning as a man. Covering grey hair points to renewed strength, dignity, and courage. Applying henna only to the head (not the beard) means following the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings upon him. Dyeing both head and beard suggests hiding poverty while still demanding respect from others. When the hair readily accepts the dye, it foretells recovery of lost rank, though with diminished pride, or learning to adorn oneself with contentment. Using an unusual dye that works promises deliverance from calamity through wondrous means; if it fails, one’s hidden flaws will be exposed and he will lack defence against slander. Attempting to dye the hair with dry henna clay and succeeding reveals ignorance followed by sincere repentance and self-reform. A woman whose hands appear gilded has surrendered all her wealth to her husband and feels content doing so, yet she herself will rise in authority within the household. A man whose feet are dyed and patterned foretells domestic troubles. Dyed hands generally signify financial difficulty. Dipping a hand into a corpse signals witnessing a secret plot. Hands wrapped after dyeing indicate defeat in litigation or rivalry. Dyeing only a single finger with henna represents bunches of dates or grapes. In general, beautifying hands and hair with acceptable dye brings mutual joy to spouses provided boundaries are observed. Dyeing hands and feet together means renovating the home. A needy person dyeing himself conceals invalid ablution during prayer or Qur’an recitation, or shows neglect toward worship. For women, dyeing heralds happiness, fresh garments, gold, or impending marriage festivities. Excess dye spilling beyond the proper area warns of anxiety provoked by trade or companions. A man using something other than henna on hair or beard will suffer his greatest fear. Suppressing emotions through dye while ill promises swift recovery. Dyeing hair black to conceal unfavourable circumstances, nullify good deeds, or mask evil intent follows the custom of Pharaoh, who blackened his hair to disguise his true nature and ignorance.