Islamic Interpretation
(Pride) In a dream, an elephant denotes a formidable and respected adversary who is slow-minded, bears heavy responsibilities, and is skilled in warfare. It also symbolizes arrogance. Mounting or directing an elephant indicates forming a connection with a ruler or politician and profiting from that association. It further signifies a long and prosperous life. Riding an elephant by night foretells a promotion; if one is qualified for leadership, he will attain it but then engage in a conflict he will lose. Riding an elephant by day suggests divorce, treachery, betrayal, or deception. Milking an elephant or removing something from its trunk means either extorting or lawfully receiving money from a powerful figure. Some interpreters say the elephant represents a mighty king who is gracious, generous, patient, and tender-hearted. Being struck by an elephant's trunk signifies receiving benefits from such a person, inheriting from him, gaining a political post, or acquiring wealth through high-level connections. The elephant can also symbolize righteous individuals, scholars, and nobles. It may also denote hardships, labor, and subsequent relief from difficulties. Seeing but failing to ride an elephant indicates a lack of integrity or business losses. A dead elephant signifies the death of the ruler or a great person of that region, or the killing of a noble. Seeing an elephant outside its native land foretells adversities. Confronting a threatening elephant means illness. Being trampled under an elephant's feet portends death. Speaking to an elephant means receiving a valuable gift from an authority figure. Fleeing in fear from an elephant signifies persecution by someone in power. Riding an elephant into war means defeat and ruin. Consuming elephant meat represents acquiring money. For worldly people, seeing an elephant brings benefits; for the pious and religious, it brings trials. Riding an elephant may also indicate falsehood or oppression. An elephant entering a foreign land symbolizes an official visit by a king or president to another country, or an invasion.