Islamic Interpretation
Fish in a dream carry many meanings depending on their number, type, and condition. If the number of fish is known, they symbolize women; if their number is unknown, they represent money from a doubtful or unclear source. Seeing schools of fish gathering at the seabed, catching them freely, eating them raw, or placing them into baskets and dividing them into portions signifies prosperity, accumulation of wealth, and investing money in various ventures and savings. A whale in a dream represents a powerful minister or authority linked to the sea, while the sea itself symbolizes the king, ruler, or the state. A whale seen in a small pond with its mouth open represents a prison. A large shoal of fish may indicate either despised earnings or great wealth for which one will be held accountable. Fishing in a well symbolizes homosexuality or attempting to entice a subordinate into an immoral act. Fishing in muddy waters signifies sorrow, distress, and evil consequences, while fishing in clear water denotes lawful earnings, kind words, or the conception of a son. Fishing in salty water points to hardship and difficulty. Fishing with a hook symbolizes excitement, pleasure, or loss of benefits, while soft-skinned fish represent gains for someone who intends to deceive or swindle others. Fishing with a rod and hook generally indicates slow profits, obstacles, or sluggish business. Large freshwater fish such as carp or barbel signify benefit for someone seeking marriage or partnership. Herring or similar fish indicate futile labor or striving for something unattainable. Fish seen in a pond represent minor benefits. Dead fish floating on water signify bad omens or hopeless matters. Taking fish alive from water and eating them indicates profit or appointment to a high position. If a sick person or traveler finds fish in his bed, it foretells severe illness, arthritis, or danger such as drowning. Salted fish represent long-lasting wealth or burdens. If a pregnant man sees a fish emerging from his private part, it means a son will be born; if it comes from his mouth, it means speaking ill of a woman. Fried fish signify accepted prayers, while broiled fish indicate travel or seeking knowledge. A large fish symbolizes wealth, whereas small fish signify burdens, stress, and difficulties. Fish of mixed sizes represent money mixed with trouble, social activity, or association with people of all kinds. Buying fish may indicate marriage. Eating rotten fish represents adultery and rejecting lawful marriage. Attempting to catch a whale in a small pond signifies wealth pursued through great struggle and obstacles. Finding pearls inside a fish means marrying a wealthy woman and having children; finding a ring means gaining authority and power. Finding fat in a fish’s belly means acquiring money through a woman. Fishing on dry land symbolizes adultery or sin, though it may also indicate good news. Catching bony fish signifies the obligation to pay alms before enjoying one’s wealth. Fish swimming from saltwater to fresh water, or vice versa, symbolize hypocrisy, falsehood, or the rise of an innovator. Fish swimming on the surface indicate ease in achieving goals, uncovering secrets, revisiting old matters, or redistributing inheritance. Fish with human faces represent business dealings, translators, or companions—beautiful fish signify good company, while ugly ones signify bad companions. An aquarium filled with decorative fish represents charity, caring for orphans, or adopting children. Reaching deep into the seabed to catch fish signifies gaining deep professional knowledge or becoming a spy. If the sea opens and reveals treasures and one catches a goldfish, it signifies divine spiritual knowledge and guidance. If the goldfish returns to the sea, it indicates companionship with righteous people or finding a noble travel companion. Eating uncleaned or uncooked fish signifies slander, adultery, deceitful earnings, or severe illness. Seeing fish on land instead of water indicates changing professions. Different fish types represent different professions. Fish may also symbolize death occurring in a place, due to their stench and weight. Eating fish generally represents lawful, pleasant, and easily obtained earnings. (Also see Meat)