Islamic Interpretation
In dreams, paradise, often associated with green garments, signifies divine favor, righteousness, and glad tidings of a blessed deed that the dreamer will perform, for only a just and upright person may behold it, not an unjust one. Seeing paradise without entering it announces forthcoming goodness, while desiring to enter it but being prevented indicates the need for patience, such as being barred from performing the pilgrimage to Mecca, or being delayed from repentance for a sin one once insisted was not sinful, even after feeling a sincere urge to repent. Seeing one gate of paradise closed signifies the death of one parent, two closed gates signify the loss of both parents, and all gates locked indicate parental displeasure, whereas entering paradise freely through any gate reflects the pleasure and approval of both parents. Being admitted into paradise may symbolize one’s death, or sincere repentance guided by a righteous spiritual mentor who leads the dreamer toward salvation. Entering paradise can also mean achieving one’s goals, though such success may be surrounded by trials and subtle challenges. Seeing paradise further signifies companionship with people of knowledge, refined character, and good conduct toward others. Entering paradise with a smile indicates constant remembrance of God, while entering it with an unsheathed sword signifies enjoining good, forbidding evil, receiving honor in both worlds, and possibly attaining martyrdom. Sitting beneath the central Tubah tree represents blessings and prosperity in this life and the next, while sitting in the gardens of paradise signifies sincerity and perfect adherence to religion. Eating the fruits of paradise means acquiring knowledge, drinking from its rivers of honey and milk denotes wisdom, inner understanding, and prosperity, and leaning against a tree in paradise reflects the chastity and righteousness of one’s wife. Picking fruits of paradise and feeding others symbolizes teaching and spreading knowledge, while being denied its fruits points to negligence in religious duties. Drinking from the fountain of Kawthar signifies leadership and victory over one’s enemy, and dwelling in a heavenly palace signifies marriage to a beautiful woman. Seeing Ridhwan, the guardian of paradise, brings happiness, prosperity, and good health, while angels greeting the dreamer indicate great patience during a worldly trial that ultimately leads to paradise. For a sick person, entering paradise signifies recovery, relief, lawful earnings, piety, answered prayers, and removal of distress. Entering paradise while carrying money and leading sheep indicates salvation through charity and paying obligatory alms, and entering paradise together with one’s wife reflects harmony, respect, and a strong family bond. Paradise also symbolizes devotion, asceticism, piety, and being beneficial to others, while its trees represent the true knowers of God, His sincere servants, and callers to Him. Being expelled from paradise is a reminder to reflect upon the story of Adam, peace be upon him, and circumambulating paradise signifies the removal of fear, overcoming hardship, or entering into marriage. (Also see Key)