Islamic Interpretation
Physician (also mother). In a dream, a physician represents a wise and knowledgeable man, a religious healer, or a scholar, for the physician and the scholar reflect one another, each curing a different kind of illness. Seeing a physician examining oneself indicates improvement in health and correction of one’s condition, while seeing a religious scholar giving advice signifies the removal of hypocrisy, confusion, and doubt from the heart. A physician may also symbolize one’s mother, an adversary, or a rival, and the death of a physician in a dream points to the death of one’s mother. For a sick person, seeing a physician visiting him foretells recovery, whereas if a healthy person sees a physician prescribing medicine, it indicates forthcoming illness. Visiting or seeing a physician also means exposing one’s secrets, since a physician draws out hidden ailments just as a snake charmer extracts a snake from its lair. A physician can further represent a street cleaner, garbage collector, spy, backbiter, or a fighter who alternates between victory and defeat. Seeing oneself as a physician denotes attaining a high position, becoming an authority figure such as a commander or policeman, or gaining control over people’s livelihoods. A physician also symbolizes one who offers spiritual and practical guidance, including a reformer, judge, preacher, teacher, tanner, or metalworker. If a well-known and just judge appears as a physician, it means his compassion and concern will benefit the entire community, while seeing a known physician as a judge or wise man indicates rising fame, elevated status, and distinction in one’s field. If the physician is not righteous or reputable, the dream warns of trials, death through negligence, or reckless ambition that expands business at the cost of lives. Seeing a physician selling coffins or shrouds calls for suspicion of his character despite public admiration. If a physician is seen working as a tanner, it reflects skill, intelligence, and many recoveries through his hands, but if the leather is spoiled, foul-smelling, or ineffective, it signifies deceit, showmanship, and false expertise.