Islamic Interpretation
Seeing imprisonment in a dream signifies benefits, wealth, and comfort, though it can also indicate a change of circumstances for the worse. Becoming a prisoner may point to futile or unnecessary efforts to uncover a hidden matter. In general, a prison symbolizes hardship, humiliation, and constraint. Seeing a well-known figure or government official jailed carries the same meaning. Being confined in a large, known prison means standing before a powerful person who will entrust the dreamer with an important duty, bringing spiritual growth. If the jail is unknown and built of plaster, it represents the grave. Seeing oneself bound or locked inside a house indicates positive progress in life, and if torture is seen there, it means even greater benefits and profits. For a woman, imprisonment signifies marriage to an influential or elderly man. A prison run by a religious authority denotes correct adherence to faith, while a civil prison represents distress, suffering, hypocrisy, and blame. An unknown prison symbolizes worldly life. Prison may also refer to a harsh wife, a difficult matter, silence, restraining one’s tongue, enemy treachery, accusations, association with wealthy people, the grave, halted travel due to illness, loss of motivation, poverty, or unhappiness. Entering prison can also mean long life or reunion with a beloved. Choosing seclusion in a sanctuary indicates protection from sin. If a sick person leaves his cell, it signifies recovery. Seeing prison doors open, light entering, walls breaking, or the sky visible means escape and relief. Prison may also indicate the safe return of a traveler or the death of a sick person. Being imprisoned by authority reflects hardships one hopes will be lifted, and leaving such confinement means relief. For a traveler it indicates heedlessness, and for a sick person a prolonged illness. Imprisonment may also mean prayers being answered and distress removed. An unfamiliar prison with strange inhabitants signifies the grave. Leaving an unknown prison or a narrow house into an open space indicates recovery and enjoyment of life. Being jailed in an unrecognized prison may mean marriage that brings prosperity and children. Being tied inside one’s own house means blessings and profit for the household. Being bound to a chair or wall while facing difficulties signifies the end of fear and problems. Building a prison means meeting a righteous man or Imam who guides one to the straight path. Prison can also symbolize paralysis, arrogance, self-delusion, or confining harmful people. Seeing a deceased person imprisoned means he is in hell. Seeing oneself imprisoned may also indicate entering a forbidden place such as a brothel or tavern. (Also see Cage, Imam, Mental hospital)