Islamic Interpretation
In a dream, ribs symbolize women, and whatever befalls one’s ribs will reflect upon his wife, for it is said that Eve was created from Adam’s rib. Ribs also represent protection and support, resembling a tent and its poles, a house and its foundation, its roof, or a ship and its planks. They may signify relatives from varied social backgrounds, as well as the degrees of affection, unity, compassion, and mutual assistance among them. Ribs likewise point to hidden deeds or secret actions, and they can also denote punishment. If one sees his ribs protruding or exposed, it indicates punishment for a sin or wrongdoing. If the ribs appear strong and the surrounding flesh healthy, it signifies prosperity, recovery from illness, weight gain, or increased well-being. Seeing oneself without ribs means losing what they symbolize, such as a wife, a child, or wealth, or engaging in something wrongly believed to be correct. Ribs may also indicate illness or stooping of the shoulders due to old age. Eating one’s own ribs means becoming a burden on family and relatives, or earning a living by selling wood or working in a lumberyard. (Also see Body)