Islamic Interpretation
In a dream, a stairway symbolizes elevation in rank, progress in worldly matters, the pursuit of rewards in the hereafter, and an increase in one’s standing in the next life. It may also represent the span and stages of a person’s life. A staircase that is familiar can signify the household servant, the owner of the house, or its administrator. If an ill person dreams of ascending an unknown staircase that leads to an upper chamber from which paradise is seen, it indicates death from that illness and attainment of what was witnessed. If barriers obstruct the ascent, it suggests delay and concealment of the immediate blessings of that destiny. Descending a staircase signifies returning from travel, stepping down from a position, dismissal, or walking on foot. If the descent ends at one’s home, family, or farmland, it denotes wealth. Reaching an unknown end and encountering unfamiliar people or souls carries the same meaning mentioned earlier. If during ascent or descent one falls into a well, is carried off by a great bird, devoured by a beast, enters a boat that sails away, or suddenly finds himself riding an animal or vehicle, then the stairway represents the phases of one’s life, reviewed at the time of death or after it, like pages of a book. If one awakens healthy afterward, it points to becoming tyrannical, unjust, irreligious, or morally corrupt. Descending toward a mosque, greenery, fertile land, a spring breeze, or a pond for ablution signifies sincere faith, repentance, and abandonment of blameworthy behavior. Descending into snakes, lions, steep terrain, corpses, or scattered remains indicates severe trials and hardships. Steps made of clay are favorable signs, while baked bricks are unfavorable. Stone steps indicate business success combined with hardness of heart. Wooden steps signify attaining high rank mixed with hypocrisy. Golden steps mean success and authority, while silver steps represent followers and attendants. Ascending stairs also signifies sharpening one’s intellect and awareness, and the stairway may reflect an ascetic, devoted way of life. Approaching a staircase indicates success and increasing piety, with each step marking a distinct station. Climbing also points to dangers that must be crossed. A staircase of five steps represents the five daily prayers or the pulpit from which the Friday sermon is delivered. Hence, a stairway may symbolize glad tidings, good news, prayer, charity, almsgiving, fasting, or pilgrimage. God knows best.