Islamic Interpretation
In a dream, a sword symbolizes power, authority, lineage, and protection. It may represent a son, a king or ruler, a clan or tribe, property, land, a farm, or a woman. When the sword is interpreted as power, it denotes diligence, strength, and determination. When it represents speech, it signifies clarity, forcefulness, and effectiveness of one’s words. If the sword represents one’s father, it reflects the father’s pride and honour in his son. A sword that feels heavy and is dragged with difficulty in a dream indicates an appointment, responsibility, or position of authority that is burdensome, though it will still bring benefit and gain. Handing one’s wife the bare blade signifies that she will give birth to a son, while giving her a sword in its sheath signifies a daughter. The material of the sword reflects the nature of one’s offspring: an iron sword represents a strong son; a brass sword, a wealthy son; a lead sword, an effeminate son; a wooden sword, a hypocritical son; and a tarnished sword, an unattractive or morally flawed son. Drawing a sword from its sheath signifies words one is ready to speak. If the sword is sharp, bright, and shining, it indicates truthful, eloquent, and pleasing speech. A rusted or tarnished sword denotes harsh, false, or offensive words. A heavy sword suggests speech that is difficult even for the speaker to bear. A cracked blade signifies rejected words and frustrated intentions. If a sword falls from one’s hand to the ground, it may signify divorce. Seeing a sword lying beside oneself denotes authority and rank. If the belt or loop breaks and the sword falls, it signifies loss of power or position. If the hilt breaks, it may indicate the death of one’s wife. If the handle breaks, it may indicate the death of a close relative such as a father, mother, uncle, or aunt. If the blade breaks, it signifies the death of a servant or assistant. Being given a sheath without a sword indicates being entrusted with a responsibility or a secret. Flying swords in the air symbolize a widespread plague or calamity. A sword may also symbolize anger or financial hardship. Swallowing a sword in a dream signifies collecting spoils or gains. If a sword swallows someone, it indicates a snakebite. The sheath of a sword represents a woman, and sheathing one’s sword signifies marriage. Striking someone with a sword represents insulting him with harsh or cutting words. If the sword loses its cutting edge, it means one’s speech will lose its influence. Being wounded by a sword signifies a dispute involving family members, depending on which limb is harmed. If one’s head is severed by a sword, it signifies that the one struck will ultimately prevail over the attacker or benefit from him. If the body is dismembered, it signifies distant travel or the dispersal of one’s descendants. In general, the sword also symbolizes wealth, knowledge, authority, and prestige. Waving a sword in a duel signifies becoming widely known, respected, or feared in one’s profession or field. (Also see Duel, Knife)