Islamic Interpretation
Transformation in a dream refers to substitution, where one form or state is changed into another. If a dry or withered tree turns into a green and blossoming one in a dream, it signifies political change, shifts in worldly affairs, or a reversal of conditions—either from hardship to ease or from ease to hardship. This category includes transformations of inner essence as well as outward physical form. For example, if a young person sees himself as an old man in a dream, it indicates spiritual advancement, maturity, and the attainment of honor. Conversely, if an elderly person sees himself as a young boy, it signifies indulgence in wrongdoing or foolish behavior. If one sees a known old person regain youth in a dream, it suggests a major change in the dreamer’s material circumstances—either improvement or decline, such as wealth turning into poverty or poverty into wealth. If the dreamer is sick, it indicates recovery from illness. If one sees himself transformed into a tender green shoot or a blossoming branch, it means that his death may occur shortly. Becoming taller in a dream signifies long life, prosperity, or the birth of a son. If one finds himself lacking mental sharpness, physical ability, or missing a limb in a dream, it signifies losses affecting his worldly interests. If a man sees himself transformed into a woman and wearing her clothing, jewelry, or makeup, it signifies humiliation, adversity, and abuse. If a woman sees herself transformed into a man or growing a beard, it means that she will reestablish contact with a missing child. If she is pregnant, it means she will give birth to a son who may die young; if she is not pregnant, it indicates infertility. Seeing oneself flying with wings signifies travel. Seeing oneself transformed into a wooden staff represents insolence and stubbornness. Transformation into an iron rod signifies longevity. If one sees himself transformed into a bridge, it means that he may become a ruler, a wise individual, or a man of knowledge whom people will rely upon and seek for benefit. If a person sees his sick child transformed into a bird, it means the death of that child. If one sees himself transformed into a beast, it signifies separation from the believers and living in isolation due to corrupt traits. If one sees himself transformed into a deer, gazelle, or antelope, it means becoming obsessed with sexual desire or suffering mental imbalance to the extent of engaging in deviant behavior. Transformation into a pig signifies prosperity accompanied by the loss of human dignity. If a steer is seen transformed into a wolf, it represents a government official who will become unjust. According to Islamic interpretation, transformation of a human being into a lower form of creature in real life signifies a divine curse and punishment. Such a state does not last longer than three days and ultimately ends in death. (Also see Changing form)