Interpretation of Transforming into Another Person in a Dream:
When a person transforms into another individual in a dream, the interpretation is based on the traits of the other person as they relate to the dreamer. In the previous section, we discussed the interpretation of a person assuming the form of a prophet or angel. The same principle applies when animals either treat humans kindly or harm them. After understanding this principle, it is important to recognize that any animal that signifies goodness or virtue will be interpreted as an enemy if it harms or causes damage in the dream. Conversely, any animal associated with evil or corruption that offers something beneficial, helps in times of trouble, assists with good deeds, protects from danger, or removes harmful things from the dreamer, is a sign that the dreamer will benefit from an unexpected source and their fears will turn into peace. In this case, the animal symbolizes a friend.
For example, one person dreamt that a monkey was attempting to deceive him. When he came closer, the monkey gave him large pearls. Imam Shahabuddin Qrafi interpreted this as: “You married a woman and bought a slave girl from Sudan or an Indian company who had some flaws, and from her, you had children who are all well-versed in the Quran.” The person acknowledged, saying, “You have spoken the truth.”
Another person told Imam Qrafi that in his dream, he was stuck in the mud and unable to get out despite trying. A wolf came and grabbed his hand, pulling him out. Imam Qrafi said: “You were in prison, and your hopes for release had faded. A clever person helped you get out.”
A different person mentioned to Imam Qrafi that in his dream, he was diving in the sea, and whenever he tried to board a boat, it moved farther away. Then, a large crocodile appeared, opened its mouth, and said, “Climb onto me.” The person climbed onto the crocodile, and it saved him. Imam Qrafi said: “You will escape from trouble with the help of your enemy.”
These interpretations focus on the symbolic meanings of the transformations and the actions of the animals involved, showing how different circumstances and figures in dreams can indicate both challenges and solutions from unexpected sources.
(Al-Martabah Al-Ulya fi Ta’bir al-Ru’ya – Imam Muhammad bin Rashid, d. 736 AH)