Islamic Interpretations of Dreams Involving Rain, Clouds, Snow, and Hail
Islamic Interpretation of Rain in a Dream:
In dreams, rain symbolizes blessings, goodness, and mercy from significant figures. It may also signify profit from trade. However, if one dreams of rain falling in a specific house or location, it is not considered good news for that house or place, as Allah says:
“If you are troubled by rainwater.”
(An-Nisa: 4:102)
At times, rain can indicate sorrow and distress, as Allah says:
“And We rained down upon them stones of baked clay.”
(Al-Hijr: 15:74)
Dreaming of water signifies salvation, relief, and the end of hardships, as Allah states:
“And We sent down blessed water from the sky.”
(Qaf: 50:9)
However, the interpretation depends on the dreamer’s perception. If the dream involves destructive rain or terrifying floods, it is considered an indication of trials, as Allah mentions:
“Abundant water, so that We may test them thereby.”
(An-Nahl: 16:92)
Islamic Interpretation of Clouds, Snow, Thunderstorms, and Rainbows in Dreams
These elements, in regions where they bring benefit, signify prosperity, greenery, the return of important figures, and good news. They also indicate blessings related to things associated with the sky. However, in regions where these elements cause harm, dreaming of them signals loss and damage.
According to Imam Shihab al-Din Qurani, strong winds, intense lightning, dense black clouds, frightening thunderclaps, heavy rain, large hailstones, and scorching lightning in dreams signify wars, accidents, or distressing news, especially for travellers.
If such winds uproot trees, destroy houses, or harm livestock in the dream, it symbolizes enemies, diseases, plagues, oppression, or famine.
Dreaming of hail or snow falling on one’s body indicates financial loss, as hailstones and snow cause discomfort when they strike. If one dreams of finding a specific quantity of hailstones, it suggests they will acquire diamonds or some wealth.
Dreaming of snow falling on the head implies undertaking a long journey since such trips often involve encountering snow. This interpretation is based on inevitability.
Some interpreters suggest that snow falling on the head signifies domination by an enemy, indicating the dreamers might struggle to defend themselves. Snow covering one’s head in a dream is akin to water rising above it, symbolizing distress, as suffocation becomes inevitable. This also metaphorically implies losing control over a situation.
If one dreams of snow melting, it signifies relief from worries.
Dreaming of feeling cold symbolizes poverty. Seeking warmth from fire or sunlight indicates help from a ruler, leading to prosperity. However, finding warmth from smoke in a dream suggests impending trouble.
Dreaming of snow, especially the kind formed from frozen water rather than fluffy flakes signifies distress. However, if the dream involves water freezing in a container, it suggests acquiring wealth and retaining it.
Dreaming of buying snow during summer symbolizes attaining peace and comfort.
A man once told Imam Qarafi, “I saw someone standing in heavy rain with an uncovered head.” The Imam interpreted this as a sign that the person would suffer from severe cold, which eventually came true.
Another person dreamt of hailstones falling on their head and body. Imam Qarafi predicted this as a sign of developing pox or sores, which happened.
When a person who planned to travel with an army dreamt of hailstones falling on them, the Imam interpreted this as an injury from stones or arrows during the journey, which occurred.
A person dreamt of transforming into lightning that burned an olive tree. Imam Qarafi interpreted this as the dreamer’s slander against a noblewoman and subsequent property purchase in a region where olive trees grow.
Unusual Dream Examples:
A person dreamt of weaving threads of black clouds. Imam Qarafi said, “You are in love with a dark-skinned woman and recite romantic poetry to her,” which turned out true.
A woman who had a similar dream was told by the Imam that her earnings depended on her work as a hairdresser, which aligned with her profession.
Another individual dreamt of selling clouds. Imam Qarafi interpreted this as the dreamer’s trade in cotton, which proved accurate.
Clouds: Seeing clouds in a dream symbolizes a just and compassionate king who works for the welfare of both the powerful and the weak and treats them well.
Clouds in a dream may also represent a wise scholar, as clouds metaphorically shower rain based on wisdom and need.
If a person dreams of becoming a cloud, it indicates they will adopt the qualities and attributes signified by the cloud. Alternatively, they may acquire wealth and use it to benefit others, or they may gain significant knowledge and share it with others.
If a person dreams of holding a cloud that is raining water, it means they will be granted wisdom and knowledge and will speak words of wisdom.
Dreaming of oneself as a cloud signifies that the person will attain lawful sustenance or beneficial knowledge.
If a person dreams of mingling with clouds but gaining nothing from them, it implies they will associate with a scholar but remain unaware of the person’s scholarly status.
Riding a cloud in a dream is a sign of elevation and dignity.
If someone sees themselves building a house or tent on a cloud, it signifies they will achieve high status in both religion and worldly matters.
Holding a weapon made of clouds in a dream suggests weak arguments and reasoning in disputes or conflicts.
The blackness of rain clouds symbolizes kingship and happiness, but if the black cloud does not rain, it indicates sorrow and grief.
Some interpreters say black clouds in dreams, whether they bring rain or not, signify distress and sadness.
The redness of clouds is a sign of tribulation, as redness is associated with blood.
If clouds rise from the ground to the sky in a dream, it indicates travel.
Fog seen in a dream symbolizes discord and tribulation, while overcast skies signify worry and trials.
Stories of Interpretation:
A man dreamed he caught a cloud and hid it in his clothes. Upon inquiry, Imam Shahab al-Din Qarani interpreted it as the man had stolen a purse or cloth belonging to a prominent individual and secretly given it to a woman out of fear of being caught. The man confirmed this to be true.
Another man saw himself riding a cloud that began to move, and he fell into its midst. Ustadh Qarafi asked him, “Is your name Sulaiman?” When the man affirmed, Qarafi said, “You intended to travel by sea, but it is likely that you will drown, survive, and fall from the upper deck into the ship’s hold.” The man replied, “This has already happened.”
Islamic Interpretation of Rainbow in a Dream:
Seeing a green rainbow in a dream signifies the end of famine, relief from a tyrannical ruler, and the establishment of peace.
A yellow rainbow indicates illnesses, while a red rainbow symbolizes bloodshed.
Some interpreters say if a rainbow appears on the right side in a dream, it signifies goodness and blessings. If it appears on the left side, it signifies urban development or a city.