Islamic Dream Interpretation of Body Ailments Sickness and Pain in Dreams

Interpretation of Head Pain in Dreams:

Head pain in a dream affects the person’s head. Sometimes, a headache in a dream can symbolize the committing of a sin. Allah says:

“But if any of you is ill or has an affliction in his head, then a ransom (should be paid)”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196)


A person suffering from a headache in a dream may be committing an act that requires atonement, either through repentance or by paying a ransom (fidya).


If the pain is located in the forehead, it indicates that the dreamer’s honor and reputation may be tarnished.


Interpretation of a Cut Ear in a Dream:

If someone dreams that their ear has been cut off, it suggests that their family members may betray them.


A cut ear also signifies the decline of a position of power or authority.


Interpretation of Deafness in a Dream:

Deafness in a dream indicates a deterioration in religious matters or a person’s disconnection from their faith.


Interpretation of Eye Infection in a Dream:

An eye infection in a dream symbolizes turning away from one’s rights and the deterioration of religious affairs. This is because an eye infection is a sign of blindness, and blindness leads a person astray from the right path.


If someone dreams that their vision has weakened and no one notices, it symbolizes that their outward appearance is better than their inner self.


Interpretation of a Facial Imperfection or Mark in a Dream:

Seeing a facial imperfection in a dream signifies a lack of modesty and shame.


If someone dreams of seeing their face as beautiful, it indicates they possess modesty and decency.


Interpretation of a Cut Nose in a Dream:

If someone dreams that their nose has been cut off, it signifies that they will be spoken to in a degrading or humiliating manner.


Interpretation of a Cut Tongue in a Dream:

If someone dreams that their tongue has been cut off and they are unable to speak, it indicates that their speech will bring them trouble.


If someone dreams that the tip of their tongue is cut off, it suggests that they will lose an argument or debate.

If the dreamer is a witness, it means they may give false testimony.


Interpretation of Choking in a Dream:

Seeing choking in a dream is a sign of corruption in religious matters.


If someone dreams that someone is choking them, it indicates that they will be forced into a position of responsibility or authority.


If someone dreams that they choked to death, it means they will face poverty and hardship.


Interpretation of Hand Paralysis in a Dream:

If someone dreams of having paralysis in their hands, it suggests they will commit a major sin.


Interpretation of Chest Pain in a Dream:

Chest pain in a dream signifies the wasteful spending of money on unnecessary or inappropriate things.


Interpretation of Pain in the Soles of the Feet in a Dream:

Pain in the soles of the feet in a dream indicates that a large sum of money, which could have been used for the benefit of the dreamer and their family, has been wasted, leading them and their family to a state of ruin.


Interpretation of Lung Damage in a Dream:

Lung damage in a dream indicates the approach of death, as the lungs support the heart. When the lungs are damaged, the heart is unable to function properly.


If someone experiences unbearable pain in any part of their body in a dream, it indicates that they will hear something related to the significance of the affected body part.


If someone dreams that another person has scratched a part of their body, it suggests that this person will cause them financial loss or harm related to the affected body part.


Interpretation of Entering One’s Own Body Part in a Dream:

As far as I know, the only reference to this subject in the literature of the scholars is found in the teachings of Imam Shahabuddin Qarafi. He mentioned that if someone dreams that they entered their ear, it means they will hear some news from a relative. If the ear becomes blocked, the news will be bad; otherwise, it will be good.


If someone dreams that they entered their eye and caused it to burst, it indicates that a calamity will fall upon them, their relative, or someone they know, or they will suffer financial loss. If the eye did not burst, it means someone who has been on a journey will return.


If someone dreams that they entered their nose without any difficulty in breathing and no mucus or congestion, it signifies that they will travel by sea or embark on a land journey. However, if breathing becomes difficult, it means they will be imprisoned, become ill, or be defeated by an adversary.


If someone dreams that they entered their mouth and did not feel any pain, it suggests they will consume their saved wealth, hear good news, or a good traveler will return. However, if they feel pain, their circumstances will worsen.


If someone dreams that they entered their private part and felt pain, it indicates that they will face difficulties related to matters concerning the private part. The same interpretation applies to entering one’s anus or vagina. However, if no pain is felt during the act, it symbolizes the dreamer being involved in inappropriate matters.


After sharing these interpretations, Imam Shahabuddin Qarafi further stated: “I am not aware of anyone from among the earlier or later scholars who has mentioned these interpretations. However, when some people repeatedly shared such dreams with me, I provided these interpretations. Denying these interpretations is akin to denying Allah’s will and the rulings regarding dreams and their interpretations.”


Examples from Imam Shahabuddin Qarafi:

Several examples were also provided by Imam Shahabuddin Qarafi: A person saw in a dream that there was a lot of oil on their head, and it came down the middle of their head. Imam Qarafi explained that it meant the person had watered their crops or trees, and when they entered the fields or garden, their feet became muddy. The person confirmed this was the case.


A person dreamt that they fell between their fingers and felt pain. Imam Qarafi explained that this represented falling from a high place, between balconies. The person confirmed this interpretation.


Another person saw in a dream that they fell on their palm, and their fingers were closed. Imam Qarafi interpreted this as criticism from their children, grandchildren, and nephews. The person confirmed this interpretation.


Another person saw in a dream that they entered their stomach and intestines, and they were sweating heavily. Imam Qarafi explained that it meant they had gone to a bathhouse with their family, and everyone was naked, including the dreamer. The person confirmed this interpretation.


Another person saw in a dream that they entered their stomach and cut all their intestines with a knife. Imam Qarafi interpreted this as the person having killed some family members. The person confirmed this interpretation.


Another person saw in a dream that they entered their mouth and ate their molars and teeth. Imam Qarafi interpreted this as the person having sold all their movable property, including grain mills and other equipment. The person confirmed this interpretation.


A woman told Imam Qarafi that she saw in a dream that she placed her hand in her private area. Imam Qarafi interpreted this as the woman being subjected to an unlawful act by someone who is permanently forbidden to her. The woman confirmed this by stating that her brother had forced himself on her. Her mother also confirmed this.


Another person said that in a dream, their private part entered their anus without their realization. Imam Qarafi interpreted this as the person committing an unlawful act with a woman who is permanently forbidden to them. The person admitted that they were intoxicated at the time.


Another person described a dream where they were catching animals, putting them in their stomach, and slaughtering them while removing their skins. Imam Qarafi interpreted this as the person bringing home killed animals from elsewhere and taking their wealth by force. Later, the king of Egypt arrests him.



(Al-Martabah Al-Ulya fi Ta’bir al-Ru’ya – Imam Muhammad bin Rashid, d. 736 AH)