Fear, Sadness, and Deliverance in Dreams
An Interpretation According to Ibn Sirin
Dreams involving fear, sadness, or emotional distress often leave a deep impression on the dreamer. Upon waking, such dreams may cause anxiety or concern. However, according to Ibn Sirin, one of the most respected classical scholars of dream interpretation in Islamic tradition, the apparent meaning of a dream is not always its true interpretation.
In many cases, dreams of fear and sorrow carry meanings of relief, safety, and inner reassurance.
This article explores the interpretation of fear, sadness, crying, and salvation after hardship in dreams, following the methodology attributed to Ibn Sirin, presented in a way accessible to the modern reader.
Fear in a Dream: A Sign of Safety
Ibn Sirin explains that fear in a dream often symbolizes security and protection in waking life, especially when the fear appears without a clear cause or when the dreamer is running away from something unknown.
Seeing fear in a dream may indicate:
- Safety after anxiety
- Escape from a danger the dreamer feared
- Repentance or spiritual awakening
In dream symbolism, the soul may express fear as a sign that its cause is already fading or coming to an end in reality.
Sadness and Distress in Dreams
Although sadness in a dream can feel heavy and troubling, Ibn Sirin does not consider it a sign of lasting misfortune.
Dreaming of sadness or emotional distress may indicate:
- An approaching relief
- A positive change in circumstances
- The lifting of a prolonged burden
Especially when sadness is not accompanied by screaming or extreme despair, its interpretation leans toward comfort after hardship.
Crying in a Dream: Different Meanings
Ibn Sirin makes an important distinction between types of crying:
Quiet crying without screaming
- Relief from worry
- The easing of sorrow
- Mercy and compassion descending upon the dreamer
Crying with screaming or striking oneself
- Regret or warning
- Emotional turmoil
- Possible hardship if it reflects the dreamer’s waking condition
Understanding this distinction is essential, as not all crying in dreams carries the same meaning.
Deliverance After Hardship in Dreams
One of the most reassuring dream images is being saved after fear, escaping danger, or emerging safely from distress.
According to Ibn Sirin, such visions indicate:
- Liberation from worry
- Fulfillment of a long-awaited need
- Victory after weakness
- Opening of doors after closure
The greater the hardship in the dream, the more expansive the relief in its interpretation—provided the dream ends with safety or peace.
A Serious Warning Against Fabricating Dreams
Classical texts attributed to Ibn Sirin strongly warn against lying about dreams.
This includes:
- Claiming to have seen a dream that never occurred
- Adding or removing details intentionally
It is reported that one who fabricates dreams will be burdened with what they cannot bear on the Day of Judgment.
Dreams are considered a trust, not a tool for manipulation or attention.
Spiritual Reflection
Dreams of fear and sadness are not necessarily bad omens. In many cases, they are reversed signs, pointing toward:
- Reassurance after anxiety
- Relief after difficulty
- Safety after fear
Ultimately:
A true dream is from God,
and its interpretation requires wisdom, patience,
and freedom from exaggeration.
Fear, Sadness, and Deliverance in Dreams
An Interpretation According to Ibn Sirin
Dreams involving fear, sadness, or emotional distress often leave a deep impression on the dreamer. Upon waking, such dreams may cause anxiety or concern. However, according to Ibn Sirin, one of the most respected classical scholars of dream interpretation in Islamic tradition, the apparent meaning of a dream is not always its true interpretation.
In many cases, dreams of fear and sorrow carry meanings of relief, safety, and inner reassurance.
This article explores the interpretation of fear, sadness, crying, and salvation after hardship in dreams, following the methodology attributed to Ibn Sirin, presented in a way accessible to the modern reader.
Fear in a Dream: A Sign of Safety
Ibn Sirin explains that fear in a dream often symbolizes security and protection in waking life, especially when the fear appears without a clear cause or when the dreamer is running away from something unknown.
Seeing fear in a dream may indicate:
- Safety after anxiety
- Escape from a danger the dreamer feared
- Repentance or spiritual awakening
In dream symbolism, the soul may express fear as a sign that its cause is already fading or coming to an end in reality.
Sadness and Distress in Dreams
Although sadness in a dream can feel heavy and troubling, Ibn Sirin does not consider it a sign of lasting misfortune.
Dreaming of sadness or emotional distress may indicate:
- An approaching relief
- A positive change in circumstances
- The lifting of a prolonged burden
Especially when sadness is not accompanied by screaming or extreme despair, its interpretation leans toward comfort after hardship.
Crying in a Dream: Different Meanings
Ibn Sirin makes an important distinction between types of crying:
Quiet crying without screaming
- Relief from worry
- The easing of sorrow
- Mercy and compassion descending upon the dreamer
Crying with screaming or striking oneself
- Regret or warning
- Emotional turmoil
- Possible hardship if it reflects the dreamer’s waking condition
Understanding this distinction is essential, as not all crying in dreams carries the same meaning.
Deliverance After Hardship in Dreams
One of the most reassuring dream images is being saved after fear, escaping danger, or emerging safely from distress.
According to Ibn Sirin, such visions indicate:
- Liberation from worry
- Fulfillment of a long-awaited need
- Victory after weakness
- Opening of doors after closure
The greater the hardship in the dream, the more expansive the relief in its interpretation—provided the dream ends with safety or peace.
A Serious Warning Against Fabricating Dreams
Classical texts attributed to Ibn Sirin strongly warn against lying about dreams.
This includes:
- Claiming to have seen a dream that never occurred
- Adding or removing details intentionally
It is reported that one who fabricates dreams will be burdened with what they cannot bear on the Day of Judgment.
Dreams are considered a trust, not a tool for manipulation or attention.
Spiritual Reflection
Dreams of fear and sadness are not necessarily bad omens. In many cases, they are reversed signs, pointing toward:
- Reassurance after anxiety
- Relief after difficulty
- Safety after fear
Ultimately:
A true dream is from God,
and its interpretation requires wisdom, patience,
and freedom from exaggeration.
