The Spiritual Interpretation of Crying in Dreams: Insights from Classical Scholars
Discover the profound interpretations of crying in dreams by classical Islamic scholars, including its spiritual and emotional symbolism.
Editors 
The Spiritual Interpretation of Crying in Dreams: Insights from Classical Scholars
Introduction
Dreaming of crying can symbolize a range of emotions, spiritual awakenings, and personal transformations. Various classical scholars have provided insights into the symbolic meanings of crying in dreams, highlighting its association with divine mercy, repentance, or forthcoming events in life. The following interpretations provide a detailed overview of crying in dreams as analyzed by notable Islamic dream interpreters.
Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (a.s.):
- Seeing yourself crying and then laughing in a dream is interpreted as a sign of approaching death. This is supported by the Quranic verse:
"It is He who causes laughter and weeping, and He who causes death and gives life." (Surah An-Najm, 43-44)
Ibn Sirin’s Interpretation:
- General Meaning: Crying in a dream symbolizes future happiness and relief, granted through the mercy of Allah.
- Contextual Analysis:
- Crying due to guilt over sins or in religious gatherings symbolizes repentance and the forgiveness of sins by Allah’s grace.
- If tears do not accompany the crying, it signifies potential losses or difficulties.
- Crying tears of blood represents regret over past actions and deep sorrow.
Nablusi’s Interpretation:
- Types of Crying:
- Loud Wailing or Weeping: If the dreamer cries loudly, tearing clothes or beating their chest, it signifies real-life grief or misfortune mirroring the dream scenario.
- Quiet Crying: When the crying stems from fear of Allah, hearing Quranic recitation, or a deep sense of remorse, it reflects an upcoming phase of joy, divine mercy, and the removal of sorrows.
- Symbolism: Crying often points to spiritual awakening, Allah's mercy, or blessings such as rain for the needy.
Seyyid Suleyman’s Interpretation:
- Crying calmly in a dream indicates release from grief and distress.
- Loud and dramatic weeping, on the other hand, forewarns of a calamity affecting the community.
- Symbolic Tears:
- Cold tears signify relief from troubles.
- Hot tears indicate impending sorrow.
- Tears of blood reflect regret over missed opportunities or misdeeds.
- If the dream involves the death of a known person and mourning, it foretells actual loss or communal grief surrounding that individual.
Kirmani’s Perspective:
- Crying signifies joy and relief from hardship.
- Loud crying accompanied by wailing foreshadows misfortune.
- Tears welling in the eyes but not falling indicate lawful earnings.
Cafer-i Sadık's Wisdom:
- Laughing after crying in a dream is interpreted as a near-death experience.
- Silent crying without dramatic displays is a symbol of happiness and comfort, consistently validated by historical accounts of dream experiences.
Conclusion
The act of crying in dreams is a deeply symbolic experience that reflects emotional, spiritual, and divine aspects of human life. Whether it signifies repentance, joy, or impending events, its interpretation offers profound insight into the dreamer’s spiritual journey and emotional state.
