Understanding the Symbolism of 'I Do' in Dreams

Dreams have always been a profound way for individuals to connect with their subconscious thoughts and desires. When one dreams of saying 'I do', this seemingly simple phrase resonates deeply with the complexities of commitment, love, and emotional connections. In many cultures, and especially within the Islamic tradition as per Ibni Sirin's interpretations, dreaming about marriage can indicate an upcoming change in one's life, reflecting a yearning for stability, partnership, or even the pursuit of personal goals alongside others.

Understanding the nuances and contexts surrounding such dreams can provide insight into your waking life, unveiling layers of meaning about your relationships, fears, and hopes. As we explore the various interpretations of this dream, it becomes clear that it beckons the dreamer to reflect on their current emotional landscapes and future aspirations.

• Dreaming of saying 'I do' often reflects one's desires for commitment and partnership.
• Such dreams can indicate an upcoming transition in your personal or relational life.
• They may serve as a reminder to evaluate your current relationships or your feelings towards commitment.

Symbols

• I do
  • Daredevil:

    (Feat) Daring in a dream means perseverance and having a strong will. It also could mean making supererogatory offerings to attain nearness to God Almighty. Daring in a dream also represents one’s pursuit to be accepted by the people, either by defending them or by daring to face their enemy.

    The same interpretation is given to courage in a dream.

  • English Ivy:

    (English ivy; Ginseng; Herbal medicine) Ivy in a dream represents a physi¬ cian. Seeing it in a dream means that one will use homemade medicine to cure his illness. Ivy in a dream also signifies a bad character, or it could represent an ill will.

    ‘Izrail: (The angle of death; Bone-breaker; Death; Longevity) The archangel of death. Seeing him in a dream means martyrdom if one is inspired by it. If one sees the archangel ‘Izrail angry with him in a dream, it means that one will die unrepented.

    If one sees ‘Izrail standing above him, or battling him in a dream, it means that he will recover from a severe illness. Seeing the archangel ‘Izrail in a dream also means longevity, or going through unavoidable circumstances, or experiencing extreme fear. If one sees himself being ‘Izrail in a dream, it means rising in status to govern and to oppress others, or he might become an executioner, or perhaps that some major events may take place at his hand.

    Kissing ‘Izrail in a dream means receiving an inheritance. Seeing ‘Izrail in a dream also means separations, death of sick people, losses, destruction, fire, bad news, forfeiture of properties, stagnation of the economy, losing one’s source of livelihood, imprisonment, breach of promise, forgetting one’s knowledge, ne¬ glecting one’s prayers, obstruction of charities, hindrance of alms distribution, negating the rights of others, retreating to one’s privacy, rising prices, bad crop, a tyrant ruler, glass blowing, or bankruptcy. As for one who loves to meet his Lord, seeing the archangel ‘Izrail in a dream means attainment of one’s goal, fulfillment of a promise, freedom from prison, good news and glad tidings.

    If an unknown or a common person approaches someone in the street and whispers something in his ear in confidence, the commoner here represents the angel of death. It is said that each human being will see the archangel ‘Izrail three times during his lifetime, and it is the third time that ‘Izrail, upon whom be peace, will

  • Persecution:

    (The prophet Daniel, upon whom be peace.) If one sees him in a dream, it means that he will become a great scholar in interpreting the divine revelations. It is also said, that one who sees him (uwbp) in a dream may become a leader, a minister, acquire extensive knowledge, but yet suffers a painful persecution which he will later defeat. If one sees himself carrying the prophet Daniel, upon DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 109 whom be peace, over his shoulders, sitting him beside a wall or talking to him, or if he sees the prophet Daniel talking to him, delivering glad tidings to him or feeding him honey with his own hand, it means that the person in the dream will become a great scholar or a commentator in religious interpretations.

• expression
  • Outer:

    (Manifest)

  • Human call:
  • Human cry:
• " "I agree"
  • Talbiyyah:

    ( arb . Talbiyah ) Responding to a call, or uttering and repeating a formula “Labbaika Allahumma Labbaik,” during the pilgrimage season in a dream means that one will capture his enemy and bring him to justice. Loud answering to a call in a dream means complaining before a judge, and winning the case thereafter.

  • Controversy:

    (Controversy; Quarrel) If one sees himself quarreling with someone in a dream, it means that he will suffer extreme pressure, stress and sorrow. If one is engaged in a dispute in a dream, it means that he is wrong and must rectify the situation and make peace with the other person. If he does so, it means that he will win what his heart desires.

  • Quarrel:
• remark
  • Imposing structure:

    (Edifice; Imposing structure) In a dream, a monument means lies, falsehood, arrogance, or destruction. An imposing monument in a dream also may mean spiritual guidance.

  • Edifice:

    (Edifice; Imposing structure) In a dream, a monument means lies, falsehood, arrogance, or destruction. An imposing monument in a dream also may mean spiritual guidance.

  • Door-to-door salesman:
• "I will
  • Divine will:

    (See God’s will)

  • Yusuf:

    (God’s prophet Joseph, upon whom be peace; arb. Yusuf) Seeing God’s prophet Joseph (uwbp) in a dream means attaining high rank or a vice-regency. Seeing him (uwbp) in a dream also could denote a time of rising prices, drought, loss of one’s family, or suffering from people’s stratagem, entering a prison, then be released by God’s grace.

    It also denotes one’s luck with women and adversities related to one’s beauty and good character. Seeing God’s prophet Joseph in a dream also means acquiring knowledge about dream interpretation, or catching one’s enemy, then forgiving him, or digging a river, a water irrigation, or transporting dead people from one country to another. It also could represent a great advent or a miracle by the fact that he (uwbp) had performed a miracle by God’s leave and returned his father’s sight.

    Joseph’s shirt in a dream means dispelling distress, sorrows and recovering from illness. If the shirt is spotted withblood in the dream, then it means separation and imprisonment. Ifhis shirt is torn from the back in the dream, it means a false accusation.

    If a woman sees Joseph (uwbp) in a dream, it means that she will lose her comfort and sight. She will also live unhappy because of her separation from her beloved, and she will fall in love with a great man. If the woman who is actually suffering from such adversity sees such a dream, it means that God Almighty will turn to her with mercy and guide her to repentance.

    If she is unmarried, it means that she will get married. If she is poor, it means that she will become rich, and her life in this world as well as in the hereafter will turn to her advantage. Seeing Joseph (uwbp) as a young boy in a dream means having little or no luck with one’s brethren.

    He will be lied to, suffer from imprisonment and other trials before he recuperates, to rise and triumph over them. They will all then become his subject. One who sees God’s prophet Joseph (uwbp) in a dream will also be a pious, generous, charitable, and shares his good advice with those who need it, or ask for it.

    If Joseph (uwbp) talks to someone, or gives him something in a dream, it means that one will understand dream interpretations and learn about Chronicles, or the two biblical books of History. Seeing him (uwbp) in a dream also means marriage to a beautiful woman who will truly love her husband. (Also see Jacob; Sale; Introduction p.p. xvi, xvii, xuiii)

  • Persecution:

    (The prophet Daniel, upon whom be peace.) If one sees him in a dream, it means that he will become a great scholar in interpreting the divine revelations. It is also said, that one who sees him (uwbp) in a dream may become a leader, a minister, acquire extensive knowledge, but yet suffers a painful persecution which he will later defeat. If one sees himself carrying the prophet Daniel, upon DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 109 whom be peace, over his shoulders, sitting him beside a wall or talking to him, or if he sees the prophet Daniel talking to him, delivering glad tidings to him or feeding him honey with his own hand, it means that the person in the dream will become a great scholar or a commentator in religious interpretations.

• saying
  • Hearing:

    (Hearing; Language; Listening; Talking; Words) Speaking different languages in a dream means richness. The words of a deceased person in a dream are always true. The same goes for birds speaking in a dream and their speech denotes glad tidings, prosperity, knowledge and understanding.

    If an animal talks with someone in his dream or tells him: “I saw a dream...” then if the animal refrains from relating such a dream, it means a fight, a battle, losses, or an argument. If a dog, a panther, or a falcon speaks to someone and tells him a dream in a dream, it means glad tidings, great earnings, benefits and joy. In general, birds talking to humans in a dream mean benefits and rising in rank.

    If a snake speaks gently with someone in a dream, it means that he will receive benefits from an enemy. If a beast talks to someone in a dream, it means his death. If one’s head or nose talk to him in a dream, it means that whoever these two members represent in one’s life will suffer from an adversity.

    If a tree speaks to someone in his dream, it means benefiting from that line of thinking. A talking tree in a dream means a fight, or the end of one’s exile. The speech of a tree in a dream also could mean exaltation.

    Whatever a baby says in a dream is true. It also could mean falling into sin. If a godly and a spiritual person sees a baby talking to him in a dream, it means that he will witness wonders or a miracle, or become a witness to an unbelievable agreement.

    The speech of inanimate objects in a dream always means good, provides a lesson or gives advice. Animal talk in a dream also represents punishment and suffering. The talk of one’s limbs in a dream means trouble from one’s relatives, or it could mean committing a sin.

    The speech of moving shadows in a dream means evokingjinn or evil spirits. Being possessed by such spirits and speaking on their behalf in a dream signifies temptation, trouble, corruption and evil. Any words that agree with God’s revelations in a dream must be hearkened to and complied with.

    The opposite is also true. If a limb talks to someone in his dream, it denotes advice one will receive from a relative. Animal talk in a dream denotes leaning toward friendships and finding peace in the company of pious people, or it could mean working to earn one’s livelihood.

    If a wall speaks to someone in a dream, it means a warning of separation, or it could mean renouncing the city and seeking to live in the wilderness, near uninhabited ruins, or near a graveyard. Hearing a voice commanding one to do something in a dream means glad tidings. Hearing God Almighty on the Day of Judgement in a dream means rising in station, performing good deeds and nearness to one’s Lord.

    Listening to the Holy Words of God Almighty in a dream also denotes the spread of justice and righteousness, and such a dream could represent a ruler who cares for his subjects. If a godly and a pious person sees that in a dream, it means that he 404 IBN SEERIN’S will renounce the world and seek the comfort and the blessings of the hereafter. (Also see Exhaustion from, speaking; Listening; Sounds of animals)

  • Professional singer:

    (Chanting; Song) Singing in a dream means falsehood and trouble. Having a beautiful voice in a dream may represent a profitable business. Otherwise, if one sings off key in his dream, it means that he is venturing into a losing business.

    A singer in a dream also represents a wise person, a preacher, or a physician. The location where the singing has taken place in the dream will experience lies, falsehood and separation between beloveds because of jealousy, envy and perfidy. Singing in a dream also connotes evil, disputes and fights.

    If a professional singer, a musician, or a music writer sees himself singing his repertoire in a dream, it means benefits and profits. If the singing is bad, or off key in the dream, then it could mean lack of work, meekness, or it could mean having little opinion about oneself. If one sees himself singing while walking in a dream, it means earning a comfortable livelihood, being content and having a good opinion about oneself.

    Singing in the bathroom or under a shower in a dream means speaking unclear words, or having a dispute. If a rich person sees himself singing in the streets or in a marketplace in a dream, it means a scandal, or it could carry bad connotation. If a poor person or an evil person sees such a dream, it means that he has lost his mind.

    If a pious person sees himself singing in the streets or in a marketplace in a dream, it means that he will witness deceit and trials.

  • Human call:

Practical Ways to Reflect on Your 'I Do' Dream

• Journaling Your Feelings

  One effective way to unpack the meaning of your dream is through journaling. After experiencing the dream, take a few moments to write down your feelings, thoughts, and any vivid details you can recall. Reflecting on these emotions can help you connect the dream's symbolism to your current life.

  Questions to consider might include how you feel about relationships in your life currently, whether you are contemplating a significant commitment, or any specific worries about your social ties. This process can guide you in understanding the profound messages that your subconscious may be communicating. Furthermore, it serves as a creative outlet for managing your feelings, making the dream more meaningful as you explore your hopes and doubts regarding love and commitment.

• Discuss Your Dream with a Trusted Friend

  Sharing your dream with a trusted friend can open up avenues for understanding. Friends often offer perspectives that you may not have considered, nudging you to think about the implications of your dream. They might relate personal experiences or offer advice that resonates with your current situation.

  This discussion could reveal whether your dream reflects a desire for commitment or perhaps a fear of vulnerability in relationships. Engaging in dialogue about relationships with someone who knows you well can lead to deeper insights. They might help you see patterns or themes in your relationship history that relate to your dream and, in turn, encourage you to address any underlying feelings.

  Such conversations serve not only to build connections but also to validate your experiences and thoughts.

• Meditate on Your Relationship Goals

  Meditation can be a powerful tool in interpreting dreams, especially ones related to personal commitments. Set aside some time for quiet reflection, focusing on your current relationships and what 'commitment' means to you. Visualize the scenarios presented in your dream and allow your mind to explore any related fears or aspirations.

  This introspective practice can help clarify your desires surrounding partnerships, be it romantic or platonic. It can lead to insights about whether you are truly ready for a new commitment or if certain fears are holding you back. Meditating on these themes can create a clearer path forward, allowing you to engage with your waking life purposefully and intentionfully.

  Moreover, regular meditation can enhance your overall emotional and spiritual wellbeing, fostering a sense of peace and clarity.

FAQs

• What does it mean if I dream about saying 'I do' but feel anxious?

  Dreaming of saying 'I do' while feeling anxious may signify inner conflict regarding commitment. It suggests that you may be grappling with fears about the future or the expectations tied to relationships. This dream invites you to reflect on your feelings about commitment, be it in romantic partnerships or other life agreements. It might be beneficial to explore what specifically is causing these anxious feelings, allowing you to confront them in your waking life.

• Could dreaming about saying 'I do' mean I'm planning to get married?

  Dreaming of saying 'I do' can indeed reflect your aspirations or thoughts about marriage, whether consciously or subconsciously. If you have been considering marriage or seriously dating someone, this dream could represent your hopes and positive anticipation for the future. However, if you are not currently contemplating marriage, it may symbolize a desire for a commitment in another aspect of your life, such as a career or a personal goal.

• Is saying 'I do' in a dream a sign of a positive change?

  Yes, dreaming about saying 'I do' is often associated with significant life changes or transitions. It can symbolize new beginnings, not just in the context of marriage but also in personal growth and development. This dream can serve as a reminder to embrace new opportunities that align with your values and desires for lasting connections.

• What if I dream of saying 'I do' to someone I don't know?

  Dreaming of saying 'I do' to someone unfamiliar could represent aspects of yourself that you are exploring. This stranger may symbolize new opportunities or challenges in your life. It might also suggest a longing for adventure or a transition that requires embracing the unknown. Reflect on how the unfamiliar connection resonates with you and what feelings arise.

• Does the setting of the dream affect its meaning?

  Absolutely! The setting of the dream can greatly influence its interpretation. A wedding in a serene, beautiful location may symbolize hope and joy in your relationships, while a chaotic setting might reflect inner turmoil regarding commitments. Pay attention to not only who is present but also the feelings and atmosphere surrounding the dream to derive a more accurate meaning.

References