Unlocking the Meaning of Dreams Involving Family Members in Prison

Dreams hold profound meanings, often reflecting our innermost thoughts and feelings. When a family member appears in a dream as if they are imprisoned, it stirs deep emotions and concerns. Such dreams may arise from worries about that family member's state in reality, concerns about personal relationships, or even insecurities regarding one's own freedom and choices.

Moreover, the symbolism of imprisonment often relates to feelings of confinement, helplessness, or the need for empathy. According to the interpretative tradition of Ibni Sirin, dreams serve as messages from the divine, guiding us to explore our subconscious fears and desires. As we delve into the essence of this particular dream, we may discover not only the significance of the symbols involved but also the opportunity for healing and clarity in familial relationships.

Thus, understanding these dreams can illuminate our path towards emotional well-being and communal unity.

• Dreaming of a family member in prison can symbolize emotional confinement or neglect.
• Such dreams may point to concerns about the well-being and freedom of your loved ones.
• Interpreting these dreams can help in understanding family dynamics and personal fears.

Symbols

• kin
  • Regent:

    (God Almighty; Governor; Mayor; President; Royalty; Sultan) The true King is God Almighty. If the king is pleased with someone in a dream, it means that God Almighty is pleased with him, and if the king is angry with him in the dream, it means that God Almighty is displeased with him. If one sees the king frowning in a dream, it means that he fails to properly perform his prayers or show true religious devotion.

    If one sees him smiling in a dream, it means profits in one’s material as well as spiritual life. If one sees that God Almighty has appointed him as a king over a land, it means that he will receive such a regency, should he qualify. Later on, unrest will bring tyrants, or dictators to justice, while people of knowledge and piety will survive and regain their authority.

    If one sees himself as a calif or as an Imam in a dream and should he qualify, it means that he will receive such an honor, rank, trust and fame in the land, though his vice-regency will not become hereditary. However, it is a bad omen if he becomes a calif in the dream and does not qualify for such an appointment. In such a case, and by contrast, he will be humiliated and dispersed, and his own helpers will become his superiors, while his enemies will rejoice at his misfortune.

    If one sees himself as a king in a dream, though in reality he does not qualify, DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 241 it means that he may die quickly, and the same is true if a sick person sees himself turned into a king. If he is healthy, it means that someone in his family may die shortly. Seeing a king in a dream also denotes exposing hidden secrets.

    If a philosopher or a fortuneteller sees himself transformed into a king in a dream, then it denotes glad tidings should he not complain about it in his dream. If a slave sees himself becoming a king in a dream, it means that he will be set free. If one sees himself becoming one of the great kings of this world in a dream, it means that he will attain worldly success in his life, though it will be accompanied with religious failure.

    If the person is a natural con artist, it means that he will be captured and imprisoned. If a man sees himself awarded a knighthood that is suitable only for woman, then it means his death. If one sees the kingreprimandinghim in a dream, it means peace between them.

    If one sees himself arguing a case with knowledge and wisdom before a king in a dream, it means that he will win his case and receive what he came for. If one sees himself complaisant with the king about his case in the dream, it means that he will lose his case and the judgment will go the king’s way. If one sees himself walking with a king and rubbing shoulders with him in the dream, it means that he will oppose the king or disobey him.

    If he sees himself following the king in a dream, it means that he will pursue the king’s traditions during his lifetime or after his death. If one enters the king’s palace prostrating in a dream, it means that he will be appointed in a leadership position and receive the king’s pardon. If one sees himself mixing with the king’s harem, or sleeping with them and should there be signs of comfort, trueness, or wisdom in his act in the dream, it means that he will enter the king’s inner circles.

    Otherwise, should he in the dream fear the consequences of what is happening, or if he lacks trueness, or if he slanders them, or indulges in what is unlawful for him to do, then should he reach the king’s door, it means that he will triumph against his enemies inside that palace, and they can cause no harm to him. If in his dream, the king gives him a gift, it means that he will win victory and honor in his life to equal the value of that gift. If the king gives him a brocaded silk garment in the dream, it means that he will give him a wife from the royal family.

    If the king speaks to someone in a dream, it means honor, fame, wealth after poverty, release from jail, expansion of one’s business, or victory over one’s enemy. If an appointed governor sees himself looking into a mirror in a dream, it means that he will be dismissed from his post. If an appointed king sees someone who looks like him sitting in his throne in a dream, it means that he will beget a son.

    If he divorces his wife in a dream, it means that he will abdicate his throne. To see oneself sleeping with the king in the same bed and without a curtain between them, and if the king leaves the bed while one remains resting therein in the dream, it means that his mixing with the king will incur jealousy, or that he will inherit him. If one leaves the bed before the king, it means that he will escape from a great danger.

    If one sees himself sleeping alone in the king’s bed in a dream, it means that he will marry a woman from the governing family, or that he may spend from his own money for the sake of a woman in that palace. If the bed is in the palace though unknown in the dream, it means that he will become a member of that government. If a king hears his subjects praising him in a dream, it means that he will show good qualities.

    If his subjects shower him with money in a dream, it means that they speak ill of him or cast blame at him. If they shower him with sugar in the dream, it means they speak nicely of him, and if they shower him with stones in the dream, it means that they will speak harshly of him. If one sees the people paying obeisance and bowing to him in a dream, it means that they will stand humbly before him.

    If they prostrate themselves before him in a dream, it means that they truly praise him. If a king sees himself following the opinion of a woman in a dream, it means that he will lose his 242 jLDI^I UUJUXlAll KJ kingdom or fall victim to depression, or that he will be thrown into jail. If he opposes her in the dream, it means that he will escape from a great danger.

    If a king sees himself walking in a dream when a common subject comes near him and whispers something in his ear, the commoner here represents the angel of death ‘Izrail, and it means that the king may die a sudden death. Eating from the hand of one’s servant in a dream represents the growing of one’s authority, increase of his business, knowledge, or wisdom. If a king sees himself preparing a banquet for guests in a dream, it means that his opponents will come to argue their case, though he will win over them.

    If he sees himself placing food on the table in a dream, it means that a messenger will come to see him concerning a dispute. If the food is sweet, then the problem will end nicely. If the food is greasy, then the problem will be a lasting one.

    Sour food then means steadfastness. Eating on the table of a just and a righteous king in a dream means blessings and honor. If the king is seen walking alone in the markets in a dream, it means that he is a humble, just, and a strong ruler.

    A sick king in a dream represents weakness in his faith and injustice toward his subjects. If the king is carried over people’s shoulders in a dream, it means lack of faith and lack of attendance to one’s religious obligations, or weakness in his ruling. If the king dies and does not get buried in a dream, it means that the king and his subjects are deviates.

    If he is buried and the people walk away from his grave in the dream, it means that one will pursue something of no benefit, unless God Almighty decrees otherwise. If one sees the king’s head transformed into a ram’s head in a dream, it means that the king is a just and a kind ruler. If his head is transformed into a dog’s head in the dream, then it represents his vile nature.

    If his chest turns into a stone in the dream, it means that his heart will become like a rock. If one sees his own hand turn into the king’s hand in a dream, it means that he will receive a leadingjob. If one sees the king flying with wings in a dream, it means that his authority will spread.

    If his fingers increase in shape or number in the dream, it means that his greed and injustice will manifest. Any dream about a deceased king will manifest in his successors or in his progeny.

  • Tracing footsteps:

    444 ItJXN SUUKIN'S

  • Acorn:

    (Acorn; Gull; Oak apples) In a dream, gullnuts represent an endowment or a growing capital investment.

• jail
  • Jailer:

    (Blacksmith; Digging) A jailer in a dream represents a grave digger.

  • Hell:

    (arb.; Jahannam. See Hell-fire; Malik; Mental hospital)

  • Tied-up:

    (Fettered; Marriage; Shackled; Tied-up) If one sees his hand tied to his neck in a dream, it means that he does not pay God’s rights upon what he earns. If one’s hand is tied around his neck in a dream, it also could mean that he will desist from wrongdoing. If both hands are tied-up in the dream, it denotes his stinginess.

    If one is captured and handcuffed by the authorities in a dream, it means that he will be thrown into jail or fall into difficulties. Seeing oneself handcuffed in a dream also means marriage, wrongdoing, or hypocrisy. (Also see Bond'; Rancor)

• family member
  • Alimony:

    (Alimony; Maintenance) To provide support for one’s family and relatives in a dream mean prosperity, protection for one’s children and concern for one’s posterity. Whatever expenses one spends to support his family in a dream will be money he will receive in wakefulness. If one finds himself unwillingly giving family support or alimony to his wife in a dream, it means hypocrisy, or that he is nearing his death.

    152 IBN SEERIN’S

  • Maintenance:

    (Alimony; Maintenance) To provide support for one’s family and relatives in a dream mean prosperity, protection for one’s children and concern for one’s posterity. Whatever expenses one spends to support his family in a dream will be money he will receive in wakefulness. If one finds himself unwillingly giving family support or alimony to his wife in a dream, it means hypocrisy, or that he is nearing his death.

    152 IBN SEERIN’S

  • Old man:

    An unknown elderly person in a dream represents one’s good luck, happiness and one’s assiduity and diligence. If the unknown elderly person looks strong in the dream, he represents one’s strength. Otherwise, if he looks feeble, then he represents one’s weakness.

    Whatever physical conditions an elderly person is seen with in the dream, such condition will reflect in one’s own state. If an elderly person comes toward the person seeing the dream, it means that someone will help him attain a praiseworthy rank. If one follows an elderly person in a dream, it means that he follows a good path.

    If one sees an elderly person and displeases him in the dream, it means that he will displease a close friend or reject his advice. If he pleases him in the dream, it means that he will consent with a close good friend and they will walk together on the path to reap material as well as spiritual benefits. If one sees a gathering of friendly people but could not determine whether they are young or elderly in a dream, it means that he will discover new avenues in his life and he will draw material and spiritual benefits from them.

    If he sees a gathering of young people he does not recognize in the dream, it means that he will associate himself with rich people. If he sees a gathering of elderly people he does not recognize in the dream, it means that he will associate himself with good friends. If a woman sees an elderly person she could not recognize in the dream, he represents the world.

    If a young man sees himself turned into an elderly person in a dream, it means that he will acquire knowledge and wisdom. Listening to a good looking elderly person in a dream means receiving honor and rank. If an elderly person sees himself turned young in a dream, it represents his strength, wealth, good living and a healthy life, or it could mean material or religious losses, or it could mean his death.

    If an elderly person sees himself beingborn again in a dream, it means his death. If he is ill, it could represent his attachment to the world, and if he is poor, it could denote his earning. If an elderly person sees himself as a youth in a dream, it could also mean committing a childish act or an unwise act.

    A wise elderly person in a dream represents honor, rank, dignity, wealth, blessings and longevity. On the other hand, seeing an elderly person in a dream could represents failure, weaknesses, defeat, disablement or inertness.

• prison
  • Prison:

    (Cage) Imprisonment in a dream means benefits, money and comfort. It also could mean the reversal of one’s condition for the worst. Becoming a prisoner in a dream also could mean making unnecessary and wasted efforts to unveil a secret.

    In general, prison in a dream means difficulties and humiliation. If one sees a known personality or a government administrator imprisoned or jailed, it could mean the same. If one sees himself incarcerated in a large prison in a dream, it means that he will stand before a strong person who will delegate an important responsibility to him, and from which he will gain spiritual advancement.

    If he is incarcerated in an unknown jail which is built from plaster in a dream, then it represents his grave. If one sees himself locked and tied-up inside a house in a dream, it means a positive advancement in his life. If in such a place one sees himself being tortured in a dream, it means that his benefits and profits will be greater.

    If a woman sees herself imprisoned in a dream, it means that she will marry an important person or an older person. If in one’s dream the prison is administered by a religious authority, it means that one correctly prescribes to his religion. If it is a civil prison, then it means adver¬ sities, sufferings and distress caused by hypocrisy and by blaming others.

    An unknown prison in a dream means the world. A prison in a dream also represents an ill-natured wife, a difficult cause, silence, or controlling one’s tongue, the perfidy of one’s enemy, accusations, allegations, associating with rich people, one’s grave, suspension of travels because of an illness, losing one’s 342 1U1\ U drive, poverty, or unhappiness. Entering a prison in a dream also means longevity, or reuniting with one’s beloved.

    If one chooses to live in a sanctuary away from people in a dream, it means that he will be protected from sin. If a sick person leaves his prison cell in a dream, it means that he will recover from his illness. If a prisoner sees the gates of his jail open, or if there is a hole in the wall, or a ray of light, or if the ceiling of one’s prison disappears and he can see the skies and stars above him, or if he can see them through the walls of his cell in a dream, it means that he will escape from jail.

    A prison in a dream also represents the safe return of a traveller, or the death of a sick person. If one sees himself imprisoned and tide-up by someone in authority in a dream, it repre¬ sents adversities he wishes for them to be removed. Walking out of such an imprisonment in a dream means relief from such adversities If one is travelling, it means that he is a heedless, and if he is sick, it means that his sickness is a prolonged one.

    It is also said that imprisonment in a dream may mean that one’s prayers are answered and that his difficulties and distress will be removed. If one sees himself incarcerated in an unknown jail of an unknown location and whose dwellers have uncommon appearance in a dream, such a prison then represents his grave. If a sick person sees himself walking out of an unknown prison, or out of a tiny house into a large open space in a dream, it means that he will recover from his illness and fully enjoy his life.

    If one sees himself incarcerated in a prison he does not recognize in a dream, it means that he will marry a woman through whom he will prosper and have children. If one sees himself tied-up inside his own house in a dream, it means that he will profit and witness blessings that will show in his household members. If one who is experiencing difficulties in his life sees himself tied-up to a chair or to a wall in a dream, it means that his problems and fears will be dispelled.

    If one sees himself building a prison in a dream, it means that he will meet a righteous man, or an Imam who will guide him on the straight path. A prison in a dream also represents paralysis, arrogance, self-deception, or incarcerating troublesome people. If one sees a deceased person in jail in a dream, it means that he is in hell.

    If one sees himself imprisoned in a dream, it also means that he may enter a forbidden place, a house of a prostitution, or a tavern.

  • Prison guard:

    In a dream, a prison guard represents repercussions that could influence the veiling or unveiling of secrets.

  • Cage:

    (Cradle; House; Prison) In a dream, a cage represents a prison, a cradle or a house. Entering one’s head into a cage while walking in the markets in a dream means selling one’s house. A cage in a dream also signifies complications.

    Seeing a cage inside a courthouse in a dream means marriage.

• penitentiary
  • Prison:

    (Cage) Imprisonment in a dream means benefits, money and comfort. It also could mean the reversal of one’s condition for the worst. Becoming a prisoner in a dream also could mean making unnecessary and wasted efforts to unveil a secret.

    In general, prison in a dream means difficulties and humiliation. If one sees a known personality or a government administrator imprisoned or jailed, it could mean the same. If one sees himself incarcerated in a large prison in a dream, it means that he will stand before a strong person who will delegate an important responsibility to him, and from which he will gain spiritual advancement.

    If he is incarcerated in an unknown jail which is built from plaster in a dream, then it represents his grave. If one sees himself locked and tied-up inside a house in a dream, it means a positive advancement in his life. If in such a place one sees himself being tortured in a dream, it means that his benefits and profits will be greater.

    If a woman sees herself imprisoned in a dream, it means that she will marry an important person or an older person. If in one’s dream the prison is administered by a religious authority, it means that one correctly prescribes to his religion. If it is a civil prison, then it means adver¬ sities, sufferings and distress caused by hypocrisy and by blaming others.

    An unknown prison in a dream means the world. A prison in a dream also represents an ill-natured wife, a difficult cause, silence, or controlling one’s tongue, the perfidy of one’s enemy, accusations, allegations, associating with rich people, one’s grave, suspension of travels because of an illness, losing one’s 342 1U1\ U drive, poverty, or unhappiness. Entering a prison in a dream also means longevity, or reuniting with one’s beloved.

    If one chooses to live in a sanctuary away from people in a dream, it means that he will be protected from sin. If a sick person leaves his prison cell in a dream, it means that he will recover from his illness. If a prisoner sees the gates of his jail open, or if there is a hole in the wall, or a ray of light, or if the ceiling of one’s prison disappears and he can see the skies and stars above him, or if he can see them through the walls of his cell in a dream, it means that he will escape from jail.

    A prison in a dream also represents the safe return of a traveller, or the death of a sick person. If one sees himself imprisoned and tide-up by someone in authority in a dream, it repre¬ sents adversities he wishes for them to be removed. Walking out of such an imprisonment in a dream means relief from such adversities If one is travelling, it means that he is a heedless, and if he is sick, it means that his sickness is a prolonged one.

    It is also said that imprisonment in a dream may mean that one’s prayers are answered and that his difficulties and distress will be removed. If one sees himself incarcerated in an unknown jail of an unknown location and whose dwellers have uncommon appearance in a dream, such a prison then represents his grave. If a sick person sees himself walking out of an unknown prison, or out of a tiny house into a large open space in a dream, it means that he will recover from his illness and fully enjoy his life.

    If one sees himself incarcerated in a prison he does not recognize in a dream, it means that he will marry a woman through whom he will prosper and have children. If one sees himself tied-up inside his own house in a dream, it means that he will profit and witness blessings that will show in his household members. If one who is experiencing difficulties in his life sees himself tied-up to a chair or to a wall in a dream, it means that his problems and fears will be dispelled.

    If one sees himself building a prison in a dream, it means that he will meet a righteous man, or an Imam who will guide him on the straight path. A prison in a dream also represents paralysis, arrogance, self-deception, or incarcerating troublesome people. If one sees a deceased person in jail in a dream, it means that he is in hell.

    If one sees himself imprisoned in a dream, it also means that he may enter a forbidden place, a house of a prostitution, or a tavern.

  • Hell:

    (arb.; Jahannam. See Hell-fire; Malik; Mental hospital)

  • Nerve center:

    In a dream, the inquisitional court represents the heart of all problems, or the nerve center of worldly adversities.

• relative
  • Confident:

    (Companion. See Book; Secret)

  • Corona Borealis:

    Correspondence; (Affinity; Concord; Likeness) Exchanging correspondence be¬ tween two friends in a dream means longevity, for it means joining two destinies and it means comfort and happiness each one gets from his friend.

  • Strap:

    (See Bond')

Practical Tips to Navigate Your Dream's Meanings

• Reflect on Your Relationships

  Begin by considering your relationship with the family member featured in your dream. Are there unresolved issues or feelings of neglect? Dreaming of a loved one in prison can often signify emotional distance or a lack of communication.

  Take this opportunity to reach out, express your feelings, and strengthen your bond. Reflecting on your interactions might help you identify areas needing attention and healing. Maintain open lines of communication, as this can alleviate fears of separation or misunderstanding, fostering a closer relationship.

• Consider Personal Freedom

  When interpreting dreams about imprisonment, it's essential to reflect on your sense of freedom. Do you feel trapped in any aspect of your life? This dream may be urging you to consider if you’re allowing external factors to confine you.

  Seek ways to express your authentic self, whether through creative outlets, new experiences, or personal development. By addressing your feelings of entrapment, you can cultivate a sense of freedom, both for yourself and perhaps for your family member in the dream.

• Journal Your Thoughts

  Keeping a dream journal can be notably beneficial. Write down your dreams, emphasizing the emotions and symbols you encountered. This practice not only helps solidify the memory of the dreams but also uncovers patterns over time.

  As you reflect on these entries, you may identify recurring themes or connections to your waking life that require attention. Journaling offers clarity and may lead you to deeper insights regarding your family relationships and personal fears.

FAQs

• What does it mean if I dream of a family member in prison?

  Dreaming of a family member in prison often symbolizes emotional confinement or unresolved tensions within family dynamics. It may reflect your worries about their well-being or your own feelings of restriction. Dreams serve as mirrors of our inner state, guiding us towards areas where we may need to foster connection and healing.

• Could this dream indicate a fear of losing my loved one?

  Yes, such dreams may signify your subconscious fears about losing emotional connection with that family member or even concerns about their safety and situation. Exploring these feelings through conversation and shared experiences can deepen your bond.

• How can I interpret recurring dreams about a family member in prison?

  Recurring dreams often point to unresolved issues or consistent emotional patterns. Consider what these dreams evoke for you each time. Reflect on your current relationship with the family member and any ongoing challenges you might face. Seeking professional guidance or engaging in open discussions can be beneficial.

• Is there a spiritual significance behind this dream?

  From a spiritual standpoint, such dreams may be messages from the divine urging you to evaluate your family's relationships and your emotional state. They beckon you to seek healing, understanding, and support within your familial connections.

• What should I do if I feel anxious after such a dream?

  Feeling anxious after dreaming of a family member imprisoned is valid and can indicate underlying concerns. It is essential to acknowledge these feelings. Engage in calming activities, like meditation or talking about your fears with someone trusted. Addressing your anxiety head-on can lead to greater peace and understanding.

References