The Symbolic Meaning of Rain in Dreams: A Deep Dive

Dreaming of rain busting drought can be a powerful experience symbolic of renewal, hope, and spiritual rejuvenation. In many cultures, rain is viewed as a blessing, especially after a period of dryness or hardship. This dream often reflects our inner emotional states and can indicate a longing for relief from stress, anxiety, or life’s burdens.

From an Islamic perspective, rain signifies mercy and indicates that blessings are on their way. It suggests the fulfillment of desires and can symbolize fertility and growth. When you experience such dreams, it’s essential to reflect on your current life circumstances, as they may hold the key to understanding your innermost feelings.

Whether it provides comfort, relief, or joy, dreams of rain can guide you through personal transformations and emotional healing.

• Rain in dreams may symbolize emotional renewal and relief from stress.
• Busting a drought represents overcoming hardships or obstacles in life.
• These dreams can indicate hope, fertility, and spiritual growth.

Symbols

• precipitation
  • Drizzling:
  • Sweat:

    (Offensive odor; Sweat) In a dream, perspiration means recovering from an illness, or it could represent the stench of death. As for a healthy person, perspiration means work, or a service followed by a wretched life. Perspiration in a dream also represents the common adversities in one’s life.

    If one sees himself sweating profusely in a dream, it means that he will fulfill his goals, or satisfy his needs. Perspiration under one’s armpit that produces an offensive odor in a dream represents an ailment or a plague. As for a governor, a merchant, or a tradesman, such a stench in a dream means hoarding money in an ugly way.

    Perspiration in a dream also means losing money, paying taxes, or toiling. DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 327

  • Dampness:

    (Dampness; Moisture) In a dream, the morning dew means glad tidings, liberality, generosity and openhandedness. The same interpretation is given for hail and drizzles.

• rain
  • Drizzling:
  • Trench coat:

    (Overcoat; Trench coat) In a dream, a raincoat means comfort, superi¬ ority, backing, cooperation and strength. As for a merchant, wearing a raincoat in a dream means prominence, distinction and fame in his field. Wearing a heavy raincoat in a dream means profits in one’s material and spiritual life.

    Wearing a cotton overcoat in a dream means lesser benefits. Wearing silk brocaded overcoat in a dream signifies attachment to one’s worldly gains and disregard for one’s religious and spiritual benefits. Being the only person who is wearing an overcoat or a raincoat in a dream means becoming poor and mixing with good people by displaying praiseworthy qualities.

  • Rain:

    (Clouds; Drizzling; Life; Vapor; Water) If no harm or destruction is caused by a rainstorm in a dream, then it means blessings, profits and mercy. Rain in a dream also represents life, an earthly being, or fulfillment of a promise. If the rain falls exclusively on a particular location in a dream, it means sorrow and distress for its dwellers, or it could mean the loss of a beloved.

    If one sees rain falling exclusively over his house in a dream, it means personal blessings. Otherwise, it he sees it falling over the whole town in the dream, it means blessings for everyone. Rain falling exclusively over one’s house in a dream also means that someone will fall sick in that house, or suffer from a debilitating and excruciating pain.

    If the skies rain stones or blood in a dream, it means calamities and punishment for people’s sins. If it rains dust or sand in a dream, it represents an unjust ruler in that locality. If the skies rain dirt without dust, it also means prosperity and a good harvest.

    If a traveller sees rain in a dream, it means hindrances along his journey. A destructive rainstorm in a dream denotes dishonesty, cheating with measures, or the spread of sodomy in the DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 351 community. Seeing a destructive rainstorm tearing down structures, destroying homes and pulling down tress in a dream represents a punishment for the corruption and sins of the dwellers of that place.

    A good rain in a dream could mean reconciliation with one’s enemy, or it could mean helping a needy person. Rain in a dream also represents a caravan of camels, and a caravan of camels in a dream represents rain. A good rain in a dream also means prosperity, happiness, refilling wells with rainwater, the gushing forth of springs with sweet, fresh and pure waters.

    Rain in a dream also means reviving an old and a stagnant matter, or it could mean benefits, profits, blessings, relief from distress, payment of debts, or feeling relief. In a dream, a good rain means blessings, a good harvest and profits for a farmer. If the skies rain honey, butter, oil, or food people like in the dream, it means blessings for everyone.

    Rain in a dream also represent mercy from God Almighty, a helping hand, knowledge, wisdom, the Qur’an, rejuvenation, revival, resurrection and life. If one sees himself standing under a cover, a roof, or behind a wall to take shelter from a rainfall in a dream, it means that he may suffer because of someone slandering him. If the rain falls in season in one’s dream, it means roadblock barring travels, business losses, inability to get medicine for a sick person because of one’s poverty, or it could mean imprisonment.

    If one washes himself in the rain, or takes a ritual ablution to perform his prayers, or washes his face with it, or washes away filth in a dream, it means repentance from sin, receiving spiritual guidance, or abolishing religious innovations and polytheism from one’s heart. If he is poor, it means that God Almighty will enrich him and satisfy his needs, or if he needed something from a ruler or a governor, it means that his request will be answered favorably. Drinking from rainwater and if it is clear and pure in the dream, it means receiving blessings and benefits.

    If the water is dirty and polluted in the dream, it means a sickness.

• downpour
  • Drizzling:
  • Trench coat:

    (Overcoat; Trench coat) In a dream, a raincoat means comfort, superi¬ ority, backing, cooperation and strength. As for a merchant, wearing a raincoat in a dream means prominence, distinction and fame in his field. Wearing a heavy raincoat in a dream means profits in one’s material and spiritual life.

    Wearing a cotton overcoat in a dream means lesser benefits. Wearing silk brocaded overcoat in a dream signifies attachment to one’s worldly gains and disregard for one’s religious and spiritual benefits. Being the only person who is wearing an overcoat or a raincoat in a dream means becoming poor and mixing with good people by displaying praiseworthy qualities.

  • Torrent:

    (Inundation; Tumultuous outburst. See Flood)

• water shortage
  • Reservoir:

    (Artificial lake; Farm pond; Ombrometer; Ombrograh; Pluviometer; Rain gauge; Reservoir) The water level of an artificial lake or a reservoir in a dream represents God’s mercy, blessings, rain, celebrations, festivals, a wed¬ ding, the pilgrimage season, a good harvest, or the governor’s mansion. Seeing the city’s reservoir full to capacity means glad tidings and prosperity. If one finds the water level low, and if the waterside is covered with crusts, mildew, decay and produces a fetid odor in the dream, it means drought and adversities.

    The city’s reservoir in a dream also represents its governor. Whatever condition it portrays in the dream, be it good or bad, will be exhibited in his work. In a dream, all gauges that are used in measuring the water level have the same interpretation.

  • Ombrograh:

    (Artificial lake; Farm pond; Ombrometer; Ombrograh; Pluviometer; Rain gauge; Reservoir) The water level of an artificial lake or a reservoir in a dream represents God’s mercy, blessings, rain, celebrations, festivals, a wed¬ ding, the pilgrimage season, a good harvest, or the governor’s mansion. Seeing the city’s reservoir full to capacity means glad tidings and prosperity. If one finds the water level low, and if the waterside is covered with crusts, mildew, decay and produces a fetid odor in the dream, it means drought and adversities.

    The city’s reservoir in a dream also represents its governor. Whatever condition it portrays in the dream, be it good or bad, will be exhibited in his work. In a dream, all gauges that are used in measuring the water level have the same interpretation.

  • Artificial lake:

    (Artificial lake; Farm pond; Ombrometer; Ombrograh; Pluviometer; Rain gauge; Reservoir) The water level of an artificial lake or a reservoir in a dream represents God’s mercy, blessings, rain, celebrations, festivals, a wed¬ ding, the pilgrimage season, a good harvest, or the governor’s mansion. Seeing the city’s reservoir full to capacity means glad tidings and prosperity. If one finds the water level low, and if the waterside is covered with crusts, mildew, decay and produces a fetid odor in the dream, it means drought and adversities.

    The city’s reservoir in a dream also represents its governor. Whatever condition it portrays in the dream, be it good or bad, will be exhibited in his work. In a dream, all gauges that are used in measuring the water level have the same interpretation.

• dry spell
  • Dryness:

    (Desire; Thirst) Body dryness or lack of humidity whether it affects the human being or even tree leaves in a dream means discomfort, poverty or living a wretched life. In a dream, feeling dry means stagnation of businesses, dullness of the real estate markets and unsalableness of farm products. Dryness in a dream also means poverty, slump, recession or yearning for a beloved, desiring and missing him.

  • Drizzling:
  • Forlorn:

    (Empty; Forlorn; Wretched) A deserted and empty place in a dream signifies poverty or lack of food or sustenance for one’s household. An empty place in a dream also could signify distress and trouble.

• drought
  • Dryness:

    (Desire; Thirst) Body dryness or lack of humidity whether it affects the human being or even tree leaves in a dream means discomfort, poverty or living a wretched life. In a dream, feeling dry means stagnation of businesses, dullness of the real estate markets and unsalableness of farm products. Dryness in a dream also means poverty, slump, recession or yearning for a beloved, desiring and missing him.

  • Dearth:

    (Dearth; Scarcity) If one sees the rulers of his country suffering from a famine in a dream, it represents their greed, terrorization of their subjects and the sufferings of the people. If one sees scholars suffering from a famine in a dream, it signifies their thirst or lust for knowledge.

  • Scarcity:

    (Dearth; Scarcity) If one sees the rulers of his country suffering from a famine in a dream, it represents their greed, terrorization of their subjects and the sufferings of the people. If one sees scholars suffering from a famine in a dream, it signifies their thirst or lust for knowledge.

Practical Tips for Interpreting Rain Dreams

• Reflect on Your Current Life Situations

  When you experience dreams of rain breaking a drought, consider your emotional state and current life challenges. Think about any struggles you have faced recently, whether personal, professional, or relational. The rain in your dream may symbolically represent the potential end of these struggles.

  Create a journal to track your dreams and analyze their patterns. This reflection can reveal underlying feelings and help you identify areas where you’re seeking relief or change in your life.

• Seek Spiritual Guidance

  In times of confusion or uncertainty, it is beneficial to turn to spiritual leaders or trusted figures within your community for guidance. Consider discussing your dream with someone who has knowledge in interpreting dreams within your cultural context. Consulting with individuals who have 'ilim,' or knowledge, can provide you deeper insights and help you understand the spiritual implications of your dreams.

  Also, engage in prayer or meditation to connect with your spiritual self and receive clarity about your feelings and situations.

• Embrace Change and New Beginnings

  Dreams of rain often symbolize new beginnings and opportunities for growth. Use this insight to approach your waking life with an open mind. If you have been hesitant about making changes or starting fresh projects, let the insights from your dream encourage you.

  Visualize yourself moving forward with optimism and faith in your abilities. Setting new goals or resolutions based on the positive energy derived from your dreams can help align your actions with your aspirations and encourage personal growth.

FAQs

• What does it mean to dream of heavy rain ending a drought?

  Dreaming of heavy rain that ends a drought usually signifies a relief from emotional turmoil or distress. It suggests that you are perhaps overcoming a challenging period in your life and signifies the arrival of blessings and positive changes. This dream can also indicate that you’re ready to embrace new opportunities that come along.

• Can rain in dreams have negative connotations?

  While rain often symbolizes positivity, it can also reflect feelings of overwhelm, sadness, or repressed emotions. If the rain feels too heavy or stormy during your dream, it may indicate feelings of being burdened or unable to cope with current pressures. Such dreams encourage self-reflection to better understand the emotions driving these feelings.

• What if I dream of rain while feeling sad?

  Dreaming of rain while experiencing sadness can reflect your emotional state. It might indicate that you’re longing for purification or release from the pain you're enduring. Rain in this context can serve as a symbol of cleansing, suggesting it may be time to confront and process your feelings to facilitate healing.

• Is there a specific interpretation of rain dreams in Islam?

  In Islamic tradition, rain is seen as a sign of mercy and blessings from Allah. Dreaming of rain is generally considered positive and may symbolize an impending alleviation of struggles or the fulfillment of prayers. It encourages the dreamer to remain hopeful and trust in divine timing and providence.

• How can I remember my dreams better?

  To improve dream recall, try keeping a dream journal by your bedside. Upon waking, write down any details you remember, no matter how small. This practice not only aids memory but also helps you identify patterns or recurring themes in your dreams, lending deeper insight into their meanings.

References

• Ibni Sirin’s interpretations on rain dreams
• Cultural significance of rain in various traditions
• Journal of Psychological Dream Analysis