Dreaming of crying in Islam: meaning
In classical Islamic interpretation crying in a dream is surprisingly often favourable. Quiet crying, without wailing or tearing your clothes, is read as relief: a worry falling away, joy coming.
Within this tradition
In the works attributed to Ibn Sirin a distinction is made that surprises many people. Someone who cries quietly in a dream, with tears but without lamenting, would be heading for relief: a worry falling away, a trial ending, or joy after sorrow. Loud wailing, complaining or tearing your clothes is read more heavily, as sorrow or setback.
That distinction fits how Islam deals with mourning. Tears are permitted and human: according to tradition the Prophet wept for his son Ibrahim and said that the eye weeps and the heart grieves, but that he says only what pleases his Lord. What the tradition advises against is lamenting that goes against God's decree.
Crying out of awe for God, for example when reading the Quran or in prayer, is read especially favourably: a soft heart and nearness to God. Someone who cries for a deceased person in a dream can read it as love and as an encouragement to pray for that person.
As always in tabir: someone with a lot of sorrow during the day dreams about it too. Such a dream comes from what occupies the soul and above all asks for comfort.
Common variations
Crying quietly without lamenting
Classically favourable: relief, a worry falling away.
Loud wailing or complaining
Read more heavily, as sorrow or setback. A possibility, not a certainty.
Crying while reading the Quran
Especially favourable: a soft heart and nearness to God.
Crying for a deceased person
Love, and an encouragement to pray for that person.
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Write your dream in the appFrequently asked questions
Why is quiet crying in a dream favourable?
Classical interpreters read tears without lamenting as relief: after sorrow comes ease.
Is crying allowed in Islam?
Yes. According to tradition the Prophet wept for his son. What is advised against is lamenting against God's decree.
What does it mean when a deceased person cries in your dream?
Classical interpreters often read it as a request for prayer and charity on that person's behalf. It is an encouragement to remember the deceased, not a judgement about where that person is now.
What can you do after a heavy crying dream?
The tradition advises seeking refuge in God, not telling the dream around, and seeking comfort from people you trust.