Dreaming of an ostrich: Meaning and Islamic interpretations

By Bilge Türk | Dreams Wisdom

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Islamic scholars and classical dream interpreters state that seeing an ostrich in a dream generally symbolizes great blessings, a long life, and the opening of doors for sustenance in one’s worldly life.

The specific context of the ostrich in a dream—whether one is riding it, finding its eggs, or possessing its feathers—significantly shifts the interpretation from financial gain and a blessed marriage to long-distance travel or attaining a high official position.

Riding an ostrich and travel interpretations

According to classical Islamic sources, riding an ostrich is interpreted in two primary ways. One interpretation suggests the dreamer will embark on a long journey through a desert and return safely. Diyanet commentators specify that seeing oneself flying on an ostrich and landing safely indicates a journey from which the traveler will return in security.

Another interpretation, however, serves as a warning regarding "forbidden wealth." Molla Cami and Ihya emphasize that individuals dreaming of riding an ostrich should be cautious about obtaining assets through non-halal means.

Molla Cami and Ihya: Long life and blessings

Molla Cami notes that anyone seeing an ostrich in their home is likely to have a long and fruitful life. In the Ihya dream interpretations, the ostrich is linked to goodness coming from state officials; if the person is qualified, it may signify being appointed as a judge, or otherwise attaining an important government role. The feathers of an ostrich are defined as worldly goods and wealth.

Nablusi: The Bedouin figure and righteous servants

Nablusi interprets the ostrich as a symbolic representation of a Bedouin woman, while a male ostrich represents a Bedouin man. Nablusi also mentions that slaughtering an ostrich in a dream may indicate marriage to a young woman. Furthermore, encountering an ostrich egg suggests that the dreamer will meet a righteous woman.

Kirmani and Seyyid Süleyman: Benevolent spouses and sustenance

According to Kirmani, someone who buys or possesses an ostrich may marry a generous and wealthy woman. Seyyid Süleyman describes a female ostrich as a "charitable spouse" and a male ostrich as a "benevolent man." Carrying an ostrich on one's back indicates that luck will find the dreamer and they will obtain sustenance without excessive effort.

Ibn Sirin and Allame Meclisi on spiritual seclusion

Ibn Sirin evaluates catching a female ostrich directly as a herald of marriage. Allame Meclisi offers a different perspective, viewing the ostrich as a sign of someone who retreats into seclusion and distances themselves from society. According to Meclisi, killing an ostrich suggests the dreamer will overcome a powerful and great personality.

Because ostriches are sometimes characterized as "deaf" in traditional lore, some interpreters also link this dream to encountering someone who does not listen to advice or is literally hard of hearing.

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