Between the "Weak Enemy" and "OCD".. An Encyclopedic Comprehensive Reading 1. Introduction: The Philosophy of the "Small Harmful Thing" In the complex tapestry of dreams, crawling creatures and small insects occupy a special and disturbing place. Humans naturally fear what they cannot see clearly, or what hides in crevices to ambush them. Insects and scorpions in dreams are not merely biological creatures; they are the physical embodiment of "hidden animosities," "poisonous words," and "intrusive thoughts." The symbol here carries the significance of "harm coming from those considered insignificant." A lion is frightening for its power, while a scorpion is frightening for its treachery, poison, and small size. In interpretive heritage, these creatures are linked to "base people" and "slanderers" who spoil the affection between hearts. In this comprehensive reference, we will dissect these visions based on the three masters of interpretation: Ibn Sirin , Al-Nabulsi , and Ibn Shaheen , while deeply integrating modern psychological analysis and heritage stories, to understand: are these visions merely psychological alerts or warnings of real-life disputes? 2. General Interpretation (Perspective of the Three Scholars) The three scholars agree that the basic principle of insects and scorpions is "Enmity and Annoyance," but they differ in defining the "nature" of this enemy and its source. Ibn Sirin (The Imam of Symbols): Ibn Sirin views the Scorpion as a "weak enemy with no religion," but harmful with his tongue (Gossip/Namima). He is a person who does not differentiate between friend and foe; his nature is treachery. As for Insects (like beetles, cockroaches, etc.), for Ibn Sirin, they symbolize a "heavy, detested enemy" or "overwhelming worries." Ibn Sirin grounds his opinion on the fact that insects multiply and spread, indicating the multitude of mobs or bad speech that spreads quickly and cannot be controlled. Al-Nabulsi (The Mystic Scholar): Al-Nabulsi specifically links the Scorpion to the "Tongue." He says: "The scorpion is a slanderous man who kills his relatives with his tongue." He connects the scorpion to "worry and distress" resulting from poor choices in relationships. As for insects and vermin, he views them sometimes as "soldiers of Satan," or indications of Envy (Hasad) and the Evil Eye, especially if they are black and crawling in large numbers, based on the fact that vermin eat from the earth's bounty and spoil it. Ibn Shaheen (The Scrutinizer): Ibn Shaheen differentiates based on "Harm." He sees the scorpion as an enemy weak in determination but strong in cunning. He distinguishes between flying insects (like mosquitoes and flies), interpreted as enemies hovering around the dreamer causing headaches and lack of rest, and crawling insects indicating enemies residing with or mixing with the dreamer. He adds: "Harmful insects are the lowest of people; there is no good in their company or their vision." 3. Positive Interpretation: Victory and Booty Despite the gloom of the symbol, specific cases carry good tidings, mostly linked to "Control" or "Benefit": Conquering the Enemy (Killing the Scorpion/Insect): The three scholars agree that killing a scorpion is a crushing victory over a cunning enemy and revealing hidden plots. Killing insects is getting rid of debts, healing from illness, or expelling intrusive people. Money from the Enemy (Eating the Scorpion): Ibn Sirin and Ibn Shaheen say: "Whoever sees himself eating grilled scorpion meat obtains money from his enemy without right (backbiting) or an inheritance from a hateful person." Eating here symbolizes absorbing the enemy's strength. Harnessing Opponents: Catching a scorpion by hand without being stung means the dreamer possesses the ability to handle enemies wisely (Al-Nabulsi). Bees and Ants (Positive Exception): Bees interpret as provision and healing. Ants interpret as soldiers, numerous offspring, and provision if seen entering the house carrying food (Ibn Sirin). 4. Negative Interpretation: Poisons of Treachery and Invasion of Worries This is the core of the symbol: The Sting: Scorpion Sting: Harm to the dreamer's money or a calamity, possibly "hurtful words" stabbing his honor (Ibn Sirin). Insect Sting: If swollen, it is money collected with difficulty. If pain without swelling, it is hearing bad words without being able to reply. Insects in Bed/Clothes: In Bed : Corruption of the wife or betrayal, or sexual/psychological problems between spouses. In Clothes : An enemy from the household corrupting the dreamer's religion and eating from his provision while harboring evil (Al-Nabulsi). Exiting the Body: From nose/ear: Bad speech spoken by the dreamer, or disobedient children causing trouble. From the anus: Grandchildren or offspring who will be enemies (Ibn Shaheen). Burning Scorpions: Seeing a scorpion burning in your house is the death of an enemy or salvation from magic/envy (Ibn Sirin). 5. Interpretation by Dreamer's State Single Woman: A deceitful person approaching her under the guise of love but intending harm to her reputation. The sting is an emotional shock or betrayal by a close friend (gossip). Married Woman: The Scorpion often symbolizes "In-laws" or "Relatives" interfering to spoil her life. Black scorpions in the house may indicate magic of separation. Insects are accumulated daily worries. Pregnant Woman: Mostly psychological anxiety for the fetus. Killing a scorpion is a sign of safe delivery. Divorced Woman: Insects represent painful memories or harassment from the ex-husband. The scorpion is a greedy man trying to exploit her loneliness. Man: A scorpion is a dishonorable business rival. Insects in the workplace indicate administrative failure or small debts. 6. Psychological Analysis (Freud & Jung) Freud (Sexual Repression & Guilt): Links insects/scorpions to repressed, frightening sexual symbols. A sting may symbolize guilt over forbidden desires or fear of punishment (symbolic castration). Small insects symbolize nagging thoughts (Obsessions). Jung (The Shadow): Insects represent the "Autonomic Nervous System"—primal instincts we fear. Insects invading a space mean unconscious forces threatening the organized mind. The Scorpion represents "The Shadow"; the dark, toxic side of the dreamer's own personality. Behavioral Psychology: Dreaming of "creeping" things (Formication) is often a reflection of "Generalized Anxiety" or nervous exhaustion. 7. Complex Visions (Symbol Interplay) Scorpion from Water: Treachery appearing during times of prosperity. Scorpion with Human Features: An enemy is a very well-known person; the mask has fallen. Insects turning into Monsters: A small problem neglected until it became a threat. Raining Insects: General punishment, high prices, or epidemic. 8. Stories from Heritage It is told that a man came to Ibn Sirin saying: "I saw myself sweeping my house, and many dead scorpions came out." Ibn Sirin asked: "Do you have enemies or bad neighbors?" The man said: "Yes, they hurt me with their tongues." Ibn Sirin said: "Rejoice, for God has sufficed you against their evil; their death is their despair of harming you." This came true as his neighbors moved away. 9. Modern Interpretations Viruses: Tiny insects invading the home/office may symbolize computer viruses or hacking. Electronic Flies: Attacks by flying insects may symbolize a smear campaign on social media. Toxic Environment: A scorpion in the office represents a colleague reporting to the boss to entrap you. 10. Etiquette/Actionable Advice Seek Refuge: Say "A'udhu billah" and spit dryly to the left. Silence: Do not tell anyone, especially those you suspect. Ruqyah: Read Surah Al-Baqarah, as these visions often link to Envy. Check Relationships: Identify "gossips" and cut them off with secrecy. Cleanliness: Check physical hygiene; the dream might be a health alert. 11. Conclusion Scorpions and insects in dreams are not just fleeting nightmares; they are "Early Warning Systems." Ibn Sirin teaches us they are "Treachery of the Weak," Al-Nabulsi warns of "Harvests of Tongues," and Psychology warns of "Toxic Thoughts." In summary: If you see the scorpion killed, sleep soundly for you have won. If you see it alive crawling towards you, wake up to every word you say and who enters your home.