Introduction: The Burning Duality Between Light and Destruction Since Prometheus stole fire in ancient mythology, and since early humans learned to strike flint, "Fire" has remained the most powerful, terrifying, and captivating symbol in human consciousness. In the world of dreams, fire does not appear in vain; it is a heavy guest bearing urgent messages that cannot be postponed. It is the only element that cannot be touched, and the element that consumes what it encounters, yet at the same time, it is the source of warmth, light, and cooking food. As for "Smoke," it is fire's shadow and mysterious companion. If fire is the burning truth, smoke is the ambiguity, confusion, and the aftermath of disasters. The convergence of fire and smoke in a dream forms a surreal image reflecting a state of internal boiling within the dreamer, or a harbinger of danger coming from the outside. In this extensive article, we will dissect these two symbols (Fire and Smoke) with a precise scalpel, relying exclusively on the pillars of dream interpretation in Islamic heritage: Ibn Sirin, Al-Nabulsi, and Ibn Shaheen , to unveil whether your internal fires are fuel for success or a warning of combustion. II. General Interpretation (Ibn Sirin – Al-Nabulsi – Ibn Shaheen) The three scholars agreed that fire is interpreted as "The Sultan" (Ruling Power), "War," and "Punishment," and sometimes "Guidance," while smoke is interpreted as "Terror" and "Ambiguity." 1. Ibn Sirin's View (Fire as Authority and Punishment): Ibn Sirin establishes a fundamental rule: "Fire is an unjust ruler due to its destructive nature, and it is God's punishment for disbelievers." Whoever sees fire consuming them or surrounding them is falling into a sin that warrants punishment, or is being oppressed by a tyrannical ruler. However, Ibn Sirin sees another face of fire; if it is a calm fire that lights up without harm, it is "Security and Guidance," by analogy to the fire of Moses (peace be upon him) which he perceived at Mount Tur. Smoke, for Ibn Sirin, is "terror and torment" if it blocks vision. 2. Al-Nabulsi's View (Fire as Omen and Warning): Sheikh Abdul Ghani Al-Nabulsi expands on social connotations. For him, fire is "Sedition" (Fitna) that occurs among people. If the fire has a sound, clamor, and sparks, it is a war of words or actual fighting. As for smoke, Al-Nabulsi views it as "Ugly Speech" or false news that causes panic. Al-Nabulsi also believes fire may represent "Jinn" because they were created from it. 3. Ibn Shaheen's View (Fire as Love and Disease): Ibn Shaheen adds a health and emotional dimension. Fire may indicate "Hot Diseases" like fever and smallpox (especially if smoke exits the body). He also sees that fire which does not burn is "Love and Longing" in the dreamer's heart. Smoke, for Ibn Shaheen, is worry and distress coming from a boss or manager, and the dissipation of smoke is the clearing of grief. III. Positive Interpretation (Warmth, Light, and Status) Contrary to expectations, fire and smoke in specific cases carry positive, promising connotations: Illuminating Fire Without Smoke (Ibn Sirin): If a person sees a clear fire lighting their way or home without burning anything and without smoke, this is according to Ibn Sirin "Drawing close to the Sultan" and attaining status and honor without fear. It is a symbol of guidance and insight. Kindling Fire for Cooking (Al-Nabulsi): Whoever sees themselves lighting a fire under a pot to cook food, this is a very praiseworthy vision according to Al-Nabulsi, indicating "Earning livelihood through effort" and benefit reaching their household. The cooking of food on fire is the completion and success of a matter. Fire in the Hearth or Fireplace (Ibn Shaheen): Fire confined to its natural place (the hearth) in winter is "Security from Poverty," marriage for the single (as it is companionship), and wealth after destitution. White Rising Smoke (Consensus): If the smoke is white, light, rising to the sky, and does not hurt the eyes, it is according to the scholars "The clearing of worry," or good fame for the dreamer spreading among people, or good coming after minor hardship. IV. Negative or Warning Interpretation (Sedition, Loss, and Scandal) This is the most common aspect of fire visions, carrying stern warnings: Noisy and Blazing Fire (Ibn Sirin): Fire that has "rage and roaring" and burns trees and houses is a "General Sedition" (Fitna) or an epidemic (plague in the past, pandemics in modern times) that reaps people. If the fire burns the dreamer's clothes, this interprets as a calamity in their money, body, or family. Thick Black Smoke (Al-Nabulsi): Smoke that blinds vision and blocks the horizon is "Confusion and Disarray." It indicates the dreamer is in a situation where they cannot distinguish truth from falsehood, or is subjected to severe oppression that suffocates them. Black smoke also symbolizes "Fever" and diseases that heat the body. Burning of the House (Ibn Shaheen): Whoever sees their house burning with fire coming out of the windows, this is a "Scandal" and calamities befalling the household, and severe disputes that may lead to the ruin of the house and scattering of the family. Eating Fire (Consensus): Eating embers or fire is consuming "Orphans' Money" unjustly, or consuming purely illicit money, and it is a severe warning to repent. V. Interpretation by Social Status The interpretation of fire and smoke is colored by the dreamer's social circumstance, according to the methodology of the three scholars: 1. Single Woman Calm Fire: Symbolizes approaching marriage, as fire is used in weddings and feasts, and is a symbol of love and kindled emotion. Fire and Smoke: If she sees fire consuming her room or clothes, this indicates immense psychological pressure, or "people's talk" (rumors) affecting her reputation and causing distress. Suffocating Smoke: A toxic emotional relationship or bad friends causing her confusion and misery. 2. Married Woman Fire in the Kitchen: If for cooking, it is goodness and provision. If it ignites the house, it is "heated" marital problems that may reach divorce (total combustion). Extinguishing Fire: Her ability and wisdom in containing her husband's anger and solving family problems before they escalate. Smoke: Worries related to children or financial distress the family is going through, making the future vision foggy. 3. Pregnant Woman Illuminating Fire: Good news of a male child who will have great status (famous like a fire on a mountain). Harmful Fire: Her fears of childbirth. Fire leaving her house without harm means the approach of the due date and safety. Smoke: May indicate some minor health troubles or excessive anxiety disturbing the peace of her pregnancy. 4. Divorced Woman Burning Fire: Symbolizes "People's Tongues" and hurtful words she is exposed to after divorce. Clear Fire: May mean the start of a new love or marriage, or burning the pages of the past and starting a bright new life. Escaping Fire: Is her salvation from her ex-husband's injustice or from sedition, and restoring her rights and reputation. 5. Man Rich Man: Fire might be a warning of Zakat he did not pay (to be burned by it), or sedition in his wealth. Man of Authority: Fire is his authority; if it illuminates, he is just; if it burns, he is unjust and oppressive. Single Man: Fire is the fire of passion or haste in decisions. Burning in his hand may indicate work involving suspicious gain. VI. Psychological Analysis (Libido Energy and Anger) In modern psychology (Freud and Jung), fire is considered a symbol of raw psychic energy: Suppressed Anger: Fire that ignites suddenly without cause in a dream is often a release of immense anger suppressed in the unconscious, which the dreamer fears releasing in wakefulness, so it explodes in the dream. Transformation: Fire is the only element that transforms matter (wood to ash). Thus, dreaming of fire may mean the dreamer's deep desire to "purify" themselves, burning the old personality to be reborn (like the Phoenix). Smoke (Denial): Smoke represents a psychological defense mechanism which is "Denial" or the unwillingness to see the painful truth. VII. Special Cases and Traditional Interpretations Minute details may steer the interpretation entirely differently: 1. Prostrating to Fire According to Ibn Shaheen , whoever sees themselves prostrating to fire or worshipping it is following Satan, obeying an "Unjust Sultan" in disobedience to God, or is greedy for the world and its desires (as fire is a symbol of desire). 2. Speaking Fire If the dreamer hears fire speaking from inside a jar or vessel, this is according to Ibn Sirin a "Devil" whispering to them, or a calamity befalling stored wealth. 3. Fire Exiting Fingers According to Al-Nabulsi , whoever sees fire coming out of their fingers or palm, indicates they are a "Scribe" writing injustice, or a craftsman cheating in their craft, because the hand is the tool of earning. 4. Rain Extinguishing Fire If mercy descends from the sky (rain) and extinguishes the fires of war or a blaze, this is "General Relief" for Muslims, the end of sedition, the disappearance of high prices, and the return of security. VIII. Modern Interpretations (Job Burnout and Trends) How do we read fire in the technological age? Burnout: Seeing the body burn slowly might be the literal embodiment of the term "Burnout," where the dreamer has completely exhausted their energy at work. Ignition of Electronics: Burning of a phone or computer in a dream indicates communication problems, or "Fitna" reaching the dreamer via social media (fake news, scandals). Fire Alarm: Hearing a fire alarm in a dream is a "Warning" to change your life path immediately before disaster strikes. Central Heating: Hidden fire giving warmth symbolizes modern luxury and financial security. IX. Conclusion "Fire and Smoke" in a dream is a dual-coded message. Fire can be a guiding light or a consuming blaze. Smoke can be a passing cloud or a residing torment. The decisive factor in interpretation is the "Dreamer's Feeling" and the "State of the Fire." If it is a calm, controlled fire, it is energy, power, and provision. If it is raging and destructive, it is a distress call from your soul to address your anger, fortify yourself against surrounding sedition, or review your sources of income. Always remember that fire in a dream, as in reality, is a good servant but a cruel master.