The Dialectic of Purity and Authority: A Traditional and Psychological Reading of the Soul’s Attire 1. Introduction: Clothing, Cover, and the Dreamer's Identity In the realm of visions and dreams, clothes are not merely fabric covering the body; they are a "second skin" reflecting the dreamer's state, religion, prestige, and what lies within their inner self. Colors in dreams are a silent yet screaming language; White is the color of instinct (Fitra), light, and shrouds, while Black is the color of night, sovereignty, and mourning. The vision of white and black clothes manifests the duality of human existence: Good and Evil, Joy and Sorrow, Life and Death. Interpreting these symbols requires extreme caution and a deep understanding of the rules of exegesis established by the masters of this science. A white garment can be a wedding dress or a shroud, and a black garment can be elevation and authority or worry and distress. In this encyclopedic article, we will meticulously unravel the threads of these visions, relying on Ibn Sirin (The Master of Interpreters), Al-Nabulsi (The Author of 'At-Ta'tir'), and Ibn Shaheen (The Zahiri), to draw a clear map of the meanings of these colors when they clothe our bodies in the dream world, integrating this with our modern understanding of the human psyche. 2. General Interpretation (Perspective of the Three Scholars) The three scholars agree that the basic principle of clothing is "Cover and Religion," but the color completely alters the interpretative course. Ibn Sirin: Ibn Sirin establishes a fundamental rule to differentiate between the two colors. Whiteness , for him, is best in all cases, symbolizing the beauty of religion and the world, and the purity of the inner self. As for Blackness , Ibn Sirin links it to "Habit." He says: "Whoever is accustomed to wearing black in wakefulness, seeing it in a dream is sovereignty, honor, and wealth. Whoever is not accustomed to wearing it, it is disliked and may indicate sorrow or illness." Al-Nabulsi: Al-Nabulsi views the white garment as "Light and Proof." It is evidence of generosity and a heart free from grudges. As for the black garment, Al-Nabulsi expands his interpretation to indicate that it may be evidence of mastery and rule (as black was the emblem of the Abbasids), but he warns against it if it is dusty or old, where it interprets as humiliation or calamity. Ibn Shaheen: Ibn Shaheen tends towards precision in details. He sees the new white garment as innocence from sins and sincere repentance. As for the black garment, he details: if it is new and shiny, it is prestige and awe; if it is rough or dirty, it is a worry burdening the dreamer. Ibn Shaheen adds another dimension, "Mixing Colors"; whoever wears a garment with both white and black, their affairs are mixed between truth and falsehood, or between religion and the world. 3. Positive Interpretation: The Prestige of the Sultan and Purity of Faith When the vision is promising, white and black carry meanings of glory and elevation: Rectitude of Religion and World (White - Consensus): Clean white clothes indicate the dreamer's good Islam, adherence to Sunnah, and good living conditions. Sovereignty and Status (Black - For those accustomed to it): Ibn Sirin and Al-Nabulsi confirm that whoever is used to wearing black suits or abayas in reality and sees this in a dream attains a high position, a heard word, and awe among people. Hajj and Umrah (White): White clothes are linked to Ihram garments. Thus, it may signal a visit to the Holy House. Cover and Healing: Wide, covering white clothes indicate protection from scandals and healing from diseases. 4. Negative or Warning Interpretation: Shadows of Grief and the Shroud Conversely, these colors can be omens of misfortune or divine warnings: Calamity and Gloom (Black - For those not used to it): Ibn Sirin warns strongly: If you are not used to wearing black and see yourself clad in it, you may receive sad news or face financial distress. The Shroud and Death (White): If a person sees themselves wearing a white garment covering their face, or sees white clothes being tailored for them not resembling the clothes of the living, this warns of approaching death (Al-Nabulsi). Unemployment and Obstruction (Dirty Black): Torn or dirty black clothes symbolize poor conditions and poverty after wealth. Hypocrisy and Innovation: Wearing white to show off, or if the garment is too short, may indicate hypocrisy in religion (Ibn Sirin). 5. Interpretation by Dreamer's Status Single Woman: White: A strong omen of approaching marriage to a righteous man. Purity of reputation. Black: If elegant, it is dazzling academic or professional success. If worn in sadness, it is emotional failure or loneliness. Married Woman: White: Marital stability. If seeing her husband in white, it shows his love and devotion. Black: If accustomed to it, it is modesty (Chastity). If not, it indicates marital disputes or worry regarding children. Pregnant Woman: White: Safety for her and the newborn; divine protection. Black: May reflect fears of childbirth. However, luxurious black may promise a male child of high future status. Divorced Woman: White: A new page, cleansing from the past, potentially a new marriage. Black: Elegant black is the restoration of dignity. Shabby black is depression. Man: White: Piety and righteous work. For a merchant, honest dealings. Black: Power and influence. Climbing a pulpit in black means attaining a governorship. 6. Psychological Analysis (Color Psychology) Modern psychology (Jung and Freud) goes deeper: White (Perfectionism): May symbolize the dreamer's desire to "cleanse" from hidden guilt. It is the search for a new beginning (Tabula Rasa). It may indicate excessive idealism. Black (The Shadow & Power): Black represents the "Shadow" in Jungian terms; the unknown or repressed side. It may express depression, but also "Protection." The person wears black in a dream to place a psychological barrier or to assert authority and hide inner weakness. Contrast: Dreaming of both suggests an internal conflict between discipline (White) and the desire for power or isolation (Black). 7. Special Cases The Deceased: White indicates bliss and acceptance in Heaven. Black indicates a need for prayers or debts left behind. Taking off Clothes: Taking off black (for the worried) is relief. Taking off black (for the powerful) is dismissal from office. Taking off white is distancing from religion. Washing Clothes: Repentance and mending relationships. 8. Modern Interpretations Profession: White may symbolize medicine/nursing. Black may symbolize law or high-ranking corporate positions. Mental State: Seeing the world in only black and white suggests rigid thinking or severe depression. 9. Conclusion White and Black clothes in dreams are the scales of life's balance. White calls you to purity, while Black reminds you of prestige and sometimes warns of sorrow. Ibn Sirin teaches us that the symbol depends on the dreamer's habit. If White visits you, rejoice in the light of faith. If Black visits you and you are of its people, prepare for glory; if not, seek refuge in God.