Dreaming of Lightning in Islam

Lightning is read by what follows it. Lightning followed by rain is the good reading: a hope that arrives, relief after waiting, a promise that is kept. Lightning with no rain after it is the reverse and the older interpreters were direct about it — a flash of expectation with nothing behind it, a word given and not met. Lightning that lights the road for a moment is read as guidance enough to take one step by, and the interpreters said plainly that a person should move while he can see. Lightning that strikes something turns toward a sudden matter falling where it was not expected. Lightning without thunder was read as a matter that arrives quietly; thunder without lightning as noise and threat with nothing visible in it. Fearing it and taking shelter was read as prudence rather than weakness.

This one is stated in the Qur'an in almost the words the interpreters use: He shows you the lightning, fear and hope (ar-Ra'd 13:12). It is named as both at once, and rain is what follows in the verse. The Qur'an also uses lightning for a light so brief it does not let a person walk far — those who take a step in it and are left standing when it goes out (al-Baqara 2:20). Both readings above, the hope and the flash that leads nowhere, come from the text itself.

A dream of lightning is not a forecast, not a warning of a sudden misfortune, and not a promise of relief. It is not a ruling. Weather, a storm outside, and worry about a decision that is being kept waiting all produce it on their own. If it alarmed you, do what is taught for any frightening dream: seek refuge in Allah, turn onto your other side, and do not relate it to anyone.