An Incident

It is related that a man came to Ja'far As-saadiq (RA) and said: "I dreamt that Allah gave me a piece of iron and a sip of vinegar. What is the interpretation of this dream?" The Imaam replied: "Iron depicts hardships, for Allah says in the

It is related that Ameerul-Mu'mineen, Mansoor, dreamt that he had lost all his teeth. In the morning he called for an interpreter. The interpreter came and after listening to the dream, said to Mansoor: "All your relatives will die." Upon this, Mansoor became infuriated, saying: "May Allah lock your mouth! May He never let your interpretation become a reality! Now be gone!". Then another interpreter was called who fortunately was familiar. with courtly protocols. He said: "O Ameerul-Mu' mineen, you will live for a long time. You will be the last to die amongst your relatives." Highly delighted with his tactful interpretation, the Ameerul- Mu'mineen laughed, remarking: "Both interpretations are the same, but the manner employed by you is more superior and excellent!" He then presented him ten thousand Dirhams as a gift.

It is related that Abdullah bin Zubair (RA) saw in his dream that he is engaged in a duel with Abdul Malik ibr Marwan, defeating the latter. The former also sees himself pinning his foe to the ground by means of four nails. When he awoke in the morning, he sent his man to Muhammad bin Sireen (RA) for the interpretation of the dream. He also cautioned him not to reveal to the Imaam the name of the one who saw the dream, nor the winner nor the loser. When the Imaam heard this he exclaimed: "This is not your dream! Nor can anyone except Abdul Malik ibn Marwan or Abdullah bin Zubair see such a dream!" The person insisted that it was he who had seen the dream. The Imaam declined to interpret the dream. The person returned to Abdullah bin Zubair and informed him of the Imaam's refusal to interpret the dream until the real person who had seen the dream is not known. Abdullah bin Zubair (RA) sent his messenger back to tell the Imaam that it was he who had seen the dream. When the Imaam was informed of this and the fact that the loser was Abdul Malik bin Marwan he said that Ibne Marwan will gain victory over Abdullah bin Zubair, killing him in the process. Thereafter, the chain of Khilafat will remain in the family of Ibne Marwan. This interpretation was given because of the fact that Ibne Marwan was pinned to the ground by means of four nails. The interpretation turned out to be exactly as the Imaam had stated!