In the Bible, burning and fire are multifaceted symbols. Fire often represents God's presence and power, as in the burning bush encountered by Moses (Exodus 3:2), and is also a tool of divine judgment, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24). Additionally, fire symbolizes the process of spiritual refinement, where faith is tested and purified (Malachi 3:2-3; 1 Peter 1:7). Dreaming of burning, therefore, may indicate a period of spiritual testing, the need for repentance, or the transformative presence of God in one's life. It can also serve as a warning against straying from righteousness, highlighting the consequences of moral lapses.

In Buddhist teachings, fire symbolizes the burning of desire (tanha), attachment, and suffering (dukkha). The Fire Sermon (Adittapariyaya Sutta) describes the senses and mind as 'burning' with passion, aversion, and delusion. Dreaming of burning may reflect internal struggle with clinging or aversion, and serves as a reminder to cultivate detachment and mindfulness to extinguish the fires of suffering and achieve inner peace.

Across cultures, burning is a powerful symbol of both destruction and renewal. Fire is used in rituals to mark endings and new beginnings—such as burning effigies, cleansing spaces, or celebrating festivals (e.g., Bonfire Night, Holika Dahan). Dreaming of burning may reflect collective anxieties about loss, the desire for change, or the hope for renewal after crisis. It often marks a transitional period, where the old is destroyed to make way for the new.

In Hinduism, fire (Agni) is sacred and embodies both destruction and purification. Dreams of burning can symbolize the burning away of karma, spiritual transformation, or the presence of divine energy. Fire rituals (yajna) are central to Hindu practice, signifying offerings to the gods and purification of the soul. Such dreams may indicate a period of karmic cleansing, spiritual renewal, or the need to relinquish material attachments for spiritual growth.

In Islamic dream interpretation, fire (nar) is a potent and ambivalent symbol. It can represent divine punishment or a warning, as fire is associated with Jahannam (Hell) in the Qur'an (e.g., Surah Al-Baqarah 2:24). However, fire also appears as a symbol of guidance and revelation, such as in the story of Musa (Moses) and the burning bush (Qur'an 20:9-14). The dream's context—whether the fire is destructive, beneficial, or illuminating—determines its meaning: it may be a call to repentance, a sign of spiritual awakening, or a warning to avoid sinful actions.

From a psychological perspective, burning in dreams often reflects intense internal states—such as anger, passion, guilt, or anxiety. In Jungian analysis, fire is a symbol of transformation and the destruction of outdated aspects of the self, paving the way for renewal. Freudian interpretations may link burning to repressed desires or unresolved conflicts. Such dreams can indicate overwhelming stress, a fear of loss, or a subconscious urge to purge negative emotions and start anew.

Spiritually, burning is viewed as a process of purification and transformation. Fire is the element that transmutes, burning away impurities and facilitating spiritual rebirth. Dreaming of burning may signal the soul's journey through trials, the release of attachments, or the necessity to surrender to a higher transformative force. It often marks a period of spiritual growth, where old patterns are consumed to make way for new understanding.