Al-Nabulsi said that seeing the steps of a staircase signifies the causes of elevation and the means by which one turns toward this world and the hereafter. It is said that the staircase represents righteous deeds: the first step is prayer, the second fasting, the third almsgiving due, the fourth voluntary charity, the fifth pilgrimage, the sixth striving in God's path, and the seventh recitation of the Qur'an. Reaching the very top of a high pavilion signifies attaining the highest degree of Paradise. Remaining on a step below the top without reaching the high place signifies not attaining the highest degrees of Paradise after death. Descending the steps signifies, for a traveler, returning from a journey; for a leader, removal from office. Sometimes staircase steps signify granting respite, stratagem, and approaching something degree by degree. They may also signify a traveler's stops and lodging places. If the steps are made of mud brick, the dream is good; if they are made of tile or fired brick, it is interpreted as the opposite.
Seeing steps of mud and clay signifies, for governors and people of even higher station, honor and power together with religion. For a merchant, such a dream signifies trade together with religion. If the steps are stone, they signify elevation together with hardness of heart; if wood, elevation together with hypocrisy and ostentation. Golden steps signify authority, wealth, and abundance. Silver steps signify servants according to the number of steps. Copper or bronze steps signify worldly goods. Ascending the steps signifies elevation attained little by little and one's degree in Paradise. Climbing slowly and deliberately likewise signifies one's degree in Paradise. Counting the steps while ascending signifies living for as many units as the number of steps. Five steps are interpreted as the five daily prayers; therefore any defect or deficiency in the steps signifies a defect or deficiency in prayer. Sitting on staircase steps signifies blessing, honor, and prosperity.