Sleeping Manners in Islam
Sleep is a blessing from Allah that provides rest and rejuvenation to the human body. Islam, being a complete way of life, provides guidelines on sleeping manners that promote spiritual, mental, and physical well-being. The Quran and Hadith emphasize adopting good sleeping habits for a healthy lifestyle and a stronger connection with Allah.
The etiquettes of sleep in light of islam are as follows:
- Perform wudu before sleeping
- Recite sleeping duas and Surahs
- Sleep on the right side
- Avoid sleeping on the stomach
- Sleep early and wake up for Fajr
- Keep the sleeping place clean
- Thank Allah upon waking up
1. Purification Before Sleeping (Performing Wudu)
Islam encourages us to sleep in a state of purity by performing wudu (ablution) before going to bed.
Quranic Reference:
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ إِذَا قُمْتُمْ إِلَى ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ فَٱغْسِلُوا۟ وُجُوهَكُمْ وَأَيْدِيَكُمْ
Translation:
“O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your hands.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:6)
Hadith Reference:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“When you go to bed, perform wudu as you would for prayer.”
(Sahih Muslim, 2710)
Benefit: Sleeping with wudu keeps the body pure and protects from nightmares.
2. Reciting the Sleeping Duas
Islam encourages reciting specific duas before sleeping for protection and blessings.
Hadith Reference:
The Prophet ﷺ taught this supplication:
اللَّهُمَّ بِاسْمِكَ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا
Transliteration:
Allahumma bismika amutu wa ahya.
Translation:
“O Allah, in Your name, I die and I live.”
(Sahih Bukhari, 6324)
Benefit: Reciting duas brings peace and protection from harm during sleep.
3. Sleeping on the Right Side (Sunnah Position)
The best sleeping position according to Islam is on the right side with the right hand under the cheek.
Hadith Reference:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“When you go to bed, lie on your right side and recite: “Allahumma aslamtu wajhi ilaika, wa fawwadtu ‘amri ilaika wa alja’tu dhahri ilaika, raghbatan wa rahbatan ilaika, la malja’a wa la manja minka illa ilaika. Amantu bikitabik al-ladhi anzalta wa binabiyyika al-ladhi arsalta,
(a supplication of trust in Allah).”
(Sahih Bukhari, 6311)
Benefit: Sleeping on the right side improves digestion, protects the heart, and follows the Sunnah.
4. Reciting Surahs and Ayatul Kursi Before Sleeping
Reciting certain verses of the Quran before sleeping brings divine protection.
Hadith Reference:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever recites Ayatul Kursi at night before sleeping will be protected by Allah, and no harm will come to him until morning.”
(Sahih Bukhari, 2311)
Recommended Surahs for Sleeping:
- Ayatul Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255)
- Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas (Sunnah to recite these three times)
- Last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah (2:285-286)
Benefit: Reciting these Surahs protects from evil, nightmares, and grants peace.
5. Avoiding Sleeping on the Stomach
Islam discourages sleeping on the stomach, as it is not a recommended sleeping position.
Hadith Reference:
The Prophet ﷺ saw a man lying on his stomach and said:
“This is a posture that Allah dislikes.”
(Sunan Abi Dawood, 5040 – Authentic)
Benefit: Avoiding stomach sleeping prevents health issues and aligns with Sunnah practices.
6. Sleeping and Waking Early
Islam encourages sleeping early and waking up for Fajr prayer.
Hadith Reference:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“O Allah, bless my nation in the early morning hours.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah, 2238 – Hasan)
Benefit: Waking up early increases productivity, brings blessings, and helps maintain Fajr prayer.
7. Using a Clean Sleeping Place
Keeping a clean and comfortable bed is part of Islamic etiquette.
Hadith Reference:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Dust your bed three times before sleeping and say Bismillah.”
(Sahih Bukhari, 6320)
Benefit: Sleeping on a clean bed prevents harm and follows hygiene principles.
8. Avoiding Sleeping Alone at Night
Islam recommends not sleeping alone at night, especially for children.
Hadith Reference:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Do not leave children alone at night, for Shaytan may harm them.”
(Sahih Muslim, 2012)
Benefit: This practice ensures safety and protection from unseen dangers.
9. Waking Up and Praising Allah
Upon waking up, one should thank Allah for granting another day of life.
Hadith Reference:
The Prophet ﷺ used to say upon waking up:
ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَحْيَانَا بَعْدَ مَآ أَمَاتَنَا وَإِلَيْهِ ٱلنُّشُورُ
Transliteration:
Alhamdu lillahil-ladhi ahyana ba‘da ma amatana wa ilayhin-nushur.
Translation:
“All praise is for Allah who has given us life after causing us to die, and to Him is the resurrection.”
(Sahih Bukhari, 6312)
Benefit: Praising Allah increases gratitude and starts the day with positivity.
By implementing these habits, we align our lifestyle with the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ and bring barakah (blessings) into our lives. May Allah grant us peaceful and blessed sleep. Ameen!
