Sleeping Manners in Islam
Sleeping Manners in Islam – How To Sleep in Islam
In Islam, sleeping is considered an important act of worship and is associated with several manners and etiquettes that Muslims are encouraged to follow. Here are some sleeping manners in Islam:
- Sleeping on the Right Side: Muslims are encouraged to sleep on their right side as it is believed to be the way Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to sleep. It is also believed to promote digestion and prevent snoring.
- Making Wudu (Ablution) Before Sleeping: Muslims are encouraged to perform Wudu (ablution) before sleeping as it purifies the body and soul, and provides protection from evil.
- Reciting Duas Before Sleeping: Muslims are encouraged to recite specific Duas (supplications) before sleeping. This includes reciting Ayat al-Kursi (Verse of the Throne) and the last three Surahs of the Quran (Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas).
- Sleeping Early and Waking Up Early: Muslims are encouraged to sleep early and wake up early, as it promotes a healthy lifestyle and productivity.
- Avoiding Sleeping on the Stomach: Muslims are encouraged to avoid sleeping on their stomach as it is considered harmful to the body and can lead to health issues.
- Avoiding Idle Talk Before Sleeping: Muslims are encouraged to avoid idle talk and unnecessary conversation before sleeping, as it can disturb the mind and prevent peaceful sleep.
Overall, sleeping manners in Islam emphasize the importance of seeking purity and protection before sleeping, reciting Duas, and following healthy sleep habits. By following these manners and etiquettes, Muslims can attain a peaceful and restful sleep, and wake up feeling refreshed and energized.
The advice of the Prophet (PBUH) concerning sleep
1. When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) went to bed, he said:to sleep
“O Allah, in your name I live and die”. (Reported by al-Bukhari, 7394)
2. He used to put his hands together and blow on it, then recite Qul Huwa Allaahu ahad, Qul aoodood bi Rabb il-Falaq and Qul a’oodhu bi Rabb il-Naas [ie that is, the last three soorahs of the Qur’an), then he wiped his hands as much as he could, beginning with the head and face, and the front part of his body. He would do it three times.
3. He used to sleep on his right side, putting his right hand under his right cheek, then he said:sleep “O Allah, protect me from your punishment the day you raise your slaves”
4. When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) went to bed, he said:
Dua for sleep “All the praises are for Allah, who fed us and gave us something to drink, and who was enough for us and who sheltered us, for how many have no one to suffice or shelter them.” (Reported by Muslim)
5. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said this when he was going to sleep:
“Allaahumma Rabb al-samawaati wa’l-ard wa Rabb al-‘arsh il-‘azeem, Rabbaanaa wa Rabba kulli shay’in, Faaliq al-habb wa’l-nawa wa munzil al-Tawraati wa’l-Injeeli wa ‘l-Furqaan, a’oodhu bika min sharri kulli shay’in anta aakhidhun bi naasiyatihi Allaahumma anta al-awwal fa laysa qablaka shay’un, wa anta al-aakhir fa laysa ba’daka shay’un, wa anta al zahir fa laysa fawqaka shay’un wa anta al-baatin fa laysa doonaka shay’un Iqdi ‘annaa al-dayna wa aghninaa min al-faqri
As part of your sleep hygiene, it’s important to go to bed at a decent hour so you can get up for Fajr prayers on time. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Himself went to sleep early, and only recommends staying up late if you’re performing night prayers.
He also recommends brushing your teeth and reciting:
- “Subhan Allah” 33 times
- “Alhamdulillah” 33 times
- “Allah u Akbar” 34 times.
As well as reciting the Durood Sharif, you should avoid sleeping on your back. In the Islamic religion, Almighty Allah doesn’t approve of back-sleeping, as He perceives it as the way of the shaitan.
Duas to Recite Before Going to Sleep
If you get out of bed and then go back into it, it’s good practice to dust it three times using the corner of your garment. This is in light of the fact you may not know what happened while you were gone. Then once you lie down again, pray this dua before sleeping:
بِاسْمِكَ رَبِّي وَضَعْتُ جَنْبِي، وَبِكَ أَرْفَعُهُ، فَإِنْ أَمْسَكْتَ نَفْسِي فَارْحَمْهَا، وَإِنْ أَرْسَلْتَهَا فَاحْفَظْهَا، بِمَا تَحْفَظُ بِهِ عِبَادَكَ الصَّالِحِينَ
Bismika Rabbee wadha’tu janbee, wa bika ‘arfa’uhu, fa’in ‘amsakta nafsee farhamhaa, wa ‘in ‘arsaltahaa fahfadhhaa, bimaa tahfadhu bihi ‘ibaadakas-saaliheen.
Reciting Ayatul Kursi Before Sleeping
Narrated Abu Mas’ud: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “If somebody recited the last two Verses of Surat Al-Baqara at night, that will be sufficient for him.”
Last Two Verses of Surah Baqarah at Night
Allah’s Apostle asked, “What did your prisoner do yesterday?” I replied, “He claimed that he would teach me some words by which Allah will benefit me, so I let him go.” Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) asked, “What are they?” I replied, “He said to me, ‘Whenever you go to bed, recite Ayat-al-Kursi from the beginning to the end —- Allahu la ilaha illa huwa-lHaiy-ul-Qaiyum—-.’ He further said to me, ‘(If you do so), Allah will appoint a guard for you who will stay with you, and no satan will come near you till morning.’ […] The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “He really spoke the truth, although he is an absolute liar. Do you know whom you were talking to, these three nights, O Abu Huraira?” Abu Huraira said, “No.” He said, “It was Satan.”
Early Bedtime and Early Wake Up Time
Muhammad (Peace be upon him) encouraged his companions not to be involved in any activity after Isha prayer (darkness prayer, which is around 1.5-2 hours after sunset). The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “One should not sleep before the night prayer, nor have discussions after it” [Reported by Sahih Al-Bukhari 574].
Perform Ablution (Wudoo) Before Going to Bed and Supplicate
It is reported in Sahih Muslim that one of the companions said that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) told him, “Whenever you go to bed, perform ablution like that for the prayer, and lie on your right side” [Reported by Sahih Muslim 2710]. And then he asked him to say the night prayers before sleep.
Sleep Position
In Islamic culture, some sleep positions are encouraged while others are discouraged based on the practice (Sunnah) and recommendations of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Thus, many Muslims sleep on their right side, particularly, in the initial part of sleep. Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said, “Whenever you go to bed, perform ablution like that for the prayer, and lie on your right side” [Reported by Sahih Muslim 2710). In description of the sleep of the Prophet (Peace be upon him), a Hadith states, “When the Prophet (Peace be upon him) wants to go to sleep, he puts his right hand under his cheek” [Reported by Sahih Muslim 2713].
Turning Off Light before Sleep
It is narrated that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “Put out lamps when you go to bed, shut the doors, and cover water and food containers” [Reported by Sahih Al-Bukhari 5301]. This may correspond with current scientific understanding that it is important to maintain a dark environment during sleep so as not to disrupt the circadian rhythm.