Sleep is a crucial part of life, like recharging your batteries to gear up for the day. Whether it’s a short nap or a full night’s rest, sleep is essential for your brain, physical well-being, and mental health.
In Islam, sleep is not just encouraged for proper functioning; it’s also guided by specific rules and etiquette to ensure a peaceful and spiritually enriching slumber. So, let’s explore the beauty of sleep in Islam and how to make the most of it.
How to Sleep in Islam
If you want to sleep according to the rules and etiquette of Islam, make sure to get 8 to 10 hours of sleep, so you are able to function well in the day. Before you go to sleep, perform wudhu to cleanse yourself, then follow your normal bedtime routine.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Whenever you intend to go to bed, perform Wudu [like you do] for Salah (prayer)”. Salman al-Farisi narrated that he heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) say:
“Sleeping in a state of wudu is equal to standing up the entire night in prayers”.
How to Wake Up in Islam
In Islam, it turns out that not only reading prayers is recommended when you wake up, but there are still many others that bring good and rewards. Here are 15 etiquettes of waking up that we can apply in our daily lives:
- Wipe the Drowsiness on the Face
- Read Wake Prayer
- Read the 10 last Surahs of the Quran
- Read 10 Last Verses of Surah Ali Imran
- Increase Dhikr
- Brush Your Teeth
- Use Miswak
- Make Ablution
- Run towards the Mosque for fajr prayer quickly
- Grateful and Remember Death
- Requesting Protection from Allah
- Change your sleeping dress
- Go for a morning walk
- Do breakfast
- Go to work or to the office
What the Prophet said about sleeping and waking up in Islam
The Prophet had an enduring connection with his Creator, consistently reflecting on Allah’s greatness, longing to meet Him, and fearing the consequences of the Hereafter.
So, even when he sought rest after a long, tiring day, he began by praising and thanking Allah for all His blessings and provisions.
The manner in which the Messenger laid down to sleep was placing his right hand under his right cheek thrice reading the last Surahs, Ayatul Kursi, and Dua before sleeping.
Dua before sleeping
Before going to bed, you can recite some chapters of the Quran. Even though it is optional, it will help you fall asleep with ease and bring great rewards. You can also make dua for anything you like before sleeping. Before going to sleep, add your personal dua in your own words.
You can make duas like telling Allah how thankful and blessed you are to be guided towards Islam. You can also ask him to grant protection and support as well as favors.
Furthermore, You can further grant provisions and ask for forgiveness or acknowledge those sins you may have done.
Here are some supplications you can read before going to bed at night:
Dua before sleeping:
اللَّهُمَّ بِاسْمِكَ أمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا.
Allahumma bismika amuutu wa ahya.
O Allah! In Your Name do I live and die. (Sahih al-Bukhari).
Dua after waking up
Recite this dua after you wake up in the morning:
الحَمْـدُ لِلّهِ الّذي أَحْـيانا بَعْـدَ ما أَماتَـنا وَإليه النُّـشور
Alḥamdu lillāhil-ladhī ‘aḥyānā ba`da mā ‘amātanā wa ‘ilayhin-nushūr.
Praise is to Allah Who gives us life after He has caused us to die and to Him is the return.
Description for both dua before sleeping and dua after waking up
Sleep and wake up with the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala. Attract the mercy of Allah Ta’ala. Gain the reward of following a sunnah. We will be showing our gratitude for the great blessing of Allah Ta’ala. Another amazing dua that will guarantee death upon Iman if read before sleeping.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sleep is an important part of living and is a way to recharge your batteries to prepare yourself to continue your daily activities. In Islam, sleep is encouraged in order to function properly, but there are certain rules and etiquette that come with it to sleep religiously and peacefully.
FAQs
Waking up with a grateful heart? You can say “Alhamdulillah allathee ahyana ba’da ma amatana wa ilayhi an-nushoor” (Praise is to Allah, Who has brought us to life after He made us die, and to Him is the resurrection). Trust me, it sets a positive tone for the day!
Before hitting the hay, you can recite the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah, Surah Al-Mulk, and say the prayer “Allahumma bismika amutu wa ahyaa” (O Allah, in Your name, I die and I live). Now, that’s a comforting way to drift off!
Yes, indeed! Performing ablution (Wudu) is an essential act when waking up. It includes washing the hands, mouth, nostrils, face, arms, and feet. It’s all about purification, my friend!
In Islam, waking up with the intention of remembering Allah and performing the morning prayers is crucial. You can start by rubbing the face and eyes to awaken gently. Oh, and don’t forget to thank Allah for a new day!
In Islam, sleeping with the right hand under the right cheek and lying on the right side is considered the Sunnah way. You bet, it’s something followed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Make a note to avoid sleeping on the stomach, as it’s considered disrespectful.