📌Etiquettes of Sleeping📌
Sleep is an essential part of human life, and Islam provides guidance for every aspect of life, including the etiquettes of sleeping. The teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ regarding actions and supplications during sleep ensure spiritual and physical protection. This blog sheds light on the Sunnah practices of sleeping and their importance.
1. Sleeping Early at Night
After completing worldly and religious duties, sleeping early at night is a Sunnah unless there is an urgent task. This habit benefits one’s health and rejuvenates the soul for worship.
2. Closing Doors
Before sleeping, close the doors of your house while reciting “Bismillah” as instructed in the Hadith. This protects the house from harm and unwanted intrusions.
3. Covering Utensils
It is advised to cover utensils and water containers to protect them from contamination or harmful elements.
4. Extinguishing Lights
Turning off unnecessary lights or extinguishing lamps before sleeping is also a Sunnah practice.
5. Sleeping in a State of Ablution
Performing ablution (wudu) before sleeping is a means of seeking forgiveness and staying under Allah’s protection.
6. Shaking the Bed Before Sleeping
The Prophet ﷺ instructed shaking or dusting the bed before sleeping to ensure no harmful object is present.
7. Applying Kohl (Surma)
Applying kohl to the eyes before sleeping is a Sunnah, beneficial for eye health.
8. Writing a Will
Making a will before sleeping is an important Sunnah, reminding us of the uncertainty of life.
9. Sleeping with Good Intentions and Repentance
Purifying the heart from jealousy, hatred, and resentment and sleeping with the intention of pleasing Allah grants peace of mind.
10. Intention for Tahajjud
Sleeping with the intention of waking up for Tahajjud reflects one’s devotion and piety.
11. Reciting Sunnah Supplications
The Prophet ﷺ taught various supplications to recite before sleeping, which bring spiritual peace and protection. Some of these are:
1. "Bismika Rabbi wada’tu janbi wa bika arfa’uhu, in amsakta nafsi farhamha, wa in arsaltaha fahfazha bima tahfaz bihi ibadakas-saliheen."
2. "Allahumma khalaqta nafsi wa anta tawaffaha, laka mamatuha wa mahyaha, in ahyaytaha fahfazha wa in amattaha faghfir laha. Allahumma inni as’alukal ‘afiyah."
3. "Bismikallahumma amutu wa ahya."
4. "Allahumma Rabba assamawati wa Rabba al-ardi wa Rabba al-Arshil-Azeem, Rabbana wa Rabba kulli shay’in, Faliq al-habbi wa nawa, wa munzil at-Tawraati wal-Injeeli wal-Furqan, a’udhu bika min sharri kulli shay’in anta aakhidun binasiyatihi. Allahumma antal-Awwalu falaysa qablaka shay’un, wa antal-Akhiru falaysa ba’daka shay’un, wa antal-Zahiru falaysa fawqaka shay’un, wa antal-Batin falaysa dunaka shay’un. Iqdi ‘anna ad-dain wa aghnina minal-faqr."
12. Reciting Quran
Reciting specific Quranic verses before sleeping is a Sunnah:
Ayat-ul-Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 255).
The last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah (Ayahs 285–286).
Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Nas while blowing over the palms and rubbing them over the body.
13. Sleeping on the Right Side
The Prophet ﷺ would sleep on his right side, making this a Sunnah practice.
14. Remembering Allah if Sleep is Elusive
If one cannot sleep, it is recommended to engage in the remembrance of Allah or recite specific supplications.
15. Ablution in a State of Impurity
It is necessary to perform ablution before sleeping if in a state of ritual impurity (janabah).
Other Sunnah Practices
Avoid sleeping on the stomach.
Do not sleep on a roof without a parapet.
Avoid sleeping in public paths or crowded areas.
Taking a short nap (Qailulah) in the afternoon is a Sunnah, refreshing the body for worship at night.
Conclusion
Following these Sunnah practices of sleeping not only brings spiritual rewards but also benefits physical and mental health. We should strive to incorporate these blessed teachings into our lives for holistic well-being.