Sunnah Etiquettes of Sleeping: A Guide to Following the Prophetic Practices

In Islam, every aspect of a Muslim’s life, from the simplest actions to the most significant duties, is a means to seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT). This includes the daily act of sleeping. Allah (SWT) has made sleep a natural process that allows the body and mind to rest, but it also serves as an opportunity for spiritual growth and protection. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) provided clear guidance on the etiquettes and practices associated with sleep, offering a holistic approach that encompasses physical comfort and spiritual benefits.

In the Qur’an, Allah (SWT) speaks of sleep as a sign of His mercy and power. Allah says:

“And it is He who makes the night and the day in succession for whoever desires to remember or desires gratitude.” (Quran 25:62)

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) demonstrated how to sleep in the most beneficial way, ensuring it would protect us from harm and bring us closer to Allah (SWT). He encouraged specific supplications, actions, and positions before sleep, ensuring both physical comfort and spiritual purity.

As the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“When you go to bed, perform wudu as you would for prayer, then lie down on your right side, and say: ‘اللهم أسلمت وجهي إليك’ (O Allah, I submit my face to You).” (Bukhari)

By adopting the Sunnah etiquettes of sleeping, Muslims not only enhance their health but also earn spiritual rewards.

Reciting Ayat al-Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255) Before Sleep

One of the most important practices before sleeping is to recite Ayat al-Kursi, which is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 255. This verse highlights the greatness and power of Allah (SWT), and reciting it before bed is a means of protection from harm and evil. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) recommended reciting Ayat al-Kursi before sleep as it offers a shield of protection for the sleeper.

Hadith Reference: Narrated Abu Huraira (RA), the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever recites Ayat al-Kursi before sleep, Allah will appoint a guardian from among the angels who will protect him throughout the night, and Shaytan will not come near him until morning.”

Arabic: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “من قرأ آية الكرسي قبل أن ينام، وكل الله به ملكًا، فلا يزال عليه ملك يحرسه من الشيطان حتى يصبح.”

Sleeping on the Right Side

The Sunnah also emphasizes sleeping on the right side, as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to sleep on his right side whenever he went to bed. This is believed to be the healthiest way to sleep, as it allows for better blood circulation and is more conducive to restful sleep.

Hadith Reference: Narrated Al-Bara’ bin Azib (RA): “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘When you go to bed, perform wudu’ (ablution) like the wudu’ for prayer, then lie down on your right side, and say: ‘اللهم أسلمت وجهي إليك، وفوضت أمري إليك، وجعلت ظهري إليك، رغبة ورهبة إليك، لا ملجأ ولا منجى منك إلا إليك.’”

Arabic: عن البراء بن عازب قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “إذا أتيت مضجعك فتوضأ وضوءك للصلاة، ثم اضطجع على شقك الأيمن، وقل: اللهم أسلمت وجهي إليك، وفوضت أمري إليك، وجعلت ظهري إليك، رغبة ورهبة إليك، لا ملجأ ولا منجى منك إلا إليك.”

Making Du’a Before Sleeping

Before sleeping, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to make a supplication (du’a). The supplication reflects the act of submitting oneself to Allah (SWT) and seeking His protection. It is a simple and powerful way to seek Allah’s guidance and mercy during the night.

Hadith Reference: Aisha (RA) narrated: “When the Prophet (ﷺ) would go to bed, he would say: ‘اللهم رب السماوات السبع، ورب العرش العظيم، ربنا ورب كل شيء، فالق الحب والنوى، ومنزل التوراة والإنجيل والقرآن، أعوذ بك من شر كل دابة أنت آخذ بناصيتها، اللهم أنت الأول فليس قبلك شيء، وأنت الآخر فليس بعدك شيء، وأنت الظاهر فليس فوقك شيء، وأنت الباطن فليس دونك شيء، اقض عنا الدين واغننا من الفقر.’”

Arabic: عن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت: “كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا أوى إلى فراشه قال: اللهم رب السماوات السبع، ورب العرش العظيم، ربنا ورب كل شيء، فالق الحب والنوى، ومنزل التوراة والإنجيل والقرآن، أعوذ بك من شر كل دابة أنت آخذ بناصيتها، اللهم أنت الأول فليس قبلك شيء، وأنت الآخر فليس بعدك شيء، وأنت الظاهر فليس فوقك شيء، وأنت الباطن فليس دونك شيء، اقض عنا الدين واغننا من الفقر.”

Performing Wudu Before Sleep

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) encouraged his followers to perform wudu (ablution) before going to bed. Wudu purifies the body and soul, and sleeping in a state of purity is highly recommended in Islam. It is also believed that angels visit the person who sleeps in a state of wudu.

Hadith Reference: Narrated Abu Huraira (RA): “The Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘When you go to bed, perform wudu’ like the wudu’ for prayer, then lie down on your right side.’”

Arabic: عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “إذا أتيت مضجعك فتوضأ وضوءك للصلاة.”

Reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Nas Before Sleeping

It is also a Sunnah to recite the three Quls—Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112), Surah Al-Falaq (Chapter 113), and Surah An-Nas (Chapter 114)—before sleeping. These chapters are short but powerful, and they offer protection from various forms of harm and evil.

Hadith Reference: Narrated Aisha (RA): “When the Prophet (ﷺ) went to bed, he used to blow into his hands and recite Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Nas, then he would wipe his hands over his body.”

Arabic: عن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت: “كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا أخذ مضجعه نفث في كفيه، ثم قرأ قل هو الله أحد، وقل أعوذ برب الفلق، وقل أعوذ برب الناس، ثم مسح بهما وجهه وما استطاع من جسده.”

Avoiding Sleeping on the Stomach

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) strictly forbade sleeping on the stomach, as it is considered a harmful and unnatural position. This posture is said to place undue pressure on the internal organs, particularly the stomach and diaphragm. The Sunnah advises sleeping on the right side or in other positions that are more comfortable and healthy.

Hadith Reference: Narrated Ibn Qudama (RA): “The Prophet (ﷺ) forbade sleeping on the stomach. He said, ‘This is the position of those in Hellfire.’”

Arabic: عن ابن قُدامة رضي الله عنه قال: “نهى رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم عن النوم على البطن، وقال: إن هذه ضجعة أهل النار.”

Not Sleeping After Fajr

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) warned against sleeping immediately after Fajr prayer. Although there is no direct Hadith stating that sleeping after Fajr is sinful, it is discouraged as it is believed to be a time of blessings and productivity. Sleeping after Fajr can lead to a loss of these blessings and the opportunity to engage in worship and productive activities.

Hadith Reference: Abu Huraira (RA) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “When the morning comes, a person’s life is at a peak, and he is asked to give charity. Therefore, do not waste the opportunity of the morning by sleeping immediately after Fajr prayer.”

Arabic: عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال: “قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: إذا أصبح أحدكم فلا ينام حتى يراجع نفسه؛ فإنها فرصة لأعماركم.”

Using Miswak Before Sleeping

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was known to use a miswak (a natural teeth cleaning stick) before performing any act of worship, including sleep. The miswak not only ensures cleanliness and good oral hygiene but also carries immense rewards for the one who uses it.

Hadith Reference: Narrated Aisha (RA): “The Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘Using the miswak is a purification for the mouth and it is pleasing to Allah.’”

Arabic: عن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت: “قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: السواك مطهرة للفم، مرضاة للرب.”

Conclusion

The Sunnah etiquettes of sleeping offer a holistic approach to improving both our physical and spiritual well-being. By following the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we can ensure that our sleep is not only restful but also beneficial in terms of seeking Allah’s mercy, protection, and rewards. The habits of reciting specific prayers, performing wudu, sleeping on the right side, and using the miswak are just some of the many ways to incorporate the Sunnah into our sleep routine.

By implementing these etiquettes, we are aligning ourselves with the way of the Prophet (ﷺ), which is a source of immense blessings and rewards from Allah (SWT). May we all be guided to follow the beautiful Sunnah in every aspect of our lives, including our sleep.