The Prophet’s Sleep: A Source of Guidance and Health
Those who read about the Prophet’s guidance concerning being awake and concerning sleep will find that his sleep was the best and most beneficial for the body, the organs, and one’s strength. He used to sleep in the early part of the night and would wake up at the beginning of the latter part, use siwak (natural toothbrush), perform ablution, and pray as much as Allah permitted him. Consequently, the body, the organs, and one’s strength will acquire their fair share of sleep, rest, and physical activity, along with acquiring complete rewards (from Allah). This method ensures the righteousness of the heart and body in this life and the Next Life.
Balancing Sleep and Worship: The Prophet’s Method
The Prophet’s statement:
“I submit myself to You.”
Sleep Position: The Wisdom Behind Sleeping on the Right Side
The Prophet’s guidance in this regard has included the benefits of the heart, body, and soul while awake and asleep and for this life and the Next Life. Allah’s peace and blessings be on him whose nation has acquired all types of good through him.
Guidelines for Sleeping: Prophetic Wisdom in Avoiding Harm
Sleeping on the left side regularly harms the heart because the organs of the body will pressure the heart with their weight.
One of the worst types of sleep is on the back, although resting while lying on the back without going to sleep is not harmful. Sleeping on the stomach is the worst way to sleep, Ahmad and Ibn Majah narrated that Abu Umamah said:
The Power of Noon Rest: Napping as Per the Prophet’s Example
Sleeping during the day is bad for health and causes humid ailments, makes the color pale, ails the spleen, softens the nerves, causes laziness, and weakens desire, except during the summertime around noon.
The Dangers of Excessive Daytime Sleep: Insights from the Prophet
The worst type of sleep occurs in the early hours of the day and in the afternoon.
The Dangers of Excessive Daytime Sleep: Insights from the Prophet
Supplications Before Sleep: Seeking Protection and Divine Blessings
In addition, AI-Bokhary narrated that ‘Ayesha said:
“Whenever you go to bed perform ablution like that for the prayer, lie on your right side and say, ‘O Allah! I surrender myself _to You turn my face towards You, entrust all my affairs to You, and depend upon You for Your Blessings both with hope (in You) and fear of You. There is no fleeing from You, and there is no place of protection and safety except with You O Allah! I believe in Your Book (the Qur’an) which You have revealed and in Your Prophet (Muhammad) whom You have sent.’
Make these words the last of your speech, because if you die on that very night, you will die on the Fitrah (i.e., or the religion of Islam).”
Supplications Before Sleep: Seeking Protection and Divine Blessings
Applying Prophetic Sleep Wisdom Today: Tips for a Balanced Sleep Routine
The Prophet then ended the supplication by affirming faith in Allah’s Book and Messenger, which holds the key to the ultimate safety and success in this life and the Next Life. This is the Prophet’s guidance concerning sleep.
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