How to sleep, from an Islamic perspective | Dua for Sleeping

Sleep is a great blessing of Allah. The most suitable time for this, is night. Because people need a little rest after working all day. That is why Allah has made the night suitable for rest. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “I have given you sleep for your rest, and I have made the night for you as a covering, and I have made the day for you to do your work.” (Surah an-Naba ': 9-11)

Things To Do and Duas Before Sleeping

Today, however, the reverse trend has begun around the world. Its harmful aspects are clear in front of everyone. It has emerged as a curse of modern times. Many engage in unwarranted gossip, criticism, slander, or immoral activities. Most of the people in the society, especially the youth are involved in it. Unnecessary wandering on the streets with friends at night, going to parties in groups and indulging in it till late at night. Those who do not go out, they sit at home and travel the world on the Internet. Boys and girls get involved in online chats. Someone is watching movies and downloading various videos. Someone's eyes are on the TV screen, someone's ears are attached to the FM radio. Some people are engrossed in playing games. This is the horrible image of the youth. In this world and in the hereafter, these deeds bring nothing but misfortune. Islam does not support these. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) liked to perform the Isha prayers one-third of the night late, and disliked sleeping before Isha and talking after Isha without sleeping. (Sahih Bukhari, Ha. 599) The result of not sleeping at night unnecessarily causes waking up late in the morning. At present, a large section of the Muslim community starts the day without saying the Fajr prayers. While it has been narrated in the hadith, narrated in the source of Hazrat Jabir (RA), the Prophet (SAW) said, ‘The difference between a believer and a disbeliever is Salat.’ (Muslim, Ha: 134)

It is very blessed to wake up in the morning

Getting to bed early makes it easier to get up on time to say Tahajjud and Fajr prayers in congregation. This is the best time to pray and repent to Allah. Allah says in the Holy Quran about the dwellers of Paradise, "They ask forgiveness in the late night." (Surat al-Jari'ah, 17)

The best welfare is at dawn or early in the day. This is the most suitable and blessed time not only for worship but also for worldly work. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) prayed for blessings for the morning work. According to the narration of Hazrat Sakhr Ghamdi (RA), the Prophet (SAW) prayed, ‘O Allah, bless the beginning of the day for my Ummah.’ That is why the Prophet (SAW) used to send troops at the beginning of the day to a war. The narrator said that Hazrat Sakhar (ra) also used to start his business activities in the morning. This greatly improved his business and he gained unlimited abundance. (Sunan Abi Dawood, Ha: 2606)

Waking till late at night is not offensive, if necessary

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) disliked talking after the Isha prayer and staying awake till late at night. However, he would sometimes stay up at night to teach religion and would often go to Abu Bakr's house at night for good advice about the Muslims. (Tahabi Sharif, H: 8203)

Many of the Companions did not have time to perform Nafl prayers or recite the Qur'an during their busy days. They would stay up late at night reciting the Qur'an and crying out to Allah.

According to the narration of Hazrat Ayesha (RA), I never saw the Prophet (SAW) sleeping before Esha and talking after Esha. After Esha, maybe he was busy in Zikr, otherwise he would fall asleep. It would be possible to stay free from all unnecessary work like this. Ayesha (RA) said that it is permissible for three types of people to stay up at night: the newlyweds, the traveler and the performer of Nafl prayers on the wedding night. (Musnad Abi Ya'la, H: 469)

Harmful side of not sleeping at night

One. Many keep awake upto late at night and wake up the next day. Thus the Fajr prayers become qaza.

Two. Even if one can get up during Fajr, it is difficult to pay attention to the prayers with sleepy eyes. 

Three. The habit of constantly not sleeping at night is harmful for the body. This can lead to problems such as weakness, fatigue, loss of motivation to work, lack of sleep and irritable mood. A bad mood can lead to quarrels with others. As a result, there may be various disturbances in the individual, family and public life. In addition, due to physical weakness, the bad habit of cheating at work can develop.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, ‘Staying up late at night is tedious and burdensome.’ (Sunan Daremi, H. 1835)

The physical benefits of going to bed early at night

Nowadays, doctors also advise people to give up the habit of sleeping late. Experts have described the many benefits of going to bed early at night — 

one. Prevention of disease: Early sleep can effectively prevent a number of mental illnesses, including aging, high blood pressure, and headaches. And if you develop this habit, your stomach will also be better. This will increase the body's resistance to disease.

Two. Weight control: Lack of adequate sleep let's you lose control over the body and weight control is not possible. So getting enough sleep makes it easier for people to control their weight.

Three. Enthusiasm: Going to bed early helps people to be energetic and creative at work. When you wake up early in the morning to get through the day activities after getting enough sleep at night, you will feel more energetic. It will not be easy to get tired during the day. In order for this endeavor to work fully, you have to go to bed before midnight as much as possible.

Four. Healthy Mind: Those who go to bed early and wake up early have a good mind. This is because those who fall asleep early get enough sleep and as a result they feel better after waking up.

Five. Beauty: Sleep has a very strong relationship with the beauty of the body. Sleeping early will enhance the beauty of the skin. If you don't sleep well at night, wrinkles appear on people's faces. For this reason, many young people seem to be a few years older. Adequate sleep can prevent this.