Sleeping in Islam: How to Prepare, Pray & Get Restful Sleep

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Discover everything the Qur’an has to say about bedtime habits
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Sleeping is an important part of being a good Muslim. Without sufficient rest every night, we're not able to perform our prayers, work, and other duties during the day with the proper attention and devotion to Allah. This comprehensive guide will offer best practices for preparing for sleep in Islam and explore Islamic bedtime rituals, prayers, types of sleep, and sleep chapters in the Qur'an. We'll also share expert tips for sleeping and praying as a Sunnah Muslim from Islam expert Mekaeel Mohsin.

The Sunnah Way of Sleeping in Islam

Prepare for sleep by avoiding heavy meals, turning off all the lights in your home that you aren't going to use, and performing your normal bedtime ritual (i.e., brushing your teeth, using the toilet, etc.). Next, perform wudu and recite your night prayers. Finally, lay on your right side to sleep.

Section 1 of 5:

How to Get Ready for Sleep in Islamic Traditions

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  1. Your body has a difficult time digesting a big, heavy meal while you're lying down, and the resulting heartburn, stomach pain, and other discomforts can distract you from your rest. Keep dinners light and simple so your body can digest them quicker, avoid indigestion, and make sleeping easier. [1]
    • The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Eating too much is misfortune," (Shuab al-Iman of Bayhaqi) and "The believer eats to fill one intestine and the disbeliever eats to fill seven." [Hadeeth-Muslim] [2]
    • By observing regular fasting, unmarried Muslims can learn to control their nighttime desires and avoid bad habits.
  2. Ensure all the doors and windows of the house are securely locked to protect yourself. Turn off or blow out all lamps, candles, and other hot-burning lights. If there are any food or drinks left out, cover and store them.
    • The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Cover vessels, tie up waterskins, close doors and extinguish lamps, for the Shaytaan does not undo waterskins or open doors or uncover vessels." [3]
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  3. This includes dressing in more comfortable clothing (i.e., wearing pajamas), washing your face, taking a warm bath, applying skincare products, brushing your teeth, etc. Cleanliness and hygiene are critical in Islam.
    • Abu Malik Al-Ash`ari reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Purity is half of iman (faith)." [4]
    • Brushing your teeth is highly encouraged before falling asleep. Not only do dentists recommend it, but Aisha reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "The miswak (a twig used for tooth brushing) cleanses and purifies the mouth and pleases the Lord." (An-Nasa’i and Ibn Khuzaimah; authenticated by Al-Albani) [5]
  4. While many people sleep in a bed, you can sleep anywhere as long as it's clean and comfortable. Before lying down, it's Sunnah to dust your bed lightly to make sure it's clean enough for sleeping in.
    • The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "When one of you goes to his bed, let him dust off his bed with the inside of his lower garment, for he does not know what came onto it after he left it...." [6]
    • Muslims are also encouraged to change the sheets, blankets, and pillowcases at least weekly to ensure they always sleep in a clean bed. [7]
  5. Create a calm, relaxing atmosphere in your bedroom (or wherever you're sleeping) to prepare yourself for sleep. Dim the lights, blow off candles, turn off screens, and try to make the environment as quiet as possible. Taking these small steps will go a long way to helping you fall asleep quicker.
    • There is no specific dress code for sleeping. You may dress to feel comfortable or sleep with no clothes as long as there is no danger of someone other than your spouse seeing you.
  6. Fajr is the first and earliest prayer of the day, usually performed an hour before sunrise. To wake up on time and not miss it, set an alarm a few minutes before the prayer is supposed to begin.
    • The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever performs the prayer before the rising of the sun [Fajr] and before its setting [Asr], will not enter hell," [Muslim] and "Whoever prays the two cooler prayer times (i.e. Fajr and Asr) will enter Paradise." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
    • Getting up for Fajr is a struggle for many Muslims, especially in the summer in northern latitudes, if they are not used to waking up so early. Try your best to go to bed soon after Salatul Isha so you'll be able to wake up more easily in the morning.
  7. Islam encourages regular intercourse between lawful spouses and bedtime provides an opportunity to earn the blessings that this brings. [8]
    • Make love with 3 intentions in mind: to avoid zina (adultery), to protect from the gaze of strangers, and to procreate future generations of young Muslims. Doing so will please Allah and strengthen your faith.
    • At the time of intercourse, both husband and wife should recite "Bismillaah, Allahuma jannabnash shaytaana wa jannabish shaytaana maa razaqtanaa," meaning, "In the name of Allah, O Allah! Save us from the Shaytaan and prevent Shaytaan from that which you grant us (i.e. children)."
    • Both husband and wife should perform ghusl janabat after intercourse, and certainly before salah or handling the Qur'an. [9]
  8. Before you go to sleep, perform the wudu washing ritual to cleanse yourself and recite the last mandatory prayer of the day, Salatul-Isha. Finally, make a Dua, or a prayer of requests and supplications to Allah. After you've fulfilled these requirements, lie down to sleep right away so the night will pass quickly, and you can start a new day with the morning prayers.
    • The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "One should not sleep before the night prayer, nor have discussions after it" [Sahih Al-Bukhari 574].
  9. It is Sunnah to sleep on your right side and face the Qibla. When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) laid down to sleep, he would go on his right side and place his right hand under his right cheek. [10]
    • Sleeping on your stomach is not permissible in Islam as this is the way Shaytaan sleeps. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) saw a man lying on his stomach, he said, "This is a method of lying down which Allah does not like." [11] It has also been proven that sleeping on your stomach is not healthy and can lead to back, neck, and shoulder pain. [12]
    • Other than sleeping on your stomach, it's fine to sleep in other positions, such as on the right or left side or on your back. [13]
  10. Sometimes, relaxing enough to fall asleep can seem almost impossible. If you have difficulty going to sleep at night, making Dua may help you feel sleepy.
    • Ibn al-Sunni that Zayd ibn Thaabit said, "I complained to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) about insomnia that I was suffering from. He said, 'Say: O Allah, the stars have come out and eyes have closed, and You are the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists; neither slumber nor sleep overtakes You. O Ever-Living, O Sustainer, bring calm to my night and let my eyes sleep. O Allah, take away from me what I am suffering.'" [14]
  11. Having disturbing dreams and nightmares are common when sleeping, but they can still be pretty scary! In these situations, you can seek out a dream interpretation or pray to Allah to bring you a sense of peace and understanding regarding the visions you saw.
    • Be aware that the Shaytaan is close by when you sleep. During episodes of sleeplessness, many people are vulnerable to insinuating thoughts that lead to disbelief (kufr) or temptation to satisfy desires in haram ways. Protect yourself in these situations by praying and seeking refuge with Allah.
    • It was reported that Abu Qutaadah said: "The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Good dreams come from Allah and bad dreams come from the Shaytaan. If anyone of you sees a bad dream which makes him afraid, let him spit drily to his left [shoulder] and seek refuge with Allah from its evil, then it will not harm him.'" [Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3118; Muslim, 2261] [15]
  12. There isn't a certain number of hours you are forced to sleep as a Muslim. Most people sleep 7-8 hours, but some people can function fine with less, and others need more to properly function. However, sleeping longer than needed and missing your prayers because of sleep is not permissible. [16]
    • Create a consistent sleep schedule that allows you to fall asleep early at night and wake up early in the morning. This will prevent you from missing any prayers while ensuring you get plenty of rest. [17]
  13. Having another day to live is a blessing from Allah. You may remember Allah by making Dua for whatever you would like during this time. The common Dua to say when waking up is "Alhamdu lillaahil-lathee 'ahyaanaa ba'da maa 'amaatnaa wa'ilayhi-nnushooru," which means, "Praise is to Allah Who gives us life after He has caused us to die and to Him is the return." [18]
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Section 2 of 5:

Muslim Bedtime Rituals & Prayers

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  1. Wudu (ablution) is an Islamic purification ritual that involves washing certain body parts with water. It's usually done before performing Salah (prayer), but it's Sunnah to also perform it before sleeping.
    • The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Whenever you intend to go to bed, perform Wudu [like you do] for Salah (prayer)." [Bukhari and Muslim]
    • 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." [19]
  2. Remembering Allah after a long, busy day brings comfort to many Muslims. Don't forget to perform Salatul-Isha, the last and fifth mandatory prayer of the day. [20] You can also pray 2-12 rak'at for Salatul Tahajjud, a voluntary Sunnah prayer for nighttime; or, Mohsin says, you can pray "pray up to however much you can do."
    • Unlike the 5 daily prayers, you will not sin for skipping Tahajjud prayer, but it is highly encouraged to recite it because the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The best prayer one can perform apart from the obligatory prayers is one performed at night." [21]
    • Some people prefer waking up before Fajr to perform the Salatul Witr – the concluding prayer of the Tahajjud – instead of reciting it right after Isha. This practice is recommended if you are usually exhausted by the end of the day.
    • A man asked the Prophet (peace be upon him): "How are the night prayers done?" and he replied, "Two by two, then when you fear that dawn is about to break, pray Witr with one rak’ah." [Narrated by al-Bukhaari] [22]
  3. Muslims are encouraged to make Dua for anything they want or need during this time after their main prayers. The most common sleeping Dua is Allahumma bismika amutu wa ahya, which means "O Allah, with Your name I die and live." [23]
    • There are many other sleeping Duas in other hadiths that are longer and could also be said before sleeping. For example, when the Prophet (peace be upon him) wanted to lie down to sleep, he used to place his right hand under his cheek and say, "Allaahumma qinee 'athaabaka yawma tab'athu 'ibaadaka," which means, "O Allah, save me from Your punishment on the Day that You resurrect Your slaves." Abu Dawud 4/311. [24]
    • Add your duas in your own words before going to sleep. For example, thank Allah for helping you through the day and for guiding you to Islam. Ask Him to keep you firm in your belief; for protection and comfort; to grant provisions and favors; and forgive the sins you made. [25]
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Section 3 of 5:

The Importance of Sleep in Islam

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  1. Sleep is essential for your well-being. An average adult needs at least 8 hours of sleep at night to get adequate rest, while teenagers need 10 hours. Furthermore, Islam encourages a person to sleep to function safely in the day since lack of sleep has many negative effects. [26] Finally, the hours before sleep when you're relaxing is a good time, Mohsin says, to "connect" with the Lord after a long day.
    • The Prophet (peace be upon him) told Ibn Amr, one of his companions, who had been praying the whole night: "Offer prayers and also sleep at night, as your body has a right on you." [27]
    • The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "If anyone of you feels drowsy while praying he should go to bed (sleep) till his slumber is over." [Sahih Al-Bukhari 210] [28]
    • Aisha, the wife of the Prophet (peace be upon him), talks about a woman from the tribe of Bani Asad who was sitting with her. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Who is this?" Aisha replied, "She is so and so. She does not sleep at night because she is engaged in prayer." The Prophet replied, "Do (good) deeds which are within your capacity as Allah never gets tired of giving rewards till you get tired of doing good deeds." [Musnad Ahmed 25244]
Section 4 of 5:

Types of Sleep in Islam

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  1. Sinah is a type of light sleeping in which the sleeper is dozing and is easily awakened by noises or other environmental stimuli. This word was used to describe how Allah, the Creator, never sleeps, since he needs no rest. [29]
  2. Nu'ass is interpreted as a short nap that brings the sleeper a greater feeling of security and rejuvenates their health. This sleep is deeper than Sinah and has more benefits, especially given the fact that it's described in the Qur'an as a type of reward or comfort bestowed on faithful Muslims by Allah. [30]
  3. Ru'qood is an extremely long, deep sleep. According to the Qur'an, this type of slumber was granted to a group of Muslim believers known as the People of the Cave. The story tells how the believers begged Allah for help and how He directed them to hide in a cave. Then, to protect them and keep them alive, he put them into ru'qood for 300 solar years. [31]
  4. Ho'joo refers to the sleep that true Muslim believers experience at night. The Qur'an describes it, saying, "They used to sleep but little by night (ho’joo). And in the hours before dawn, they were (found) asking (Allāh) for forgiveness" (51.17–1). The righteousness of these individuals compels them to rise early to ask Allah to forgive their sins. [32]
  5. Su'baat is derived from the root Arabic word sabt, meaning "disconnecting." Therefore, this type of sleep is a deep one from which it's difficult to arouse the slumberer, as they feel "disconnected" from their physical surroundings and stimuli. [33]
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Section 5 of 5:

Sleep Chapters in the Qur'an

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  1. Many Muslims like to recite these chapters before saying their night prayers. It's an optional practice, but well worth doing, as Mohsin says they are a form of worship of Allah and bring great rewards, like defense and protection. It's recommended to recite all the chapters below before sleeping or reciting your night prayers, or at the very least the last 3 Quls since they are the quickest and most effective for protection. [34]
    • Ayatul Kursi: "Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, 'By reciting it [Ayatul Kursi], there will be a guardian appointed over you from Allah who will protect you during the night, and Shaytaan will not be able to come near you until morning.'" [Al-Bukhari] [35]
    • Surah Al-Baqara: "Abu Mas’ud Al-Badri reported: I heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) saying, 'He who recites the two Ayat at the end of Surat Al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice him.'" [Al- Bukhari and Muslim] [36]
    • Surah Al-Mulk: "The Prophet (SAW) said, 'Surah al Mulk is the protector from the torment of the grave'" [Sahihul Jamiea 1/680, Hakim 2/498 & Nasai], and he also said, "There is a surah in the Qur'an which is only thirty verses. It defended whoever recited it until it puts him into Paradise (i.e. Surah al Mulk)" [Fath al Qadir 5/257, Sahihul Jamiea 1/680, Tabrani in Al-Awsat & Ibn Mardawaith]. [37]
    • Surah Al-Kafiroon: "It was narrated that Nawfal al-Ashja’i said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said to me: 'Recite Qul yaa ayyuha’l-kaafiroon (i.e. Surah Al-Kafiroon) then go to sleep at the end of it, for it is a disavowal of shirk.'" [Abu Dawood and al-Tirmidhi] [38]
    • The Last 3 Surahs (Quls) of the Qur'an: "It was narrated from Aisha that when the Prophet (peace be upon him) went to bed every night, he would hold his hands together and blow into them, and recite into them Qul Huwa Allaahu Ahad (i.e. Surah Al-Ikhlas), Qul a’oodhu bi rabb il-falaq (i.e. Surah Al-Falaq), and Qul a’oodhu bi rabb il-naas (i.e. Surah-An Nas). Then he would wipe them over whatever he could of his body, starting with his head and face and the front of his body, and he would do that three times."

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  • Question
    I used to sleep on right side and sometimes straight, but whenever I wake up, I am sleeping on my stomach. What do I do?
    Sobi
    Top Answerer
    During your sleep, your body might sometimes change positions, and this is natural and beyond your control. The Prophet said that the pen is "lifted from the sleeper until he awakens"; therefore, if you are sleeping on your stomach and you were not initially in that position, as long as you change it when you wake up, that is fine.
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  • Question
    I usually do ghusl before sleeping. Is that in any way valid In the Islamic Sunnah?
    Sobi
    Top Answerer
    The Prophet sometimes did ghusl then went to sleep, especially if he was in a state of janabah after sexual intercourse. Other times, he did wudu and then slept.
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  • Question
    How do I wake up for Fajr prayer? I love my sleep, and it's very difficult to wake up early in the morning.
    Sobi
    Top Answerer
    Allah (may He be exalted) knows the struggles of staying up for Isha prayer or waking up for Fajr prayer. This is why they are the signs of a true believer, that they forsake their beds in order to worship Him. The Qur'an says, "Only those believe ... arise from [their] beds; they supplicate their Lord in fear and aspiration". Make an intention to wake up for Fajr, and set an alarm about 10 mins before the jama'ah time.
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      • Take short naps (15-30) minutes long during the day to help you feel re-energized and continue the day properly. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions have been mentioned in many hadiths napping during this time, so it's considered halal for Muslims to do it, as well. [39]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/4-ways-stop-digestive-discomfort-after-supersized-meal
      2. ↑ https://islam.ru/en/content/story/how-eat-islam
      3. ↑ https://islamqa.info/en/answers/127141/it-is-mustahabb-to-close-the-doors-of-houses-at-night
      4. ↑ https://aboutislam.net/shariah/hadith/hadith-collections/10-hadiths-on-health-and-hygiene/
      5. ↑ https://aboutislam.net/shariah/hadith/hadith-collections/10-hadiths-on-health-and-hygiene/
      6. ↑ https://islamqa.info/en/104215
      7. ↑ https://www.webmd.com/allergies/dust-mite-mattress-and-pillow-covers-for-allergy-relief
      8. ↑ https://www.mpvusa.org/sexuality-diversity/
      9. ↑ https://www.al-islam.org/islamic-marriage-handbook-sayyid-athar-husayn-sh-rizvi/major-ablution-ghusl-janabat
      1. ↑ https://www.islamhelpline.net/node/2870
      2. ↑ https://www.islamhelpline.net/node/2870
      3. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sleeping-on-stomach
      4. ↑ https://www.islamhelpline.net/node/2870
      5. ↑ https://islamqa.info/en/answers/106614/dua-for-insomnia-and-how-to-treat-it
      6. ↑ https://islamqa.info/en/answers/9577/is-there-any-dua-for-protection-from-nightmares
      7. ↑ https://islamqa.info/en/96589
      8. ↑ https://hr.wustl.edu/creating-a-sleep-routine-6-steps-to-better-sleep/
      9. ↑ https://www.islamawareness.net/Dua/Fortress/001.html
      10. ↑ https://www.islamicinsights.com/religion/how-do-we-sleep.html
      11. ↑ https://productivemuslim.com/productivemuslim-sleep-routine/
      12. ↑ https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/tahajjud-fuel-for-the-self-and-society
      13. ↑ https://islamqa.info/en/52875
      14. ↑ https://haqislam.org/dua-before-sleeping/
      15. ↑ https://www.islamawareness.net/Dua/Fortress/028.html
      16. ↑ https://backtojannah.com/before-sleep/
      17. ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/sleep/why.aspx
      18. ↑ https://al-talib.org/islam-sleep-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-nap/
      19. ↑ https://al-talib.org/islam-sleep-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-nap/
      20. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3630974/
      21. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3630974/
      22. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3630974/
      23. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3630974/
      24. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3630974/
      25. ↑ https://backtojannah.com/before-sleep/
      26. ↑ https://backtojannah.com/before-sleep/
      27. ↑ https://backtojannah.com/before-sleep/
      28. ↑ https://backtojannah.com/before-sleep/
      29. ↑ https://backtojannah.com/before-sleep/
      30. ↑ https://theislamicworkplace.com/2011/05/01/follow-muhammads-s-sunnah-take-a-power-nap-to-increase-alertness-and-productivity/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to sleep according to the rulings 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 wudu to cleanse yourself, then follow your normal bedtime routine. For example, you might brush your teeth, change into your pajamas, or take a warm bath. You should also make sure to go to sleep right after Salatul-Isham and set an alarm to wake up for the Fajr prayer. During the night, you may pray 2 to 12 rak'at for Salatul Tahajjud, which is optional but highly encouraged. For more tips, including how to nap if you are Muslim, scroll down!

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