💤 13 Islamic Sleep Habits
1. ⏰ Timing of Sleep:
The Prophet (S) encouraged Muslims to sleep early after ʿIshāʾ and wake up early for Fajr unless you are in acts of worship, reading Quran or gaining knowledge.
It is Makrūh (discouraged) to:
• 😴 Sleep after Fajr until sunrise
• 🌆 Sleep between Maghrib and ʿIshāʾ (according to some reports)
✅ Recommended naps:
• 🕑 A short nap before Ẓuhr
• 🕒 Some have also recommended a short nap between Ẓuhr and ʿAṣr
2. 🚽 Using Bathroom –
It is recommended to relieve oneself before sleeping to avoid discomfort.
3. 💧 Perform Wuḍūʾ –
Sleeping with wuḍūʾ is highly recommended. The Prophet (S) is reported to have said:
“One who sleeps in a state of purity is like someone who spends (the night) praying and fasting (during the day).” (Kanz al-ʿUmmāl)
4. 🪥 Brushing Your Teeth –
It is reported that the Holy Prophet (S) would brush his teeth three times every night:
• Before sleeping
• When waking up for nightly worship
• Before Fajr prayer
5. 👕 Sleep Clean –
Wear clean clothes and dust your bed before sleeping.
6. 📜 Write a Will –
Prepare a will and put it under your pillow. It reminds us of life’s temporary nature and strengthens mindfulness of the Hereafter.
7. 🧠 Muḥāsaba (Self-Accountability) –
Review your day before sleep:
• What did I say, do, or think that was good?
• What wasn’t good?
Imam al-Kāẓim (as) is reported to have said: “The one who does not take account of himself every single day is not one of us.” (Mīzān al-Ḥikmah)
Thank Allah for His blessings, acknowledge mistakes, and seek forgiveness.
8. 🎯 Intention –
Before sleeping, make the intention to wake for the night prayer.
The Prophet (S) is reported to have said: “Whoever goes to bed intending to wake up and pray during the night, but is overwhelmed by sleep until morning comes, what he intended will be recorded for him, and his sleep is a charity given to him by his Lord.”
9. ☪️ Renew the Shahādah –
Reaffirming your faith before sleep is highly recommended. Also recite the shahādat al-mawt to remind yourself of your return to Allah.
10. 🤲 Recite Duʿās and Dhikr –
Imam Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq (as) is reported to have said:
• “Whoever recites ‘Lā ilāha illallāh’ 100 times before sleep, Allah builds a house for him in Paradise.” 🏡
• “One who recites istighfār 100 times before sleep will have his sins fall like leaves from a tree.” 🍂
Also recommended:
• Tasbīḥ al-Zahrā
• Salawāt on the Prophet and his family ﷺ
11. 📖 Qurān –
Reciting the Qurān before sleeping is highly recommended. Among the recommended passages:
• Sūrah al-Ikhlāṣ
• Sūrah al-Takāthur
• Āyat al-Kursī
12. 🛏 Sleeping Position –
• Best: On the right side facing the Qibla
• Allowed: Left side or back
• Discouraged: Sleeping on the stomach
13. ⚖️ How Much Sleep –
Sleep should be moderate.
Imam Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq (as) said:
“Allah dislikes three things: excessive and needless sleep, pointless laughter, and eating on a full stomach.”
“Sleeping too much deprives one of the goodness of the Hereafter.”
✨ By following these etiquettes, sleep becomes more than just rest—it becomes an act of devotion, a means of purification, and a preparation for the Hereafter.
🔗 Sources:
حلية المتقين – Allamah Muhammad Al-Baqir al-Majlisi
مفاتیح الجنان – Shaykh Abbas Qummi
ميزان الحكمة – Ayatollah Mohammad Reyshahri
سُنن ابن ماجه – Muḥammad ibn Yazīd ibn Mājah
سُنَن النَّبی – ‘Allamah Tabataba’i