All of us would like to get enough rest, but in this fast-paced world, it is sometimes hard to accomplish. There is work, family, social expectations, and distractions modern life has to offer. Priorities sometimes change, and so does sleep, on the contrary, in Islam, sleep is not just a human requirement, rather, it is also seen as a time for the replenishment of the spirit. Hence the Sunnah sleep routine, Sunan al-Nabi (S) gives a composite idea contributing to giving rest to both the body and spirit.
Here, we share our sleeping experience by adopting the Sunnah sleep routine and how it can change the way one sleeps and relates to good health and a spiritual connection.
What is Sunnah?
Sunnah means the way of life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), including Acts of worship and daily conduct, acting as an all-inclusive guide for the Muslim. It is not merely a group of religious practices but rather the entire way of life that one should consider to ensure a balanced and fulfilling life.
Regarding sleep, the Prophet (PBUH) gave us specific advices, in doing so, transforming it from an easy act of rest into an act of worship. That being said, by more luxuriously embracing sleep through Sunnah, the bodies, minds, and spirits of those who follow it will flourish.
Benefits of Following the Sunnah-Based Sleep Routine
For many people, sleep happens only after one has finished everything else. Putting the Sunnah into practice in our nightly routine turns sleep into a more consciously considered activity for being well.
Physical Benefits:
The Sunnah sleep routine favors a healthy sleep cycle that corresponds to our natural body rhythms. As per the Prophet (PBUH), “Early to bed and early to rise will give you health and prosperity,” making sure that we get the best quality sleep allowed for by nature. For good health, good physical rejuvenation, a strong immune system, and sharp cognition, we must take advantage of the best rest offer.
Spiritual Benefits:
Islam views sleep not only as a rejuvenation of the body but also as a replenishing of the spirit. Hence, by following the Sunnah sleep routine, we practise worship before sleep and during sleep, thus drawing closer to Allah and fostering feelings of tranquility and gratitude into which we enter to rest.
Mental & Emotional Benefits:
The daily pressures can cause our minds to scatter in a thousand directions, yet the Sunnah sleep recommendations give us that opportunity to calm our minds before running into a restful night. These practices build gratitude and mindfulness, allowing us to put aside stress and be emotionally ready for the coming day.
Key Elements of the Sunnah Sleep Routine
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave instructions for practical ways through which sleep can be made into a meaningful and beneficial experience. These, which are few in number, do not only work within the sidelines of really keeping a body healthy; however, they gladly take sleep away from an earthly activity and give it a divine connotation-a little bit of worship and almost a little bit of self-care. Below are some key principles from the Sunnah sleep routine, which we have incorporated into our lives:
Early to Bed
The Prophet (PBUH) recommended early-to-bed-time for late-night sleep. He said:
‘O you who are sleeping: wake up to pray and sleep early. Sleep early and wake early; for this is best.’
Sleep early to ensure deep rest and wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
Supplications Before Sleeping
The Prophet (PBUH) taught that certain supplications (du’a) should be recited before sleeping, either to seek protection or blessings from Allah. The most common du’as include:
- Ayat al-Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:255) – This passage protects one from anything evil or harm during the night.
- Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas – Offer protection from spiritual causes of evil.
These du’as calm the mind and body, giving peace of mind as one falls asleep.
Sleep on Your Right Side
The Prophet (PBUH) has advised saying:
“When you go to bed, lie on your right side, for this is the best position.”
It ensures better digestion and will align the body perfectly for deep and restful sleep. This simple method is a beneficial addition to our nightly regimen.
Wudu (Ablution) Before Sleep
It is sunnah before sleeping to do wudu. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Purify your body, and your soul will be purified.”
Washing one’s hands and feet before sleep not only cleanses the body, but it prepares one’s spirit to receive the blessing of a peaceful and restful night. The wudu imparts a kind of purity that enables us to unwind and reconnect with our faith just before sleeping.
Using Miswak (Tooth Stick)
The miswak was also recommended by the Prophet (PBUH) to be used before sleeping to cleanse the teeth. He said:
“The miswak purifies the mouth and pleases the Lord.”
Preparing the mouth through cleaning with the miswak is good for human dental health and brings a reward for the one using it, so cleaning with the miswak is a subtle act that assists in preserving cleanliness and purity, which aligns with personal care stressed in the Sunnah.
Reciting Surah Al-Mulk Before Sleep
It is recommended to recite Surah Al-Mulk (Chapter 67) before going to bed. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“There is a Surah in the Qur’an, consisting of thirty verses, which would intercede for a man until his sins were forgiven. That Surah is ‘Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the Kingdom’ (Surah Al-Mulk).”
This Surah shields one from harm and reminds one of the greatness of Allah as one goes to sleep. Reciting it is always favorable, for it strengthens our bond with the Qur’an and so adds spiritual benefit to our night-time routine.
Making Good Intentions for the Next Day
Good intentions for the next day should be made upon going to sleep; the Prophet (PBUH) would often say:
“O Allah, I lay my side on Your hands; forgive me and keep me safe.”
Expressing clear intentions about one’s course of action for the next day would negatively reinforce that the intentions be positive, with one’s heart and mind following the guidance of Allah.
How the Sunnah Sleep Routine Helps One to Have a Clear Mind
Here are the ways that going to bed Sunnah-style keeps one with a clearer mind, more focused, and more productive:
Relieving Mental Fatigue
In this faster world, many would contend with the weight of stress and try to focus only to undergo burnout or enter a state of demotivation. The incorporation of the Sunnah practices in one’s life helps in alleviating mental fatigue and revising the functioning of the mind. Thus, our brain rejuvenation, as well as refreshment, is to a great extent helped by the sleep patterning recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Early Sleep and Cognitive Restoration
One key benefit of the Sunnah sleep routine is the deep sleep achieved from early sleeping. By sleeping at an early time, the body enters stages of restful sleep that enable cognitive restoration. This type of sleeping assists memory consolidation, enhancing the ability to focus and being alert the next day. Arising after a night of deeply restorative sleep, one is able to face the coming day with much clarity of mind and productivity.
The Role of Du’a in Mental Calmness
Du’as that are recited before sleep instill feelings of peace, allowing one to enjoy mental calmness. They help cleanse the mind and let go of the day’s worries. An atmosphere conducive to emotional and mental sponsorship is created by engaging in pre-sleep spiritual reflections. That calm may ease sleep, better decision-making, creativity, and positivity during the day.
How Following the Sunnah Sleep Routine Changes Lives
Having entered the realm of the triple embraces of dawn, sunset, and sunset through the adoption of the Sunnah sleep routine has had a transformative effect on the manner of sleeping and well-being. By going to bed early, one arises feeling fresh and ready to seize the day. Reciting the du’as before bed gave way to an awakening calmness of the mind and inward peace.
A feeling of freshness while sleeping with the right side down, after wudu, and using the miswak, is felt in the body. On the other side, the major alteration is spiritual as these minute acts have drawn us deeper into Allah, able to conclude each day with thanks and awareness.