Etiquette of Sleep and Awakening in Islam
Islam emphasizes the connection between the believer and their Creator, Almighty Allah, and instills the importance of adhering to Islamic etiquettes at all times. This includes specific supplications for various situations, including sleep and awakening, as well as for eating, drinking, dressing, riding, and traveling. The life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) serves as a profound example of constant awareness of Allah, characterized by discipline, remembrance, and supplication.
Sleeping Etiquette in Islam
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) practiced several etiquettes when it came to sleep, including the following:
- Sleeping on the right side: The Prophet advised his companions to say the supplication: “O Allah, I have submitted my face to You, entrusted my affairs to You, and sought refuge with You, out of fear and hope towards You. There is no refuge or escape from You except with You. O Allah, I believe in Your Book that You have revealed, and in Your Prophet whom You have sent.” It is also mentioned that whoever recites this supplication before sleeping and then passes away will die in a state of natural faith.
- Placing the right hand under the cheek.
- Washing the hands before sleeping, especially if they are soiled with oil or dirt.
- Extinguishing flames before sleeping: The Prophet highlighted that fire is an enemy to humans and should be extinguished before sleeping to prevent accidents, as evidenced by an incident where a house in Medina was burned while its occupants were asleep.
- Securing doors and covering containers before sleeping: In a narration by Jabir bin Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet said: “Cover your containers, tie your waterskins, close your doors, and extinguish your lamps, for the devil does not unlock a door or uncover a container. If none of you can find anything but to place a stick across the container and mention the name of Allah, he should do so, for even a mouse can cause a fire for the household.”
- Avoiding sleeping on the stomach: The Prophet (peace be upon him) explicitly prohibited this position, stating that Allah despises it.
- Sleeping in a state of purity: The Prophet advised that when one goes to bed, they should perform ablution as if preparing for prayer, as narrated by Al-Bukhari and others from Al-Bara’ bin Azib (may Allah be pleased with him).
Awakening Etiquette in Islam
Upon awakening, there are several important etiquettes that Muslims should practice, which include:
- Cleaning the mouth and teeth: It is narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used a miswaak (tooth stick) upon waking for the night prayer.
- Wiping one’s face upon awakening: The Prophet would do this when waking for the night prayer and then recite the last ten verses of Surah Al-Imran.
- Thanking Allah: Upon awakening, one should express gratitude to Allah for revitalizing their spirit after a night of sleep, which is considered a small death. Among the supplications of the Prophet after waking was: “All praise is due to Allah, who has given us life after He had caused us to die, and to Him is the return.”
Recommended Recitations Before Sleep
Before sleeping, it is recommended to recite Ayat Al-Kursi, as well as Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah Al-Nas three times each. Additionally, the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah and Surah Al-Kafirun should be recited. It is also encouraged to say “Subhan Allah” thirty-three times, “Alhamdulillah” thirty-three times, and “Allahu Akbar” thirty-four times.