How Did the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Sleep?

How Did the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Sleep? A Complete Guide to His Blessed Routine

Sleep is a vital part of life, and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us the best way to rest. His sleep habits were simple yet full of blessings. By following his Sunnah, we can improve our sleep quality and gain spiritual benefits.

In this article, we will explore:

• The Prophet's bedtime routine
• His sleeping position and timings
• Powerful duas (prayers) before sleep
• Common mistakes to avoid
• FAQs about the Prophet's sleep habits

Let's dive into the beautiful Sunnah of sleeping.

1. The Prophet's Bedtime Routine: Cleanliness and Protection

The Prophet (PBUH) never went to sleep without preparing properly. His routine included cleanliness and remembrance of Allah.

A. Performing Wudu (Ablution) Before Sleep

"إِذَا أَتَيْتَ مَضْجَعَكَ فَتَوَضَّأْ وُضُوءَكَ لِلصَّلَاةِ"

"Idha atayta madhja'aka fatawadda' wuduuka lissalaati"

Translation: "When you go to bed, perform ablution as you do for prayer." (Sahih Bukhari 6311)

Wudu cleanses the body and soul, helping you sleep peacefully.

B. Dusting the Bed Before Sleeping

"إِذَا أَوَى أَحَدُكُمْ إِلَى فِرَاشِهِ فَلْيَنْفُضْ فِرَاشَهُ بِدَاخِلَةِ إِزَارِهِ فَإِنَّهُ لاَ يَدْرِي مَا خَلَفَهُ عَلَيْهِ"

"Idha awa ahadukum ila firashihi falyanghuf firashahu bidakhilati izarihi fa'innahu la yadri ma khalfahu 'alayhi"

Translation: "When one of you goes to bed, let him dust off his bed with the inside of his garment, for he does not know what may have come onto it." (Sahih Bukhari 6320)

This habit keeps the sleeping area clean and safe.

C. Turning Off Lights and Fire Before Sleep

"أَطْفِئُوا الْمَصَابِيحَ بِاللَّيْلِ إِذَا رَقَدْتُمْ"

"Atfi'u al-masabiha bil-layli idha raqadtum"

Translation: "Put out lamps when you go to sleep." (Sahih Bukhari 6296)

This prevents accidents and saves energy.

2. The Prophet's Sleeping Position: Right Side and Hands Under Cheek

The best sleeping position in Islam is on the right side, as the Prophet (PBUH) did.

A. Sleeping on the Right Side

"كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذَا أَخَذَ مَضْجَعَهُ نَفَثَ فِي يَدَيْهِ وَقَرَأَ بِالْمُعَوِّذَاتِ وَمَسَحَ بِهِمَا جَسَدَهُ"

"Kana an-Nabiyyu sallallahu alayhi wasallam idha akhadha madhja'ahu nafatha fi yadayhi wa qara'a bil-mu'awwidhati wa masaha bihima jasadahu"

Translation: "When the Prophet (PBUH) went to bed, he would blow into his hands, recite Al-Mu'awwidhat (Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas), and wipe his hands over his body." (Sahih Bukhari 6319)

Sleeping on the right side improves digestion and heart health.

B. Placing the Right Hand Under the Cheek

"اللَّهُمَّ قِنِي عَذَابَكَ يَوْمَ تَبْعَثُ عِبَادَكَ"

"Allahumma qini 'adhabaka yawma tab'athu 'ibadak"

Translation: "O Allah, save me from Your punishment on the Day You resurrect Your servants." (Sunan Abu Dawood 5045)

This position helps in relaxation and better sleep.

3. The Prophet's Sleep Timings: Night and Day Nap

The Prophet (PBUH) had a balanced sleep schedule:

A. Sleeping After Isha and Waking for Tahajjud

He would sleep early after Isha and wake up at midnight for Tahajjud prayer.

B. Taking a Midday Nap (Qailulah)

"قِيلُوا فَإِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ لاَ يَقِيلُ"

"Qayluu fa'inna ash-shaytana la yaqilu"

Translation: "Take a nap, for the devils do not take naps." (Al-Tabarani)

A short nap boosts energy and productivity.

4. Powerful Duas (Prayers) Before Sleeping

The Prophet (PBUH) recited these duas for protection:

A. Ayat-ul-Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255)

"اللَّهُ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ..."

"Allahu la ilaha illa huwa al-Hayy al-Qayyum..."

Translation: "Allah! There is no god but He, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence..."

Reciting this verse protects from evil until morning.

B. Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas

The Prophet (PBUH) recited these three Surahs, blew on his hands, and wiped them over his body before sleep.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Sleeping on the stomach (forbidden in Islam)
• Staying up too late without a valid reason
• Sleeping without remembering Allah

FAQs About the Prophet's Sleep Habits

Q: What time did the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) usually sleep?

A: The Prophet (PBUH) would sleep after Isha prayer, wake up around midnight for Tahajjud, then sleep again until Fajr. He also encouraged a short nap (Qailulah) around midday.

Q: Why did the Prophet sleep on his right side?

A: Sleeping on the right side has both spiritual and health benefits. It follows the Sunnah, helps with digestion, and is better for heart function compared to sleeping on the left side or stomach.

Q: What should I recite before sleeping according to Sunnah?

A: The Prophet (PBUH) recommended several recitations: Ayat-ul-Kursi, the last three Surahs of the Quran (Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas), and the dua: "Bismika Rabbi wada'tu janbi..." (In Your name, my Lord, I lie down...).

Q: Is it Sunnah to sleep immediately after Isha prayer?

A: Yes, the Prophet (PBUH) would typically sleep early after Isha. This allowed him to wake up for Tahajjud prayer during the last third of the night, which is the best time for night prayers.

Conclusion: Follow the Sunnah for Better Sleep

The Prophet's (PBUH) sleep habits were simple yet powerful. By following his Sunnah, we can sleep better and gain Allah's blessings.

Action Steps:

1. Perform wudu before bed
2. Sleep on your right side
3. Recite protective duas
4. Take a short nap during the day

May Allah grant us peaceful sleep and His protection. Ameen!

References:

• Sahih Bukhari
• Sunan Abu Dawood
• Tafsir Ibn Kathir
• Al-Tabarani