The Prophet’s Manners and Sunnah Before Sleeping in Islam
Sleep is one of the blessings given by Allah to humans so that the body can rest and restore energy. In Islam, there are manners and sunnah recommended by the Prophet ﷺ before sleeping in order to get blessings and protection from Allah. Here are some manners and sunnah before sleeping that can be practiced:
1. Performing Ablution Before Sleeping
The Prophet ﷺ recommended performing ablution before sleeping as in the hadith:
“When you want to sleep, then perform ablution as ablution for prayer.” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)
Performing ablution before sleeping makes sleep more comfortable and in a state of purity.
2. Cleaning the Bed
The Prophet ﷺ taught to clean the bed before sleeping by shaking a cloth or hand three times to avoid invisible disturbances. (HR. Bukhari and Muslim)
3. Sleeping on Your Right Side
The Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ is to sleep on your right side and place your right hand under your cheek:
“Lie down on your right side.” (HR. Bukhari and Muslim)
This position is good for your health and follows the guidance of the Prophet.
4. Reading a Prayer Before Bed
Before going to bed, the Prophet ﷺ taught a prayer:
“Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya.” (Meaning: In Your name, O Allah, I die and I live.) (HR. Bukhari)
5. Reading the Throne Verse and Short Surahs
It is recommended to read the Throne Verse (QS. Al-Baqarah: 255) and the last three surahs in the Qur’an (Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas) for protection from the disturbance of Satan. (HR. Bukhari and Muslim)
6. Dhikr Before Sleeping
The Prophet ﷺ also taught dhikr before sleeping, including:
Reading Subhanallah (33 times), Alhamdulillah (33 times), and Allahu Akbar (34 times). (HR. Bukhari and Muslim)
7. Remembering Good Deeds
Before sleeping, it is recommended to reflect on the deeds that have been done during the day, repent for mistakes, and pray for good tomorrow.
8. Do not sleep on your stomach
The Prophet ﷺ forbade sleeping in a prone position because this position is disliked by Allah. (HR. Abu Dawud)
Conclusion
Practicing manners and sunnah before sleeping makes sleep more blessed and gets protection from Allah. By following the sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, we not only maintain physical health but also improve the quality of worship in our daily lives.
