Colin Snow
Sleep is an important aspect of the Quran and has been mentioned throughout it in various forms. Islamic sleeping practices (sunnah) encourage sleeping on the right side with the right hand resting on the right cheek, which is said to be the preferred sleeping position of the Prophet Mohammed. According to a hadith, sleeping on the stomach is disliked by Allah, and the Prophet forbade it. However, there is no mention of this sleeping position being haram or prohibited, and Muslim scholars differ on their rulings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Islamic sleeping position | Sleeping on the right side with the right hand resting on the right cheek |
| Islamic sleeping direction | Towards the Qibla, generally in the direction of the Kaaba |
| Islamic sleeping time | Early to bed, early to rise, with an afternoon nap during or between Zuhr |
| Islamic view on sleeping on the stomach | Some scholars say it is disliked or not preferred, others say it is allowed. It is associated with hell and Allah's displeasure. |
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What You'll Learn
Islamic sleep rules and the best position
Sleep is an important topic in Islamic literature, and the Quran and Hadiths discuss types of sleep, the importance of sleep, and good sleep practices. Islamic sleep rules are based on the practices (Sunnah) and recommendations of Prophet Muhammad.
According to Islamic sources, Prophet Muhammad said, "Whenever you go to bed, perform ablution like that for prayer, and lie on your right side." Another source mentions that the Prophet would sleep on his right side, with his right hand under his cheek. This sleeping position is also supported by modern scientific studies, which have suggested beneficial effects on the heart.
Some Islamic sources discourage sleeping on the stomach. It is mentioned that Prophet Muhammad once saw a man lying on his stomach and told him, "Allah and his Prophet dislike this position." Another source mentions that the Prophet once prodded a man lying on his stomach and said, "Do not lie in this manner, for it is a way of lying that Allah hates." However, it is worth noting that some Muslim scholars consider sleeping on the stomach as 'mubah' or allowed.
To prepare for sleep, Muslims are encouraged to perform their normal bedtime rituals, such as brushing their teeth, wearing comfortable clothing, and ensuring cleanliness. They may also perform wudu and recite night prayers. Turning off unnecessary lights and securing the doors and windows of the house are also recommended.
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Is it haram to sleep on your stomach?
There are differing opinions among Islamic scholars on whether it is haram (forbidden) to sleep on one's stomach. While some sources claim that it is forbidden to sleep or lie on one's stomach, others argue that it is merely disliked or not preferred, while others still consider it mubah (allowed).
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is reported to have expressed disapproval of lying on one's stomach. In one narration, he is said to have prodded someone lying on their stomach with his foot and stated, "Do not lie in this manner, for it is a way of lying that Allah hates." In another report, he said, "Do not lie like this, for this is how the people of Hell lie." These hadiths (narrations) have been graded as sahih (authentic) by some scholars.
However, some scholars dispute the authenticity of these hadiths and argue that sleeping on one's stomach is not haram but rather makruh (disliked or not preferred). Imam Al-Bukhari, for example, mentioned in his At-Tarikh Al-Kabir that sleeping on one's stomach is not authentic. Similarly, Ibn Abi Hatim and Ad-Daraqutni expressed the same view in their respective works, al-I`ilal. Imam Abu Ishaq Al-Harbi also spoke about the weakness of these hadiths in his Ikram Ad-Dayf.
It is worth noting that the Sunnah of the Prophet is to sleep on the right side. As narrated by Al-Bukhari, "When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) goes to bed, he would sleep on his right side." Additionally, some scholars cite health reasons behind the Prophet's discouragement of sleeping on the stomach, as it can lead to spinal and neck problems and potentially difficulty in breathing.
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The Prophet's preferred sleeping position
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) had no single preferred sleeping position, as he would sometimes sleep on his back, his right side, and in the fetal position. However, the Sunnah encourages sleeping on the right side, with the right hand placed beneath the right cheek. This is also supported by modern science, which suggests that sleeping in this position improves digestion and is beneficial for circulation, reducing pressure on the heart.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) also slept in a variety of locations and on different surfaces. Sometimes he would sleep on a mattress, a leather mat, a mat made of palm leaves, the floor, a bed, the sand, or a black cloak.
While the Prophet did not always sleep on his right side, he did emphasize its importance. In one instance, he found a man sleeping on his stomach and prodded him with his foot, telling him to sleep on his right side instead, as sleeping on the stomach was disliked by Allah. This is supported by another narration, in which the Prophet stated that sleeping on the stomach is how the people of Hell lie.
It is important to note that while the Sunnah encourages sleeping on the right side, Islam promotes flexibility and does not impose strict rules. The religion acknowledges that individuals have different needs, and the Prophet himself slept in various positions and locations to accommodate his needs and circumstances.
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Sleeping on your stomach: health reasons
Sleep is an important aspect of the Quran and has been mentioned throughout it in various forms. Islamic sleep practices (sunnah) encourage sleeping on the right side with the right hand resting on the right cheek, which is said to have a beneficial effect on the heart, especially for heart patients who have undergone surgery as it lessens the pressure on it. This was also the preferred sleeping position of the Prophet.
According to the Hadiths, Prophet Muhammad emphasized sleeping on the right side as the best way to sleep, and sleeping on the stomach was forbidden. The Prophet is said to have stated that sleeping on the stomach is a way of lying down that Allah hates and that it is how the people of Hell lie. However, some scholars argue that the Hadiths on sleeping on the belly are not authentic, and there is no mention of this way of sleeping being haram or prohibited.
Some scholars also cite health reasons behind the Prophet's discouragement of sleeping on the stomach. Modern science tells us that sleeping on the stomach can lead to spinal and neck problems and potentially difficulty in breathing as it misaligns the natural curvature of the spine. It is also a known risk factor for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). On the other hand, sleeping on the stomach can help with sleep apnea and snoring. Islam places a great emphasis on health maintenance and preservation, so it makes sense that the Prophet may have considered the health implications of different sleeping positions.
It is worth noting that there is a difference of opinion among Muslim scholars on the ruling of sleeping on one's belly. Some view it as makruh (disliked) or not preferred, while others consider it mubah (allowed). Ultimately, the decision of how to sleep comes down to personal preference and comfort, taking into account any health considerations.
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Sleep as a priority in Islam
Sleep is considered a priority in Islam, with the Quran and Hadith discussing types of sleep, the importance of sleep, and good sleep practices. Islam considers sleep as one of the signs of the greatness of Allah and encourages followers to explore this important sign.
The Quran describes different types of sleep, which correspond with sleep stages identified by modern science. It discusses the beneficial effects of sleep and emphasizes maintaining a pattern of light and darkness. A mid-day nap is an important practice for Muslims, promoted by the Prophet Muhammad as beneficial. Muslims have certain sleep habits that align with some of the sleep hygiene rules identified by modern science, including sleep position. The Prophet Muhammad encouraged sleeping on the right side and discouraged sleeping in the prone position.
Islamic literature emphasizes the importance of getting enough sleep. One Hadith by the Prophet states, "If anyone of you feels drowsy while praying, he should go to bed (sleep) till his slumber is over." The Prophet also said, "Offer prayers and also sleep at night, as your body has a right on you." Going to bed early and waking up early are strongly encouraged in Islamic culture, with sleep patterns influenced by prayer times. Muhammad encouraged his companions not to be active after the Isha prayer (around 2 hours after sunset), saying, "One should not sleep before the night (darkness) prayer, nor have discussions after it."
Wudu or Ablution, a ritual of purification in Islam, is encouraged before sleeping. Hygiene and cleanliness are important aspects of Islamic practice. Islamic scholars have also made significant contributions to theories of dream interpretation.
While there are differing views among Muslim scholars, some consider sleeping on the stomach to be disliked or discouraged. This is based on Hadiths where the Prophet expressed Allah's displeasure with this sleeping position. However, there is no explicit prohibition against it, and some scholars interpret the Hadiths as citing health reasons for the discouragement.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not haram to sleep on your stomach, but it is makruh, meaning it is disliked or not preferred.
The Prophet is said to have warned against sleeping on your stomach, saying that it is a way of lying down that Allah hates and that it is how the people of Hell lie.
The Sunnah, or preferred position, is sleeping on your right side with your right hand resting on your right cheek. This was the Prophet's preferred sleeping position and is said to have a beneficial effect on the heart.
Some scholars believe the Prophet discouraged sleeping on the stomach for health reasons. Modern science tells us that sleeping on the stomach can lead to spinal and neck problems and can cause breathing difficulties.
Yes, it is generally encouraged to sleep in the direction of the Kaaba, or Qibla.
