The Sunnah of Sleeping: Are You Doing It Right?

Sleep is a blessing from Allah ﷻ — a time when our body, mind, and soul find rest. But what if sleep could also become a source of reward and protection? In Islam, even the act of sleeping can be an act of worship when done in accordance with the Sunnah of sleeping taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Let’s dive into this beautiful Sunnah and ask ourselves: Are we sleeping the Prophetic way?

🌙 Why Following the Sunnah of Sleeping Matters

Every action we perform, even resting, can carry spiritual weight. The Prophet ﷺ gave us guidance on how to sleep in a way that brings peace, safety, and closeness to Allah. These bedtime Sunnahs aren’t difficult — they’re small, meaningful habits that can completely transform your night.

When we sleep according to the Sunnah:

• We gain rewards for following the Prophet ﷺ.
• We invite Barakah (blessings) into our lives.
• We protect ourselves from harm and Shaytaan.
• We sleep with a heart connected to Allah.

🛌 Sunnahs to Practice Before Sleeping

Here are some authentic, simple practices you can start following tonight:

1. Perform Wudu (Ablution)

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“When you go to bed, perform ablution like that for prayer.”
(Bukhari)

Sleeping with Wudu is not only purifying but also spiritually protective.

2. Dust Off Your Bed

Before lying down, use your right hand to dust off the bed three times, saying Bismillah. This was the habit of the Prophet ﷺ for both cleanliness and protection.

3. Sleep on Your Right Side

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would sleep on his right side with his hand under his cheek. It’s the healthiest and most spiritually recommended sleeping position.

4. Recite the Sleep Duas

Among them:
“Bismika Allahumma amootu wa ahyaa”
(In Your name, O Allah, I live and I die.)
(Bukhari)

This helps center your heart on Allah as you drift off to sleep.

5. Recite Ayat Al-Kursi

Reciting Ayat Al-Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255) before sleeping grants you divine protection. The Prophet ﷺ said you’ll have a protector from Allah and no devil will approach you until morning.

6. Recite the Last Three Surahs

Recite Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Naas, blow into your hands, and wipe your body. This was a daily Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, safeguarding him from harm.

🌸 Benefits of Sleeping the Sunnah Way

These small Sunnah actions bring immense benefits:

• Spiritual tranquility: You sleep with a heart remembering Allah.
• Divine protection: Shields against nightmares, Shaytaan, and harm.
• Physical peace: Cleanliness and proper sleeping posture improve rest.
• Connection with the Prophet ﷺ: Reviving his Sunnah builds love and nearness to him.

✅ How to Start Today

You don’t have to start everything at once. Begin with one Sunnah tonight — maybe Wudu before bed or reciting Ayat Al-Kursi — and gradually build the habit. With time, you’ll notice a positive change in your sleep and overall peace.

Let’s revive the Sunnah, one night at a time.

May Allah ﷻ grant us peaceful, blessed nights and the ability to follow the beautiful Sunnah of our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Ameen.