Points on the Sunnah of Sleeping

Here are some brief points on authentic sunnah actions before and after sleeping, known as Sunan an-Nawm (sleep)

1. Sleeping on Wudoo'

The Prophet (pbuh) said to al-Baraa` bin 'Aazib (r.a):
If you go to your bed, then do your wudoo` (ablution) as you
would do it for prayer, then lie on your right

2. Reciting Surat al-Ikhlas, an-Nas, and an-Naas Before Sleeping

'Aishah (r.a.) narrated that the Messenger (pbuh) used to recite "Qulhuwallahu ahad", "Qul a'oothu birrabilfalaq" and "Qul a'oothu birrabinnaas" every night when he went to sleep, then wiped his face and whatever he was able from his body, beginning with his head and face, and what faces him from his body, three times". [al-Bukhaari: 5017]

3. Doing Takbeer and Tasbeeh When Going to Sleep

'Ali (r.a) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said when Faatimah asked him for a servant, "Shall I not lead you to that which is better for you than a servant? If you go to your mattresses, or rest to sleep, then say Allahu Akbar thirty-four times, and say subhaan Allah thirty-three times, and say alhamdulilah thirty-three times, for they are better for you than having a servant"

4. Making Du'a When Awoken from Sleep

'Ubaadah bin as-Saamit (r.a.) narrates that the Prophet (pbuh) said: "Anyone awoken in the night and says: Laa ilaha illa Allah, wahdatu laa shareeka lah, lahul-mulku walahul hamd, wa huwa 'ala kulli shay`in qadeer, alhamdulilah was-subhaan Allah, wallahu akbar, wa laa hawla wa laa quwata illa billah, then said, Allahumma aghfirli or invoked Allah, he will be answered, and if he does ablution and prays, his prayer will be accepted" [al-Bukhaari: 1154]

5. Du'a Once Awake

Alhamdulilah alathee ahyaanaa ba'da maa amatana, wa ilayhin-nushoor (Praise be to Allah Who granted us life after death, and to Him we will be ressurected) [al-Bukhaari: 6312, narrated by Huthayfa al-Yamaan (r.a.)]

Some Closing Words...

Muslims try their best to follow the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in all aspects of life. Aspects of life such as walking, talking, eating, washing, smiling, handshaking, travelling, and even sleeping. I think it is safe to say that Muhammad (pbuh) is the most closely followed man in history, there is no other person like him in history, and there never will be. He is our Prophet & Messenger and may Allah make his position even more greater than it already is, ameen. May Allah grant us love for Him and His Messenger (pbuh), ameen.

You can read more Authentic Sunnah Actions in a book entitled "100 Established Authentic Sunan" available in the Book section on Islam Factory as a PDF Document.

Anything that I have typed that is good is from Allah, and Him alone, and anything bad is from the Shaytaan.

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