Sleep is a remarkable sign of Allah’s creation in the universe. As mentioned in the Quran, it serves as a reminder of His wonders and the intricate balance of life. Embracing the peaceful moments of rest allows us to reflect on the beauty and intricacies of life that Allah has designed.

“And among His Signs is your sleep by night and by day, and your seeking of His Bounty. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who listen.” [Ar-Rum 30:23]

In principle, sleep is meant to occur at night; however, it is also possible to sleep during the day. Allah has created the day for work and for seeking sustenance, while the night is designated for rest. Therefore, sleep typically takes place at night, and work is done during the day. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And it is He Who makes the night a covering for you, and the sleep (as) a repose, and makes the day Nushur (i.e. getting up and going about here and there for daily work, after one’s sleep at night or like resurrection after one’s death)” [Al-Furqan 25:47] 

“See they not that We have made the night for them to rest therein, and the day sight-giving? Verily, in this are Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) for the people who believe” [An-Naml 27:86] 

“And We have made your sleep as a thing for rest. And We have made the night as a covering (through its darkness), And We have made the day for livelihood.” [An-Naba’ 78:9-11]

Imam Ibn Kathir (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 

“I.e., among the signs is that which has been created for you of sleep by night and by day, in which you get rest and stillness, and exhaustion and tiredness are taken away; and wakefulness and striving for one’s livelihood have been ordained during the day.” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 6/310) 

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih Al-`Uthaymin (may Allah have mercy on him) said:  

“And We have made your sleep as a thing for rest” means: to put an end to tiredness, because sleep puts an end to that which comes before it of tiredness, and a person renews his energy thereby for what lies ahead. Hence you see that if a man becomes tired and sleeps, he is refreshed and his energy is renewed. This is a blessing and it is also one of the signs of Allah, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“And among His Signs is your sleep by night and by day, and your seeking of His Bounty” [Ar-Rum 30:23]

“And We have made the day for livelihood” i.e., living whereby people seek their provision according to their status and circumstances. This is the blessing of Allah upon His slaves.” (Tafsir Juz’ `Amma, p. 22, 23).

How many hours should we sleep according to Islam?

Islam embraces the idea that there is no strict rule about sleeping and waking times for Muslims. Everyone’s sleep needs vary based on their age, lifestyle, and the demands of their work. For instance, a night worker might find that they need to catch up on sleep during the day, while those with daytime jobs will naturally rest at night. Seasonal changes can also impact our sleep patterns, reminding us that our bodies are wonderfully adaptable.

Typically, most people thrive on an average of 5 to 8 hours of sleep each day. Some may find they function well with less, while others may need more — and that’s perfectly okay! The key takeaway here is that Islam encourages us to be mindful of our physical needs, ensuring we balance rest with our responsibilities, especially when it comes to prayer times. Being alert and energized for worship is a priority, allowing us to connect deeply and meaningfully during these moments. So, let’s listen to our bodies and honor what they require, knowing that taking care of ourselves supports our spiritual journey. Embracing this understanding can lead to a more harmonious and fulfilling life!

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ahmad As-Safarini (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 

“It is not right to resist sleep a great deal and stay up late often. Resisting and avoiding sleep will lead to other problems such as bad moods, muddled thinking, and exhaustion that prevents one from understanding and working properly, and it can lead to many fatal illnesses.  

Creation is based on balance and whoever adheres to moderation has achieved all goodness. In Al-Adab Al-Kubra, one of the wise men said: Drowsiness takes away reason, but sleep increases it. 

Sleep is one of the blessings that Allah bestows upon His slaves, hence He reminds them of it in His Book.” (Ghidha’ Al-Albab fi Sharh Manzumat Al-Adab, 2/359) 

It’s important to recognize that oversleeping can diminish our energy for worship and slow our thinking. Many wise sayings from the Salaf encourage us to find balance in our rest, reminding us that moderation enhances both our spiritual and mental clarity.

Al-Fudayl ibn `Iyad (may Allah have mercy on him) said: There are two qualities that harden the heart: sleeping too much and eating too much. 

Ibn Al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 

“As for the five things that corrupt the heart, they are those that are referred to: mixing too much with people, wishful thinking, being attached to anything other than Allah, eating one’s fill, and sleeping. These five are the greatest corrupters of the heart.” (Madarij As-Salikin , 1/453).

He explained that which has to do with sleep and said: 

“The fifth corrupter is: sleeping too much, for it deadens the heart, makes the body heavy, wastes time, and generates a great deal of carelessness and laziness. Some of it is very disliked and some is harmful and brings no benefit to the body. 

TThe beauty of sleep truly shines when we embrace it at times when our bodies crave it the most! Did you know that drifting off early in the night is more restorative than sleeping in the later hours? And, a refreshing nap in the middle of the day can do wonders, surpassing those early or late night snoozes. It’s interesting to note that sleep closer to sunrise or sunset tends to be less beneficial, especially around the Asr prayer or early morning, unless you’re someone who’s had a late night.

There’s also a special emphasis on the period between Fajr prayer and sunrise. This time is considered incredibly precious! For those dedicated to their spiritual practice, even a night full of worship wouldn’t stand in the way of recognizing the importance of staying awake until sunrise. It’s a magical moment each day—when blessings and provisions are bestowed, setting a hopeful tone for the hours ahead.

So, it’s wise to approach this sacred time with gratitude and vigilance. Instead of succumbing to sleep, embrace the opportunity to welcome the day with open arms and a hopeful heart. Let’s make the most of this vibrant start to every day!

In summary, the most restorative and advantageous sleep occurs during the first half of the night, complemented by the last sixth, totaling about eight hours, which is what the experts recommend. Achieving this balance promotes optimal health and well-being.

It’s important to note that sleeping immediately after sunset, until twilight has faded, is viewed unfavourably in both spiritual and practical terms. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) expressed his disapproval of this practice, indicating that it’s generally best to avoid it.

On the flip side, not getting enough sleep can lead to a host of challenges, like irritability, confusion, and fatigue, significantly affecting our ability to think clearly and perform well in our daily lives. Over time, chronic sleep deprivation can even give rise to severe health issues.

The key takeaway is that maintaining a balanced sleep routine is essential. When we embrace moderation, we open ourselves up to all the wonderful benefits of good health and a more vibrant life. Let’s commit to nurturing our well-being through mindful sleep habits!   And Allah is the One Whose help we seek.” (Madarij As-Salikin, 1/459, 460)