Author: Dr. Noor Mohammad Mohibi
The Quran: A Miracle Beyond Time- A Study of Its Miraculous Nature (part 102)
Sleep: A Sign Among the Signs of Allah
Allah (SWT) says: “وَمِنْ ءَايَاتِهِۦ مَنَامُكُم بِٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ وَٱبْتِغَآؤُكُم مِّن فَضْلِهِۦٓ ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَأٓيَٰتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَسْمَعُونَ” [1] Translation: “And among His signs is your sleep by night and by day and your seeking of His bounty. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who listen.”
The Noble Qur’an describes sleep as an ayah—a clear sign of divine power, knowledge, and governance.
Modern research indicates that sleep results from a highly precise chemical and neurological system within the human body. During daily activity, specific chemicals are secreted into the bloodstream; their levels gradually increase until they reach a certain threshold, signaling fatigue to the brain. The brain then reduces neural signaling, producing the state of sleep.
This astonishing order raises a fundamental question:
Who created this precise regulation, this wise timing, and this remarkable coordination?
Type of Sleep and Divine Wisdom Within Them
In the human body, distinct centers regulate light sleep and deep sleep. A person may remain in bed for eight hours, yet only two of those hours may constitute deep, restorative sleep. During light sleep, the individual remains partially aware of the environment, whereas in deep sleep, the body performs its most intensive restoration.
Human sleep requirements also vary according to life stage:
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Infants: Long hours for growth and development
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Adolescents: Approximately 9 hours
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Adults: 7–8 hours
This remarkable balance reflects divine wisdom and planning.
Sleeping on the Right Side: Prophetic (PBUH) Guidance and Medical Insight
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommended sleeping on the right side.
Modern medicine has shown that:
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Sleeping on the stomach places pressure on the lungs and impairs breathing.
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Sleeping on the back increases mouth breathing and disrupts the nasal air-filtration system.
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Sleeping on the left side may slow digestion.
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Sleeping on the right side is considered optimal for respiration, digestion, and cardiac function.
The Prophet (PBUH) said regarding a certain sleeping posture: إن هذه ضجعة لا يحبها الله” [2] Translation: “This is a manner of lying down that Allah dislikes.”
Prolonged Sleep: A Silent Risk to the Heart
Medical studies indicate that excessive and continuous sleep may lead to:
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Slowed heart rate
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Reduced blood circulation
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Fat deposition in arteries
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Increased risk of stroke and vascular blockage
For this reason, scientists recommend that a person awaken after four or five hours of continuous sleep and engage in movement. Islam established this rhythm centuries ago through the institution of Fajr prayer.
The Prophet (PBUH) said about one who neglects the dawn prayer: “بال الشيطان في أذنه” [3] Translation: “Satan has urinated in his ear.”
He also said: “من صلى الصبح فهو في ذمة الله” [4] Translation: “Whoever performs the dawn prayer is under the protection of Allah.”
Prayer: Worship and Healing
In Islam, prayer is not merely a ritual obligation; it represents a comprehensive system of well-being—structured movement, purposeful awakening, psychological balance, and continual connection with Allah Almighty.
Allah (SWT) says: “إِنَّنِىٓ أَنَا ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنَا فَٱعْبُدْنِى وَأَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ لِذِكْرِىٓ” [5] Translation: “Indeed, I am Allah; there is no deity except Me. So, worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance.”
In summary, what modern medicine and sleep physiology have discovered through extensive research was articulated centuries ago in the Noble Qur’an and the Prophetic Sunnah (PBUH) with clarity and wisdom.
Early sleep, awakening at dawn, moderation in sleep duration, and proper sleeping posture all indicate that these guidelines originate from the Creator of the human being.
This precise harmony between divine revelation and empirical science stands as clear evidence that the Noble Qur’an is not the speech of a human being, but the Word of Allah, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise: “إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا وَحْيٌ يُوحَىٰ” [6] Translation: “It is nothing, but revelation revealed.” [7]
Continues…
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References:
[1] Al-Rum 30:23.
[2] Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Book: What Has Been Reported Concerning Guarding the Private Parts, Hadith no. 2973.
[3] Sahih al-Bukhari, Book: If One Sleeps and Does Not Pray, Hadith no. 1093.
[4] Sahih Muslim, Book: The Virtue of ʿIsha and Fajr in Congregation, Hadith no. 261.
[5] Ta-Ha 20:14.
[6] Al-Najm 53:4.
[7] Mawsuʿat al-Iʿjaz al-ʿIlmi fi al-Qur’an wa al-Sunnah, Vol. 1, pp. 59–66.
