Author: Dr. Noor Mohammad Mohibi
The Quran: A Miracle Beyond Time- A Study of Its Miraculous Nature (part 101)
Sleep in the Scale of the Miraculous Nature of the Holy Qur’an
Sleep is one of the most astonishing phenomena of human life. Without it, the continuation of life would not be possible. Although human beings benefit from countless divine blessings, no blessing plays a role equal to sleep in maintaining psychological balance, physical health, and the restoration of vital energies.
The Holy Qur’an, with concise yet profound expression, presents sleep not merely as an ordinary biological state, but as a sign among the signs of divine greatness and wisdom.
While medical science and sleep physiology have, after centuries of research, discovered the importance of sleep, its timing, its quality, and even proper bodily posture during sleep, the Holy Qur’an and the Prophetic Sunnah (PBUH) articulated the most precise principles of healthy sleep more than fourteen centuries ago. This remarkable harmony between revelation and science represents a clear manifestation of the scientific dimension of the Qur’an’s miraculous nature.
Early Sleep and Dawn Awakening: A Divine and Prophetic (PBUH) Sunnah
Anyone who reflects upon the verses of the Noble Qur’an and authentic Prophetic (PBUH) traditions will clearly recognize that Islam calls humanity to early sleep and early awakening.
Allah (SWT) says: “وَجَعَلنَا نَومَكُم سُبَاتا” [1] Translation: “And We made your sleep a means of rest.”
The word subāt linguistically signifies the cessation of activity and deep calmness—meaning that sleep is a divine means for temporarily stopping exhausting bodily functions and initiating their restoration.
Allah (SWT) also says: “وَقُرءَانَ ٱلفَجرِ إِنَّ قُرءَانَ ٱلفَجرِ كَانَ مَشهُودا” [2] Translation: “And [establish] the recitation of dawn; indeed, the recitation of dawn is ever witnessed.”
This verse points profoundly to the value of dawn awakening and the unique spiritual atmosphere of Fajr—a time when the body, the soul, and even nature itself are more prepared to receive divine grace and renewed vitality.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) supplicated: “اللهم بارك لأمتي في بكورها” [3] Translation: “O Allah, bless my nation in its early mornings.”
This supplication demonstrates that blessing in personal, social, intellectual, and economic life is directly connected to early rising.
It is narrated from Ayesha (RA) that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “ركعتا الفجر خير من الدنيا وما فيها” [4] Translation: “The two units of prayer before Fajr are better than the world and all that it contains.”
It is also reported from Abdullah ibn Masʿud (RA) that the Prophet (PBUH) discouraged remaining awake after the ʿIsha prayer except for specific needs such as seeking knowledge [5]. This indicates that purposeless late-night wakefulness contradicts the Prophetic (PBUH) guidance and is harmful to both body and soul.
The Scientific Secrets of Dawn Awakening: A Remarkable Harmony Between Revelation and Medicine
Modern physiology has uncovered facts that strikingly correspond with Qur’anic and Prophetic guidance:
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Ozone Gas and Neurological Vitality
Scientists have observed that ozone concentration in the atmosphere tends to be higher in the hours close to dawn. This gas has a direct positive impact on the nervous system, mental focus, and muscular efficiency. A person who is awake at this time often experiences greater vitality and alertness throughout the day, whereas prolonged sleep after sunrise frequently results in lethargy.
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Ultraviolet Rays and Vitamin D
In the early moments after sunrise, beneficial ultraviolet rays stimulate the skin’s production of vitamin D. This vitamin plays an essential role in calcium absorption and bone stability. Many conditions such as osteoporosis and skeletal weakness are associated with insufficient sunlight exposure—often linked to habitual late awakening.
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Cortisol: The Awakening Hormone
The human body secretes a hormone known as cortisol, which is responsible for increasing alertness, mental concentration, and physical readiness. The peak secretion of cortisol naturally occurs around dawn and gradually decreases afterward. A person who awakens at this time benefits from the body’s highest natural level of physiological preparedness.
Conclusion
Sleep, in the perspective of the Holy Qur’an, is not merely a biological necessity but a sign of divine wisdom. The Qur’anic guidance toward early sleep and early awakening corresponds remarkably with modern scientific discoveries in physiology and medicine.
This harmony between revelation and contemporary science constitutes a luminous example of the Qur’an’s miraculous depth—demonstrating that its guidance encompasses not only spiritual elevation but also physical and psychological well-being.
Continues…
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References:
[1] Al-Naba’ 78:9.
[2] Al-Isra’ 17:78.
[3] Sunan Abi Dawud, Book: Early Departure in Travel, Hadith no. 2606.
[4] Sahih Muslim, Book: Recommendation of the Two Rakʿahs Before Fajr, Hadith no. 725.
[5] Sunan Ibn Majah, Book: Dislike of Sleeping Before ʿIsha and Talking After It, Hadith no. 703.
