There is Praiseworthy and Blameworthy Sleep According to Islam, What is the Difference?
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Islam distinguishes between praiseworthy and blameworthy sleep, recognizing sleep as a fundamental human need for rest and renewal.
- The Quran highlights sleep as a sign of God's creation, providing tranquility and a break from daily activities.
- Both night and day sleep are considered part of God's signs, alongside the human pursuit of His bounty.
Islam offers a nuanced perspective on sleep, differentiating between sleep that is commendable and sleep that is blameworthy. Sleep is acknowledged as a vital necessity for human life, serving as a crucial means for the body to rest, regain energy, and restore spirit and vitality for daily activities.
The Quran emphasizes the divine gift of sleep, stating in Surah An-Naba', verse 9: "..and We made your sleep a rest." This verse underscores sleep's role in providing tranquility and a necessary pause from exertion, allowing individuals to feel refreshed and strengthened.
Furthermore, sleep is presented as a natural phenomenon, a part of God's established order (sunnatullah) for all His creations. The Quranic verse in Surah Ar-Rum, verse 23, states: "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."
This highlights that both nocturnal and diurnal sleep patterns, along with the human endeavor to seek sustenance and blessings, are considered profound signs of God's greatness, perceptible to those who reflect and listen. The concept suggests that sleep is not merely a biological function but a divinely ordained state that facilitates physical recovery and spiritual contemplation.
Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.