Sleep medicine is a relatively new scientific speciality. Sleep is an important topic in Islamic literature, and the Quran and Hadith discuss types of sleep, the importance of sleep, and good sleep practices. Islam considers sleep as one of the signs of the greatness of Allνh (God) and encourages followers to explore this important sign. Allah says:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا نُودِيَ لِلصَّلَاةِ مِن يَوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ فَاسْعَوْا إِلَىٰ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَذَرُوا الْبَيْعَ ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
“O you who have believed, when (the adhan) is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu’ah (Friday), then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave the trade. That is better for you if you only knew.” (Surah Al-Jumu`ah 62:9)
The Quran describes different types of sleep, and these correspond with sleep stages identified by modern science. The Quran discusses the beneficial effects of sleep and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a pattern of light and darkness. A mid-day nap is an important practice for Muslims, and the Prophet Muhammad peace is upon him (PBUH) promoted naps as beneficial.
“The best day on which the sun rises is Friday. It is the day Adam was created. It is the day when Adam entered the Heavenly Gardens, the day when he was expelled from it and also the day he died. Friday is the day on which the Day of Resurrection will take place.” (Muslim)
In Islam, there are so many events that are important and significant. Some called the holy days of Islam or the sacred days of Islam. It is also included nights, several events occurred during the night. The night is a time when people rest from their daily activities. It is rather quiet than daylight.
Importance Nights in Islam
- Night of Friday
- Night of Thursday
- Laylat-al-Qadr
- Night of 15th Shaban
- Night of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah
The importance of Thursday night for Muslims is,
- It is a time where our deeds presented to Allah SWT
- All dua will not be rejected during the night of Thursday.
- It is also the night where the punishment in the grave is stopped.
- If we perform good deeds during this night, all of our sins throughout the week will be forgiven by Allah.
- As mentioned before this night precedes the best day of Friday. All the goodness on Friday will also be bestowed during this night.
One of the holy months in Islam is Ramadhan, there are so many virtues and blessings during this month. In this month there is a magnificent night called the night of Laylat-ul-Qadr. This night is so blessed that the reward is equal to a thousand months.
سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ
“Peace it (is) until (the) emergence (of) the dawn.” (Surah Al-Qadr 97:5)
The blessed night is meant for supplication, seeking forgiveness for sins, giving charity, and doing good deeds. The last ten days of Ramadan are believed to be one of these nights. Therefore Muslims should increase their worship during this time.
There are so many virtues of Thursday night, Muslims should perform good deeds by helping others, reciting Quran, performing the prayer, performing dua and asking for forgiveness from Allah SWT.
“No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah). Then some companions of the Prophet said, ‘Not even Jihad?’ He replied, ‘Not even Jihad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah’s sake) and does not return with any of those things.” (Bukhari)
In Islam, it is recommended to perform dua, recite Qur’an during the night when our surroundings feel quiet, calm, and peaceful. In Islam, we know a few nights which included the most important nights. These nights have special values for Muslims. May Allah the Most Merciful and Beneficent Lord give us success in obtaining the purpose of this blessed month and the great night of power and let us attain nearness with Him.