Is It Haram To Sleep On Your Stomach? There has been quite a debate in recent years on, whether is it haram to sleep on your stomach according to Islamic teachings.
Many scholars present contradictory preachings on the subject as some claim it to be makruh (disliked) while others find no sin in sleeping on the belly and consider it mubah(merely permissible).
Is It Haram To Sleep On Your Stomach? Sleeping posture is an integral part of our daily lives. Many of us have been taught from a young age to sleep on our backs with our hands placed by our side, or perhaps even on the stomach.
While both positions are comfortable for many people, the latter is associated with certain Islamic rulings which have been a matter of concern for all Muslims.
To address the ruling on this sleep position, we must first look at the evidence regarding sleep in general within Islam. According to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), sleep is considered a type of worship and is regarded as one of the most pious deeds that a Muslim can do. The Prophet also stated that lying down on your stomach whilst sleeping is haram(forbidden).
As reported by Ya’eesh ibn Tihfah al-Ghifaari, his father said:
“The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came out in the night to check up on his guests and saw me lying on my stomach. He prodded me with his foot and said, ‘Do not lie in this manner, for it is a way of lying that Allaah hates.’”
The sleeping posture that is most preferred by Islam is on the back as it is considered to be the best position for maintaining proper health and hygiene.
Is It Haram To Sleep On Your Stomach? Many scholars also consider sleeping on one’s stomach as makruh or disliked due to the possibility of the navel/ stomach touching the ground, which is considered unclean and should not be done. However, other scholars have stated that this ruling only applies if one is sleeping in an unclean place.
Why is it Haram to Sleep on Your Stomach?
Is It Haram To Sleep On Your Stomach? The opinions of Islamic scholars regarding the ruling on sleeping on one’s stomach vary from person to person. Some consider it haram due to the fear of contact with impure substances and potential harm caused by sleep deprivation or physical discomfort.
Others, however, consider this sleep position permissible as long as there is no direct contact with unclean surfaces or any form of discomfort.
In response to questions such as:
As-salamu `alaykum. I read that it is forbidden for a Muslim to lie on his belly. Does that apply to everything or only to sleep? For example, is it forbidden to swim like that? And is it also forbidden to lie on the belly to read a book or write something?
The key answer to such doubts cannot be figured out as the opinion evolves from time to time. You shall be able to make up your own opinion by reading all the important statements listed further, argued by worthy scholars.
The Imam and Director of The Prayer Center of Orland Park and representative for Dar El Fatwa of Lebanon in the US, states:
“Muslim scholars differ on the ruling of sleeping on one’s belly. Some of them view that it is makruh (disliked) or not preferred to sleep on one’s belly while others consider it mubah (allowed). Many scholars say that the narrated Hadiths on sleeping on the belly do not reach the level of sahih (authentic) at all.”
However, Imam Al-Bukhari (may Allah have mercy on him) through his At-Tarikh Al-Kabir contradicted the belief and declared it unnecessary. Abi Hatim in his al-I`ilal and Ad-Daraqutni in his al-I`ilal also agreed upon their view on this subject.
Aside from possible religious repercussions for failing to follow this commandment, there are numerous physical health benefits associated with avoiding sleep on the belly position as well. According to medical professionals and experts, sleeping in this position can cause:
- Neck strain due to an unnatural alignment of the spine and neck muscles
- Heartburn is caused by acid reflux.
- Disruption of natural breathing patterns due to compression of airways.
- Other conditions such as snoring, insomnia, and even lower back pain.
Such conditions are medically proven common among persons who sleep frequently with their faces down against their pillows or mattresses.
Will You Commit Sin By Sleeping On Your Stomach?
No, you will not commit sin by sleeping on your stomach since sleep is a natural and necessary state of rest. However, sleeping on one’s stomach is disapproved of in Islam as it can lead to discomfort, which may distract from the obligatory Salat (Namaz), and that could be seen as a sin.
However, many scholars declare the Fatwa:
So, sleeping on the belly is dislikable and can be harmful to health. Allah knows best.
Further evidence pointing towards sleeping in this position being haram comes from the Quran itself. There are several verses that strongly suggest that sleeping on one’s stomach should be avoided. For example, Surah Al-Baqarah states:
“And those who turn away from listening to Allah’s orders and those who follow their own desires shall receive punishment for their deeds”
This suggests that doing something contrary to what Allah commands – such as sleeping on one’s stomach – will result in punishment either directly or indirectly through divine retribution. Additionally, another verse reads,
“O believers! Turn away from all kinds of sins whether they be small or great because they can make you suffer when you least expect it”.
Is it haram to sleep on your left side? This verse also emphasizes the importance of following Allah’s orders and avoiding anything that might bring shame upon Him or His followers.
Sleeping Posture According to the Sunna
Is it haram to sleep on your left side? Based on the evidence provided by religious scholars, sleep is highly recommended to be in accordance with the Sunna. The Sunnah sleep posture is lying on your side and turning your face towards the Qiblah which is Makkah.
This is considered to be a sign of respect and humility towards Allah. It also encourages optimal sleep quality, as sleep apnea and acid reflux can be minimized. Additionally, sleeping on your back is also preferred as it helps the body and mind relax more naturally.
According to a Saheeh hadeeth narration from al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Aazib, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
“When you go to bed, do wudoo’ as if for prayer, then lie down on your right side…”
How do I stop sleeping on my stomach?
If you are used to sleeping on your stomach, it may be difficult to break the habit. However, there are a few steps you can take to make it easier:
- Start by sleeping in another position. If you sleep on your back, place pillows around you so that even if you roll over in the night, you will be prevented from falling back into the stomach sleep position.
- Set a reminder for yourself to roll over if you find yourself sleeping on your stomach.
- Use sleep tracking apps or sleep gadgets that will alert you when you’re in the wrong sleep position so that you can quickly adjust.
- Schedule regular naps during the day to make up for the sleep that you may have lost from changing sleep positions.
By following these steps, you can gradually break the habit of sleeping on your stomach and sleep in accordance with Islamic teaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is It Haram To Sleep On Your Left Side?
Ans- No, there is no prohibition against sleeping on your left side. However, it’s important to note that sleep positions vary from person to person and can be affected by personal preference and medical conditions. If you have sleep apnea or another sleep disorder, then your doctor may recommend a different sleep position for therapeutic reasons.
2. What Are The Rules Of Sleeping In Islam?
Ans- The rules of sleep in Islam are centered around sleep as an act of worship and as a sign of respect for Allah. According to Islamic teachings, it is preferred to sleep on your right side facing the Qiblah (direction towards Makkah).
Additionally, it is recommended to perform wudu before sleep, recite Islamic supplications, and sleep in a state of purity. It is also discouraged to sleep on one’s stomach as it can lead to physical discomfort, which may distract from the obligatory Salat (Namaz), and that could be seen as a sin.
Conclusion
Is It Haram To Sleep On Your Stomach? To conclude the verdict on whether is it haram to sleep on your stomach, it can be said that since it is important to sleep in accordance with Sunnah sleep posture as recommended by Islam, it is better to sleep on your right side and turn your face towards the Qiblah and avoid sleeping against belly as all the evidence listed above point to it being makruh.
Additionally, it should be noted that if you have sleep apnea or other sleep disorders, then consulting with a doctor is recommended in order to follow the sleep posture that is best for you and follow Islamic sleep etiquette. Therefore, sleep on your stomach can be considered makruh but not haram in Islam.