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#RamadanDailyDigest: Does Sleeping During Ramadan Benefit the Body? (Ramadan Day 2)

On Ramadan Day 2, #RamadanDailyDigest will reveal how fasting Muslims begin adjusting to a new feeling of waking before dawn for suhoor, praying Fajr, fasting through the day (from Fajr till sunset), and standing at night for Tahajjud prayer.

 Naturally, fatigue will likely set in for any Muslim who does all the aforementioned acts of worship. This therefore raises an important question: Does sleeping during Ramadan while fasting benefit the body, and is it spiritually encouraged in Islam? The answer lies in balance, guided by the Glorious Qur'an, the Sunnah, the understanding of the four Madhabs, and modern health science.

1. Sleep in the Qur’an: A Divine Mercy

Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an (30:23): “And among His signs is your sleep by night and by day and your seeking of His bounty. Indeed in that there are signs for people who listen.”

Sleep itself is described as a sign of Allah’s mercy; a gift that restores the body and mind. Islam does not glorify exhaustion for its own sake. Rather, it encourages strength in worship.

READ THIS TOO: #RamadanDailyDigest: Wisdom Behind Fasting - Qur’anic Purpose & Spiritual Goals (Ramadan Day 1)

During Ramadan, especially from Day 2 onward, the body is adapting to:

* Reduced calorie intake during daylight

* Increased night worship (Tarawih, and Tahajjud prayers)

* Earlier waking times

Daytime rest can therefore become a tool to preserve strength for worship.

2. The Sunnah of Rest and Qaylulah (Midday Nap)

The Prophet Muhammad ï·º practiced Qaylulah. 

#RamadanDailyDigest: Does Sleeping During Ramadan Benefit the Body? (Ramadan Day 2)

Qaylulah is a short midday rest. Although he was the most devoted in worship, he maintained balance between activity and rest.

In authentic narrations,  the companions mentioned that the Prophet ï·º encouraged resting before Zhuhr prayer to strengthen the body for night worship. This demonstrates a principle in Islam that "Rest is not laziness when it helps you worship better." However, sleeping the entire day simply to avoid hunger contradicts the spirit of Ramadan. The goal is productivity with moderation.

3. The Four Madhabs on Sleeping While Fasting

The four main Sunni schools of thought are:

* Hanafi

* Maliki

* Shafi'i

* Hanbali

All the four agree on an important ruling that "Sleeping does NOT invalidate the fast."

As long as a person made the intention (niyyah) to fast before Fajr, their fast remains valid even if they sleep for several hours. However, scholars emphasise two conditions which are: One must not miss obligatory prayers; and, One should not make sleep a way to avoid the spiritual purpose of fasting.

READ THIS TOO: #RamadanDailyDigest: Muslim Wives Are Supporters, Not Slaves

The Hanafi jurists, for example, clarify that fasting is abstention from nullifiers, and that sleep is not among them. The Shafi’i and Hanbali schools similarly state that unconsciousness only invalidates fasting if it lasts the entire day without any moment of awareness.

Therefore moderate daytime sleep is permissible. It is even beneficial, but spiritual awareness should remain.

4. Health Benefits of Sleeping While Fasting

Modern health research supports the importance of rest during fasting. During Ramadan, the body shifts into a metabolic state where it:

* Uses stored glucose and fat for energy

* Stabilises insulin levels

* Initiates mild detoxification processes

* Conservation of energy as you would avoid engaging in talks and discussions which could vitiate your fast 

In lieu of the three above mentioned points, A Proper sleep enhances these benefits by:

* Supporting Energy Conservation. That is Fasting reduces immediate fuel intake. Short naps prevent fatigue and dizziness.

* Regulating Hormones. That is Sleep balances cortisol (stress hormone), which can rise during fasting.

* Enhancing Cognitive Focus. That is a 20–30 minute nap improves concentration, allowing better Qur’an recitation and work productivity.

* Supporting Immune Function. That is Sleep strengthens immune response, which is vital during changes in eating and sleeping patterns.

Therefore, rest becomes part of maintaining amanah (trust) over one’s body.

5. Ramadan Is Not a Month of Burnout

Some people think spiritual dedication means sleeping less and pushing the body to exhaustion. But Islam teaches moderation.

The Prophet ï·º said: “Your body has a right over you.”

This hadith establishes a foundational Islamic principle, that "self-care is part of worship."

On Ramadan Day 2, Muslims begin to realise that sustaining 29 - 30 days requires balance:

*Night prayer requires energy.

* Qur’an recitation requires focus.

* Charity and good character require patience.

Without proper rest, irritability increases, which contradicts the purpose of fasting: developing taqwa (God-consciousness).

6. Finding the Right Balance

Healthy Ramadan sleep pattern may look like:

* Early bedtime after Tarawih

* Waking for suhoor

* Short nap after Zhuhr (20–45 minutes)

* Avoiding oversleeping past prayers

The key question is intention. If sleep is taken to achieve the following:

* To regain strength

* To prevent anger or fatigue

* To worship with excellence

If your intention is all the above, therefore your sleep becomes rewardable.

On the other hand, if your sleep is used:

* To escape responsibility

* To miss salah

* To waste Ramadan hours

Then it diminishes spiritual growth.

7. Ramadan Day 2 Reflection: Rest With Purpose

By Ramadan Day 2, the body begins adjusting. Hunger becomes manageable. Fatigue becomes noticeable.

Instead of fighting exhaustion with frustration, Islam offers a balanced path: Rest, but remain conscious. Sleep, but do not neglect worship. Recover, so that you can rise stronger at night.

Ramadan is not only about staying awake. It is about staying aware.

Daytime sleep, when done with the right intention and moderation, supports both physical health and spiritual excellence. And in that balance lies the beauty of Islam - a religion that nurtures both the soul and the body. 

#RamadanDailyDigest is an exclusive content written by Oladele Hakeem Olaniyan who lives in Nigeria and published by Naijaloveinfo during the month of Ramadan.



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