Hadith #10761

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic phrase of the Hadith is

ما أنقض النوم لعزائم اليوم

which translates to

What a rescinder sleep is for the resolutions of the day!

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of sleep in rejuvenating and revitalizing oneself for the challenges and tasks of the day.

To understand the significance of this statement, let us delve into the Quranic teachings that shed light on the importance of sleep and its impact on our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:60):

And it is He who takes your souls by night and knows what you have committed by day. Then He revives you therein that a specified term may be fulfilled. Then to Him will be your return; then He will inform you about what you used to do.

This verse emphasizes the concept of sleep as a means of rest and rejuvenation, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) takes our souls during the night and revives us for a specified term. It is during this period of sleep that our bodies and minds are repaired, and we are prepared for the challenges of the day ahead.

Sleep also serves as a reminder of our ultimate return to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the accountability for our actions. Just as sleep revives us physically, it also symbolizes the revival of our souls on the Day of Judgment when we will be held accountable for our deeds.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:255), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes Himself as the One who never sleeps:

Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills.

This verse highlights the attribute of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) being free from the need for sleep, highlighting His eternal knowledge and power. It reminds us that while we require sleep for our well-being, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is always aware and in control.

Now, coming back to the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he beautifully expresses the significance of sleep in relation to the resolutions and goals we set for ourselves during the day. Sleep acts as a reset button, allowing us to recharge and gather the necessary energy and focus to fulfill our ambitions and responsibilities.

When we sleep, our bodies and minds are given the opportunity to rest and recover from the fatigue and stress of the day. This rejuvenation enables us to wake up with renewed vigor and determination, ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. It is through this process that sleep becomes a powerful tool in achieving our goals and aspirations.

Moreover, sleep also plays a crucial role in maintaining our mental and emotional well-being. It allows our minds to process and consolidate the information and experiences of the day, leading to improved cognitive function, memory retention, and emotional stability. By providing us with a break from the constant stimulation of the waking world, sleep enhances our ability to think clearly, make sound decisions, and manage stress effectively.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of sleep in our lives. It serves as a means of rest, rejuvenation, and preparation for the challenges and resolutions we set for ourselves during the day. Just as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has created sleep as a natural process for our well-being, we should recognize its significance and strive to maintain a balanced and healthy sleep routine. By doing so, we can optimize our physical, mental, and spiritual capabilities, and fulfill our duties and aspirations as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with peaceful and restful sleep and enable us to make the most of our waking hours.