Hadith #11486

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his family (Ahl al-Bayt), and his companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

نَوْمٌ عَلى يَقين خَيْرٌ مِنْ صَلاة في شَكّ۔

This translates to,

Sleeping with certitude is better than praying while in doubt.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (sleeping) "نَوْمٌ" refers to the state of rest and relaxation that one experiences during sleep. It is a natural and necessary part of human life. The word (certitude) "يَقين" signifies a state of absolute conviction and certainty. It is the opposite of doubt and uncertainty. The word (better) "خَيْرٌ" denotes something that is superior, more beneficial, and advantageous. And finally, the word (praying) "صَلاة" refers to the act of worship and communication with Allah.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 45:

And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah].

This verse emphasizes the importance of prayer as a means of seeking assistance and guidance from Allah. It highlights the significance of having a sincere and devoted connection with our Creator.

However, in the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states that sleeping with certitude is better than praying while in doubt. This statement may seem contradictory at first glance, as prayer is a fundamental pillar of Islam. But upon reflection, we can uncover the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's words.

Sleeping with certitude refers to having a peaceful and tranquil sleep, free from any doubts or uncertainties. It signifies a state of contentment and trust in Allah's plan. This type of sleep is a blessing from Allah, as it rejuvenates our bodies and minds, allowing us to wake up refreshed and ready to face the challenges of the day.

On the other hand, praying while in doubt implies a lack of conviction and sincerity in our worship. It is a state of confusion and uncertainty, where our hearts and minds are not fully focused on the connection with Allah. This type of prayer may not yield the same spiritual benefits as praying with absolute certainty and devotion.

Imam Ali's statement serves as a reminder to Muslims about the importance of sincerity and certainty in our worship. It encourages us to strive for a deep and unwavering faith in Allah, both in our prayers and in our daily lives. When we approach our acts of worship with complete conviction and trust in Allah's guidance, our prayers become more meaningful and impactful.

Furthermore, this Hadith teaches us the significance of having a balanced approach to our spiritual and physical well-being. While prayer is undoubtedly crucial, it should not be performed half-heartedly or with doubts lingering in our minds. Instead, we should strive to attain a state of certainty and tranquility in our prayers, just as we seek peaceful sleep with certitude.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that sleeping with certitude is better than praying while in doubt. It emphasizes the importance of sincerity, conviction, and trust in our worship. By seeking a deep and unwavering faith in Allah, we can ensure that our prayers are meaningful and impactful. May Allah grant us the ability to approach our acts of worship with absolute certainty and devotion.