Hadith #10758

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 beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Sleep is a relief from pain and its counterpart is death.

This beautiful Hadith highlights the significance of sleep as a temporary escape from the hardships and trials of life. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The word (sleep) "نَوْم" in Arabic refers to a state of rest and tranquility, where the body and mind find solace and rejuvenation. It is a natural phenomenon that allows us to recharge and regain our strength. Sleep is a blessing from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), as it provides relief from the physical and mental exhaustion we experience in our daily lives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes that sleep is a (relief from pain) "راحَةٌ مِنْ ألَم". This implies that sleep serves as a temporary escape from the hardships, sorrows, and physical discomfort we encounter in this world. It is a respite that allows us to momentarily detach ourselves from the challenges and tribulations of life.

The Hadith compares sleep to death by stating, (and its counterpart is death) "وَمُلائِمُهُ المَوْتُ". This comparison highlights the transient nature of sleep and its resemblance to the ultimate reality of death. Just as sleep offers a temporary reprieve from the difficulties of life, death represents the final release from the trials and tribulations of this world.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support the concept of sleep as a relief from pain and a counterpart to death. In Surah Al-An'am (6:60), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

This verse highlights the temporary nature of sleep, where our souls are taken by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and then returned to our bodies.

Another verse that supports the concept of sleep as a relief is found in Surah Az-Zumar (39:42), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

It is Allah who takes the souls at the time of their death and those that do not die [He takes] during their sleep. Then He keeps those for which He has decreed death and releases the others for a specified term.

This verse highlights the parallel between sleep and death, as both involve the temporary separation of the soul from the body.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we can draw several profound insights. Firstly, sleep serves as a reminder of our mortality and the temporary nature of this worldly life. It reminds us that just as we find relief in sleep, death will ultimately bring us eternal peace and liberation from the trials of this world.

Secondly, sleep teaches us the importance of rest and rejuvenation. Just as our bodies and minds require sleep to function optimally, we must also prioritize self-care and take breaks from the challenges and stresses of life. By doing so, we can maintain our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Lastly, the comparison between sleep and death reminds us of the transitory nature of our existence. It encourages us to reflect on the purpose of our lives and strive for righteousness, knowing that death is inevitable and will mark the end of our opportunities for repentance and good deeds.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of sleep as a relief from pain and a temporary escape from the challenges of life. It draws a parallel between sleep and death, reminding us of the transient nature of our existence and the ultimate reality that awaits us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to appreciate the blessings of sleep and guide us towards a life of righteousness and preparation for the inevitable journey towards death.