In the first place, we would like to note that Islam has stipulated noble principles and teachings that will guide man in every aspect of life. Nothing is left untouched by this great religion revealed to cater for the welfare of mankind. This fact is further stressed in the following statements of the Prophet’s Companions, may Allah be pleased with them: “The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to teach us everything even the etiquette of answering the call of nature.” A Muslim is commanded to abide by the dictates of morality and general sense of purity at all times.
Unlike other religions and ideologies, Islam is not separated from life; rather, its teachings stand side by side with man in every walk of life. Islam teaches us how to make intimate relations with our wives, how to eat, how to drink, how to sleep and how to get up. These are known in Islam as the general Adaab (manners). Among the things that give a person immunity against any psychological disorders that might face man during sleeping is showing full compliance with the Prophet’s recommendation concerning the etiquette of getting ready for bed, such as reading well-known supplications, sleeping on the right side, and avoiding sleeping on the belly, for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade sleeping on the belly.
Prof. `Ali As-Sawwa, professor of Shari`ah at the University of Jordan states that: A Muslim should not sleep on his belly especially as this may strengthen his sexual urge. In addition, it is an unhealthy manner of sleeping. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that one day the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) passed by a man sleeping on his belly. He tapped the man with his foot saying: “Such manner of sleeping is loathed by Allah” (Ibn Hibban).
Here, it is also beneficial to mention some Islamic manners of sleeping:
1-Try to sleep in the state of purity.
2-Dust your bed three times before you go to sleep.
3-Lie down on your right side, put your right hand under your right cheek and recite: “ O Allah! in Thy Name I live and die.”
4-Before you sleep recite Ayat al-Kursi and the two last verses of the same Surah.
5-Seek Allah’s forgiveness and His guidance.
6-Before you sleep recite once Surat Al-Mulk.
7-When you wake up recite: “Praise be to Allah Who brought to us life again after He has caused us to die and unto Him shall be the Resurrection.