Is Sleeping On Your Stomach Permissible In Islam?
Sleeping on your stomach is considered a bad sleeping position due to its effect on your breathing and spinal alignment throughout the night. It is important to note that it is never too late to switch your sleeping position if you don’t want to be a stomach sleeper. There are different ways to do that too.Since Islamic jurisprudence and religious teachings are diverse and specialized, you will need the assistance of experts through specialized online courses.
Al-dirassa Institute provides professional online courses in Fiqh, delivering a thorough understanding of Islamic teachings. This course is designed to offer in-depth knowledge and practical guidance on various aspects of Islamic law and practice.
What are the Effects of Sleeping on the Stomach?
- The impact of stomach sleeping extends beyond just the neck and back, affecting various parts of the body in both subtle and significant ways. Understanding these effects can help individuals make decisions about their sleep posture and take steps to mitigate potential issues.
- One of the most significant concerns with stomach sleeping is its impact on spine alignment and lower back pain. The natural S-curve of the spine is disrupted when lying face-down, potentially leading to increased pressure on the lower back and a flattening of the lumbar curve. Over time, this can result in chronic lower back pain and may contribute to more serious spinal issues.
- The effects on breathing and sleep quality are also worth considering. While some individuals may experience improved breathing due to reduced airway obstruction, others may find it more difficult to breathe deeply in this position. The pressure on the chest and diaphragm can restrict lung expansion, potentially leading to shallower breathing and reduced oxygen intake during sleep.
- Neck strain is another major concern for stomach sleepers. The act of turning the head to one side for extended periods can cause significant strain on the cervical spine and surrounding muscles. This can lead to chronic neck pain, stiffness, and even long-term issues such as cervical radiculopathy or herniated discs.
The Best Position to Sleep In According to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
“When the Prophet (pbuh) wants to go to sleep, he puts his right hand under his cheek” [Sahih Muslim 2713]
“Whenever you go to bed, perform ablution like that for the prayer, and lie on your right side” [Sahih Muslim 2710]
According to the Sunnah of The Prophet (pbuh), one of the most emphasized sleeping positions is to sleep on the right side. He (Rasoolullah SAWS) himself used to sleep on his right side, with his right hand placed beneath his right cheek. Sleeping in this position aligns with the natural inclinations of our bodies and offers several advantages:
- Medical Benefits: It’s scientifically proven that sleeping on the right side improves digestion by allowing the stomach to rest in its anatomically correct position. This position also helps prevent acid reflux and reduces the likelihood of heartburn, as the stomach is located below the esophagus.
- State Of Wudu: The Hadith above also notes that The Prophet (pbuh) used to sleep in a state of wudu or purity. He also said the night prayers (Isha) before sleep. This encourages us to remember Allah and practice dhikr every night.
Although the Quran does not explicitly mention the permissibility or impermissibility of sleeping on one’s stomach, narrations from the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAWS) indicate that this is not a preferred sleeping position. This advice may be linked to the impact stomach sleeping has on one’s physical health.
Al-Dirassa Institute provides expert courses for interpreting the Quran, and various Hadiths, and delivering complex concepts in a professional and accessible way suitable for all levels of learners.
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