Duas at Bed Time & at Waking up We can convert the hours we sleep, into time spent in HIS 'Obedience

& Worship', by being attentive to these matters..... God takes the souls at the time of their death, and those that do not die during their sleep; then He withholds those on whom He has passed the decree of death and sends the others back till an appointed term; most surely there are signs in this for a people who reflect. Sura az-Zumar, 39:42 It is highly emphasized to do Ablutions /Wudhoo before going to sleep . A person sleeping in the state of having performed Wudhoo gets the reward of having done worship for the whole night. It is recommended to lie down on the right side and put the hand under the cheek & keep the face towards the Kaaba .It is Makrooh to lie down on the left side. . . It is recommended to take account of all our deeds of the past day so as to rewind our tape of memory of good and bad deeds we have committed, thus, eventually realizing our position on the scale of morality, .If the scale of bad deeds is heavier then good deeds we should attempt to reverse the scale in the next coming day. It is said that take your Reckoning/Accounting (Hisaab) yourself ,before you are taken to be reckoned, i.e. by Angels. The human being goes through a weak form of death every time he sleeps. That reminder alone is enough for us to be cognizant of our mortality and the transience of this world. Thus we are told to say the following prayer upon awakening from sleep; All Praise is for Allah who gave me life after death, and to Him is the return. (click here for article) . A person should realize that there is no surety of getting up again after we sleep , therefore it is important that when we sleep we must possess a clean heart filled with pure faith. Perhaps we may not get a chance to rectify the past wrongs. So one should revive his or her faith, i.e. confirm from the bottom of the heart all that is necessary for a believer. Then do Istighfaar ( repentance) and recite the Recommended Duas as mentioned below. The Prophet (saws) informed his daughter Fatima (sa) that before going to bed she should do 4 things 1)Recite Sura Ikhlass 3 times .This is like Reciting full Quran 2)Recite Salwaat " Allahumma Salle Ala Muhammadin Wa Aale Muhammad"- This will get intercession from Prophets 3)Seek Forgiveness for all believers "Allahuma maghfir le momineen

wal moninaat " This is equal to making all believers happy &

4) Recite

"Subhaanallaahi wal hamdu lillaahi wa laa ilaaha and Allah is Greater .This is equal to doing Haj & Umra It is recommended to recite the Tasbeeh e Fatima before going to bed.

illallaahu wallaahu Akbar ". Glory be to God, and praise be to God; there is no god but Allah,

Prayers at bedtime and upon waking- Mafatih & Baqeyatus salehat Seven prayers from Baqiyatus salehat at bedtime and at waking are as follows:

2 pg Pdf print

lowkb

Use this Transliteration font

First: Imam al-diq (`a) is reported to have said: Whoever repeats the following doxology three times before going to bed, will be released of his sins as exactly as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him: All praise be to Allah Who has exalted, alamdu lillhi alladh `al faqahara thus dominated. All praise be to Allah Who has been walamdu lillhi alladh baana immanent, thus known all things. fakhabara All praise be to Allah Who has owned all walamdu lillhi alladh malaka faqadara things, thus had power over them all. All praise be to Allah Who gives life to walamdu lillhi alladh yuy almawt the dead, causes the living to die, wa yumtu al-ay'a and He has power over all things. wa huwa `al kulli shay'in qadrun Shaykh al-adq has also reported the same tradition. Imaam Ja'afar Saadiq (A.S.) said that anyone who recites this Duaa 3 times while going to sleep will be cleansed of sins as if a new-born one: "Al-Hamdulillaahil-Ladhee Alaa Faqahar, Wal Hamdu Lillaahil-Ladhee Batwana Fa Khabar, Wal Hamdu Lillaahil-Ladhee Malaka Fa Qadar, Wal Hamdu Lillaahil-Ladhee Yuhyil Mawta Wa Yumeetul Ahyaa'a Wahuwa Alaa Kulli Shay'in Qadeer."

Second: Imam al-diq (`a) has mentioned that whenever the Holy Prophet () went to sleep, he would recite yah al-Kurs and then say the following statement: In the Name of Allah. I believe in Allah and disavow the false deity. O Allah, (please) safeguard me in my sleep and in my waking. bismillhi mantu billhi wa kafartu bilghti allhumma ifan f manm wa f yaqaat

Recite: "Bismillaahi Aamantu Billaahi Wa Kafartu Bittwaaghooti, Allaahumahfadhnee Fee Manaamee Wa Fee Yaqdhatee."

Third: Al-Mufaal ibn `Umar reported the following: Imam al-diq (`a) said to me: If possible, you should not go to bed at night before you pray for the protection of the following I pray the protection of Allahs a`dhu bi`izzati allhi

almightiness, I pray the protection of Allahs wa a`dhu biqudrati allhi omnipotence, I pray the protection of Allahs majesty, wa a`dhu bijalli allhi I pray the protection of Allahs authority, wa a`dhu bisulni allhi I pray the protection of Allahs beauty, wa a`dhu bijamli allhi I pray the protection of Allahs defense, wa a`dhu bidaf`i allhi I pray the protection of Allahs guard, wa a`dhu biman`i allhi I pray the protection of Allahs wa a`dhu bijam`i allhi wholeness, I pray the protection of Allahs control, wa a`dhu bimulki allhi I pray the protection of Allahs face, wa a`dhu biwajhi allhi and I pray the protection of Allahs wa a`dhu birasli allhi Messenger, may Allah bless him and his Household, all allhu `alayhi wa lih against the evil of whatever He has min sharri m khalaqa wa bara'a wa created, originated, and made. dhara'a

"Aoodhu Bi Izzatillaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Qudratillaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Jalaaillaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Sultwaanillaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Jamaalillaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Daf'illaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Man'illaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Jam'illaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Mulkillaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Wajhillaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Rasoolillaahi (S.A.W.W.) Min Sharri Maa Khalaqa Wa Bara'a Wa Dhara'a."

Fourth: Imam al-diq (`a) is reported to have said, Whoever repeats Srah al-Tawd (No. 112) one hundred times before he goes to sleep, Almighty Allah will forgive him the sins of fifty years. Imam al-diq (`a) is also reported to have said, to recite Srah al-Kfirn (No. 109) and Srah al-Tawd before he goes to sleep

Fifth: Imam al-diq (`a) reported the Holy Prophet () as saying: Whoever intends to wake up at a particular time , may say the following words before he goes to sleep. If he does, Almighty Allah will order an angel to awaken him at the very time he intends to wake up: O Allah, (please) do not make me feel secure against Your plans, do not make me forget remembrance of You, and do not include me with the inattentive ones. I may wake up at (The time at which one intends to wake up may be mentioned now.) allhumma l tu'minn makraka wa l tunsin dhikraka wa l taj`aln min alghfilna aqmu s`ata

"Allaahumma Laa Tu'minnee Makraka Walaa Tunsinaa Dhikraka Walaa Taj'alnee Minal Ghaafileena Aqoomu Saa'ata. O my Lord, do not make me forget Your mention, do not make me feel safe from Your affliction, and do not make me one of the indifferent!

Sixth: Imam al-diq (`a) is reported to have said: When one of you wakes up at night, he may say the following. If he does, Almighty Allah will say, My servant has said the truth and has thanked Me. All glory be to Allah the Lord of the prophets, the God of the messengers, and the Lord of the enfeebled ones. All praise be to Allah Who gives life to the dead and He has power over all things. subna allhi rabbi alnnabiyyna wa ilhi almursalna wa rabbi almusta`afna walamdu lillhi alladh yuy almawt wa huwa `al kulli shay'in qadrun

Seventh: `Abd al-Ramn ibn al-ajjj has reported that Imam al-diq (`a), whenever he woke up at the last hours of night, would raise his voice with this prayer so that the people of his house would hear him: O Allah, help me stand the horror of the after-death scene, expand for me the narrow abode, provide me with the welfare of what is before death, and provide me with the welfare of what is after death. allhumma a`inn `al hawli almula`i wa wassi` `alayya qa almaja`i warzuqn khayra m qabla almawti warzuqn khayra m ba`da almawti

OTHER MISCELLANEOUS DUAS TO BE RECITED BEFORE GOING TO BED

Allahumma la tunsenee zikraka wa la tauamminnee makruka wa la tajalni min al ghafeleena wa anabbehuni leuhibbul saa aate ilaika adooka fiha fatastajeebo li wa asaluka fatuhtaini wa astaghferuka fataghfirli innahu la egferul zunooba illa anta ya arham ar rahemeen

PROPHETS DU~ WHEN HE RETIRED TO HIS BED 38. In al-Makrim: When he retired to his bed, he would lie down on his right side and place his right hand under his right cheek, then he would say: .

O "Allh" ! Keep me safe from Your Wrath on the day when You resurrect Your servants.[i] 39. Also: He 9 had different types of supplications that he would recite when he laid down to sleep... and when he was about to sleep he would say: . . In the name of "Allh" do I die and live and to Allh is the return. O Allh! Dispel my fears and hide my faults and (help me to) return what has been entrusted to me.[ii] 40. Also: He used to recite yat al-Kursi before sleeping, saying: Jibra`l came to me and said: O "Muammad" ! Verily there is a mischievous jinn who deceives you in your sleep so you must recite the yat alKursi (to ward off his evil).[iii] [i] Makarim al-Akhlaq: 38, al-Mustadrak 5:36[ii] Makarim al-Akhlq: 38 [iii] Makarim al-Akhlaq: 38, al-Kafi 2:536

1. It is recommended to recite the Tasbeeh e Fatima before going to bed. 2. Reciting this Duaa earns Sawaab of 1000 rak'at Namaaz: "Yaf'alullaahu Maa Yashaau Bi Qudratihee, Wa Yahkumu Maa Yureedu Bi Izzatihee." 3. Recite "Al-Qayyoomu" (The Everlasting) 156 times to have a sound sleep. 4. Recite 100 times "Al-Baaisu" for the increase in wisdom, or 573 times the same for increase in intellectual power. 5. Recite Surah-e-Hashr and S.Az-Zaariyaat (this increases sustenance). 6. Recite this Duaa: "Aoodhu Bikalimaatillaahit Ttammaatil Latee Laa Yujaavizuhunna Barrun Walaa Faajirun Min Sharri Maa Zara'a Wa Min Sharri Maa Bara'a Wa Min Sharri Kulli Daabbatin Huwa Aakhidhun Bi Naasiyatihaa Inna Rabbee Alaa Swiraatum Mustaqeem." 7. To remain safe from Ehtelaam (emission of semen) recite: "Allaahumma Aoodhu Bika Minal Ihtillaami Wa Min Soo'il Ihlaami Wa Min An Yatalaa Abaa Bi YashShaytaanu Fil Yaqdhati Wal Manaam." 8. Recite Aayatul Qursee, Aamanar-Rasool, and then this Duaa: "Al-HamdulillaahilLadhee Faqahar, Wal Hamdulillaahil Ladhee Batwana Fakhabar, Wal Hamdu Lillaahil Ladhee Malaka Fa Qadar, Wal Hamdu Lillahil Ladhee Yuhyil Mawta Wa Yummeetul Ahyaa'a Wahuwa Alaa Kulli Shay'in Qadeer."

9. When you fear you would not be able to wake up at a desired time then recite this Duaa: "Qul Innamaa Basharun Mislokum Yoohaa Elayya Annamaa Elaahokum Elaahin Waahid, Famankaana Yarjoo Liqaa'a Rabbihee Falya'amal Swaalihan Walaa Yushrik Bee Ibaadatee Rabbihee Ahadaa." 10.To have a sound, peaceful and fearless sleep recite: "Laa Ilaaha Illallaahu Wahdhu Laa Shareeka Lahoo Yuhyee Wa Yumeetu Wa Yumeetu Wa Yuhyee, Wahuwa Hayyun Laa Yamoot." 11.Duaa: "Allaahumma Innaka Faradhta Alayya Twaa'atan Aliyyibni Abee Twaalibin, Wal Hasani Wal Husayn Wa Aliyyibnil Husayn, Wa Muhammadibni Aliyyin, Wa Ja'faribi Muhammad, Wa Moosabni Ja'far, Wa Aliyyibni Moosa, Wa Muhammadibni Aliyyin, Wa Aliyyibni Muhammad, Wall Hasanibni Aliyyin, Wal Hujjatul Qaaimi Swalawaatullahi Alayhim Ajma'een." 12.Duaa: "Sub'haanallaahi Heena Tumsoona Wa Heena Tusbihoon,, Walahul Hamdu Fis-Samaawaati Wal Ardh, Wa Ashiyyan Wa Heena Tudh'hiroon." 13.Duaa: "U'eedhu Nafsee Wa Dhurriyyatee Wa Ahlibaytee Wa Maalee Bi Kalimaatillaahit-Tammaati Min Kulli Shaytwaanin Wa Haammatin Min Kulli Aynin Laammatin." 14.For protection recite: "Bismil-Laahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem. Innahum Yakeedoona Kaydan Wa Akeedu Kayda, Fa Mahhilil Kaafireena Amhilhum Ruwayda." 15.Duaa: "Aoodhu Bi Izzatillaahi Wa Aooodhu Bi Qudratillaahi Wa Aoodu Bi Jalaalillaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Sultwaanillaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Jamaalillaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Daf'illaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Man'illaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Jam'illaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Mulkillaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Wajhillaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Rasoolillaahi Swallallahu Alayhi Wa Aalihi Min Sharri Maa Khalaqa Wa Bara'a Wa Dhara'a." 16.Imam Muhammad Baqir (A.S.) said that when you go to sleep put your right hand under your head and recite this Duaa: Bismillaahi Innee Aslamtu Nafsee Ilayka Wa Wajjahtu Wajhiya Ilayka Wa Fawwadhtu Amri Ilayka Wa Al'ja'atu Dhwahri

Ilayka Wa Tawaqqaltu Ilayka Rahabatan Minka Wa Raghbatan Ilayka Laa Manjaa Walaa Malja'a Minka Illaa Ilayka Aamantu Bi Kitaabikal-ladhee Anzalta Wa Bi Rasoolikal-Ladhee Arsalat. Then recite Tasbeeh-e-Janaab-e-Faatima (S.A.) 17.It is also stated that not to miss reciting the following Duaa when you go to bed: Ueedhu Nafsee Wa Dhurriyatee Wa Ahli Baytee Wa Maalee Kalimaatillaahit-Tammaati Min Kulli Shaytwanin Wa Haammatin Wa Min Kulli Aynil-Laammati. 18.Imam Redha (A.S.) said that anyone reciting the following Duaa shall remain safe from being crushed under the falling house: Innallaaha Yumsikus-Samaawaati Wal Ardha An Tazoola Wa La'in Zaalataa In Amsakahuma Min Ahadin Mimba'adihi, Innahoo Kaana Haleeman Ghafoora. 19.Imam Ja'afar Saadiq (A.S.) said whoever recites 100 times Laa Ilaaha Illallaah at bedtime Allaah shall make a house for him/her in Paradise, and whoever recites 100 times Istighfaar, his/her sins shall be forgiven in such quantity as the falling leaves of a tree. 20.It is reported from an authentic tradition from Imaam Ali ibnul Husayn (A.S.) that whoever recites the following Duaa at bed-time his poverty and problems will disappear, and will not be harmed by any dangerous insect: Allaahumma Antal Awwalu Falaa Shay'in Qablaka Wa Antadh-Dhwaahiru Falaa Shay'un Fawqaka Wa Antal Baatwinu Falaa Shay'un Doonaka Wa Antal Aakhiru Falaa Shay'un Ba'adaka. Allaahumma Rabbas-Samaawaatis-Sab'I Wa Rabbal Aradheenas-Sab'I Wa Rabbat-Tawraati Wal Injeeli Waz-Zaboor Wal Qur'aanil Hakeem. Aoodhu Bika Min Sharri Kulli Daabbatin Anta Aakhizun Bi Naaswiyatihaa, Innaka Alaa Swiraatum Mustaqeem. 21.Imam Jaa'far Saadiq (A.S.) said that when you desire to fall asleep but you can't, recite this Duaa: Sub'haanallaahi Zish-Shaani Daa'imis-Sultwaani Kulla Yawmin Huwa Fish-Shaan. 22.Imam Jaa'far Saadiq (A.S.) said if you wish to be blessed with holy sight of The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W.) in dream perform this Amal: After Ishaa Namaaz do Sunnat Ghusl,

then pray 4 Rak'at Namaaz in which recite Aayatul Kursee 100 times in every rak'at, after this recite 1000 times Salawaat, then sleep on such a bedding on which neither Halaal nor Haraam act has been done, and place your right hand under your right cheek, and recite 100 times - Sub'haanallahi Wal Hamdu Lillaahi Wa Laa Ilaaha Illallaahu Wallaahu Akbar, Walaa Hawla Walaa Quwwata Illaa Billaah. 23.If you wish to be blessed with the holy sight of Imaam Ali (A.S.) then at the time of going to sleep recite this Duaa: Allaahumma Innee As'aluka Yaa Man Laho Lutfun Khufayyun Wa Ayaadeehi Baasitwatun Laa Taqbeedhan As'aluka Bi Lutfikal Khafiyyil-Ladhee Maa Latwufat Bihee Li Abdin Illaa Kafaa An Turiyanee Mawlaaya Ameerul Mu'mineen Aliy-Yibna Abee Twaalibin Alayhissalaamu Fee Manaamee. 24.A person who wishes to see in dream anyone from the dead should do this: Perform Wudhoo and sleep on your right, recite Tasbeeh-e-Lady Fatima (S.A.) then recite this Duaa: Allaahumaa Antal Hayyul-Ladhee Laa Yooswafu Wal Eemana Ya'arifu Minhu Badaa'atil Al'ashyaau Wa Ilayka Ta'oodu Akbal Minhaa Kuntu Maljaa'a Wa Maa Adabar Minhaa Lam Yakunlahoo Maljaa'un Walaa Manjaa Minka Illaa Ilayka, Fa As'aluka Bi Laa Ilaaha Illaa Anta, Wa As'aluka Bismillaahir-RahmaanirRaheem, Wa Bihaqqi Habbebika Muhammadin Swallallaahu Alayhi Wa Aalihi Sayyidin-Nabiyyeen, Wa Bihaqqi Aliyyin Khayril Waswiyyeen, Wa Bihaqqi Faatimata Sayyidatan-Nisaail Aalameen, Wa Bihaqqil Hasani Wal HusaynilLadheena Ajalta Humaa Sayyiday Shabaabi Ahlil Jannati Alayhi AjmaeensSalaamu, An Tuswalli Alaa Muhammadin Wa Aali Muhamma Wa In Turiyanee Mayyiti Fil Haalil-Latee Huwa Feehaa. 25.Imam Jaa'far Saadiq (A.S.) said when you change your sides while sleeping recite AlHamdu Lillaahi Walaahu Akbar.

26.To seek guidance for a problem in dream: Go to bed while you are in the state of Twahaarah. Before falling asleep recite 7 times Surah Ash-Shams and 7 times Surah AlLayl, then recite: Allaahumj'alnee Min Amri Haadhaa Farajan Wa Makhrajan. 27.Recite 3 times "Yafalollaho Mashao be qudrati wa yahkomo ma yurido be izzate" 28. He should recite some Quranic verses and some supplications, especially the sura of Ikhlas (112) or al-Hashr (59) or at-Takathur (102) or all of them, and say what the Prophet (s) used to say, O my Lord, if You take my soul in my sleep, forgive it, and if You set it free, keep it safe as You keep Your good people. 29. Huthayfa narrated, When the Prophet (s) went to bed, he said, In Your name O

Allah, I die and live and when he awoke, he said, Praise be to Allah, Who enlivened us after he has made us die, and to Him is the resurrection. 30.Imam Jafar e Sadiq (a.s.) has said that before going to bed one should recite the Sura Qadr -Inna anzalna eleven times and also sura Ikhlas eleven times. One who does this, will be pardoned his sins during the next fifty years. If someone sees disturbing dreams, he should recite the maoozatain, that is, Qul aaoozo berabbil falaq & Qul aaoozo Berabbil Naas before going to bed.

<<When you wake up>> :-

The Imaam said that anyone who wakes up from sleep and recites the following Duaa shall be considered a grateful servant of Almighty Allah (swt): All glory be to Allah the Lord of subna allhi rabbi alnnabiyyna the prophets, the God of the messengers, wa ilhi almursalna and the Lord of the enfeebled wa rabbi almusta`afna ones. All praise be to Allah Who gives walamdu lillhi alladh yuy life to the dead almawt and He has power over all things. wa huwa `al kulli shay'in qadr "Sub'haanallaahi Rabbin-Nabiyyeen, Wa Ilaahil Mursaleen, Wa Rabbil Mustadh'afeen, Wal Hamdu Lillaahilladhee Yuhyil Mawta Wa Huwa Alaa Kulli Shay'in Qadeer."

Recite- "Hasbiyar-Rabbu Minal Ibaadi, Hasbiyalladhee Huwa Hasbee, Hasbee Mudh Kuntu Hasbee, Hasbiyallaahu Wa Ni'amal Wakeel." Say -Alhamdulillaahillazi ahyaanaa ba'da maa amaata-naa wa ilaihinnushuur". All praise to Allah(Swt),Who revived us to life after giving us death & to him we shall return.

Sleeping Tips /Etiquettes

O you, who sleep too much and are indifferent, too much sleeping brings regret. In the grave, when you enter into it, there will be a long sleep after death, and a bed of sins or good deeds you have done will wait for you there. The traditions warn of too much sleeping. The Prophet (s) said, Beware of too much sleeping, because it leaves its friend poor on the Day of Resurrection. Imam al-Baqir (s) said in a Qudsi [1] tradition that Prophet Moses (s) had said, O my Lord, which of Your people is the most odious to You? Allah said, Carrion (sleeping) in the night and idle in the day. Imam as-Sadiq (s) said, Allah hates much sleeping and much idleness. He also said, Much sleeping wastes religion and life. The youth should spend their spare time in reading and acquiring good information and memorizing the suras of the Holy Qur'an because the Qur'an lights the heart and life. Whoever learns in his youth will make use of his knowledge when he grows up. The old learn nothing if they missed leaning in their youth. Islam has not left the need of sleeping to man without directing it with special manners that give man a comfortable sleep and make him active in getting up. Here are some of these manners to be observed before going to bed: 1. Man should go to bed after cleansing himself from sweat and unpleasant smells. 2. He should perform wudu. 3. He should go to the Washroom and relieve himself. 4. He should not sleep on his face and abdomen because it is the sleep of the Satan and is harmful to the self and body. The believers sleep on their backs or right sides except if there is an excuse. 5. When lying, instead of thinking of what is of no benefit, Islam invites man to criticize himself on what he has done during his day. Imam as-Sadiq (s) said, When you go to your bed, think of what you have done in your day and remember that you will die and will be resurrected to be punished. Go to bed early and avoid evenings full of play and amusement, and awake early to find all good before you; good health, livelihood, activity, and vitality. The moment you awaken from your sleep, you will understand what you have read in the previous lines about the disadvantages of too much sleeping and about the manners of sleeping. If you understand this, you will wake up at the required time. [1] Qudsi tradition (Hadith Qudsi) is a class of traditions that give words spoken by Allah as distinguished from the Prophetic traditions that give the words spoken by the Prophet (s). The

words of Allah in the Qudsi traditions are different from the Qur'an that was revealed through Gabriel. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W.) said: that except for three things it is not good to keep awake at night, they are: (1) for Namaz-e-Shab,( Tahajjud) (2) for reciting Holy Qur'an or for education, and (3) for that bride who came to her husband's house on the first night. It is also Makrooh ( NOT recommended) to sleep (a) upto sun-rise, (b) in-between Maghrib and Ishaa, and (c) after the time of Asr. And it is recommended to have a short nap just before Zohr (in summer), and siesta after Namaaz-e-Zohr and Asr. A person complained to the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) of the loss of memory, he was advised to have a small amount of sleep in the afternoon, he acted likewise and was cured of his complaint.

Reflections from http://www.academyofislam.org/ Issue # 13 December 2011

God takes the souls at the time of their death, and those that do not die during their sleep; then He withholds those on whom He has passed the decree of death and sends the others back till an appointed term; most surely there are signs in this for a people who reflect. Sura az-Zumar, 39:42 Imam Zaynul Abidin (a) recited this verse in the court of Ibne Ziyad in Kufa. When Imam was brought to the court the tyrant asked him who he was. The Imam replied: "I am Ali ibn al-Husayn." Ibne Ziyad said: "Did Allah not kill Ali ibn Husayn?" The Imam replied: "I had a brother whose name was also Ali and the people killed him." Ibn Ziyd insisted that it was Allah who killed him. In reply to this the Imam recited the above verse of the Qur'an, meaning that Allah takes the souls when death comes, but it is people who are sometimes responsible for the death. At the time of death, the soul departs from the body and is taken by God. This movement of the soul from the body also takes place at the time of sleep, albeit in a weaker form. The soul's connection to the body is at a minimum during sleep and it rejoins the body when the person wakes up, coming back for an appointed time. The body-soul connection is a metaphysical reality that is not easy to understand. Perhaps it will only be fully understood once we leave this world, when such truths will become clearer to us. The Holy Quran says of the Hereafter: But now We have removed from you your veil, so your perception today is piercing. (Suraal-Qaf, 50:22) Sleep has been described as a time for the body to get rid of the poisons it accumulates during the day. It has also been explained as necessary for the body to release its tiredness and rejuvenate itself. However these are physical explanations for the phenomena of sleep. The Qur'an gives us the spiritual understanding of sleep. It is a time when the soul leaves the body and is only partially connected to it for that time. It is a form of minor death, and that is why wudhu and specific prayers are recommended before sleeping. When we sleep our consciousness fades and we are no longer in charge of our selves. Our bodily functions are maintained but our consciousness sublimates to a different level. The soul is held in a different alternate state. And He it is Who takes your souls at night (in sleep), and He knows what you acquire in the day, then He raises you up therein that certain conditions may be fulfilled (Sura al-An'am, verse 60). The taking of the soul denotes a proximity to God, not of space but of existence. The soul is extended into a different realm of existence, a realm not familiar to the body.

Ayatullah Nasir Makarim Shirazi in Tafsire Namune explains that the connection of the body and soul can be in three stages: a) Complete connection - when the human being is awake. The soul is with the body and performs all actions along with it. b) Partial connection - when the human being is asleep. The soul leaves the body but there is some connection to it. The person is then in a state between life and death. c) Complete disconnection - at the time of death. The soul leaves the body and travels to the other world. It joins the body in the grave for questioning and is then sent to the place where it will abide until the Day of Judgment. Points to Ponder 1) The human being goes through a weak form of death every time he sleeps. That reminder alone is enough for us to be cognizant of our mortality and the transience of this world. Thus we are told to say the following prayer upon awakening from sleep; All Praise is for Allah who gave me life after death, and to Him is the return. Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a) also says: When you wake up from sleep say: All Praise is for Allah who has returned my soul so I Praise Him and worship Him. 2) The dreams that a person sees is the experience of the soul as it travels. In sleep the awareness of one level weakens and recedes and we enter into another modality and awareness. The transition from the physical realm to the metaphysical realm involves an experiencing of different realities. Glimpses and flashbacks of these realities are brought back in the state of wakefulness in the form of dreams. 3) When the soul leaves the body, during sleep and at the time of death, it is God who receives the soul. Although other verses mention Malakul Maut, the angel of death, as the one who removes the soul, this is done under the command of Allah. It is He who orders the removal of the soul and He who receives it. It is the return of the soul to its original source - Surely we come from Allah and to Him we return. (Sura al-Baqarah, 2: 156)

Sources Ayatullah Nasir Makarim Shirazi (ed.), Tafsire Namune Agha Muhsin Qara'ati Kashani, Tafsire Noor Muhammad al-Ray Shahree, Mizanul Hikmah