How much sleep should a person get?
Question
We hear from scientists and doctors nowadays that adults need 6-9 hrs of sleep and teenagers need at least 9 and so on respectively. We also heard about great Ulama and still in the present time who only sleep a couple of hours.
My question is that does Islam have a stance on sleep and do you think we should follow this research?
Answer
This is something which is based upon need. Generally, young people require between 6 to 8 hours of sleep whilst old people require between 5 to 6 hours. However, this is what is generally witnessed. One should look at one's own condition and see what one's body requires for one to function well and enjoy good health. Certain pious servants of Allah Ta’ala sleep for few hours as this is according to the need of their bodies and what their bodies can manage and are comfortable with.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
- Answered by
- Mufti Zakaria Makada
- Checked & approved by
- Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
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