Islam views death during sleep as one way the soul can be taken by God, alongside death in other circumstances.
Islamic Perspective on Death During Sleep
According to the Quran, specifically verse stated in the reference "Sleep and death", Allah (God) takes souls when people die and also when they sleep. The verse highlights a crucial distinction:
“It is Allāh Who takes away the souls (Wafat) at the time of their death, and those that die not during their sleep. He keeps those (souls) for which He has ordained death and sends the rest for a term appointed."
Key Concepts from the Verse
- Wafat: The term "Wafat" means taking away the soul, which applies to both death and sleep.
- Souls Taken During Death: Allah takes the soul of individuals when their life comes to an end.
- Souls Taken During Sleep: Allah also takes souls during sleep, but not all souls are kept, some are returned to the body.
- Soul's Return: Souls taken during sleep are generally returned to the body, except for those destined to die during that sleep.
- Divine Decree: Allah decides which souls to keep (those whose lives have ended) and which to return to their bodies until the appointed time of their death.
Significance of the Verse
This Quranic verse conveys a profound understanding of the relationship between sleep and death in Islam. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:
- Sleep as a Lesser Form of Death: Sleep is portrayed as a temporary separation of the soul from the body, similar to death but not permanent.
- Allah's Control: The verse emphasizes that Allah has complete control over life, death, and everything in between, including the taking and returning of the soul during sleep.
- Purpose of Sleep: Sleep serves as a reminder of death. It also highlights the blessing of waking up, as a soul has been returned.
- Differentiation Between Death and Sleep: The verse clearly differentiates between the permanent end of life when the soul is taken and not returned, and the temporary condition of sleep where the soul is generally returned to the body.
Practical Insights and Solutions
While the verse addresses the theological aspects of sleep and death, consider practical insights in light of this understanding:
- Gratitude: Muslims are encouraged to express gratitude upon waking up for having their souls returned and another chance to live.
- Mindfulness: Understanding that death can happen at any moment, including during sleep, promotes mindfulness in daily life and devotion to God.
- Supplication: Muslims often recite specific supplications (duas) before sleeping and upon waking, seeking protection and thanking Allah for the blessing of sleep.
Summary
In summary, Islam considers dying in sleep as a form of death where Allah takes the soul. However, not every soul taken during sleep is kept, those that die during their sleep, their souls are kept by God. This understanding emphasizes the sovereignty of Allah and the transient nature of life.
