Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have slept approximately 7-8 hours per day. This is based on various accounts that describe his sleep patterns, including sleeping in the second third of the night, taking a short nap after Fajr prayer, and a brief rest in the afternoon. IslamQA and other sources confirm this estimation. However, different interpretations and accounts exist, with some suggesting shorter durations.
Different Perspectives on Sleep Duration
Several sources offer varying estimates:
- 7-8 hours: This is the most commonly cited figure, supported by various accounts describing his sleep schedule comprising night sleep, a post-Fajr nap, and an afternoon rest. IslamQA
- 4-6 hours: Some sources mention a shorter sleep duration, likely referring primarily to his nighttime sleep before performing night prayers. Quora
- Around one-third of the day and night: This is a more generalized statement, implying approximately 8 hours of sleep considering a 24-hour day. IslamQA
It is important to note that these are estimates based on historical accounts and interpretations. The precise number of hours Prophet Muhammad slept is difficult to definitively determine.
Key Aspects of Prophet Muhammad's Sleep Schedule
- Second third of the night: He prioritized sleeping during the latter part of the night.
- Post-Fajr nap: A short rest after the morning prayer is mentioned.
- Afternoon rest: He also took a brief sleep during the afternoon.
- Variability: The exact duration likely varied depending on his daily activities and commitments.