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The Midday Nap — Qailulah in Islam: A Sunnah of Rest

In today’s fast-paced world, rest is often overlooked. Yet over 1,400 years ago, Islam already emphasized the importance of balance between work, worship, and rest. One beautiful Sunnah that promotes this balance is the midday nap, known as Qailulah. More than just a short rest, Qailulah is a prophetic tradition that holds physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. This article explores the significance of Qailulah in Islam and how it can positively impact our lives.

What is Qailulah?

Qailulah refers to a short nap taken during the middle of the day, usually before or after Dhuhr prayer. It is a light sleep—not meant to replace nighttime sleep, but to refresh the body and mind for the rest of the day.

Qailulah in the Sunnah

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his companions practiced the midday nap as part of their daily routine. Several hadiths highlight its significance:

Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said

“Take a nap at midday, for the Shayateen do not take a nap.”

(al-Mu’jam al-Awsaṭ lil-Ṭabarānī 28; classified as Hasan)

It was narrated that Anas said:

“We used to perform the Friday (prayer), then we would return for a nap (Qailulah).”

(Sunan Ibn Majah 1102)

These narrations show that Qailulah was common practice among the Prophet ﷺ and his companions. It wasn’t a sign of laziness—it was a way to conserve energy for both worship and work.

Benefits of Qailulah

1. Physical Refreshment

A short nap helps restore energy, especially in hot climates or after early morning activities. It:

Reduces fatigue
Boosts alertness
Improves physical stamina

2. Enhanced Worship

For anyone who engages in Qiyam-ul-Lail or other forms of night worship, incorporating a short nap during the day—Qailulah—can help maintain energy and balance throughout the day.

3. Mental Clarity and Focus

Modern research now supports the benefits of short naps (10–30 minutes) for:

Improving memory and concentration
Enhancing mood
Reducing stress

Islam anticipated this centuries ago, integrating it as part of the Sunnah lifestyle.

4. Spiritual Benefits

Following a Sunnah with the intention of reviving it brings reward
Resting with the intention to gain strength for worship or work turns a simple nap into an act of ibadah.

It was narrated from Anas that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“If anyone of you feels drowsy during his Salah, let him go and take a nap.”

Sunan an-Nasa’i 443

Scientific Backing of the Midday Nap

Contemporary science supports what the Sunnah has long established. Studies show that a 10–20-minute nap can:

Increase productivity
Improve cognitive function
Lower the risk of heart disease

Even tech giants and leading companies like Google and NASA encourage power naps among employees—something Islam taught centuries ago.

When and How to Take Qailulah

Ideal time: Between Zuhr and Asr, depending on your work/sleep schedule.
Duration: The exact duration of this nap isn’t specified, but it is intended to be a short rest rather than a long sleep.
Environment: A quiet, peaceful place; ideally in a state of wudu, with the intention of following the Sunnah.

Qailulah and Productivity in Islamic History

The early Muslims, including scholars and leaders, followed Qailulah regularly. Their productivity, wisdom, and spiritual focus were unmatched—showing that rest was not a hindrance to success but a tool for balance.

Conclusion

The midday nap, or Qailulah, is a forgotten Sunnah that offers immense benefits. In Islam, rest is not frowned upon—it is valued, structured, and rewarded when done with the right intention. Reviving this simple practice in our lives can lead to better health, greater productivity, and more energy for worship. By sleeping for a short while in the day, we awaken to better serve Allah, our families, and our communities.