Chapter 8: Etiquette Of Sleeping, Waking And Using The Wash Room
1. Timings Of Sleep
It should be remembered that sleeping from early hours of the morning till sunrise, between Maghrib and Isha, and after Asr prayer is detestable (Makruh). However, sleeping is recommended before Noon Prayer during summer and also between Noon and Afternoon.
It is narrated from Imam Zayn Al-’Abidin (‘a) that he said to Abu Hamza Thumali: Do not sleep before sunrise. I do not like you to sleep at that time, because Almighty Allah distributes the sustenance of people at that time, and one, who sleeps at that hour remains deprived of sustenance.
It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that the earth protests to Almighty Allah due to three things: Firstly, the unlawful blood that is shed on it; secondly, the water of that ritual bath, which is performed after fornication; thirdly, the sleeping of that person, who sleeps before sunrise.
It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that sleeping in the morning is inauspicious, the sustenance decreases and the complexion pales and the face becomes ugly. It is inauspicious because Almighty Allah distributes sustenance between dawn and sunrise. Beware, you must never sleep at that time.
He also said roasted fowl and Persian manna used to descend for Bani Israel at that time only; and whoever slept at that time was deprived of his share.
According to the Holy Prophet (S), a person, who sits on the prayer-mat during those hours will be saved by God from the fire of hell; and another tradition states that that person will receive the reward of a Hajj and his sins will be forgiven.
It is mentioned in some traditions that if after the Morning Prayer, one recites some post-prayer recitations, and then goes to sleep before sunrise, there is no problem. Thus, it is mentioned in authentic traditions that he asked a man to meet him after the sun has risen completely as he slept just after his morning prayers.
It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that he said to a person: If you sleep after reciting the Morning Prayer and post prayer recitations before sunrise, there is no problem in it.
According to Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a), sleeping in the early hours of the morning is foolish, sleeping in the afternoon is a blessing and it is harmful to sleep after late afternoon (Asr) and sleeping between Maghrib and Isha deprives one from daily bread.
It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that poverty increases due to sleeping before sunrise and before Night (Isha) Prayer.
Another tradition states that a person came to the Holy Prophet (S) and said that his memory was getting worse and he was forgetting everything easily. The Prophet (S) pointed out that he has left midday nap and the Holy Prophet (S) bade him to do as he used to do before and his memory would improve. He again started taking the midday nap and his memory improved.
In another tradition, it is mentioned that you must take the midday nap as the Satan does not take it and midday nap is very helpful in keeping awake at night and worshipping therein.
2. Ablution Before Sleeping
According to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), when a person performed ablution before going to bed, his bed becomes as good as Masjid. It one forgets to perform ablution and remembers afterwards; he can perform dry ablution (Tayammum) on the quilt with which he is covering himself. If after this form of purification and before going to bed he thanks and praises God until he is asleep, then his sleep will be as good as prayer.
According to Imam Ali (‘a), a Muslim should not sleep in the state of ritual pollution (Janabat) and without ablution. If water is not available for bathing or ablution, one should perform dry ablution (Tayammum) as the spirit of the believer travels towards heavens while he is asleep and according to its cleanliness and purification it is received by God. It is blessed and rewarded by God. If he is alive, God sends angels to guard him.
According to another reliable tradition, the Holy Prophet (S) asked his followers who amongst them fasted all the year around. Salman Farsi replied that he fasted all the year round. The Holy Prophet (S) then asked who spent his nights in prayers, being awake all through? Again, Salman replied that he did that as well.
Then, looking at assembled companions, the Holy Prophet (S) asked who recites one Qur’an every day. All kept quiet, except Salman, who replied in affirmative. Umar Ibn Khattab was furious at Salman and said to others that Salman was showing off over the Quraish people and was lying as he had seen Salman many a day not observing fast, many nights sleeping instead
of praying and also not completing Qur’an each day.
The Holy Prophet (S) intervened and said that Salman was like Luqman and whosoever doubts him should question him directly and he would reply. He immediately questioned Salman and Salman gave the following answer; every month he fasted on 13th, 14th and 15th. God has said that he will reward ten times any good act; therefore, his three fasts are equal to thirty fasts and in his manner if he fasts for one month it will be like fasting all the year round.
Besides, he fasted all through the month of Shaban and Ramadhan, in this way, he keeps more fasts when each fast will be multiplied by ten. As for keeping awake at night and praying, he had heard from the Holy Prophet (S) that sleeping with ablution is equal to keeping awake at night and praying all the while; and about reading one complete Qur’an each day, he had heard from the holy Prophet (S) that reciting Surah at-Tawhid three times equals reciting one Qur’an.
When a person recites Surah at-Tawhid once it is like reciting one third of the Qur’an, if he recites it twice, it is like reciting two thirds of the Qur’an and if he recites three times, it is like reciting the whole of the Qur’an.
Then the Holy Prophet (S) continued that a person, who is just a verbal friend of Imam Ali (‘a), his faith will be only one third complete; the person who is literally as well as from his heart a friend of Imam Ali (‘a), his faith is two third complete; whereas a person who is not only a literal and true friend of Imam Ali (‘a), but also practically follows Imam Ali (‘a), his faith is complete. If all those on earth were as friendly towards Imam Ali (‘a) as the Shi’a, God would not have put any being to trial or punished them. Umar Ibn Khattab was speechless upon these replies of Salman Farsi.
3. Etiquettes To Be Observed Before Sleeping And The Place Of Sleeping
There is consensus among scholars that it is detestable to sleep in Masjids. But apparently this command seems to be only in relation to Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi; though according to some traditions there is no harm in sleeping there as well.
According to reliable traditions, the Holy Prophet (S) has cursed three types of people: (1) those who eat alone. (2) those who travel alone. (3) those who sleep alone in an empty house.
The probability in the last case is that one, who sleeps alone will go insane on account of fear.
According to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), a person who is forced by circumstances to sleep alone in a desert or a house, he should recite the following supplication before going to sleep:
اللهم آنس وحشتي وأعني على وحدتي
Translation: O Allah be my companions in depression and anxiety and help me in loneliness.
It is narrated in another tradition that the Messenger of Allah (S) has prohibited sleeping on a terrace, which does not have boundary walls. He also said that one, who sleeps on a terrace without walls, is out of the protection of Allah.
According to another reliable tradition from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), sleeping alone on the roof of the house is detestable and also on that roof, which has no surrounding walls. This applies both to men and women. When people asked him whether it was permissible to sleep on a roof having a wall on three sides, he replied in negative and said that walls should be on all the four sides of the roof. In certain traditions the height for these walls was ascertained. Some state it as 2 yards and other 1.1/4 yard.
The Holy Prophet (S) has warned that hands should not be dirty or full of food particles while going to sleep as in that case, Satan overcomes and it is probable that the man may get mad and in that case he himself is to be blamed. He also asked children’s hands and faces to be washed before they went to sleep as otherwise Satan will smell their hands and frighten them.
Many reliable traditions state that the Holy Prophet (S) asked the beds to be cleaned and swept before going to bed as any harmful creature roosting inside may be thrown out and the person becomes safe from any harm.
It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that you must go to the washroom before going to bed.
4. Complete Manners Of Sleeping
It is recommended to sleep inclined on the right side, facing Qibla and the right hand should be kept under the face. Sleeping inclined towards the left is detestable.
According to Imam Ali (‘a) there are four ways of sleeping. Prophets sleep on their backs, their eyes are closed, but awaiting revelation from Almighty. Believers or pious sleep inclined to right side and facing Qibla; kings and princes sleep inclined to left that the food they have eaten may be digested, and Satans and those who follow him sleep on their stomachs, flat.
In another tradition, he prohibited sleeping on one’s stomach and to awake those, who sleep in this manner and not to let them sleep like that. He even requested the people to sleep with their right hand under the right side of their face as one never knows whether he will ever wake up.
Besides this, many other traditions extol the rewards or benefits of sleeping to the right and prohibited sleeping inclined to left.
5. Verses And Supplications To Be Recited Before Going To Bed
According to a tradition from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a), one has to lie in the bed with his right hand under right side of his face, he should recite the following supplication:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ اللَّهُمَّ إني أسلمت نفسي إليك ووجهت وجهي إليك وفوضت أمري إليك وألجأت ظهري إليك وتوكلت عليك رهبة منك ورغبة إليك لا ملجأ ولا منجا منك إلا إليك آمنت بكتابك الذي انزلت وبرسولك الذي أرسلت.
Translation: In the name of Allah. O Allah, to You have I surrended myself; towards You have I turned my face; to You have I commended my affairs; with You have I sought refuge; and in You have I placed my trust, fearing You and having desire for You. Only on You I depend for my salvation and towards You I turn for refuge. I have brought faith on the Book, which You sent and the apostle You made prophet.
After that recite Tasbih of Lady Fatimah (‘a).
In another tradition, the Imam has recommended the following supplication to be recited before going to bed and never to miss it:
أعيذ نفسي وذريتي وأهل بيتي ومالي بكلمات الله التامات من كل شيطان وهامة ومن كل عين لامة
Translation: I safeguard my life, the life of my wife and children and my property with complete wordings of Allah from every devil, harmful animal and evil eye.
This supplication was recited by the Holy Prophet (S) on Imam Al-Hasan (‘a) and Imam Husayn (‘a) for their protection.
According to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) one should recite Surah Kafiroon and Surah at-Tawhid before going to sleep as the former deals with repulsion and fatigue from polytheism and the latter expresses Oneness of God.
It is mentioned in another authentic tradition that one, who recites three time lying on his bed:
الحمد لله الذي علا فقهر والحمد لله الذي بطن فخبر والحمد لله الذي ملك فقدر والحمد لله الذي يحيي الموتى ويميت الاحياء وهو على كل شيء قدير
Translation: Praise be to Allah, Who is high and dominant. Praise be to Allah, Who is himself unseen, but is aware of everything. And praise be to Allah, Who is the dignified owner. And praise be to Allah, Who enlivens the dead and makes the living die and He is powerful over everything.
He would be purified of sins as if he was reborn.
It is narrated from Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) that one, who recites the verse of the throne (Ayat ul-Kursi) at the time of going to bed, he would remain secure from paralysis.
It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that one, who recites Surah Yasin before going to bed, the Almighty Allah will appoint one thousand angels to protect him from mischief of Satans and all calamities.
It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that one, who recites Surah Waqiyah before going to bed, on Judgment Day, his face will be illuminated like the full moon.
He said in another tradition that one, who recites the Musabbihaat,1 will not die till he enters the service of Sahib ul- Amr; and if by chance, he dies before it, he will be accommodated in the neighbourhood of the Prophet.
In another tradition, he said: One, who recites the following supplication at night, will not be stung by a scorpion or some other stinging creature.
أعوذ بكلمات الله التامات التي لا يجاوزهن بر ولا فاجر من شر ما ذرأ ومن شر ما برأ ومن شر كل دابة هو آخذ بناصيتها إن ربي على صراط مستقيم.
Translation: From the mischief of every created thing and from the evil of everything that moves on the earth, the destiny of which is in control of God, I seek refuge of these perfect words of God, from which no good and bad one can go out. There is no doubt that my Lord is on the straight path.
It is narrated from Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) that one, who recites the following supplication at the time of going to bed, will not die of house collapse:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُمْسِكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ أَن تَزُولَا ۚ وَلَئِن زَالَتَا إِنْ أَمْسَكَهُمَا مِنْ أَحَدٍ مِّن بَعْدِهِ ۚ إِنَّهُ كَانَ حَلِيمًا غَفُورًا
There is no doubt that Allah has prevented the earth and the heavens from destruction and if they are destroyed, is there anyone, who can stop them other than Allah? Without any doubt Allah, is forbearing and forgiving. (35:41)
According to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), one, who lies down to sleep, should recite the following supplication:
اللَّهُمَّ إني احتبست نَفْسِي إلَيْكَ فاحتسبها فِي مَحَلِّ رِضْوَانِكَ وَمَغْفِرَتِكَ وإنْ رَدَدْتَهَا فَارْدُدْهَا مؤمنة عَارِفَةً بِحَقِّ أَوْلِيَائِكَ حَتَّى تَتَوَفَّاهَا عَلَى ذَلِكَ.
Translation: O Allah, I have entrusted my life to You; so, please detain it in the place of Your pleasure and forgiveness. If You return it, return it in the condition that it has faith in You and it should continue to recognize the rights of Your friends till it meets its end in that condition.
He said in another condition that at the time of going to bed, the Messenger of Allah (S) used to recite the verse of the throne (Ayat ul-Kursi) and after that he recited:
بسم الله آمنت بالله وكفرت بالطاغوت اللهم احفظني في منامي وفي يقظتي
Translation: In the name of Allah and I have believed in Allah. And except for Allah, I am a denier of other deities. Please keep me safe while I am in sleep or awake.
It is better that Ayat ul-Kursi should be recited till the end of verse 286.
He said in another tradition that when you lie on the bed, recite Tasbih Fatimah, verse of throne, Surah al-Falaq, Surah an-Nas and first and last ten verses of Surah Saffat.
It is mentioned in an authentic tradition that Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) told his son that he should recite the following supplication at the time of going to bed:
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّداً صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَعُوذُ بعظمة وأعوذ بعزة اللهِ وَأَعُوذُ بِقُدْرَةِ اللهِ وأعوذ بجلال الله وَأَعُوذُ بِسُلْطَانِ اللهِ إِنَّ اللهَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ وَأَعُوذُ بعفو اللهِ وأعوذ بغفران الله وَأَعُوذُ بِرَحْمَةِ اللهِ مِنْ شَرِّ السامة والهامة وَمِنْ شَرِّ كُلِّ دَابَّةٍ صَغِيرَةٍ أَوْ كَبِيرَةٍ بليل أَوْ نهار وَمِنْ شَرِّ فسقة الْجِنِّ وَالإِنْسِ وَمِنْ شَرِّ فسقة العرب والعجم وَمِنْ شَرِّ الصواعق والبرد اللهم صل على محمد عبدك ورسولك وآله الطاهرينِ.
Translation: I testify that there is no god, except Allah and Muhammad is His servant and His messenger. I seek refuge from the greatness, might, power and domination of God, indeed God is dominant over everything.
Also, I seek refuge from the evil of every beast and stinging creature, from the harm of every small and big creature, whether in the night or the day, from the evil of evil-doing Jinns and men, from the evil of the mischievous of the Arabs and non-Arabs and from the loss of lightning and thunder, I seek the refuge of forgiveness of God and His mercy. O Allah, bless Your servant and messenger, Muhammad and his pure and chaste progeny.
In another authentic tradition, he said that sins of fifty years will be forgiven of one, who recites Surah at-Tawhid a hundred times before going to bed.
He said in another tradition that one, who recites the verse of throne (Ayat ul-Kursi) three times and once:
شَهِدَ اللَّهُ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ وَأُولُو الْعِلْمِ قَائِمًا بِالْقِسْطِ ۚ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ
“Allah bears witness that there is no god but He, and (so do) the angels and those possessed of knowledge, maintaining His creation with justice; there is no god but He, the Mighty, the Wise.” (3:18)
Then the following verse:
إِنَّ رَبَّكُمُ اللَّهُ الَّذِي خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ فِي سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ ثُمَّ اسْتَوَىٰ عَلَى الْعَرْشِ يُغْشِي اللَّيْلَ النَّهَارَ يَطْلُبُهُ حَثِيثًا وَالشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ وَالنُّجُومَ مُسَخَّرَاتٍ بِأَمْرِهِ ۗ أَلَا لَهُ الْخَلْقُ وَالْأَمْرُ ۗ تَبَارَكَ اللَّهُ رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ
“Surely your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in six periods of time, and He is firm in power; He throws the veil of night over the day, which it pursues incessantly; and (He created) the sun and the moon and the stars, made subservient by His command; surely His is the creation and the command; blessed is Allah, the Lord of the worlds.” (7:54)
And last verse of Surah Ha Mim Sajdah:
أَلَا إِنَّهُمْ فِي مِرْيَةٍ مِنْ لِقَاءِ رَبِّهِمْ ۗ أَلَا إِنَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ مُحِيطٌ
“Now, surely they are in doubt as to the meeting of their Lord; now surely He encompasses all things.” (41:54)
Then the Almighty Allah will appoint two angels, who may continue to chase away the Satans from him and He will appoint thirty angels to praise, glorify and extol Allah and seek His forgiveness and the reward of all of them will be written in his scroll of deeds.
It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that one, who intends to go to bed, he should recite the following supplication before it:
اعيذ نفسي وَدِينِي وَأَهْلِي وَمَالِي وخواتيم عَمَلِي وَمَا رزقني ربي وخولني بِعِزَّةِ اللهِ وَعَظَمَةِ اللهِ وَجَبَرُوتِ اللهِ وَسُلْطَانِ اللهِ وَرَحْمَةِ اللهِ وَرَأْفَةِ اللهِ وَغُفْرَانِ اللهِ وَقُوَّةِ اللهِ وَقُدْرَةِ اللهِ وَجَلَالِ اللهِ وبصنع اللهِ وأركان الله وبجمع الله وبرسول اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وبقدرة اللهِ عَلَى ما يشاء من شَرِّ السامة والهامة ومن شر الْجِنِّ وَالإِنْسِ وَمِنْ شَرِّ مَا يدب فِي الأَرْضِ وَمَا يَخْرُجُ مِنْهَا وَمَا يَنْزِلُ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ وَمَا يَعْرُجُ فِيهَا ومن شر كل دابة ربي آخذ بناصيتها ان ربي على صراط مُسْتَقِيمٍ وهو على كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٍ وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ الْعَلِيِّ الْعَظِيمِ
Translation: I entrust my life, my religion, my dependants, my property and my end and all what Allah has bestowed to me and whatever He gave in my possession, to the refuge of the might, greatness, power, domination, mercy, loftiness, forgiveness and majesty of Allah and in the refuge of creation of Allah, and the pillars of power and the special group of Allah and the Messenger of Allah (S), in the refuge of that special power, with which He is powerful over everything, so that we remain secure from all beasts, stinging creatures, Jinns and humans and whatever grows up from the earth and the minerals and that which descend and ascend from the heavens and all those who tread the earth; whose destiny is controlled by You.
Indeed, my Lord is on the right path and He is powerful over everything and no power and strength is present in anyone except Allah, the great and supreme.
This is the supplication, which the Messenger of Allah (S) used to recite for the protection of Imam Al-Hasan (‘a) and Imam Husayn (‘a). He also said that when one intends to go to sleep, he should place his hand below his cheek and recite the following supplication:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَضَعْتُ جَنْبِي لله على ملة إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَدِينِ مُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ ووِلاَيَةِ مَنِ افْتَرَضَ اللَّهُ طَاعَتَهُ مَا شَاءَ اللَّهُ كَانَ وَمَا لَمْ يَشَأْ لَمْ يَكُنْ
Translation: I begin in the name of Allah, and for Allah only have I placed my right side on the bed, as Ibrahim Khalilullah and religion of Muhammad (S), whose obedience Allah has made incumbent on me, I am firm on his Wilayat; whatever Allah willed and whatever Allah did not will.
One, who recites this supplication at the time of going to bed, he will remain safe from theft, robbery and house collapse. Angels will continue to seek forgiveness for him. He also said that one, who recites Surah Ahad at the time of going to bed, the Almighty Allah will appoint 50000 angels for him, who will guard him all night.
According to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), any person who recites:
لا إله إلا الله
Translation: There is no God, but Allah.
...a hundred times before going to sleep, will have a house in heaven for him made by God. Also, one, who recites Istighfar (seeks forgiveness) a hundred times, will be washed of all his sins as the leaves fall down from a tree.
It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that one, who recites Surah Takathur at the time of going to bed, will remain secure from the punishment of the grave.
According to another reliable tradition from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), a person, who recites Surah at-Tawhid eleven times before going to bed will have all his sins forgiven and his neighbours will be safe from any harm; and if he recites it a hundred times, all the sins, which he may commit during the next fifty years (in nature) will be forgiven.
Another tradition from the Imam states that if a person recites the following supplication before going to bed:
اللهم إني أشهدك أنك افترضت علي طاعة علي بن أبي طالب والحسن والحسين وعلي بن الحسين ومحمد بن علي وجعفر بن محمد وموسى بن جعفر وعلي بن موسى ومحمد بن علي وعلي بن محمد والحسن بن علي والحجة القائم صلوات الله عليه وعليهم أجمعين
Translation: O Allah, I hold You witness unto me that You made the love of Ali Ibn Abi Talib, Hasan and Husayn Ibn Ali, Ali Ibn Al-Husayn, Muhammad Ibn Ali, Ja’far Ibn Muhammad, Musa Ibn Ja’far, Ali Ibn Musa, Muhammad Ibn Ali, Ali Ibn Muhammad, Hasan Ibn Ali and Hujjat Qaim-
may the blessings of Allah be upon all of them-incumbent on me.
If he dies during the night, he will enter heaven.
He said in another reliable tradition that one, who recites Surah al-Qadr eleven times at the time of going to bed, Almighty Allah will appoint eleven angels for him, who will guard him from the evil of Satans till the morning.
In a reliable tradition, it is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that the following verses should be recited at the time of going to bed:
قُلِ ادْعُوا اللَّهَ أَوِ ادْعُوا الرَّحْمَٰنَ ۖ أَيًّا مَا تَدْعُوا فَلَهُ الْأَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَىٰ ۚ وَلَا تَجْهَرْ بِصَلَاتِكَ وَلَا تُخَافِتْ بِهَا وَابْتَغِ بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ سَبِيلًا
“Say: Call upon Allah or call upon, the Beneficent God; whichever you call upon, He has the best names; and do not utter your prayer with a very raised voice nor be silent with regard to it, and seek a way between these.” (17:110).
وَقُلِ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي لَمْ يَتَّخِذْ وَلَدًا وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ شَرِيكٌ فِي الْمُلْكِ وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ وَلِيٌّ مِنَ الذُّلِّ ۖ وَكَبِّرْهُ تَكْبِيرًا
“And say: (All) praise is due to Allah, Who has not taken a son and Who has not a partner in the kingdom, and Who has not a helper to save Him from disgrace; and proclaim His greatness magnifying (Him).” (17:111).
According to a reliable tradition from Imam Ali Ibn Al-Husayn (‘a), one, who recites the following supplication before going to bed will be freed from poverty and worry and will be safe from insects and animals who bite:
اللهم أنت الأول فلا شيء قبلك وأنت الظاهر فلا شيء فوقك وأنت الباطن فلا شيء دونك وأنت الآخر فلا شيء بعدك اللهم رب السموات السبع ورب الأرضين السبع ورب التوراة والإنجيل والزبور والقرآن الحكيم أعوذ بك من شر كل دابة أنت آخذ بناصيتها إنك على صراط مستقيم .
Translation: O Allah, You are the first before Whom nothing even existed and You are Almighty and well revered and nothing is greater than You and You are hidden though there is nothing that is not known to You and You are such a ‘Last’ after which nothing will exist.
O Allah, Lord of the seven heavens, Lord of the seven layers of the earth, Lord of Taurat, Injeel and Zabur and the wisdom of the Qur’an keep me safe from the mischief of all those things, which crawl on the earth, the destiny of which You alone know; I seek refuge with You only Who undoubtedly is on the right path.
It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that one, who recites Surah Mulk and says four times:
اللهم رب الحِلِّ والحَرامِ بلِّغ روحَ محمدٍ مني تحيةً وسلامًا
Translation: O Allah, O master of lawful and unlawful, and O Lord of the sacred city, convey my salutation to the blessed soul of Muhammad (S).
The Almighty Allah will appoint two angels, who will convey his greetings to me and I will reply: May the peace and blessings of Allah be on you.
6. Prevention Of Fright, Nightmares And Night Fall In Sleep
It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that one, who has nightmares, should recite the following before going to bed:
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ ويحيي وَهُوَ حَيٌّ لَا يَمُوتُ
Translation: There is no deity other than Almighty Allah. He is so alone; that He has no partner. The life and death of the creatures is in His control. And He is a living, Who has no death.
After that recite the Tasbih (rosary) of Lady Fatimah Az-Zahra’ (‘a). In Tibb Al-A’imma, it is added that Ayat ul-Kursi and Surah at-Tawhid should also be recited.
It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that one, who is frightened during sleep or who has difficulty in falling asleep, he should recite the following verse:
فَضَرَبْنَا عَلَىٰ آذَانِهِمْ فِي الْكَهْفِ سِنِينَ عَدَدًا
“So We prevented them from hearing in the cave for a number of years.” (18:11)
ثُمَّ بَعَثْنَاهُمْ لِنَعْلَمَ أَيُّ الْحِزْبَيْنِ أَحْصَىٰ لِمَا لَبِثُوا أَمَدًا
“Then We raised them up that We might know which of the two parties was best able to compute the time for which they remained.” (18:12)
The same verse should be recited if a child cries too much.
It is mentioned in authentic tradition from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that one, who gets frightened in sleep, he should, at the time of going to sleep, recite Surah al-Falaq, Surah an-Nas and Ayat ul-Kursi.
It is mentioned in another traditional report that the following supplication should be recited ten times, if one is frightened at night.
أعوذ بكلمات الله عن غضبه ومن عقابه ومن شر عباده ومن همزات الشياطين وأن يحضرون
Translation: I seek refuge from the words of Allah for the anger and chastisement of Allah, mischief of His creatures and the instigations of Satans. And O my Lord, I seek Your refuge that those Satans should approach me.
And recite Ayat ul-Kursi and the following:
إِذْ يُغَشِّيكُمُ النُّعَاسَ أَمَنَةً مِّنْهُ
When he makes sleep overpower you, you get peace through it. (8:11)
وَجَعَلْنَا نَوْمَكُمْ سُبَاتًا
And We have made sleep as rest and comfort for you. (78:9)
It is mentioned in a reliable tradition that Shahab Ibn Abdullah complained to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a): A woman appears in my dreams and frightens me. Imam (‘a) said: Take a rosary with you to bed and recite Allahu Akbar 34 times, Subhana Allah 33 times and 33 times Al-Hamdu li ‘l-Lah. Then recite the following supplication ten times:
لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له له الملك وله الحمد يحيي ويميت ويميت ويحيي بيده الخير وله اختلاف الليل والنهار وهو على كل شيء قدير
Translation: There is no god, except Allah, the one; there is no partner with Him. For Him is the kingdom and for Him is the praise. He enlivens and gives death. And He gives death and then enlivens. In His hand is well-being and for Him is the changing of the night and the day. And He is powerful over everything.
Apparently in reciting Tasbih of Lady Fatimah Az-Zahra’ (‘a) at the time of going to bed, one has the choice to recite Subhana Allah before Al-Hamdu li ‘l-Lah or after it.
In an authentic tradition, it is narrated from the same Imam that one, who is apprehensive of nocturnal emission should recite the following supplication after going to bed:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ سُوءِ الْأَحْلامِ وَمِنْ أَنْ يَتَلَاعَبَ بِيَ الشَّيْطَانُ فِي الْيَقْظَةِ والمنام.ِ
Translation: O Allah, I seek Your refuge from getting nocturnal emission, nightmares and from the fact that the Satan should make me involved in any kind of vain pastime in wakeness and sleep.
In a good tradition, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that if a person has a nightmare, he should turn his side and recite as follows:
إِنَّمَا النَّجْوَىٰ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ لِيَحْزُنَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَلَيْسَ بِضَارِّهِمْ شَيْئًا إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ
It is the job of Satan to torment the faithful, but without the will of Allah, he cannot cause any harm to them. (58:10)
After that recite as follows:
عذت بما عاذت به ملائكة الله المقربون وأنبيائه المرسلون وعباده الصالحون من شر ما رأيت ومن شر الشيطان الرجيم.
Translation: I seek the refuge of one, Whose refuge was sought by the proximate angels, chosen prophets and righteous servants of God, from the evil of whatever I saw and the evil of the accursed Satan.
It is mentioned in another report from the same Imam that when a person wakes up from a nightmare, he should recite as follows:
أَعُوذُ بِمَا عَاذَتْ بِهِ مَلَائِكَةُ اللَّهِ الْمُقَرَّبُونَ وَأَنْبِيَاءُ اللَّهِ الْمُرْسَلُونَ وَعِبَادُ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحُونَ والأئمة الراشدون المهديون مِنْ شَرِّ مَا رَأَيْتُ من رؤياي ان تضرني ومن الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ.
Translation: I seek the refuge of one, Whose refuge was sought by the proximate angels, chosen prophets, righteous servants of God and the guided Imams, so that You may save me from the evil of whatever I saw and the evil of the accursed Satan.
Then spit on the left side three times.
It is mentioned in another traditional report that someone complained to the same Imam that his daughter was getting frightened day and night. He said: Get her vein opened1 (cupped).
It is mentioned in another traditional report that someone complained to the same Imam that his daughter was frightened during sleep and sometimes her condition is such that her body becomes limp. People say that it is because of the domination of Jinns over her. Imam (‘a) said: Get her cupped and mix Soya juice with honey, boil it and administer it to her for three days. When he followed this advice, that girl got relief.
It is mentioned in another tradition that a person complained to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that a woman frightens him during sleep. Imam (‘a) said: Perhaps you do not pay the Zakat. He said: O son of Allah’s Messenger (S), I pay Zakat regularly. Imam (‘a) said: Then it might not reach the rightful person. After that he sent the Zakat money to the Imam in order that he may convey it to the rightful. After that he never experienced that condition again.
7. Supplications For Prevention Of Nightmares And Waking Up During The Night
It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) in a reliable tradition that one, who recites the following verse at the time of going to bed, will be able to wake up whenever he likes during the night.
قُلْ إِنَّمَا أَنَا بَشَرٌ مِثْلُكُمْ يُوحَىٰ إِلَيَّ أَنَّمَا إِلَٰهُكُمْ إِلَٰهٌ وَاحِدٌ ۖ فَمَنْ كَانَ يَرْجُو لِقَاءَ رَبِّهِ فَلْيَعْمَلْ عَمَلًا صَالِحًا وَلَا يُشْرِكْ بِعِبَادَةِ رَبِّهِ أَحَدًا
“Say: I am only a mortal like you; it is revealed to me that your god is one God, therefore whoever hopes to meet his Lord, he should do good deeds, and not join anyone in the service of his Lord.” (18:110)
It is narrated from the same Imam in another report that the Messenger of Allah (S) said that one, who wants to wake up in the last part of the night; he should recite the following at the time of going to bed:
اللهم لا تؤمني مكرك ولا تنسني ذكرك ولا تجعلني من الغافلين. أقوم ساعة كذا وكذا
Translation: O Allah, may I not become fearless of Your retribution; may I not forgo Your remembrance; may I not be included among the heedless. And may I wake up at such and such hour.
If one keeps the hour in mind with the word of ‘hour’, the Almighty Allah will appoint an angel, who will wake him at that exact time.
It is narrated from Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) in a reliable tradition that one, who intends to wake up during the night, he should recite the following supplication at the time of going to bed:
اللَّهُمَّ لا تُنسِني ذِكرَك ولا تُؤمِنِّي مَكرَك ولا تَجعلني من الغافِلين وانبهني لِأَحب الساعات إِليك أَدعوكَ فيها فَتستجيبَ لي وأسألكَ فتعطيني واستغفرك فتغفر لي إنه لا يغفر الذُّنوبَ إِلَّا أَنتَ يا أرحمَ الراحمين
Translation: O Allah, may I not forgo Your remembrance; may I not become heedless of Your power of retribution; do not include me among the heedless, and waken me at the hour, which is liked by You most. So that I may supplicate to You at that hour and that You may accept it in my favour.
That I may ask You whatever I want, and that You may bestow it to me. That I may seek forgiveness from You and that You may forgive my sins; because O the most merciful of the merciful ones, no is able of forgiving the sins.
If one recites this supplication, the Almighty Allah will depute two angels to awaken him and if he does not wake up, the Almighty Allah will command them to seek forgiveness on his behalf. If that person dies during that night, he will be included among the martyrs. And if he wakes up, the Almighty Allah will give him whatever he asks for.
In a reliable tradition, it is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that one, who intends to wake up during the night to worship, if his intention is true, the Almighty Allah will send two angels to wake him at that exact hour.
It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) in a reliable tradition that one, who cannot fall asleep, should recite the following supplication:
سُبحَانَ اللهِ ذِي الشَّانِ دَائِمِ السُّلْطَانِ كُلُّ يوم هُوَ في شأنٌ
Translation: Glory be to Allah, the owner of majesty, Whose kingdom is everlasting; and Who is not ineffective at any time.
It is narrated in another reliable tradition that Lady Fatimah Az-Zahra’ (‘a) complained to the Messenger of Allah (S) of insomnia. He said: Recite the following supplication:
يا مُشبِعَ البطون الجائعة ويا كاسيَ الجيوب العارية ويا مسكن العروق الضَّارِبَةِ ويا منوم العيون الساهرة سكن عروقي الضَّارِبَةِ وائذن لِعَيْنِي نَومًا عَاجِلًا.
Translation: O the sustainer of the hungry and O one, Who bestows clothes to the naked bodies. And O one, Who imparts relief to the throbbing nerves and O one, Who makes the wakeful eyes sleep. Bestow rest to my throbbing nerves and issue the command of sleep, so that it covers my eyes immediately.
8. Prayer And Supplications For Pleasant Dreams, Etiquette Of Waking Up And For Seeing The Prophet And Ali (‘A)
It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that one, who wishes to see the Holy Prophet (S) in dream, should perform a proper ritual bath (Ghusl) after the
Night (Isha) Prayer and pray four units of prayer and in each unit after Surah al-Hamd, recite Ayat ul-Kursi a hundred times. After the prayer recite Salawaat on Muhammad and Aali Muhammad (‘a) a thousand times. Then lie down on a ritually pure sheet, on which he should not have committed any lawful or unlawful act; and place the right hand below the right cheek and recite the following, a hundred times:
سُبْحَانَ اللهِ وَالْحَمْدُ للهِ وَلاَ إِلٰهَ إِلاَّ اللهُ وَاللهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلاَ حَوْلَ وَلاَ قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللهِ
Translation: Glory be to Allah and praise be to Allah and there is no god, except Allah, and Allah is the greatest. And there is no power, except for Allah.
After that recite a hundred times:
مَا شَاءَ اللهُ
Translation: As Allah willed.
One, who performs this ritual properly, will be graced by the glimpse of the Messenger of Allah (S).
It is mentioned in another report that one, who wishes to see Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) in dream, he should recite the following supplication at the time of going to bed:
اللّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ يَا مَنْ له لطف خَفِي واياديه باسطة لا تُقبَضُ أَسْأَلُكَ بِلُطْفِكَ الخَفِيِّ الَّذِي ما لطفت بِهِ لعبدٍ الا كفى ان تريني مولاي أَمِيرَ المُؤْمِنِينَ عَلِيَّ بنَ أَبِي طَالِبٍ فِي مَنَامِي.
Translation: O Allah, I ask You, O one, Who bestows hidden grace, whose hands of mercy are so wide that they never become short. I beseech You about that same concealed kindness, which if it favours a person, he is not in need of anyone else. And I beg You to show my master, Ali Ibn Abi Talib (‘a) in dream.
It is mentioned in another traditional report that if a person wishes to see a deceased person in dream, he should sleep with ablution on his right side and recite the Tasbih of Lady Fatimah Az-Zahra’ (‘a) and then recite the following supplication:
اللّهُمَّ أَنتَ الحَيُّ الَّذِي لَا يُوَصَفُ وَالإِيمَانُ يعرف منه، منك بدأت الأشياء وإليك تعود فما اقبل منها كُنْتَ ملجأه ومنجاه وما أدبر منها لم يكن له ملجأ ولا منجاً منك إلا إليك فأسألك بلا إله إلا انت واسالك ببسم الله الرحمن الرحيم وبحق محمد حبيبك صلى الله عليه وآله سيد النبيين وبحق علي خير الوصيين وبحق فاطمة سيدة نساء العالمين وبحق الحسن والحسين الذين جعلتهما سيدي شباب أهل الجنة أن تريني ميتي في الحال التي هو فيها
Translation: O Allah, You are the living, Who cannot be described. Only faith can recognize You. You are the source of everything. You were the refuge of the creatures, who have passed and You are the place of salvation for those, who are to come.
I beg from You, in name of Your oneness, in the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful, Your beloved, Muhammad (S) the chief of the prophets, Amir Al-Mu’minin Ali, the best of the successors, Fatimah Az-Zahra’, chief of the ladies of the world, Hasan and Husayn, the chiefs of the youths of Paradise, that You bless Muhammad and Aali Muhammad (‘a) and allow me to see so and so deceased in his real condition.
It is narrated that when the Messenger of Allah (S) used to go to bed, he used to recite the following:
بِاسْمِكَ اللَّهُمَّ أَحْيَا وَبِاسْمِكَ أَمُوتُ
Translation: O Allah, my death and life is with Your name.
And when he woke up, he used to recite:
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَحْيَانِي بَعْدَ مَا أَمَاتَنِي وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ.
Translation: All praise is for that God, Who enlivened me after death and only He can enliven after death.
It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that when one wakes up, one should recite as follows:
سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ رَبِّ النبيين وآله المرسلين ورب المستضعفين وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي يُحْيِي الْمَوْتَى وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
Translation: Glory be to Allah, the Lord of the prophets, the deity of the messengers, the master of the weak. All praise is befitting Him only, Who revives the dead and Who is powerful over everything.
On hearing these words, the Almighty Allah says: My servant is right and he has thanked Me.
It is narrated in another tradition that when the Messenger of Allah (S) used to wake up in the last part of the night, he used to recite aloud:
اللَّهُمَّ أَعِنِّي عَلَى هَوْلِ المطلع وَوَسِّعْ عَلَيَّ المضجع وَارْزُقْنِي خَيْرَ مَا قَبْلَ المَوْتِ وَارْزُقْنِي خَيْرَ مَا بَعْدَ المَوْتِ.
Translation: O Allah, help me during the terror of Judgment Day and widen my grave and keep me in the very best condition before I die and after I am dead.
It is narrated in another tradition that when you wake up, you should recite as follows:
سُبُّوحٌ قُدُّوسٌ رَبُّ المَلَائِكَةِ وَالرُّوحِ سَبَقَتْ رَحْمَتُكَ غَضَبَكَ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي وَارْحَمْنِي إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ الغَفُورُ.
Translation: O our Lord, and O the Lord of all angels and spirits; glorified are You. Your mercy precedes Your fury. There is no deity other than You. There is no doubt that I have oppressed myself; but You forgive my sins and have mercy on me. Indeed, You the only one, who accepts repentance and pardons during the accounting.
It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that when you change the sides, you should recite:
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ وَاللهُ أَكْبَرُ
Translation: Praise be to Allah and Allah is the greatest.
It is narrated from Imam Ali An-Naqi (‘a) that when you wake up during the night and want to change sides, you should recite the following:
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ الحَيُّ القَيُّومُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ سُبْحَانَ اللهِ رَبِّ العَالَمِينَ وَإِلٰهَ المُرْسَلِينَ وسُبْحَانَ اللهِ رَبِّ السَّمَاوَاتِ السَّبْعِ وَمَا فِيهِنَّ وَرَبِّ الأَرَضِينَ السَّبْعِ وَمَا فِيهِنَّ وَرَبِّ العَرْشِ العَظِيمِ وَسَلَامٌ عَلَى المُرْسَلِينَ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ العَالَمِينَ.
Translation: There is no deity other than Allah, Who is living and everlasting and Who is powerful over everything. Allah is the sustainer of all creatures, the deity of the prophets and the Lord of the seven heavens and whatever they contain and of the seven earths and whatever creatures are present in them; and the Lord of the great throne. Glorified is He. Peace be on all the prophets and all praise is for Allah, Who is the Lord of the worlds.
It is mentioned in another traditional report that on waking up, one should recite:
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي رَدَّ عَلَيَّ رُوحِي لاحمده واعبده
Translation: Praise be to Allah, Who restored my soul back to me; that I mention His praise and worship Him.
In addition to that supplication for glancing at the cornelian is mentioned in the etiquette of wearing rings. Since other supplications on this topic are included in the chapter of Midnight Prayer, all of them will be mentioned in the book of worship acts, if Allah wills, because there is no scope in this treatise to mention more supplications other than those, which are mentioned so far.
9. Causes For False And True Dreams, And Interpretation Of The Latter
It is mentioned in reliable traditions that people asked Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) the reason why sometime a believer sees a dream and it comes true. And sometimes he sees a dream, which has no effect at all. He said: When a believer sleeps, his soul moves towards the heavens. Thus, whatever that soul sees on the heavens in the ethereal world, which is the place of destiny, its effect becomes clear.
And whatever it sees on the earth and in the atmosphere are the confused dreams. The narrator asked: Does the complete soul of the believer goes up to the heavens and nothing remains in the body? Imam (‘a) replied: Would he not die if this happens? On the contrary, it is like the sun, which is on the sky, but its rays reach the earth. In the same way, the soul remains in the body and its reflection moves to the sky.
In another tradition, it is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that the believer who sleeps, his soul is taken to the Lord near the Throne (Arsh) and whatever it sees over there is true. And whatever it sees in the atmosphere on the return journey, is confusing dreams.
There are many traditions on this subject.
It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) in a reliable tradition that there is a Satan named Nara; every night he spreads his body from the east to west and people see nightmares.
It is narrated in another traditional report that two Christians posed some queries to Abu Bakr; when he was unable to reply, they came to Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a). Ali (‘a) replied to all the queries properly. Among their queries was the question that what is the cause of true and false dreams.
He said: The Almighty Allah has created the soul and appointed a ruler for it. And that ruler is the self (Nafs) when a person sleeps, the soul leaves the body, but that ruler remains in the body. That soul passes by some angels and Jinns as well. The true dream is the effect of the angels and the false dream is the effect of Jinns.
It is narrated in another traditional report that the dream of a believer is true; because his seif is pure and his certainty is correct. And when his soul exits the body, it meets the angels; that is why his dream is of the calibre of revelation.
It is narrated in another tradition that divine revelation ended after the Messenger of Allah (S), but the dream of glad tidings remains.
It is mentioned in another tradition that true dream is a part of the seventy parts of effulgence of prophethood.
It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) in a good tradition that in the last period of time, the view and dream of the believer is equal to the seventieth part of prophethood.
It is narrated from Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) in an authentic tradition that in the morning, the Messenger of Allah (S) used to inquire from his companions: Has anyone of you seen a dream of glad tidings?
It is mentioned in another reliable tradition from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that a person asked the Messenger of Allah (S) about the interpretation of the following verse:
الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَكَانُوا يَتَّقُونَ
“Those who believe and guarded (against evil).” (10:63)
لَهُمُ الْبُشْرَىٰ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ ۚ لَا تَبْدِيلَ لِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ هُوَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ
“They shall have good news in this world’s life and in the hereafter.” (10:64)
The Messenger of Allah (S) said: The glad tiding of the life of the world implies the happy dreams, which a believer sees in the world and is pleased at their glad tiding.
It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) in a good tradition that dreams are of three kinds: (1) Glad tiding of Allah for the believer. (2) Frightening of Satan (3) Confusing thoughts.
In another reliable tradition, he said: The false dreams which have no effect are the dreams, which one has in the first part of the night. This is the time of the domination of evil Satans; they make some thoughts visible, though they have no reality.
As for the true dreams; they are few and are seen in the last one third of the night till the true dawn, as it is the time of the descent of the angels. These dreams are not false, except that the believer may have gone to sleep in condition of ritual impurity (Janabat) or without ablution; or he has not recited any supplication. In that case, his dream will not be true or its effect will be delayed.
It is narrated from Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) that the Messenger of Allah (S) said:
One, who sees me in dream, it is as if he has seen me in wakefulness, because the Satan can never assume my form or the form of any of my successors or anyone, who has sincere faith in any member of Ahl Al-Bayt (‘a) and true dreams are the 70th part of prophethood.
It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that in the last period of time, the dream of the believer will not be false; on the contrary as much one is true as his dream will be true.
The explanation of this statement is that Allah, the Mighty and the High has created the soul of the believer in another purified world and He has connected it to the souls of the prophets and saints and kept it with them in the spiritual world as is clear from many traditions on this subject.
That multitudes of souls had gathered in the world of spirits and the souls, which were familiar with each other in that world, are familiar in this world as well. And those, who were hateful of each other in that world, hate each other in this world as well.
Also, since due to innumerable causes, those pure souls are imprisoned in the impure and dark prison of the bodies and involved in different kinds of physical relations, sensual desires and Satanic thoughts; that is why they have become distanced and oblivious from that holy world. But different people have different condition in this matter.
One group is that of persons, who are proximate to God; that their soul is always connected to the upper world and physical relations have been unable to detach them from it; on the contrary their condition is such that their bodies are in this world and the souls are in constant contact with the holy souls in the high heavens. And they remain in confidential conversation with Ruhu al-Quddus; and every moment, they are getting divine favours.
One group is of such unfortunate people, who have completely forgotten that world, except for temporary comforts and lowly tastes, they do not pay heed to anything else. So much so that one group is so deviated that they do not believe in anything other than the sensual pleasures. They even belie the prophets in the matter of the hereafter. As if their eyes, ears and hearts are sealed and the doors of goodness are shut for them.
There is a third group as well, which in spite of the relations of the world has not given up the pursuit of achieving success in the hereafter. They are constantly condemned by the Morally conscious Self (Nafs al-Lawwama). Sometimes a comer of their heart is inclined to Satan and sometimes they listen to the advice of angels.
At times, they will be seen engrossed in listening to moral advices and discourses of leaders and other times, are in the group of embodiments of human form and character of Satans and robbers of religion and faith and are seen busy in transgression and sinful acts.
Sometimes they besmear themselves in the impurity of sins, and sometimes they purify themselves with the water of repentance and weeping. Since the souls of this group have sometimes sinned and sometimes performed some good acts; sometimes they have nightmares and sometimes have good dreams as a result of their acts.
That is sometimes their five senses are suspended and these souls remember their ancient friends and become mindful of meeting them. And they rise up to the inner heavens and speak to the holy souls. Since during the initial part of the night some thoughts of wakefulness are also present, the ascent of that time is in the worldly matters and connections; and the connection with the world is defective.
That is why the Satans are able to dominate him and personify the false thoughts and invalid connections in his dream. As much he distances from the initial part of the night, as much the thoughts of wakefulness are removed and near dawn, the ascent of soul is completely to the higher world. That is leaving the worldly thoughts, it reaches below the throne in the company of the proximate ones of God.
At that time the domination of Satan weakens and due to the mercy of God, heavenly angels arrive to make the unaware aware, to waken the sleeping ones and to remove the armies of the Satans and the Jinns. At that time the dreams of the believers are divine dreams and the favours received by them are divine favours.
Now, those angels approach them and wake them up so that they may, through prayers, seek forgiveness for the deeds they committed during the day and beseech the Almighty for mercy. That is why, this is the best time for Midnight Prayer and the following verse is revealed for it:
إِنَّ نَاشِئَةَ اللَّيْلِ هِيَ أَشَدُّ وَطْئًا وَأَقْوَمُ قِيلًا
“Surely the rising by night is the firmest way to tread and the best corrective of speech.” (73:6)
Its conclusion is that the worship performed at night is more sincere and true. Very fortunate are those, who value that time. They gain unlimited divine bounties, which come down at that time; they make the angels their helpers in warding off Satanic instigations and after purifying their souls of worldly blemishes, make them worthy of seeking proximity of God.
At that blessed hour, which is an occasion of private conversation with Almighty, they also remember their incomparable Lord and make themselves close to the proximate ones of God. One should recognize his worth and sometimes remember his reality as well. He should not sell his sacred essence at such a low price and should not keep that bird of the heavens in the cage of relationships.
وفقنا اللهُ تَعَالَى وَسَائِرَ المُؤْمِنِينَ لِسُلُوكِ مَسَالِك المُقَرَّبِينَ ولتنبيه نَوْم الغَافِلِينَ.
Translation: May the Almighty Allah bestow us and all believers, the good sense to tread the path of the proximate ones and to wake up from the sleep of the unheeding ones.
One should also remember that since different kinds of veils cover the consciousness and the colourful attractions of the world have blinded us, therefore in spite of having attainted the lofty grades, insight is mixed up with base thoughts; that is why the thoughts of the true dreams are also seen in different forms.
Though the form of everything is related appropriately. And those, who are deceived by the world, the Holy Qur’an and traditions of prophets and successors have mentioned similes for their weak intellects and insights. As a result of the baseness of their thoughts they are unable to perceive the logic and their complete dependence is on the perceptible.
So, the logics should be shown to them in the disguise of perceptions. For example, it is said that the simile of the world is like that of a snake, which is so attractive that a naive child is deceived; but it carries deadly poison inside itself.
Or that like water is the cause of life, knowledge is cause of life for the heart. Or like the earth is verdant due to water, in the same way, the freshness of the hearts is due to knowledge. Or for example, knowledge is compared to a lamp or sun; their light removes apparent darkness; in the same way, knowledge removes doubts and ignorance. Statements of Almighty Allah, His prophets and successors are full of such examples and the difference is only that which we explained above.
In other words, those having weak intellects are needful of examples, in the same way their weak insights during dreams are needful of forms of things and they are shown each thing in a particular form. In this way, every dream requires interpretation. One, who interprets, should conclude the interpretation from the tangible things seen in dream.
For example, if one sees himself lying in ritual impurity or his hand is smeared in faeces. The perfect interpreter will immediately understand that this is the condition of the world, which in view of enlightened persons is filthier that faeces and carrion. And he will conclude that some wealth will come in his way.
Or if someone sees that a snake is approaching him, in that case also, he will get some wealth. But if one sees himself in water, it can be concluded that he will gain knowledge. The conclusion is that the science of interpretation of dreams is very vast and it is restricted for prophets. Therefore, to interpret dream was a miracle of Prophet Yusuf (‘a).
A proper study of this topic requires volumes and this treatise does not have scope for it. If Allah wills, a detailed study of this subject will be presented by the humble servant in a book planned for this subject.
It is narrated from Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) that: I see many dreams and I interpret them myself and the interpretation, which I conclude, comes true.
In another reliable tradition, he said that during the period of the Holy Prophet (S) the husband of a woman had gone on a journey. She saw in her dream that the pillar of her house had broken up. That woman came to the Holy Prophet (S) and mentioned her dream. The Holy Prophet (S) said: Your husband will return from the journey safe and sound.
Her husband went on the journey a second time and she saw the same dream and the Prophet mentioned the same interpretation and her husband returned again in the same way. Then he went on journey, a third time. That lady saw the dream again.
This time she met a person on her way. She narrated the dream to him and he said: Your husband will die and the same happened. This news reached the Holy Prophet (S). He said: Why did you not give a good interpretation?
It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that the Messenger of Allah (S) used to say that the dream of a believer remains suspended over his head between the sky and the earth, till he himself or someone else does not interpret it. Then, it happens as it is interpreted. That is why, you should not narrate your dream to someone other than an intelligent person.
It is mentioned in another reliable tradition that you must narrate your dream only to that believer, who does not harbour greed and enmity and who is not a follower of his transgressing self.
It is mentioned in a good tradition that a person asked Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a): I have seen the sun shining on my head, but its light did not fall on the body. Imam (‘a) said: The light of faith will guide you and you will achieve true faith, but it will be incomplete. If that light had enveloped your whole body, you would have got perfect faith. That person said: People interpret rulership from this?
Imam (‘a) said: How many rulers there were from your forefathers that you thought of it? And tell me what rulership is better than that true religion, through which you will reach Paradise?
It is mentioned in another reliable traditional report that Muhammad Ibn Muslim asked Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a): O master, I dreamt that I was at home and a woman came and broke up many walnuts and dropped them on my head. He said: You will go for a contract marriage and your (permanent) wife will come to fight you about it and she would tear away your garments, because walnut shells imply clothes.
Muhammad Ibn Muslim says: The next Friday morning I dressed up in new clothes like I used to do on Eid days and sat near the entrance of my home. By chance a young girl passed by. I called her inside and performed a contract marriage with her. My wife was not at home. When she learnt about it, she arrived there all of a sudden. That girl ran away, but I was caught by her. She tore my new garments into shreds.
It is narrated that another person mentioned to the same Imam that I have seen a dream and I am very much scared. I was having a son-in-law and he was dead. I dreamt that he has put his arms around me, and I fear that I might also die. The Imam said: Do not fear death at any time; anticipate it morning and night.
But a departed one putting an arm around your neck signifies longevity. Though tell me what the name of your son-in-law was? He replied: Husayn. Imam (‘a) said: You will also have the good fortune to perform the Ziyarat of Imam Husayn (‘a), because a person, who is embraced by a namesake of the Imam gets the chance of performing the Ziyarat of that Imam.
It is narrated from the same Imam in an authentic tradition that one, who dreams of being in the holy sanctuary; if he is fearful, the reason of his fear will go away.
Another person said to the Imam that he has dreamt that the handle of a spear was in my hand. He asked: Was there a sack on it? He replied: No. The Imam said: If there had been a sack, the Almighty Allah would have bestowed a son to you; since there was no sack, you will get a daughter.
Then he asked after some moments: Do you remember, how many joints did that staff have? He replied: Twelve. He said: You will have twelve daughters. Muhammad Ibn Yahya says: I was narrating this tradition to a person. He said: I am son of one of those daughters, and I have eleven aunts.
It is mentioned in authentic tradition that Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) said: Last night I saw the slave of Ali Ibn Yaqtin having whiteness on his forehead; and I concluded that he will embrace the true faith.
It is mentioned in another tradition that Yasir, servant of Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) said to the Imam: I dreamt that there are seventeen bottles in a cage. All of a sudden that cage fell down and the bottles were shattered. The Imam said: If your dream is true, it is certain that from my kindred, someone will die after ruling for seventeen days. It happened thus; that Muhammad Ibn Ibrahim staged an uprising with Abul Sharaya and died after seventeen days.
It is mentioned in another traditional report that the Messenger of Allah (S) said: I dreamt that I was given a bowl of milk filled to the brim; I drank so much that it flowed from my nails. People asked him how he interpreted? He replied: Knowledge.
It is mentioned in another tradition that a person came to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) and said that he dreamt that he had gone to a particular village outside Kufa. There he saw a wooden man astride a wooden horse and he was waving his sword and I was terrified of him. The Imam said: Your dream proves that you want to deceive a man and wish to take advantage of him.
Fear God, remember your death and refrain from this. He said: I testify that Almighty Allah bestowed a great knowledge to the Imam and that you have obtained knowledge from its source. Indeed, a neighbour approached me and wanted to sell a plot of land to me. When I observed that he did not have any buyer other than me, I planned to offer a paltry price.
10. Etiquette Of Waking Up And Condemnation Of Excessive Sleeping
It is narrated from reliable traditions from the Messenger of Allah (S) that it is detestable to chit chat and have a gathering after Isha Prayer.
It is mentioned in another reliable tradition from the Holy Prophet (S) that except for three things, it is not good to remain awake at night; for (1) Midnight Prayer (2) recitation of Qur’an and acquiring knowledge (3) the newly married bride.
It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that five persons do not get any sleep at night: (1) one, who intends to murder someone (2) one, who owns a lot of wealth and does not trust anyone (3) one, who has spoken excess of lies and laid many allegations (4) one, who is deep in debt (5) one, who is in love with someone and who fears the loss of his love.
My father, on whom Allah may have mercy, used to say: It is possible that this tradition is a warning to those, who are careless, because it is necessary for every person to be mindful of the murder of his Impulsive Self (Nafs al-Ammara).
It is the inner enemy and is always intending to slay him and there is a treasure of faith and worship with that person, about whose loss he is not fearless, because self and Satan and desires and lusts; all of them are united to destroy him. He has lied much and spoke ill of many.
Every person is supposed to offer maximum worship and servitude, and as much is supposed to be fulfilled, that much capital was not given to him, and as a result of sleep of ignorance, one gets separated from a beloved like God. Now, we should understand that one, having these five causes of wakefulness, how he can go to sleep?
Regarding this, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that: I am astonished at one, who claims to love Allah, but he sleeps during the nights.
It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that one, who fears divine chastisement, it is not proper for him to go to sleep.
It is narrated that there are four things whose little is much: (1) fire (2) sleep (3) illness (4) enmity.
It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that the mother of Prophet Sulaiman (‘a) used to tell him: Do not sleep too much at night, because one, who does this, will be impoverished on Judgment Day.
Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) said that God hates three things: (1) sleeping too much and sleeping needlessly (2) laughing without reason (3) eating on a full belly.
He also said: The first disobedience of Allah, which people committed is in these six points: (1) desire of the world (2) desire of rulership (3) love for women (4) love of food (5) love of sleeping (6) love of comfort.
It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that Satan has an antimony, which he applies to the eyes of people; and he has a paste, which he makes the people lick and he has a snuff, which he makes them inhale. That antimony is stupor, that paste is lying and that snuff is pride.
Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) said that intoxication is of four kinds: (1) intoxication of wine (2) intoxication of wealth (3) intoxication of sleep (4) intoxication of rulership.
It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that Prophet Musa (‘a) prayed confidentially to God: O Lord, whom do You hate the most from Your creatures? It was said: O Musa, that person, who continues to lie like a corpse all night and who spends the whole day in vain preoccupations.
It is narrated from Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) that you should not make yourself used to sleep much, because any other organ of the body is not less in thankfulness than the eye.
Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) said that God detests two things most: Sleeping too much and remaining idle. He also said: Sleeping too much deprives one of the goodness of the hereafter.
We should also remember that remaining awake too much is as bad as oversleeping. And except for those nights, in which remaining awake the whole might night is recommended, to remain awake all night is detestable.
It is mentioned in traditions that the eye is also having a right on us. By remaining awake too much, we should not trespass on its right.
We should also remember that it is detestable to face the sun while sitting or lying down.
As it is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) one, who sits in the sun, he should turn his back to it, because many inner illnesses are caused by facing the sun directly.
In another tradition, he said: Do not face the sun, as it gives movement to fever, the complexion changes, the clothes decay and it creates inner diseases.
It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) through reliable chains of narrators that sunlight has three qualities: (1) changing colour (2) creating stench (3) decaying the garments.
11. Etiquette Of Using The Washroom
When a person goes to the washroom, he should cover his head; it is better if he wraps something over his turban or cap. Then he should recite Bismi-Llah, Al-Rahmani, Al-Rahim, and then recite the following supplication:
بِسْمِ اللهِ وَبِاللهِ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الخبيث المُخَبِّث المُخْبِثِ الرجس النجس الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ.
Translation: In the name of Allah. I rely on Allah. Without any doubt I seek Your refuge from the impurity and filth of the accursed Satan.
Then recite:
بِسْمِ اللهِ وَبِاللهِ وَلَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ. رَبِّ أَخْرِجْ عَنِّي الأَذَى سَرْحاً بغير حساب وَاجْعَلْنِي لَكَ مِنَ الشَّاكِرِينَ فِيْمَا تصرفه عَنِّي مِنَ الأَذَى او الغم الَّذِي لَوْ حبسته عني هلكت. لَكَ الحَمْدُ اعصمني مِنْ شَرِّ ما في هذه البقعة وَأَخْرِجْنِي مِنْهَا سَالِمًا وحل بيني وبين طَاعَةِ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ
Translation: In the name Allah, and I rely on Allah and there is no deity, except Allah. O Lord, may the impurity exit fully (from me). And give me the good sense to thank You for removing from me calamities and discomforts by its discharge, because if You had not done so, I would have perished. All praise is for You only. Keep me safe from the evil of this place. May I leave this place safe and sound and not follow the accursed Satan.
When you enter the washroom, place your left foot first. This instruction is mentioned as per popular custom; no tradition was found regarding this.
When you remove your lower garment, you should recite Bismi-Llah, Al-Rahmani, Al-Rahim, so that the Satan may close his eyes and not see the genitals. And when one sits on the toilet, he should recite:
اللَّهُمَّ أَذْهِبْ عَنِّي القذى وَالأَذَى وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنَ المتطهرين
Translation: O Allah, remove filth and impurity from me and make me clean and pure.
Some scholars say that it is recommended to sit placing the weight on the left leg, but no authentic proof was found for it. When one has difficulty in passing urine or tool, according to some traditions, one should recite the following:
اللَّهُمَّ كَمَا أَطعَمْتَنِيهُ طَيِّبًا فِي عَافِيَةٍ فَأَخْرِجْهُ مِنِّي خبيثاً فِي عَافِيَةٍ.
Translation: O Allah, like You feed me the good things easily, in that same way this filth should also exit from me.
It is mentioned in traditions that an angel is appointed for every person, who bends down, so that he may see what he has expelled. Before turning his head, the angel says: O son of Adam, this is the residue of your nice victuals, for which you had struggled so much. Now, pay attention from where you obtained them and see what they have resulted in. In that condition, it is appropriate that the person should recite the following supplication:
اللَّهُمَّ ارْزُقْنِي الحَلَالَ وَجَنِّبْنِي الحَرَامَ
Translation: O Allah, bestow lawful sustenance for me and save me from the unlawful.
When he glances at the water for washing, he should recite:
الحَمْدُ للهِ الَّذِي جَعَلَ المَاءَ طَهُورًا وَلَمْ يَجْعَلْهُ نجسا
Translation: All praise is for Allah, who made the water pure and did not make it impure.
When he wants to wash himself, he should recite:
اللَّهُمَّ حَصِّنْ فَرْجِي وَاسْتُرْ عَوْرَتِي وحرمني على النار وَوَفِّقْنِي لِمَا يُقَرِّبُنِي مِنْكَ يا ذا الجلال والإكرام
Translation: O Allah, save me from unlawful and keep me covered. Make hellfire unlawful for me. And O owner of majesty and greatness, give me good sense of those things, which cause proximity to You.
When one starts rising, he should pass his hand over the belly and recite:
الحَمْدُ للهِ الَّذِي هناني طعامي وَشَرَابِي وَعَافَانِي مِنَ البلوى
Translation: All praise is for that Allah, Who digested my food and saved me from trial.
When you want to exit the washroom, place your right foot forward and passing your hand over the belly, recite:
الحَمْدُ للهِ الَّذِي عَرَّفَنِي لذّته وَأَبْقَى فِي جَسَدِي قُوَّتَهُ وَأَخْرَجَ عَنِّي أَذَاهُ. يَا لها مِنْ نِعْمَةٍ لَا يقدر القَادِرُونَ قدرها
Translation: All praise is for Allah, Who made me taste that food and kept its energy in my body and removed its refuse from my stomach. So many are the bounties of God, that great mathematicians are helpless to calculate them.
In some books of tradition, the phrase of ‘So many are the bounties of God’ should be recited thrice before continuing the supplication.
It is recommended that when urine stops dripping, one should perform Istibra2 and some scholars regard it obligatory. The method of Istibra is that one should press the organ with the thumb from its root till below the tip three times and then place forefinger below the organ and the thumb over it and squeeze it three times till tip. Most scholars say that the tip should also be jerked three times. But there is no evidence for this.
It is recommended that one should wash after urination with cool water as it removes piles and it is detestable to remain in the washroom for a long time.
It is narrated that His Eminence, Luqman commanded his son, Ain: Write on the door of the washroom that remaining in washroom for a long time causes piles.
It is detestable to clean with a bone or dried cow dung after urination, because Jinns had asked from the Holy Prophet (S) food for themselves and their animals. The Messenger of Allah (S) had ordered bones for them and dung for their animals. That is why it is not nice to chew at the bones.
In the same way, it is extremely detestable to clean with any eatables, especially bread; and to clean with sanctified objects, like dust from the grave of Imam Husayn (‘a) and written objects, on which Qur’an or names of prophets or Imams (‘a) or traditions or questions of religious law are written; it is absolutely unlawful; and if someone does so, considering them worthless, he would become a disbeliever.
It is absolutely detestable to wash with the right hand and it is detestable with the left hand in the instance if there is a ring in it, with the name of Almighty Allah engraved on it. Scholars add that it is also detestable if name of a prophet or Imam is present on it. If one has got a holy name engraved on ring, he should not take it into the washroom, whether he is wearing it or not.
In the same way, to take the Holy Qur’an, supplications and amulets into the washroom is unlawful if they are not inside a bag; and same is case of silver coins3.
It is detestable to brush teeth in the washroom as it causes mouth odour. It is detestable to speak when one is using the washroom, but one has permission to recite the remembrance of God, fixed supplication, verse of the throne, praising God and repeating the words of a Muezzin.
It is narrated that Prophet Musa (‘a) said to the Almighty Allah in his confidential supplication: O my Lord, sometimes I am in a condition, in which I regard Your majesty so high that I should mention You on those occasions. He was told: O Musa, My mention is good in every condition.
It is obligatory to reply to salutation when one is in the washroom. Some scholars say that if one hears the name of the Messenger of Allah (S), one should recite the Durood. If one sneezes, one should recite ‘praise be to Allah’ and invoke benedictions on Muhammad and Aali Muhammad (‘a) as it is recommended.
If one has some work with a person and he fears that by the time he comes out, he would go away or some hardship will befall; and it is not possible to communicate with signs or clapping, then it is allowed to speak.
It is narrated that one, who talks needlessly in the washroom, will not have his needs fulfilled. It is detestable to eat or drink while one is in the washroom. It is also detestable to wash with brackish water, in which no impurity is mixed. But if no other water is available, it is allowed.
12. Place Of Urination And Passing Stools And Their Etiquette; Places Where It Is Prohibited
It is obligatory that one should not allow one’s private parts to be seen, except by one’s legal wives, immature children and animals. Private parts include the penis, testicles, anus and vagina. It is recommended that whether one is in a house or in open, one should cover his whole body. If one is in a wilderness, he should go so far so that no one may see his body. Most scholar are of the view that whether one is in wilderness or at home, it is unlawful to face the Qibla intentionally, while urinating or passing stools.
It is narrated from Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) that one, who is urinating towards Qibla forgetfully; and on remembering, he changes his direction as a mark of respect, he will not arise, but that the Almighty will forgive him. It is precautionary that one should not face or keep ones back to the Qibla while one is washing after toilet. It is recommended to face the remaining two directions or between the four directions.
If one is unaware of the Qibla, it is advisable to make reasonable efforts to find it, so that one is sure that one is not facing or putting his back to the Qibla. And where it is difficult to find the direction, there is no problem in it. But in that case, it is better to keep ones back to it.
It is recommended that one should search for a high spot or where the soil is soft in order to urinate, so that there is no risk of splashing.
It is narrated that the Messenger of Allah (S) used to be most careful about urinating. So much so that when he wanted to urinate, he used to find an elevated spot or a soft ground, so that there is no splashing.
It is mentioned in numerous authentic traditions that the chastisement of grave will be more for those, who were careless about urination or those, who did not follow its etiquette.
It is detestable to urinate in water and further detestable to do it in stagnant water. But it is mentioned in some traditions that there is no problem in running water. It is also mentioned that if one urinates in standing water, Jinns and Satans gain domination on him and he gets afflicted with insanity and forgetfulness.
It is better that one should not even pass stool in water. It is detestable to urinate or pass stool in the standing position.
It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that one, who urinates in the standing position is susceptible to insanity. To urinate from a very high spot, to urinate or pass stool in the lairs of animals and to urinate in places of flowing water, which are dry at that time, by this same analogy to do these on roads or roadsides, in Masjids and near their walls; in places where there is risk of abuses of people, is detestable.
It is detestable below fruit trees, because during the fructifying times, angels are appointed to keep it safe from the harm of animals. Some say that other than the fructifying times also, it is detestable. In the same way, it is detestable to do this in places, where people alight and where people may be caused inconvenience, whether it be due to the stench of urine.
It is mentioned in reliable tradition from the Messenger of Allah (S) that the Almighty Allah curses one, who passes stool in shade or at caravan halts. He also curses those who hinder people from drawing water from wells and springs, used by general public. Or to stop someone from drawing water, which is owned by someone in particular and particular persons get turn to draw water from it during night or day.
In the same way, on that person, who constructs a wall on a public thoroughfare or by robbing people or imposing a toll tax.
