Difference Between Sleep and Death: Reality of the Human Soul

❀ Understanding the Difference Between Sleep and Death & the Reality of the Soul ❀

❖ Question​

What is the difference between sleeping and dying? If the soul is with Allah during sleep, then how does a person remain alive and aware of things while asleep? Why do all senses cease after death?

❖ Answer by Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir حفظه الله​

✿ Types of the Soul​

① Rūḥ Ḥaywānī (Animal Soul):

• It is essential for the physical life of the body.
• During sleep, this soul remains within the body.
• Hence, the person stays alive while sleeping.

② Rūḥ Insānī (Human Soul):

• This soul ascends to Allah during sleep.
• It distinguishes human beings from other creatures.
• It is this soul that is responsible for pain, worship, and moral responsibility.

✿ Difference Between Sleep and Death​

• In sleep, the Rūḥ Ḥaywānī remains in the body, which keeps the person alive, and some senses continue to function—such as experiencing dreams or sensing sounds.
• In death, both the Rūḥ Ḥaywānī and Rūḥ Insānī are taken away, which results in the cessation of all senses, and the person is no longer held accountable for actions.

✿ Qur’anic Explanation Regarding the Soul​

اللّٰہ تعالیٰ has clearly stated:


❝وَيَسۡــئَلُوۡنَكَ عَنِ الرُّوۡحِ‌ ؕ قُلِ الرُّوۡحُ مِنۡ اَمۡرِ رَبِّىۡ وَمَاۤ اُوۡتِيۡتُمۡ مِّنَ الۡعِلۡمِ اِلَّا قَلِيۡلًا❞
(Surah Al-Isra: 85)


❝And they ask you about the soul. Say, "The soul is of the affair of my Lord, and you have not been given knowledge except a little."❞

✿ Recommended Books for Further Study​

• Kitab al-Ruh by Ibn al-Qayyim
• ‘Azab al-Qabr, Ruh aur Sama‘ al-Mawta by Shaykh Abdul Rahman Kilani