Fasting While Sleeping the Entire Day: A Detailed Ruling

By: Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen (May Allah have mercy on him)

Question:​

What is the ruling regarding someone who sleeps the entire day while fasting? What is the ruling on the fast of a person who sleeps all day, only waking up to fulfill obligatory acts of worship and then returning to sleep?

Answer:​

This question addresses two scenarios:

1. A Person Who Sleeps the Entire Day Without Performing Obligatory Prayers​

If someone sleeps all day and does not wake up even to perform the obligatory prayers, such a person is undoubtedly:

• Neglectful of their duties: They are guilty of committing a grave sin by abandoning Salah, which is an essential obligation in Islam.
• Disobedient to Allah (SWT): Missing Salah on time is a significant act of disobedience.

If attending congregational prayers (Jama’ah) is obligatory for them, then they are also sinful for abandoning it, as it is prohibited and diminishes the spiritual reward of fasting.

Example: This person is akin to someone who builds a castle but demolishes an entire city, meaning they may gain some reward for fasting, but their negligence towards Salah greatly diminishes its value.

Necessary Action:
Such a person must repent sincerely to Allah (SWT) and resolve to offer their Salah on time as prescribed by Shariah. Sleeping through the day while neglecting Salah nullifies the primary objectives of fasting.

2. A Person Who Performs Obligatory Prayers But Sleeps for the Rest of the Day​

If someone wakes up for obligatory prayers and performs them on time but spends the rest of the day sleeping, this person is not sinful. However, they are missing out on significant spiritual benefits that could enhance the quality of their fast.

Recommendation:
It is better for a fasting person to engage in acts of worship, such as:

• Performing additional prayers
• Reciting the Qur'an
• Making supplications (Dua)
• Engaging in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah)

By engaging in these activities, the fasting individual combines multiple forms of worship during their fast, maximizing its benefits.

Advice to Those Who Sleep Excessively While Fasting:​

1. Develop a Habit of Worship:
   Train yourself to engage in acts of worship regularly. With consistent practice, such acts become easier and more fulfilling.
2. Avoid Laziness:
   Excessive comfort and idleness make acts of worship seem burdensome, particularly during fasting.
3. Gratitude for Modern Comforts:
   Allah (SWT) has blessed us with conveniences such as air conditioning, which make fasting much easier. Acknowledge these blessings and use your time productively to seek Allah’s pleasure.

Conclusion:​

• For those who neglect obligatory prayers: They must repent and ensure they wake up for prayers, as fasting without performing Salah compromises its spiritual value.
• For those who pray but sleep excessively: While not sinful, they are missing out on immense opportunities for spiritual growth and reward. It is highly recommended that they strive to engage in acts of worship throughout the day to maximize the blessings of fasting.

May Allah (SWT) grant us all the ability to make the best use of our time during fasting and beyond.