Is it recommended for a worshipper to leave the prayer if he feels a slight drowsiness? What is the ruling if the drowsiness becomes intense? How does he disengage from it? Does this ruling apply to both obligatory and supererogatory prayers, and to all verbal and physical acts of worship? Is it to be understood from the saying of the Prophet (PBUH): "If any of you feels drowsy during prayer, he should lie down until he knows what he is reciting," that the drowsiness necessitating leaving the prayer is that in which the worshipper does not know what he is saying or doing? And how can this be reconciled with the Prophet's (PBUH) action with Ibn Abbas during his night vigil?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
If the drowsiness is light and does not affect the recitation, the worshiper is not enjoined to interrupt his prayer. However, if the drowsiness becomes severe, whether in a fard (obligatory) prayer or a nafilah (supererogatory) prayer, he should interrupt it. To depart from prayer means to make the (salutation of peace). As for the Prophet not commanding Ibn Abbas to sleep when he became drowsy, it was for the purpose of teaching him and solidifying the information for him.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 81635
- Added here
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy