“Bismika Allahumma ahyaa wa bismika amut”
In Your name, O Allah, I live, and in Your name I die
The question arises as to why resting, or more precisely sleeping, which is a basic human need in Islam, is referred to as death?
A classic debate?
Yes, even though in this modern age, science has gradually proven the existence of God. Reason and logic dictate that everything must be proven empirically and logically, including the meeting with God through intentional death, such as sleep.
According to the Ministry of Health website, sleep requirements can be broken down according to age range. Ages 0-1 month: babies who are only 2 months old need 14-18 hours of sleep per day. Ages 1-18 months: babies need 12-14 hours of sleep per day, including naps. Ages 3-6 years: healthy sleep requirements for children approaching school age require 11-13 hours of sleep, including naps. Ages 6-12 years: school-age children need 10 hours of sleep. Ages 12-18 years: approaching adolescence to adolescence, healthy sleep requirements are 8-9 hours. Ages 18-40: Adults need 7-8 hours of sleep each day. Ages 40-60: Middle age requires 7 hours of sleep per day. And ages 60 and above: Older adults need 6 hours of sleep per day.
Sleep is an important part of the human biological mechanism for keeping the body healthy and fit. A series of detoxification processes occur when humans are asleep, so adequate and quality sleep is necessary. Guyton & Hall (2018) state that the phenomenon of sleep for humans, in medical terms, is a state of entering the subconscious that can be reawakened by sensory stimulation or other stimuli.
The transition of human consciousness from the conscious to the subconscious realm in the medical world is called the hypnagogic state, which is the phase when a person begins to fall asleep, moving from full consciousness (wakefulness) to light sleep (stage N1 Sleep). This is characterized by muscle relaxation, slowing of brain waves, and the appearance of images or sensations such as brief dreams. In the language of the Qur'an, this is referred to as "little death." As stated in Q.S Al-An'am (6): 60
﴿ وَهُوَ الَّذِيْ يَتَوَفّٰىكُمْ بِالَّيْلِ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا جَرَحْتُمْ بِالنَّهَارِ ثُمَّ يَبْعَثُكُمْ فِيْهِ لِيُقْضٰٓى اَجَلٌ مُّسَمًّىۚ ثُمَّ اِلَيْهِ مَرْجِعُكُمْ ثُمَّ يُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِمَا كُنْتُمْ تَعْمَلُوْنَ ࣖ ٦٠ ﴾
"He is the One who puts you to sleep at night and knows what you do during the day. Then He wakes you up in the morning to complete your predetermined lifespan. Then to Him you will return, and He will inform you of what you have done."
One of the mufassir, Al-Razi, interpreted the phrase "yatawaffaakum" to mean putting to sleep. That is, Allah takes the soul of a sleeping person as He takes the soul of a deceased person, except that the soul of a sleeping person is returned so that he may wake up.
The use of the word "yatawaffaakum" or "death" is indeed a little extreme. The phrase "yatawaffaakum" is a metaphor to teach that a person who sleeps is detached from their thinking and sensory activities, so that there is a similarity between sleep and death.
The question is, can preparing for death be likened to praying before bed?
"I live and I die in Your name?"
"Am I truly ready to die after I fall asleep?"
"Am I truly resigned to dying during this rest period that I have deliberately chosen?"
"What if, what if?"
I once read a journal article that highlighted the philosopher Seneca's thoughts on "interpreting life as preparation for death." There is one sentence that I like, which is "A life that is not interpreted or lived without meaning is not worth living." Human life is constantly grappling with various questions and statements that lead to the meaning of life. Steger (2006) says that a meaningful life is when an individual understands their existence in the world. Therefore, the meaning of life is important in making a person more mature in various matters, joys and sorrows, suffering, and a strong sense of self-esteem. The signs and symptoms found in individuals who lack meaning in life are feelings of emptiness, apathy, boredom, and feeling useless and worthless. Therefore, meaning in life is an important element in human well-being and mental health.
Next, how can we discuss preparation for death and the meaning of life in our bedtime prayers?
The prayer "Bismika Allahumma ahyaa wa bismika amut" reminds us that life and death are not in our hands, but in the hands of Allah. Whether we are ready or not. By repeating this prayer, we practice accepting that death can come at any time, so that sleep becomes an exercise in surrendering our souls with peace.
Finally, I close with a humanistic reflection from Rogers and Maslow, who stated that "when we close our eyes, we entrust ourselves to something greater than our own will." It is there that humans learn that letting go is not a weakness, but a space for peace to grow.
Arunika,
Uswah.
