Soul and Nafs: Understanding the mystery of sleep and death

DREAMS WISDOM / ISTANBUL, TURKEY — DEC. 31, 2025

Islamic scholars and philosophers have long debated the nature of the "Soul" (Ruh) and the "Self" (Nafs), particularly regarding how they interact with the body during the state of sleep.

The Quranic verse in Surah Az-Zumar (39:42) states that God takes the souls at the time of their death and those that do not die during their sleep. This divine mechanism suggests that sleep is a "lesser death" where the soul may transcend the physical body, witnessing truths in the spiritual realm before returning to the body for a predetermined term.

Linguistic and spiritual definitions of Nafs and Ruh

There is a significant scholarly discussion on whether the Nafs and Ruh are the same entity. In Arabic, "Nafs" carries eight distinct meanings, including life, blood, and existence. Meanwhile, "Ruh" encompasses twelve meanings such as divine mercy, revelation, and the breath of life. Some scholars argue that during sleep, the "Life" (Nafs) exits the body by divine permission, ascending to the heavens to gain knowledge of the unseen before re-entering the physical frame upon waking.

Philosophers versus prophetic traditions

Philosophical and medical perspectives offer various metaphors to explain this spiritual connection. Some physicians compare the Nafs to the sun and the Ruh to sunlight—the sun remains in its system, yet its light reaches every corner of the world. While Aristotle argued that the Nafs is the foundational starting point, Islamic scholars defer to the Quranic wisdom: "The Spirit is of the command of my Lord." For believers, the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) remains the priority in understanding these metaphysical boundaries.

Spiritual hygiene and the ascent of the soul

Prophetic traditions suggest that a state of purity (taharat) and the remembrance of God (dhikr) before sleep can influence the soul's journey. It is reported that the souls of those who sleep in a state of dhikr are elevated to the heavens. While some argue that a total exit of the soul would stop breathing and movement, others clarify that the soul maintains a link to the body, similar to how light remains connected to its source, allowing the dreamer to experience spiritual insights while the body continues its vital functions.

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