Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is a state in which a person gets up and moves around while still asleep, often without any awareness or memory of it afterward. From a medical perspective, it is considered a sleep disorder that occurs when the brain is partially awake and partially asleep. Certain areas of the brain become active, while the parts responsible for reasoning and consciousness remain asleep. The exact cause of this phenomenon is not known, but it can be exacerbated by several factors, such as genetics, sleep deprivation, stress, fever, or certain medications that disrupt normal sleep patterns.^[1]

From an Islamic point of view, there is no definitive evidence that sleepwalking is caused by jinn or siḥr (magic). Its connection to such unseen matters cannot be known with certainty. Islam encourages one to take balanced and practical steps, seeking medical guidance when needed while also turning to spiritual protection and remembrance of Allah ﷻ. Before sleeping, one should make wuḍūʾ, lie on their right side, recite Āyat al-Kursī, recite Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ, Sūratal-Falaq, and Sūratan-Nās (the three Quls).^[2] These supplications serve as a means of protection from all forms of harm, including shayṭāni influences.

And Allah knows best.

Ml. Zimraan Ghazi
Student, Darul Iftaa Chicago

Checked and Approved:

Mf. Abrar Mirza
Head Mufti, Darul Iftaa Chicago