Rest the mind, and it will repay you with clarity.

By Ayeyemi Joke Fatima

Resting the mind improves focus and learning.Many students reach a point in the day where studying no longer works. The eyes are on the page, but nothing is being understood. This is often not due to a lack of effort, but mental fatigue.

One sunnah of the Prophet ( PBUH) that directly addresses this is taking a short rest in the middle of the day, known as qaylulah. The Prophet ( PBUH) would rest briefly between the morning and evening, showing the importance of balance rather than constant strain.

This practice is now supported by modern research. Studies show that short daytime naps improve memory, concentration, and learning ability. They help the brain organise information and reduce mental exhaustion, which is especially helpful for students.

From an Islamic perspective, rest is not laziness. The body and mind are an amanah (trust), and looking after them is part of worship when done with the right intention. Overworking to the point of burnout goes against the balanced lifestyle taught in Islam.

For students, this sunnah offers two key lessons. First, rest can improve productivity rather than reduce it in the sense that a short, intentional break can make study time more effective. Second, success in learning is not only about working harder, but about working wisely.

Following this sunnah shows how Islamic guidance supports both spiritual well being and academic success. A short, planned rest during the day can benefit students both Islamically and educationally.

For indeed, sometimes the most effective study technique is not pushing harder but working smarter.