Falling asleep

Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) felt great pleasure in devoting himself to Allah and in submission to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). The Prophet of Allah (Peace be upon him) also had a great regard for him. He would not refuse him any favour. Once during a journey, night fell. Bilal (Allah will be pleased with him) liked that place. He said, "it is if the Prophet of Allah (Peace be upon him) allows us to encamp here." The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, ?I am afraid a sound sleep may not let you get up in the small hours of the night.? ..

Hadrat Bilal had full confidence in himself for getting up any time in the night. He took the responsibility of awakening all the fellow travelers. As a precautionary measure he made up his mind to keep himself awake the whole night; and engaged himself in prayers. But suddenly he fell asleep. He awoke when the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) awakened him.

The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, "Well Bilal! What about your duty?"

He said, ?O prophet of Allah! I was never negligent before."

The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, "No doubts, Allah takes possession of your souls whenever He wills, and returns them to you according to His will. Get up now, and call for prayers, so that people may come for prayers!"