The Prophet sleeping on a straw mat

Q 1: Did the Prophet (peace be upon him) always used to sleep on straw mats placed on the ground or did he sometimes sleep in raised places such as beds? If a person sleeps on mats to imitate the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him), will he be rewarded?

A: Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim (may Allah be Merciful to him) said in his book Zad Al-Ma‘ad: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to sleep sometimes on a mattress (made of leather stuffed with palm fibers), sometimes on a leather rug, sometimes on a palm mat, sometimes on the ground, sometimes on a bed woven of fronds, and sometimes on a black cloth.” Therefore, it appears that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to sometimes sleep on mats. Whoever sleeps on mats intending to follow the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is expected to receive good. Allah (Glorified be He) enjoined us to follow the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him) by His Saying (which means): Indeed in the Messenger of Allâh (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) you have a good example to follow. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.