The time before sleep is a precious window for spiritual connection and reflection in Islam. Far from being a mere transition to rest, the act of lying down is treated as an opportunity to remember Allah (God), seek protection, and reaffirm faith. The set of specific supplications and remembrances performed before sleeping is known as the Dua before Sleeping or Nightly Adhkar (أذكار النوم).
These short recitations, prescribed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), serve a dual purpose: they are a final act of worship for the day, and they are a shield against physical and spiritual harm throughout the night. Making the Adhkar a consistent part of your bedtime routine is a powerful way to secure protection and ensure your soul departs while in the state of remembrance of Allah.
Preparation for Dua Before Sleep
Before reciting the specific Duas, there are several preparatory Sunnah (recommended practices) based on the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) routine.
- Renew Wudu: It is highly recommended to perform Wudu (ablution) before going to bed. Hadith Reference (Wudu):
Arabic: إِذَا أَتَيْتَ مَضْجَعَكَ فَتَوَضَّأْ وُضُوءَكَ لِلصَّلَاةِ
Transliteration: Idhaa atayta madj’a’aka fatawadda’ wudu’aka lissalah
English Translation: “When you go to bed, perform ablution as you perform it for the prayer.” – (Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
- Dusting the Bed: Use the corner of your garment to gently dust or wipe the bed before lying down. Hadith Reference (Dusting): The Prophet (PBUH) instructed that when anyone goes to his bed, he should dust it off three times with the edge of his garment. – (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
2 duas to read before sleeping from the Quran
The Prophet (PBUH) regularly recited specific chapters of the Quran for protection, an act often known as the Ruqyah (spiritual remedy).
Dua No 1
Recite the 04 Quls
It is the Sunnah to recite the 04 Quls Surah Al Kafirun, Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas of the Quran, gather the palms of the hands together, blow into them lightly, and then wipe the hands over as much of the body as possible, starting with the head and face. This should be done three (3) times.
Hadith Reference:
Arabic (Partial):
كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم إِذَا أَوَى إِلَى فِرَاشِهِ كُلَّ لَيْلَةٍ جَمَعَ كَفَّيْهِ ثُمَّ نَفَثَ فِيهِمَا فَقَرَأَ فِيهِمَا قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ وَقُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَقِ وَقُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ ثُمَّ يَمْسَحُ بِهِمَا مَا اسْتَطَاعَ مِنْ جَسَدِهِ يَبْدَأُ بِهِمَا عَلَى رَأْسِهِ وَوَجْهِهِ وَمَا أَقْبَلَ مِنْ جَسَدِهِ يَفْعَلُ ذَلِكَ ثَلَاثَ مَرَّاتٍ
Transliteration (Excerpt): Kaana Rasoolullahi salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam idha awa ilaa firaashihi kulla laylatin jama’a kaffayhi thumma nafatha feehima faqara’a feehima Qul Huwa Allahu Ahad… thumma yamsahu bihima ma istata’a min jasadihi yabda’u bihima ‘alaa ra’sihi wa wajhihi wa maa aqbala min jasadihi yaf’alu dhalika thalaatha marraat
English Translation (Meaning): “When the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) went to bed every night, he would cup his hands together, then breathe into them and recite: ‘Qul Huwa Allahu Ahad (Surah 112),’ ‘Qul A’oodhu bi Rabbil-falaq (Surah 113),’ and ‘Qul A’oodhu bi Rabbin-naas (Surah 114).’ Then he would wipe them over as much of his body as he could, beginning with his head, face, and the front of his body. He would do that three times.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Dua No 2
Recite Ayat al-Kursi
Reciting the most majestic verse ayast ul kursi in the Quran provides divine protection throughout the night.
Quranic Reference (Ayat al-Kursi, Surah 2:255):
Arabic:
اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ ۚ لَّهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ ۗ مَن ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ عِندَهُ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ ۚ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ ۖ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَيْءٍ مِّنْ عِلْمِهِ إِلَّا بِمَا شَاءَ ۚ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ ۖ وَلَا يَئُودُهُ حِفْظُهُمَا ۚ وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ
Transliteration: Allaahu laaa ilaaha illaa Huwal-Haiyul-Qaiyoom. Laa ta’khuzuhuu sinatunw-wa laa nawm. Lahuu maa fis-samaawaati wa maa fil-‘ard. Man-zallazee yashfa’u ‘indahuuu illaa bi-‘iznih? Ya’lamu maa bayna aydeehim wa maa khalfahum. Wa laa yuheetoona bishai-‘im-min ‘ilmihieee illaa bimaa shaaa’. Wasi’a Kursiyyuhus-samaawaati wal-‘ard. Wa laa ya’ooduhuu hifzuhumaa. Wa Huwal-‘Aliyyul-‘Azeem.
English Translation (Excerpt): “Allah! There is no god but He, the Ever Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither slumber overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi (Throne) extends over the heavens and the earth, and the preservation of both does not weary Him. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.”
Hadith Reference (Protection): Reciting this verse grants the protection of Allah, ensuring that no devil (Shaytan) comes near the person until morning. – (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Top 06 Duas to say before sleeping from the Hadith
These are the primary duas mentioned in hadith books that should be recited just as one lies down to sleep.
Dua 1:
The Final Profession of Faith
This is the most authentic and concise Dua, said immediately before falling asleep.
Arabic: بِاسْمِكَ اللَّهُمَّ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا
Transliteration: Bismika Allahumma amootu wa ahyaa
English Translation: “In Your Name, O Allah, I die and I live.” This acknowledges that both sleep (a minor form of death) and waking (life) are under Allah’s control. – (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Dua 2:
Seeking Protection and Submission
This longer Dua is highly recommended to be the very last thing you recite, ensuring you die upon the natural religion (Fitrah) of Islam.
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ أَسْلَمْتُ نَفْسِي إِلَيْكَ، وَفَوَّضْتُ أَمْرِي إِلَيْكَ، وَوَجَّهْتُ وَجْهِي إِلَيْكَ، وَأَلْجَأْتُ ظَهْرِي إِلَيْكَ، رَغْبَةً وَرَهْبَةً إِلَيْكَ، لَا مَلْجَأَ وَلَا مَنْجَا مِنْكَ إِلَّا إِلَيْكَ، آمَنْتُ بِكِتَابِكَ الَّذِي أَنْزَلْتَ، وَبِنَبِيِّكَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلْتَ
Transliteration: Allaahumma aslamtu nafsee ilayk, wa fawwadtu amree ilayk, wa wajjahtu wajhee ilayk, wa alja’tu dhahree ilayk, raghbatan wa rahbatan ilayk, la malja’a wa la manjaa minka illaa ilayk, aamantu bikitaabikal-ladhee anzalt, wa binabiyyikal-ladhee arsalt.
English Translation: “O Allah, I submit my soul to You, I entrust my affair to You, I turn my face toward You, and I totally rely on You, with hope and fear of You. There is no refuge or sanctuary from You except in You. I believe in Your Book which You have revealed, and in Your Prophet whom You have sent.” – (Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
The Prophet (PBUH) told the reciter that if they die that night, they will die upon the Fitrah (pure natural disposition).
Dua 3:
Seeking Forgiveness and Protection from Hellfire
Recitations like SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah), Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah), and Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) are counted as forms of protection and submission.
The Tasbih of Fatimah (RA): The Prophet (PBUH) taught his daughter Fatimah (RA) and Ali (RA) to recite:
- SubhanAllah (سبحان الله): 33 times
- Alhamdulillah (الحمد لله): 33 times
- Allahu Akbar (الله أكبر): 34 times
Hadith Reference: This remembrance was taught as being better than having a servant to help with household work. – (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Dua No 4
Seeking Protection from the Consequences of Sin
This Dua is essential for seeking forgiveness and acknowledging Allah’s power over everything.
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ السَّمَوَاتِ وَرَبَّ الأَرْضِ وَرَبَّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ، رَبَّنَا وَرَبَّ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ، فَالِقَ الْحَبِّ وَالنَّوَى، وَمُنْزِلَ التَّوْرَاةِ وَالإِنْجِيلِ وَالْفُرْقَانِ، أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ كُلِّ دَابَّةٍ أَنْتَ آخِذٌ بِنَاصِيَتِهَا، اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ الأَوَّلُ فَلَيْسَ قَبْلَكَ شَىْءٌ، وَأَنْتَ الآخِرُ فَلَيْسَ بَعْدَكَ شَىْءٌ، وَأَنْتَ الظَّاهِرُ فَلَيْسَ فَوْقَكَ شَىْءٌ، وَأَنْتَ الْبَاطِنُ فَلَيْسَ دُونَكَ شَىْءٌ، اقْضِ عَنَّا الدَّيْنَ وَأَغْنِنَا مِنَ الْفَقْرِ
Transliteration: Allaahumma Rabbas-samaawaati wa Rabbal-ardhi wa Rabbal-‘Arshil-‘Adheem, Rabbanaa wa Rabba kulli shay’in, Faaliqal-habbi wan-nawaa, wa munzilat-Tawraati wal-Injeeli wal-Furqaan, a’oodhu bika min sharri kulli daabbatin Anta aakhizun binaasiyatihaa. Allaahumma Antal-Awwalu falaysa qablaka shay’un, wa Antal-Aakhiru falaysa ba’daka shay’un, wa Antadh-Dhaahiru falaysa fawqaka shay’un, wa Antal-Baatinu falaysa doonaka shay’un, iqdh ‘annad-dayna wa aghninaa minal-faqr.
English Translation: “O Allah, Lord of the heavens, Lord of the earth, and Lord of the Magnificent Throne. Our Lord and the Lord of everything. Splitter of the seed-grain and the date-stone, Revealer of the Torah, the Gospel, and the Criterion (Quran). I seek refuge in You from the evil of every creature You take by the forelock. O Allah, You are the First, for there is nothing before You; and You are the Last, for there is nothing after You; and You are the Manifest, for there is nothing above You; and You are the Hidden, for there is nothing beyond You. Relieve us from debt and enrich us from poverty.” (Sahih Muslim)
Dua No 5
Seeking Protection from the Punishment of the Grave and Fire
Arabic: اللَّهُمَّ قِنِي عَذَابَكَ يَوْمَ تَبْعَثُ عِبَادَكَ
Transliteration: Allaahumma qinee ‘adhaabaka yawma tab’athu ‘ibaadaka
English Translation: “O Allah, save me from Your punishment on the Day You resurrect Your servants.” (The Prophet (PBUH) used to say this when lying down to sleep.) – (Sunan Abi Dawud, Sahih by Al-Albani)
Dua no 6
Placing the Hand under the Cheek
It is Sunnah to place the right hand under the right cheek and recite the following:
Arabic: بِاسْمِكَ رَبِّـي وَضَعْـتُ جَنْـبِي، وَبِكَ أَرْفَعُـهُ، فَإِنْ أَمْسَـكْتَ نَفْسِي فَارْحَمْـهَا، وَإِنْ أَرْسَلْتَـهَا فَاحْفَظْـهَا بِمَا تَحْفَظُ بِهِ عِبَادَكَ الصَّالِحِينَ
Transliteration: Bismika Rabbee wadha’tu janbee, wa bika arfa’uh. Fa-in amsakta nafsee farhamhaa, wa in arsaltahaa fahfadhhaa bimaa tahfadhu bihi ‘ibaadakas-saaliheen.
English Translation: “In Your Name, my Lord, I lay my side down, and in Your Name, I raise it up. If You should withhold my soul, then have mercy upon it, and if You should send it back, then protect it with that by which You protect Your righteous servants.” – (Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Recommended Sleeping Position in Islam
The manner of lying down is also part of the Sunnah before sleep. The recommended position for lying/sleeping is on the right side.
Hadith Reference:
Arabic: ثُمَّ اضْطَجِعْ عَلَى شِقِّكَ الأَيْمَنِ
Transliteration: Thumma idtaj’i’ ‘ala shiqqikal-ayman
English Translation: “Then lie down on your right side.” – (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Placing the right hand under the right cheek is also a recommended position.
Conclusion
The practice of reciting the Dua before Sleeping is an act of acknowledging Allah’s sovereignty over life and death. It ensures that the last words uttered are words of remembrance and faith, protecting the sleeper from the whisperings of the devil and preparing the soul for its return to its Lord. Making the Nightly Adhkar a consistent habit guarantees immense reward and a peaceful night’s rest under the guardianship of Allah.
FAQs:
What is the purpose of the Nightly Adhkar?
They ensure spiritual protection and that one’s final act of the day is the remembrance of Allah.
Which Quran verses are essential to recite?
Ayat al-Kursi and the 04 Quls of Quran (Al Kafirun, Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas) are mandatory.
What does the Dua “Bismika Allahumma amootu wa ahyaa” mean?
“In Your Name, O Allah, I die and I live.”
Is performing Wudu before bed mandatory?
It is highly recommended (Sunnah) to renew ablution before lying down.
Which side should one lie on for sleep?
It is the Sunnah to lie down on the right side.
What is the Tasbih of Fatimah?
Reciting SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah 33 times each, and Allahu Akbar 34 times.
