As night falls and we prepare for bedtime, it is essential to embrace the remembrance of Allah before we sleep. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) followed a special ritual each night, ensuring his mind and soul were at peace.
One of the most profound du’as he would recite was: “Allahumma bismika amutu wa ahya”—a simple yet deeply meaningful way to entrust one’s bodies and souls to the Creator.
This act not only strengthens faith but also brings countless blessings. The importance of this habit is highlighted in Al-Bukhari, emphasizing how the supplication is deeply rooted in the teachings of Islam.
The Quran and hadith remind us that sleep is akin to a temporary death, and not all souls are returned upon waking. Thus, saying this dua before resting allows us to connect with our Lord one final time each day.
Placing the right hand under the cheek, as per the Sunnah, and reciting Al-hamdu lillahil-ladhee ahyana ba’da ma amatana wa ilaihin-nushur upon waking is a beautiful way to express praise and gratitude. This practice, mentioned in Bukhari, instills tranquility, preparing the heart for a peaceful morning and a spiritually fulfilling day ahead.
A Powerful Dua Before Sleeping
One of the most powerful ways to prepare for sleep is to recite the special dua taught by the Prophet (peace be upon him). This authentic supplication, as narrated by Hudhaifa, is found in Sahih Bukhari (Book 80, Hadith 21). The Prophet would say:
“اللّهُـمَّ بِاسْمِكَ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا”
(Allahumma bismika amutu wa-ahya), meaning “O Allah, with Your name, I die and I live.” This short yet profound dua is a reminder that our life and death are in Allah’s hands, bringing great comfort before resting.
By making this intention every night, we acknowledge that Allah has planned everything, and He knows what is good and bad for us. As we lie in bed, remembering that we have no control over what will befall us, we trust in His mercy.
This dua is a simple yet complete way to submit to Allah’s will and find inner peace. The phrase “Bismikal-lahumma amootu wa-ahya” is deeply rooted in faith, serving as a connection to our Creator. Following the Sunnah of the Prophet in this way allows us to sleep with a heart full of trust and devotion.
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Dua for Protection Before Sleep
Before going to bed, the Prophet (peace be upon him) advised us to recite a special dua for protection. This hadith, narrated by Abu Hurairah in Sahih Al-Bukhari, tells us that the Most Powerful and capable One, Allah, watches over His servants. He taught us to say:
بِاسْمِكَ رَبِّي وَضَعْتُ جَنْبِي، وَبِكَ أَرْفَعُهُ، فَإِنْ أَمْسَكْتَ نَفْسِي فَارْحَمْهَا، وَإِنْ أَرْسَلْتَهَا فَاحْفَظْهَا، بِمَا تَحْفَظُ بِهِ عِبَادَكَ الصَّالِحِينَ.
This dua reminds us that we lie down in peace and rise in the name of our Lord. If Allah chooses to take our soul, we ask for mercy. If He decides to return it, we seek His protection like He grants to His righteous servants.
The Prophet also advised dusting off the bedsheet before sleeping, ensuring a clean manner of rest. This act affirms our faith and reliance on Allah, allowing us to sleep with a calm heart.
Dua for Preventing Nightmares
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught a powerful dua to protect oneself from nightmares. Once, Khalid ibn al-Walid told the Prophet that he was experiencing bad dreams. The Prophet advised him to recite the following words before sleeping:
قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّةِ مِنْ غَضَبِهِ وَعِقَابِهِ وَشَرِّ عِبَادِهِ وَمِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَأَنْ يَحْضُرُونِ
This dua means: “I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from His wrath and punishment, from the evil of His slaves, and from the whispers of the devils and their presence.”
It was reported in Hadith collections like Tirmidhi and Dawud, and Abdullah ibn Amr mentioned that it was graded as sahih (authentic). If someone feels frightened after a dream, they should say this dua for protection and peace.
Dua for Salvation on the Day of Judgment
Before sleeping, the Prophet (pbuh) used to recite a special dua seeking protection from punishment on the Day of Judgment. It was reported in a narration by Hafsah that he recited this three times:
اللَّهُمَّ قِنِي عَذَابَكَ يَوْمَ تَبْعَثُ عِبَادَكَ
Transliteration: Allahumma qini ‘adhabaka yauma tab’athu ‘ibadaka
Translation: “O Allah, save me from Your punishment on the day that You resurrect Your servants.”
This hadith was recorded by At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud, highlighting the importance of remembering the Hereafter before sleeping.
Dua for Difficulty in Sleeping
When struggling to sleep, one can find peace by remembering Allah, the One who controls the night and day. Reciting this du’a brings comfort to the heart:
لا إِلـهَ إِلاّ اللهُ الـواحِدُ القَهّـار رَبُّ السَّـمواتِ وَالأرْضِ وَما بَيْـنَهـما العَزيـزُ الغَـفّار
This powerful supplication reminds us that the Victorious, All-Mighty, and All-Forgiving Lord is in control of the heavens, the earth, and everything between. Whether one is tossing or turning, seeking peace in worship is always the best way to rest.
Dua for Forgiveness and Refuge from Evil
At night, before sleeping, a believer should seek forgiveness and refuge from evil by reciting this powerful du’a. The Prophet (peace be upon him) recited it and taught that whoever says it with firm faith and passes away before the next morning or evening will be among the people of Paradise.
This supplication is recorded in Hadith collections like Bukhari, reminding us to acknowledge Allah’s favours, confess our sins, and trust in His power to pardon.
اللّٰهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي، لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ، خَلَقْتَنِيْ وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ، وَأَنَا عَلَى عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ، أَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ، أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَىَّ وَأَبُوءُ لَكَ بِذَنْبِيْ، فَاغْفِرْ لِيْ، فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوْبَ إِلَّاأَنْتَ۔
Dua Upon Waking Up
When waking up, it is important to remember Allah and be grateful for another day of life. The du’a for waking up acknowledges that sleep is a form of temporary death and that only Allah has the power to give life again.
The Prophet (pbuh) recited this supplication to express gratitude. Saying al-hamdu reminds us that all praise is due to Him. The words lillahil-ladhee highlight that Allah alone is the giver of life. We say,
الحَمْـدُ لِلّهِ الّذي أَحْـيانا بَعْـدَ ما أَماتَـنا وَإليه النُّـشور
meaning “All praise is due to Allah, who gave us life after He caused us to die, and to Him is the resurrection.” This du’a connects us to our Creator, reminding us that our return is to Him (ilayhi) and preparing us for the ultimate journey of the hereafter.
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Recite Ayat al-Kursi Before Sleep
One of the most powerful ways to seek protection before sleep is by reciting Ayat al-Kursi. This verse reminds us that Allah alone sustains and controls everything. He is the Most High, and neither fatigue nor drowsiness overtakes Him. It is said that whoever recites this verse before sleeping will be guarded throughout the night.
The throne of Allah extends over the heavens and the earth, and nothing happens without His will. No one can intercede with Him except by His permission, and His Knowledge encompasses all things.
اللَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ ۚ لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ ۗ مَنْ ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ عِندَهُ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ ۚ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ ۖ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَيْءٍ مِنْ عِلْمِهِ إِلَّا بِمَا شَاءَ ۚ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ ۚ وَلَا يَئُودُهُ حِفْظُهُمَا ۚ وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ
This verse also reassures us that whatever is in the heavens and the earth belongs to Him. His preserving power is beyond human understanding. Nothing happens in the Hereafter or this world except by His decree.
His throne is vast, and He never grows weary of guarding and protecting His creation. Reciting this verse before sleep ensures peace, as one places complete trust in the One who is worthy of all worship.
The Power of the Dua Before Sleeping
Reciting a dua before sleep is a beautiful practice that brings many blessings. It prepares the mind and soul, calms the heart, and reduces stress and worries. This simple act of praying has a deep impact on our well-being, as it creates a strong connection with Allah and fills the heart with gratitude.
The spiritual and psychological benefits of this dua are many, as it reminds us of Allah’s mercy and protection, allowing for a truly restful night.This dua also fosters a sense of surrender, helping the heart find peace after a long day’s struggles.
It alleviates anxiety and brings a multitude of positively transformative effects. Through reflecting on Allah’s blessings, one’s mental state improves, promoting inner peace and a stronger connection with faith. This nightly practice not only enhances sleep quality but also strengthens one’s reliance on Allah, reminding us that He is always there to guide and protect.
Fahad Ali is a youth mentor and social activist committed to empowering the next generation of Muslims. By addressing contemporary issues through an Islamic perspective, He guides young minds in navigating faith, identity, and personal growth in today’s world.