The practice of reciting specific Duas Before Sleeping is a cherished Sunnah (prophetic tradition) that connects us to our Creator, seeking His protection, forgiveness, and peace.
This guide delves into the most authentic and potent nighttime supplications taught by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
By understanding their meanings and benefits, you can build a meaningful nightly dhikr (remembrance) routine that shields your heart and home.
Duas Before Sleeping: The Prophetic Supplication in Arabic
The most well-known and simple supplication is a profound declaration of faith, entrusting our souls to Allah as we transition from consciousness to sleep.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) would place his right hand under his cheek before sleeping and recite this.
Arabic:
بِاسْمِكَ اللَّهُمَّ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا
Translation:
“In Your name, O Allah, I die and I live.”
(Source: Sahih al-Bukhari)
This beautiful dua is a powerful reminder that sleep is a minor death, and waking is a form of resurrection, both of which are entirely in Allah’s control.
Reciting it centers the heart on Tawhid (the Oneness of Allah) and instills a sense of ultimate trust and security.
Read about: Dua For Forgiveness In Islam
Why Reciting Ayat al-Kursi at Night Offers Protection
Ayat al-Kursi, the 255th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah, is known as the “Verse of the Throne.” Its majesty and power are unparalleled, and its recitation is a cornerstone of Islamic nightly dhikr for a specific, confirmed reason: divine protection.
The basis for this practice comes from a famous Hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA).
He caught a thief (who was actually Shaytan in disguise) stealing from the charity treasury for three consecutive nights. On the third night, the thief begged for release, offering a piece of valuable knowledge in return.
He said, “When you go to your bed, recite Ayat al-Kursi, for then a guardian from Allah will be appointed to protect you, and no devil (Shaytan) will come near you until morning.”
When the Prophet (ﷺ) heard this, he confirmed, “He told you the truth, though he is a liar.” (Source: Sahih al-Bukhari)
Therefore, reciting Ayat al‑Kursi before bed is a divinely-sanctioned shield against evil influences throughout the night.
The Last Two Verses of Surah Al-Baqarah: Guarding the Home
Along with Ayat al-Kursi, the final two verses of the same chapter hold a special status as powerful nighttime supplication.
Arabic:
آمَنَ الرَّسُولُ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِن رَّبِّهِ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ… (until the end of the Surah)
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Whoever recites the last two verses of Surah Baqarah at night, they will be sufficient for him.” (Source: Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
What does “sufficient for him” mean? Islamic scholars have explained this profound statement in several ways:
- Sufficient as protection: They will protect him from every evil, including Shaytan.
- Sufficient in reward: They will suffice him for the reward of praying the entire night (Qiyam al-Layl).
- Sufficient in faith: The verses encompass a complete declaration of belief, renewing one’s faith before sleep.
Regardless of the specific interpretation, the promise is one of sufficiency, a complete spiritual covering for the one who recites it.
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Al‑Ikhlas, Al‑Falaq, & An‑Naas: The Three Quls for Spiritual Shielding
Known collectively as “Al-Mu’awwidhat”, these three short yet immensely powerful Surahs are an essential part of the Duas Before Sleeping. The Prophet’s (ﷺ) own practice demonstrates their importance.
Aisha (RA) reported that every night when the Prophet (ﷺ) went to his bed, he would:
- Cup his hands together.
- Recite them Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Naas.
- Blow lightly into his hands.
- Wipe his hands over as much of his body as he could reach, starting with his head, face, and the front of his body.
- He would do this three times.
(Source: Sahih al-Bukhari)
This physical act of wiping imbues the recitation with a tangible sense of seeking a spiritual shield.
Surah Al-Ikhlas affirms Allah’s Oneness, while Al-Falaq and An-Naas are direct pleas for refuge from the evils of creation, darkness, envy, and the whispers of Shaytan.
Practicing the Three Quls before sleep is a comprehensive method for seeking holistic protection.
Other Authentic Nighttime Duas: Health, Forgiveness, and Peace
Beyond the core recitations, the Sunnah provides a rich collection of other supplications to address specific needs like forgiveness, gratitude, and peace.
Incorporating one or more of these can further enhance your routine of reciting Duas Before Sleeping.
For Laying Down: “بِاسْمِكَ رَبِّي وَضَعْتُ جَنْبِي، وَبِكَ أَرْفَعُهُ، فَإِنْ أَمْسَكْتَ نَفْسِي فَارْحَمْهَا، وَإِنْ أَرْسَلْتَهَا فَاحْفَظْهَا بِمَا تَحْفَظُ بِهِ عِبَادَكَ الصَّالِحِينَ”
“In Your name my Lord, I place my side, and with Your Grace I will raise it. If You take my soul, have mercy on it, and if You return it, protect it with that which You protect Your righteous servants.”
(Source: Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
The Tasbih of Fatimah: This powerful dhikr was taught by the Prophet (ﷺ) to his daughter Fatimah (RA).
Recite SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah) 33 times, Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah) 33 times, and Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) 34 times. It is known to give strength and reduce fatigue.
Seeking Forgiveness: Simply repeating “Astaghfirullah” (I seek forgiveness from Allah) is a potent way to cleanse the heart before sleep.
Read also: Astaghfirullah 1000 Times Benefits
Incorporating These Duas into Your Daily Night Routine
Building a consistent habit is key. Don’t feel overwhelmed by the number of recitations. The beauty of these Duas Before Sleeping is their flexibility.
- Start Small: Begin with the one dua you can commit to, like the short “اللهمَّ باسمِك أموتُ وأحيا O Allah, in Your name I die and I live.”
- Be Consistent: Make it a non-negotiable part of your bedtime routine, just like brushing your teeth.
- Gradually Add More: Once you are consistent, add Ayat al-Kursi. A week later, add the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah. Then, incorporate the Three Quls.
- Create a Peaceful Environment: Perform Wudu (ablution) before bed, as the Prophet (ﷺ) recommended. Find a quiet space, dim the lights, and focus your heart.
- Understand the Meanings: Reflect on the translations. Knowing what you are asking for transforms the recitation from a ritual into a heartfelt conversation with your Lord.
By making these Duas Before Sleeping a part of your life, you are investing in your spiritual well-being, seeking protection from the unseen.
FAQ
Which supplications did the Prophet ﷺ recite before sleeping?
“Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya”, Ayat al-Kursi (2:255), Last verses of Surah Baqarah (2:285–286), The Three Quls (Ikhlas, Falaq, Naas)
Why are Ayat al-Kursi and the last two verses of Al-Baqarah recommended at night?
Ayat al-Kursi brings Allah’s protection till morning, and the Last verses of Al-Baqarah offer full protection and reward.