Before going to sleep, reciting the Dua before sleeping is a beautiful way to end the day in remembrance of Allah. It serves as a reminder of our reliance on Him and a way to seek protection, peace, and forgiveness. This practice, rooted in the Sunnah, helps us maintain a connection with Allah even as we rest, entrusting our souls to Him until we awaken.
1. Specific Dua for Sleeping
اَللَّهُمَّ بِاسْمِكَ أَمُوْتُ وَأَحْيَا
Dua before sleeping Transliteration
Allāhumma bismika amūtu wa ahyā
Allahumma Bismika Amutu Wa Ahya Meaning
Oh Allah! With your name, I die (sleep) and live again.
Huzaifa Ra. said: “When the Prophet (peace be upon him) went to bed at night, he would place his hand under his cheek and say: Allāhumma bismika amūtu wa ahyā.” Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6314
This is the minimum prayer (dua) everyone should say before sleeping. But if you want to spend more time on prayers before sleeping, there is much more to do. Most of them are for safety and protection from evil harm and satanic touch.
2. Surah Ikhlas, Falaq and Nas
Mother Ayesha Ra. said:
“When the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘Alaihi Wasallam) went to bed every night, he would gather his hands together (like Munajat), and recite into them Surah Ikhlas, Surah Falaq, and Surah Nas, and blow into hands. Then he would wipe with his hands whatever he could of his body, starting with his head and face, and the front of his body. He would do this three times.” Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5017
3. Ayatul Kursi
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
“When you go to bed, recite Ayat al-Kursi from the beginning till the end of the verse (Sura Al-Baqarah: 255). A defender from Allah will remain upon you, and no devil will come near you until morning.” Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 2311
Ayatul Kursi is a powerful verse from Sura Al-Baqarah, verse no. 255, known to be recited for protection against evil, enemies, and danger. Read more: Ayatul Kursi: A Powerful Verse Ensures Your Protection
4. Subhānallāh, Alhamdulillāh, Allāhu Akbar
Ali Ra. said:
Fatima Ra. complained that she was suffering from hand pain because of millstone. So she came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) asking him for a servant. But she did not find him and mentioned that to Ayesha Ra. When the Prophet came, Ayesha Ra. informed him. The prophet came to us while we were in our beds, so I went to get up, but he said: “Stay where you are.” He sat between us until I felt the coolness of his feet on my chest, and then he said:
“Shall I not guide you to something better than a servant? When you go to bed, say Allāhu Akbar thirty-three times, Subhānallāh thirty-three times, and Alhamdulillāh thirty-four times, this is better for you than a servant.”
-Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6318
Read Also: Dua on Waking Up: A Morning Prayer of Gratitude and Mindfulness