Sleep is a natural part of life. Yet, Islam teaches us to approach even this seemingly mundane act with mindfulness and reverence.
Reciting duas (supplications) before sleeping is a beautiful way to connect with Allah (SWT), seek His protection, and find tranquillity in the stillness of the night.
We’ve listed a collection of powerful duas to recite before you drift off to sleep.
These duas, rooted in the Quran and Sunnah, offer solace, protection, and a deeper connection with Allah (SWT) as you prepare for restful slumber.
8 Duas to Recite Before Sleeping
Sleep is a profound blessing from Allah (SWT). It’s a time of respite, where our bodies and minds find solace and rejuvenation.
In the stillness of the night, Allah (SWT) grants us a temporary reprieve from the demands of the world, allowing us to recharge and awaken with renewed energy.
Sleep is a testament to His mercy, a gentle reminder of His care and protection.
As we surrender to slumber, we entrust our souls to Him, finding comfort in the knowledge that He watches over us even as we rest.
It’s a time for reflection, for dreams to weave their magic, and for the soul to find peace in the quiet embrace of the night.
Here is a collection of eight powerful duas, drawn from the Quran and Sunnah, to recite before you close your eyes.
Each supplication offers unique blessings and solace, enveloping you in Allah’s (SWT) protection and guidance as you transition into the realm of dreams.
Dua for Protection and Mercy While Sleeping
This profound dua encapsulates surrender to Allah’s will and seeking His forgiveness.
English
“With Your Name, my Rubb, I place my side (upon the bed), and with Your Grace, I will raise it up. If You withhold my soul (cause me to die), have mercy on it, but if You let it go (let me live), guard it against which You guarded Your pious slaves.”
Reference: Riyad as-Salihin 1460
Bismika Rabbi wada’tu janbi, wa bika arfa’uhu, in amsakta nafsi farhamha, wa in arsaltaha fahfazha bima tahfazu bihi ‘ibadakas-salihin
Arabic
Dua for Seeking Refuge from Allah’s Anger, Punishment, and Evil
This dua emphasises seeking refuge in Allah’s perfect words from all forms of evil and harm.
English
“I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from His anger and His punishment, and from the evil of His servants and from the whisperings of the devils and from their presence.”
Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3528
A`ūdhu bikalimātillāhit-tāmmati min ghaḍabihī wa `iqābihī wa sharri `ibādih, wa min hamazātish-shayāṭīni wa an yaḥḍurūn
Arabic
Dua for Life and Death in Allah’s Name
This beautiful dua affirms life and death in the name of Allah.
English
“O Allah, in Your Name I live and die.”
Reference: Al-Bukhari 6314
Allahumma bismika amutu wa ahya
Arabic
These are just a few of the many supplications Muslims can recite before sleeping.
Each dua carries unique blessings and offers solace and protection as we transition into the realm of dreams.
Remember, the most important aspect is sincerity and devotion when reciting these duas, seeking closeness to Allah (SWT) and His guidance.
Ayat al Kursi
This dua, known as the “Throne Verse,” is a powerful supplication for protection and blessings, often recited for safety and to seek Allah’s guidance and mercy.
English
“Allah! There is none worthy of worship but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him.
To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission?
He knows what happens to them in this world and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills.
His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great..”
Reference: Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255
Allaahu laa ‘ilaaha ‘illaa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyoom, laa ta’khuthuhu sinatun wa laa nawm, lahu maa fis-samaawaati wa maafil-‘ardh, man thal-lathee yashfa’u ‘indahu ‘illaa bi’ithnih, ya’lamu maa bayna ‘aydeehim wa maa khalfahum, wa laa yuheetoona bishay’im-min ‘ilmihi ‘illaa bimaa shaa’a, wasi’a kursiyyuhus-samaawaati wal’ardh, wa laa ya’ooduhu hifdhuhumaa, wa Huwal-‘Aliyyul- ‘Adheem
Arabic
Dua for Forgiveness and Mercy for One’s Own Wrongdoings
This dua seeks forgiveness for any sins committed during the day and expresses a desire to meet Allah (SWT) in a state of purity.
English
“O Allah, I have wronged my soul greatly, and none forgives sins except You. So grant me forgiveness from You. Indeed, You are the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.”
Reference: Al-Bukhari 834
Allahumma inni zalumtu nafsi zulman kathiran, Wala yaghfiru dh-dhunuba illa anta, fa ghfir li maghfiratan min `indika, wa r-hamni, innaka anta l-ghafuru r-rahim
Dua for Seeking Refuge from the Evil of Actions and Inactions
This dua encapsulates the essence of seeking Allah’s protection from all forms of harm and evil throughout the night.
English
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done and the evil of what I have not done.”
Reference: Sunan an-Nasa’i 5526
Arabic
Dua for Praise and Recognition of Allah’s Greatness and Power
This dua beautifully combines praise for Allah (SWT) with a plea for guidance and protection.
English
“Glory be to Allah, and praise be to Allah, and there is no god but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest.”
Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3509
Subḥān Allāh wa Al-Ḥamdulillāh wa Lā Ilāha Illallāh wa Allāhu Akbar
Arabic
Dua for Glorifying Allah by His Creation, Pleasure, Throne, and Words
This final dua serves as a powerful reminder of Allah’s sovereignty and our complete reliance on Him.
English
“Glory is to Allah, and praise is to Him, by the multitude of His creation, by His Pleasure, by the weight of His Throne, and by the extent of His Words.”
Subhanallaahi wa bihamdihi, ‘Adada khalqihi, wa ridhaa nafsihi, wa zinata`arshihi, wa midaada kalimaatihi
Arabic
Dua for Sleeping: Download Printable PDF
For your convenience, we’ve compiled these beautiful duas into a printable PDF. Keep it by your bedside and make these supplications a part of your nightly routine. [Insert link to downloadable PDF here]
Duas Recited by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Before Sleeping
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified the importance of dua in every aspect of life, including before sleep. Here are some of the supplications he regularly recited:
English
“O Allah, I have surrendered myself to You, and I have turned my face towards You, and I have entrusted my affair to You, and I have sought support in You out of hope and fear of You. There is no refuge or safe haven from You except with You. I believe in Your Book which You have revealed and Your Prophet whom You have sent.”
Reference: Hisn al-Muslim 111
Allāhumma aslamtu nafsī ilayk, wa fawwaḍtu amrī ilayk, wa wajjahtu wajhī ilayk, wa alja’tu ẓahrī ilayk, raghbatan wa rahbatan ilayk, lā malja’a wa la manjā minka illā ilayk, āmantu bikitābika ‘l-ladhī anzalt, wa bi-nabiyyika ‘l-ladhī arsalt.
Arabic
Hadiths about Sleeping and Duas
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasised the significance of dua before sleeping through his words and actions.
- Narrated Hudhayfah: “When the Prophet (peace be upon him) went to bed, he would put his right hand under his cheek and then say: ‘Allahumma bismika amutu wa ahya’ (O Allah, in Your name I die and I live).” (Riyad as Sahilin 816),
- Narrated AbuHurairah: “[Prophet Muhmmad (SAW) said] I shall teach you some words with which Allah may benefit you.” I asked, “What are those words?” He replied, “When you go to bed, recite Ayat-ul- Kursi (2:255) for there will be a guardian appointed over you from Allah, and Satan will not be able to approach you till morning”. (Riyad as-Salihin 1020).
These hadiths highlight the importance of turning to Allah (SWT) for protection and blessings as we enter a state of vulnerability in sleep.
Sunnah Acts Before Going to Bed
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) not only taught us specific duas but also demonstrated certain practices before sleeping to promote physical and spiritual well-being. These include:
Performing Wudu (Ablution): Just as we cleanse ourselves before prayer, performing wudu before bed purifies us both physically and spiritually, preparing us for a restful and blessed sleep.
Dusting the Bed Thrice: This simple act, though symbolic, carries significance in removing any impurities or unwanted elements from our resting place, creating a clean and serene environment for sleep.
Sleeping on the Right Side: The Prophet (peace be upon him) favoured sleeping on his right side, demonstrating a preferred posture that promotes comfort and aligns with the natural flow of the body.
Reciting the Last Three Surahs of the Quran: The concluding chapters of the Quran, Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Nas, are short yet powerful verses that offer protection from evil and reaffirm our faith in Allah’s (SWT) oneness.
Making Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah): Engaging in dhikr, such as reciting “Subhan Allah” (Glory be to Allah), “Alhamdulillah” (Praise be to Allah), and “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) 33 times each, fills our hearts with remembrance of Allah (SWT) and invites His blessings upon us.
Other Important Duas You Could Recite
In addition to the specific duas mentioned earlier, there are other supplications you can recite before sleeping, depending on your needs and intentions.
Dua Before Eating
Although not directly related to sleep, reciting the dua before eating is a beautiful way to express gratitude and seek blessings before retiring for the night.
English (Translation and Transliteration)
“Praise is to Allah Who has fed me this and provided it for me without any strength or power on my part.”
Reference: Sunan Ibn Majah 3285
Transliteration
Al- hamdu lillahil-ladhi at’amani hadha wa razaqanihi min ghayri hawlin minni wa la quwwatin.
Arabic
Summary – Dua Before Sleeping
Dua before sleeping is a profound practice that allows us to connect with Allah (SWT), seek His protection, express gratitude, and find tranquility before surrendering to slumber.
Incorporating these supplications and Sunnah acts into our nightly routine can help us cultivate a sense of peace, serenity, and spiritual well-being.
Before going to bed, reciting Surah and other important verses such as Ayatul Kursi is a key part of the nightly routine in Islamic teachings.
These practices are not only about seeking Allah protection but also about expressing gratitude and thanking Allah for the day’s blessings.
Reciting Ayatul Kursi before sleeping is highly recommended to ensure protection through the night, as it serves as a powerful shield.
Additionally, asking for protection and forgiveness from our Lord allows us to reflect on our actions and find peace. By making it a habit to seek protection from Allah every night, we strengthen our bond with our Lord and secure His guidance and care.
Remember, each night is a gift, and these practices are a beautiful way to acknowledge Allah’s blessings and seek His guidance as we embark on the journey of sleep.
