Dua Before Sleeping
Seeking Allah's protection before sleep
بِاسْمِكَ رَبِّي وَضَعْتُ جَنْبِي وَبِكَ أَرْفَعُهُ فَإِنْ أَمْسَكْتَ نَفْسِي فَارْحَمْهَا وَإِنْ أَرْسَلْتَهَا فَاحْفَظْهَا بِمَا تَحْفَظُ بِهِ عِبَادَكَ الصَّالِحِينَ
Bismika Rabbi wada'tu janbi wa bika arfa'uh, fa in amsakta nafsi farhamha, wa in arsaltaha fahfazha bima tahfazu bihi 'ibadakas-saliheen.
"In Your name, my Lord, I lie down and in Your name I rise. If You should take my soul then have mercy upon it, and if You should return my soul then protect it in the manner You do so with Your righteous servants."
Meaning & Context
This profound dua is a complete submission to Allah's will before entering the state of sleep, which is often called the 'minor death'. It acknowledges Allah's absolute power over life and death. By reciting it, a believer entrusts their soul to Allah, whether they wake up the next morning or not, seeking His mercy and protection in all circumstances.
Benefits of Reciting this Dua
- Provides protection from nightmares and evil spirits throughout the night.
- It is a renewal of one's faith (iman) before sleeping.
- Ensures that one's last acts of the day are in the remembrance of Allah.
- If one dies in their sleep, they are considered to have died upon a state of faith and submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is also a Sunnah to recite Ayatul Kursi (Quran 2:255), Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Nas before sleeping.
It refers to dying in one's sleep. The dua is a preparation for this possibility, asking for Allah's mercy if it were to happen.
Quick Quiz
Question: This dua places one's trust in Allah for what two outcomes?