In Islam, seeking protection and blessings from Allah before sleeping is a deeply significant practice. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ provided guidance on various supplications (duas) and remembrance (azkar) to recite at night. These duas help protect one from harm, grant peace of mind, and invite Allah’s mercy into the night.
1. Importance of Remembrance Before Sleeping
In Islam, sleep is considered a temporary death, and before a person lies down to rest, they should prepare themselves spiritually. Engaging in dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and making supplications strengthens one’s connection with Allah, ensuring protection during the vulnerable hours of sleep. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized seeking Allah's protection from harmful influences, both physical and spiritual, before going to sleep.
2. Key Dua and Azkar for Sleeping:
- Ayat-ul-Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:255)
One of the most powerful verses to recite before sleeping is Ayat-ul-Kursi. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever recites Ayat-ul-Kursi before going to sleep, Allah will appoint a protector from the angels to protect him, and no devil will come near him until the morning." — Sunan an-Nasa'i (5530)
Arabic Text:
اللَّهُ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ مَن ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ عِندَهُ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَيْءٍ مِّنْ عِلْمِهِ إِلَّا بِمَا شَاءَ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ وَلَا يَئُودُهُ حِفْظُهُمَا وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ.
- Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Naas (The Last Three Quls)
The last three surahs of the Quran, namely Surah Al-Ikhlas (112), Surah Al-Falaq (113), and Surah An-Naas (114), are often referred to as the "Qul" surahs. The Prophet ﷺ recommended reciting these three surahs before sleep, as they offer immense protection:
"Say: 'I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind, the King of mankind, the God of mankind, from the evil of the whisperer who withdraws, who whispers in the breasts of mankind, among jinn and among mankind.'" — Surah An-Naas (114:1-6)
Arabic Text:
سورة الإخلاص:
قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُۥۤ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ.
سورة الفلق:
قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَقِ مِن شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ وَمِن شَرِّ غَاسِقٍ إِذَا وَقَبَ وَمِن شَرِّ النَّفَّاثَاتِ فِي الْعُقَدِ وَمِن شَرِّ حَاسِدٍ إِذَا حَسَدَ.
سورة الناس:
قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ مَلِكِ النَّاسِ إِلَٰهِ النَّاسِ مِن شَرِّ الْوَسْوَاسِ الْخَنَّاسِ الَّذِي يُوَسْوِسُ فِي صُدُورِ النَّاسِ مِنَ الْجِنَّةِ وَالنَّاسِ.
- Dua for Sleep (Before Lying Down)
Before lying down, the following dua is recommended for seeking protection:
"Bismika Allahumma amuutu wa ahya."
بِسْمِكَ اللَّهُمَّ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا.
Translation: “In Your name, O Allah, I die and I live.”
This dua reminds us of Allah's ultimate control over life and death. It helps instill peace and comfort before sleep.
- Dua for Protection from Shaytan (Devil)
The Prophet ﷺ recommended reciting a dua for seeking protection from the influence of shayatin (devils) during the night:
"Allahumma inni as’alu kawajhuka al-karim wa bi-ismika al-‘azim, an tu’afiyani wa tahfazhni min kulli sharri."
Arabic Text:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ بِوَجْهِكَ الْكَرِيمِ وَبِإِسْمِكَ الْعَظِيمِ أَنْ تُعَافِيَنِي وَتَحْفَظَنِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ.
Translation: “O Allah, I ask You by Your Noble Face and Your Majestic Name to protect me and preserve me from all evil.”
This dua seeks Allah's mercy and protection from any harmful influence, physical or spiritual, during sleep.
- The Duas of the Prophet ﷺ Before Sleep
The Prophet ﷺ also taught his companions specific words to recite when preparing for sleep. Among them is the following:
"Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, ash-hadu an la ilaha illa anta, astaghfiruka wa atubu ilayk."
Arabic Text:
سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا أَنتَ أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْكَ.
Translation: “Glory is to You, O Allah, and praise is to You. I bear witness that there is no deity except You. I seek Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance.”
This is an important supplication for seeking forgiveness and making peace with Allah before resting.
- Benefits of the Duas and Azkar
Spiritual Peace and Protection: Reciting these duas ensures spiritual peace and protection from harm, both physical and spiritual.
Proximity to Allah: These remembrances foster a deeper connection with Allah, keeping one mindful of Him even during moments of rest.
Emotional Stability: The recitation of these duas can help calm the mind and ease anxieties before sleep, allowing for better rest.
Divine Mercy and Blessings: Engaging in dhikr before sleeping attracts Allah’s mercy and blessings throughout the night, helping one to wake up refreshed and protected.
- Practical Tips for Incorporating Dua and Azkar into Sleep Routine
Consistency: Make it a habit to recite these duas every night to ensure you are spiritually prepared before sleep.
Focus on Understanding: Try to understand the meanings of the duas and reflect on their significance for a more heartfelt connection with the words.
Seek Allah’s Protection: Remind yourself of the purpose of these duas – seeking Allah’s protection and mercy from potential harm during the night.
Involve Your Family: Encourage your family, including children, to recite these duas as part of a bedtime routine, helping them grow spiritually.
Dua and azkar before sleeping hold immense value in Islam. By incorporating the guidance from the Quran and Hadith, Muslims can ensure protection, peace, and tranquility as they rest for the night. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized these supplications as part of the nightly routine for maintaining spiritual well-being and seeking Allah's mercy. By reciting the prescribed duas with sincerity, one can transform their sleep into a time of worship, protection, and closeness to Allah.
May Allah grant us peace, protection, and restful nights through these sacred supplications. Ameen.
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