What is the last thing you think about before you go to sleep? Do you recall your day and think about what you have to do the next day? Do you stay awake for a long time thinking about the worries of the next day? Or you can’t sleep due to tiredness and stress?
Remembering Allah, His graciousness, protective powers, and forgiveness are indeed one of the most calming ways to drift off to sleep.
Did you know the Holy Prophet (PBUH) had some rituals he would do before he would go to bed every night? One of those rituals was a recitation of dua before sleeping.
Read on to find out what you should recite before sleeping. We have provided the dua before sleeping in Arabic; moreover, the English transliteration and translation have also been given if you want to have a dua in English to recite before sleeping.
1. Dua for Protection during Sleep
Dua Transliteration: Bismika rabbee wadaaatu janbee wabika arfaAAuh, fa-in amsakta nafsee farhamha, wa-in arsaltaha fahfathha bima tahfathu bihi aaibadakas-saliheen
English Translation: In Your name, my Lord, I lie down, and in Your name, I rise, so 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.
Source: Al-Bukari 11:126
This dua is recited to ask Allah to protect us during our sleep. It is a beautiful verse that affirms the belief we Muslims have that only Allah can give us life and take it away. In this dua, we are telling Allah that if He takes our life during our sleep, He should have mercy upon us.
It goes on to say that if I return my soul that you should protect it as you protect the entire Muslim Ummah. This dua will not only give you rewards for reciting it but will also help you sleep.
2. Prayer for Good Health While Asleep
Dua Transliteration: Allahumma innaka khalaqta nafsee wa-anta tawaffaha, laka mamatuha wamahyaha in ahyaytaha fahfathha, wa-in amattaha faghfir laha. Allahumma innee as-alukal-AAafiyah.
English Translation: O Allah, verily You have created my soul, and You shall take its life, to You belongs its life and death. If You should keep my soul alive, then protect it, and if You should take its life, then forgive it. O Allah, I ask You to grant me good health.’
Source: Al-Muslim 4:2083
This dua is a reminder that we have been created by Allah. In this dua, we are asking Allah to protect us and keep our souls in good health. But we are also affirming the fact that if something happens and Allah decides to take our soul from us, we should ask Allah for forgiveness.
When we go to sleep, we are often looking for what to recite before sleeping. If we keep this easy-to-learn dua with us near our bed, it will make it easier to recite. If you recite it daily, you will end up memorizing it in no time!
3. Prayer for Protection from the Day of Judgment
اللَّهُمَّ قِنِي عَذَابَكَ يَوْمَ تَبْعَثُ عِبَادَكَ
Dua Transliteration: Allahumma qinee Asathabaka yawma tabaaathu Aaibadak.
English Translation: O Allah, protect me from Your punishment on the day Your servants are resurrected.
Source: Abu Dawud 4:311 and Al-Muslim 104
This dua is specifically recited when we want to ask Allah for protection from the Day of Judgment before sleeping. Sleep is called mini death, and we never know whether we will wake up from our slumber the next day. Therefore, we must ask Allah for protection and refuge from punishment on the Day of Judgement before falling asleep.
We are asking Allah to protect us from the punishment that may be given to us in the hereafter. Often before we go to sleep at night, we think about our future and what will happen to us when we enter the hereafter. This dua is perfect for when you are thinking of what to recite before sleeping.
We must remember that we have put on this earth for a higher purpose and that this is just a test, and our real destination is in the hereafter. Whatever deeds we do here will be judged by Allah, and we should always keep this in mind.
4. Prayer Affirming Allah is All-powerful
اللَّهُمَّ بِاسْـمِكَ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا
Dua Transliteration: Allah-humma bi-ismika amootu wa-ahya.
English Translation: In Your name O Allah, I live and die.
Source: Al-Bukhari 11:113
This is my go-to dua for sleep as it is short and easy to memorize. It can be the dua you recite to yourself right before you doze off. It simply affirms the fact that our life and death are in the hands of Allah and only Allah.
It is a prayer that is powerful and meaningful in its simplicity. We are human beings who are all in the hands of Allah alone. No one else can decide our destiny and future. We can even recite this dua in English before sleeping as it is very easy to remember.
5. Prayer Thanking Allah for Providing for Us
Dua Transliteration: Alhamdu lillahil-lathee atAAamana wasaqana, wakafana, wa-awana, fakam mimman la kafiya lahu wala muwee.
English Translation: All praise is for Allah, Who fed us and gave us drink, and Who is sufficient for us and has sheltered us, for how many have none to suffice them or shelter them.
Source: Muslim 4:2083
This dua is perfect when we had a good day and wish to thank Allah for everything provided us. This dua appreciates Allah for taking care of us.
It specifically thanks Allah for food and shelter as many are going to sleep tonight who do not have those basic needs filled. We should always be grateful to Allah in all conditions; however, we should especially thank Him on a good day for all the blessings.
These Are the 5 Duas to Recite Before You Go to Sleep
So it is clear that all of the duas we recite before sleeping all have one common theme. In every one of them, we ask for Allah’s protection and seek his forgiveness. We remember everything He has provided us and are thankful for his love.
Duas are a way to show your gratitude to Allah, seek refuge in His protection, ask for his forgiveness, and seek strength from Him. Making it a habit to recite dua before you sleep, whether in Arabic or English, will help you sleep better.
If you want to learn about surahs that you can recite before sleeping, read Why You Should Recite Surah Falaq Before Sleeping.
