The authentic sleep adhkar include Quranic verses, supplications, and remembrances reported from the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.
They include reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas, Ayat al-Kursi, the final two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah, several prophetic supplications, and tasbih, tahmid, and takbir before sleep.
Reciting the Protective Surahs Before Sleep
Among the bedtime remembrances is to bring the palms together, blow lightly into them, and recite:
- Surah Al-Ikhlas.
- Surah Al-Falaq.
- Surah An-Nas.
The person then wipes over as much of the body as possible with the palms, beginning with the head, face, and front part of the body.
This is done three times.
Reciting Ayat al-Kursi Before Sleep
Ayat al-Kursi is among the remembrances recited before sleep:
“Allah—there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of all.”
It is recited once before going to sleep.
Reciting the Final Two Verses of Surah Al-Baqarah
The final two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah are also included among the bedtime remembrances.
They begin with:
“The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and so have the believers...”
The two verses are recited once during the night.
The Supplication When Lying Down
Among the reported bedtime supplications is:
“In Your name, my Lord, I place my side, and in Your name I raise it. If You take my soul, then have mercy upon it; and if You return it, then protect it as You protect Your righteous servants.”
This supplication is said when lying down and preparing for sleep.
The Supplication Entrusting the Soul to Allah
Another bedtime supplication is:
“O Allah, You created my soul and You take it. To You belong its death and its life. If You give it life, protect it; and if You cause it to die, forgive it. O Allah, I ask You for well-being.”
It expresses reliance upon Allah and asks Him for protection, forgiveness, and well-being.
The Supplication of Submission and Reliance
Among the supplications said before sleep is:
“O Allah, I submit my soul to You, entrust my affairs to You, turn my face toward You, and rely upon You, seeking Your favor and fearing You. There is no refuge and no escape from You except to You. I believe in Your Book which You revealed and Your Prophet whom You sent.”
This supplication expresses submission to Allah and entrusting one’s affairs to Him.
The Supplication for Protection from Punishment
Another bedtime remembrance is:
“O Allah, protect me from Your punishment on the Day You resurrect Your servants.”
The provided material mentions saying it once or three times.
“In Your Name, O Allah, I Die and I Live”
Among the well-known bedtime remembrances is:
“In Your name, O Allah, I die and I live.”
It is said when going to sleep.
Praising Allah Before Sleep
Another reported supplication is:
“Praise be to Allah, who fed us and gave us drink, sufficed us and gave us shelter. How many have no one to suffice them or give them shelter.”
It expresses gratitude to Allah for food, drink, sufficiency, and shelter.
Tasbih, Tahmid and Takbir Before Sleep
Among the remembrances said at bedtime are:
- Subhan Allah: 33 times.
- Alhamdulillah: 33 times.
- Allahu Akbar: 34 times.
This remembrance is connected to the account of Fatimah and Ali, may Allah be pleased with them, when they asked for a servant and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, directed them to this remembrance.
How to Arrange the Sleep Adhkar
A person may begin by reciting the protective surahs, blowing into the palms, and wiping over the body. This can be followed by Ayat al-Kursi and the final two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah.
The person may then recite the reported supplications and complete the bedtime remembrance with tasbih, tahmid, and takbir.
What are the authentic sleep adhkar?
They include the protective surahs, Ayat al-Kursi, the final two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah, reported supplications, and tasbih, tahmid, and takbir.
How many times are the protective surahs recited before sleep?
Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas are recited, followed by blowing into the palms and wiping over the body. This is done three times.
How many times should tasbih be said before sleep?
Subhan Allah is said 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times, and Allahu Akbar 34 times.
What dua is said when going to sleep?
Among the sleep adhkar is: “In Your name, O Allah, I die and I live.” Another is: “In Your name, my Lord, I place my side and in Your name I raise it.”
Is Ayat al-Kursi recited before sleep?
Yes. Ayat al-Kursi is included among the bedtime remembrances and is recited once.
