Several authentic remembrances are reported from the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, for saying after waking from sleep.
They include praising Allah for restoring life after sleep, remembering His oneness, seeking forgiveness, and thanking Him for health and well-being.
Praise to Allah for Restoring Life
One of the most authentic waking-up supplications is:
“Praise be to Allah who gave us life after causing us to die, and to Him is the resurrection.”
This remembrance reminds the believer of Allah’s blessing of life and the eventual return to Him.
Praise for Health and the Return of the Soul
Another reported supplication is:
“Praise be to Allah who restored health to my body, returned my soul to me, and permitted me to remember Him.”
It expresses gratitude to Allah for health, the return of the soul, and the ability to remember Him.
Remembrance of Allah’s Oneness After Waking
Another comprehensive remembrance says:
“There is no deity except Allah alone, without partner. To Him belongs the kingdom and to Him belongs all praise, and He has power over all things. Glory be to Allah, praise be to Allah, there is no deity except Allah, Allah is the Greatest, and there is no power or strength except through Allah. O Lord, forgive me.”
The believer may then ask Allah for whatever good he wishes.
The Meaning of This Remembrance
This remembrance combines the declaration of Allah’s oneness with praise, glorification, exaltation, and seeking forgiveness.
It is therefore a comprehensive form of remembrance with which a Muslim can begin the day or night after waking.
Reciting the Closing Verses of Surah Al-Imran
When the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, woke during the night, he would recite the closing verses of Surah Al-Imran.
The passage begins with:
“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of night and day are signs for people of understanding.”
The verses continue to the end of Surah Al-Imran.
They encourage reflection upon the creation of the heavens and earth, the alternation of night and day, and sincere supplication to Allah.
What Should You Say When Waking Up at Night?
If a person wakes during the night, he can say:
“There is no deity except Allah alone, without partner. To Him belongs the kingdom and to Him belongs all praise, and He has power over all things. Glory be to Allah, praise be to Allah, there is no deity except Allah, Allah is the Greatest, and there is no power or strength except through Allah.”
He can then say:
“O Lord, forgive me.”
After that, he may supplicate Allah with whatever good he wishes. If he performs ablution and prays, this is among the best acts he can perform after waking at night.
Do Waking-Up Adhkar Have a Specific Number?
Not all waking-up adhkar are associated with a specific number of repetitions.
The wording and repetition depend on the particular remembrance established in the relevant narration. The believer should preserve the authentic wording of the transmitted dhikr as much as possible.
The Importance of Waking-Up Adhkar
Waking-up adhkar remind Muslims of the blessings of life, health, and the ability to remember Allah.
They also combine praise, glorification, declaration of Allah’s oneness, and seeking forgiveness, allowing the believer to begin the day or night with remembrance of Allah.
Complete Authentic Waking-Up Adhkar
The most well-known authentic remembrances for waking from sleep include:
- “Praise be to Allah who gave us life after causing us to die, and to Him is the resurrection.”
- “Praise be to Allah who restored health to my body, returned my soul to me, and permitted me to remember Him.”
- “There is no deity except Allah alone, without partner...”, followed by praise, glorification, and seeking forgiveness.
- Reciting the closing verses of Surah Al-Imran when waking during the night.
Together, these remembrances express gratitude, faith in Allah’s oneness, repentance, and reflection upon His signs.
What is the first dhikr to say after waking up?
One of the most authentic is: “Praise be to Allah who gave us life after causing us to die, and to Him is the resurrection.”
What did the Prophet say when waking from sleep?
Several remembrances are reported, including praise to Allah for restoring life, gratitude for health, declaration of Allah’s oneness, and seeking forgiveness.
What should be said when waking up at night?
A Muslim can recite the established remembrance beginning with “There is no deity except Allah alone, without partner...”, then say “O Lord, forgive me.”
Should Surah Al-Imran be recited after waking?
The Prophet is reported to have recited the closing verses of Surah Al-Imran when waking during the night.
Do waking-up adhkar have a fixed number?
Not all of them do. The number depends on the specific remembrance and what is established in its narration.
