Bedtime adhkar include Quranic chapters, verses, supplications, and remembrance that Muslims may recite before going to sleep. These practices center on remembering Allah, seeking His protection, and asking for mercy and well-being.
Among the most well-known bedtime practices are reciting Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas, reading Ayat al-Kursi and the final two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah, and saying prophetic supplications before sleep.
Reciting Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas
Before going to sleep, a Muslim may bring the palms of both hands together, gently blow into them without saliva, and recite:
- Surah Al-Ikhlas: “Qul huwa Allahu ahad” three times.
- Surah Al-Falaq: “Qul a'udhu bi-rabbil-falaq” three times.
- Surah An-Nas: “Qul a'udhu bi-rabbin-nas” three times.
The person then wipes the hands over as much of the body as possible, beginning with the head, face, and front part of the body. This is repeated three times.
Reading Ayat al-Kursi Before Sleep
Ayat al-Kursi is among the important Quranic verses traditionally recited before sleeping. It begins:
“Allah—there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of all.”
It is recited once before sleep. A well-known narration regarding its virtue states that whoever recites it will have protection from Allah and that Satan will not approach them until morning.
Reading the Final Two Verses of Surah Al-Baqarah
Another bedtime practice is reciting the final two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah, beginning with:
“The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord...”
The two verses are recited once before sleep.
Prophetic Supplications Before Sleep
“In Your Name, My Lord, I Lay Down My Side”
One of the supplications said before sleeping is:
“In Your name, my Lord, I lay down my side, and in You I raise it. If You take my soul, have mercy upon it; and if You return it, protect it as You protect Your righteous servants.”
“O Allah, I Have Submitted Myself to You”
Another well-known supplication is:
“O Allah, I have submitted myself to You, turned my face to You, entrusted my affairs to You, and relied upon You, hoping in You and fearing You. There is no refuge and no escape from You except to You. I believe in Your Book that You revealed and Your Prophet whom You sent.”
A narration states that whoever says this supplication before sleeping and dies that night dies upon the natural disposition.
“O Allah, Protect Me From Your Punishment”
The supplication:
“O Allah, protect me from Your punishment on the Day You resurrect Your servants.”
is said three times.
“In Your Name, O Allah, I Die and Live”
A Muslim may also say:
“In Your name, O Allah, I die and live.”
This is said once before sleep.
“O Allah, You Created My Soul”
Another supplication is:
“O Allah, You created my soul and You take it in death. To You belong its death and its life. If You keep it alive, protect it; and if You cause it to die, forgive it. O Allah, I ask You for well-being.”
This is said once.
Tasbih, Tahmid, and Takbir Before Sleep
Among the acts of remembrance before sleeping are:
- Subhan Allah — 33 times.
- Alhamdulillah — 33 times.
- Allahu Akbar — 34 times.
These are traditionally known as the bedtime remembrance taught by the Prophet Muhammad to Fatimah and Ali, and they were described as better for them than a servant.
What Are the Main Bedtime Adhkar to Recite?
A Muslim can maintain a bedtime routine that includes reciting Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas three times, blowing gently into the palms and wiping the body, followed by Ayat al-Kursi and the final two verses of Al-Baqarah.
The person can then recite the established supplications and complete the practice with tasbih, tahmid, and takbir.
These acts of remembrance are intended as worship, remembrance of Allah, and a means of seeking His protection, mercy, and well-being.
Which Surahs should be recited before sleeping?
Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas are among the Surahs traditionally recited before sleep, three times each.
How many times should Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas be recited?
Each of the three Surahs is recited three times.
Should Ayat al-Kursi be recited before sleep?
Yes. Ayat al-Kursi is among the Quranic verses recited before sleeping, with narrations mentioning protection from Satan until morning.
How many bedtime tasbih are recited?
The practice consists of saying Subhan Allah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times, and Allahu Akbar 34 times.
What dua can be said before sleeping?
Several prophetic supplications are reported, including “In Your name, my Lord, I lay down my side” and “In Your name, O Allah, I die and live.”
