The bedtime adhkar collected in Hisn al-Muslim include Quranic verses, prophetic supplications, and forms of remembrance that Muslims can recite before going to sleep.
These adhkar combine seeking refuge in Allah, asking for protection, forgiveness, and well-being, and entrusting oneself to Allah before ending the day.
The Most Important Bedtime Adhkar
Among the well-known bedtime adhkar are the following:
Surah Al-Ikhlas and the Two Protective Surahs
Before sleeping, a Muslim may bring the palms together, lightly blow into them, and recite Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Nas, then wipe over as much of the body as possible.
This is repeated three times.
Ayat Al-Kursi
Reading Ayat Al-Kursi, verse 255 of Surah Al-Baqarah, is among the well-known practices associated with bedtime.
It is recited when the Muslim goes to bed as part of the nightly remembrance and seeking protection through Allah.
The Last 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, and so have the believers.”
A prophetic narration mentions the virtue of reciting the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah during the night.
Supplication When Lying Down
One of the supplications said before sleep 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.”
The supplication expresses reliance upon Allah and asks Him for mercy and protection.
Supplication for Entrusting the Soul to Allah
Another prophetic supplication is:
“O Allah, You have created my soul and You take it. 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.”
It combines reliance upon Allah with a request for protection, forgiveness, and well-being.
Supplication for Protection from Punishment
A Muslim may also say:
“O Allah, protect me from Your punishment on the Day You resurrect Your servants.”
This supplication is said three times.
Tasbih, Tahmid, and Takbir Before Sleep
Among the nightly practices is glorifying and praising Allah before sleeping:
- Subhan Allah — 33 times.
- Alhamdulillah — 33 times.
- Allahu Akbar — 34 times.
The total is 100 repetitions.
These words of remembrance express glorification, praise, and acknowledgment of Allah's greatness.
A Comprehensive Supplication for Protection
Another supplication includes:
“O Allah, Lord of the seven heavens and Lord of the earth, Lord of the Mighty Throne, our Lord and Lord of all things, Splitter of the grain and date stone, Revealer of the Torah, the Gospel, and the Criterion, I seek refuge in You from the evil of everything You control...”
The supplication continues by praising Allah as the First and the Last, the Most High and the Most Near, and asking Him to settle debts and remove poverty.
How Can Muslims Maintain Their Bedtime Adhkar?
A Muslim can make bedtime remembrance part of a consistent daily routine. After preparing for sleep, the person can recite the Quranic verses and prophetic supplications that are easy to maintain and then entrust the night to Allah.
The goal is consistency in remembrance and turning to Allah before sleep rather than treating the practice as an occasional routine.
The Importance of Bedtime Adhkar
Bedtime adhkar give Muslims an opportunity to remember Allah, seek His protection, ask for forgiveness and well-being, and end the day with worship.
Maintaining these practices can also make remembrance an established part of a person's daily routine and reinforce reliance upon Allah in all circumstances.
What are the most important bedtime adhkar?
They include Ayat Al-Kursi, the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah, Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas, along with the prophetic supplications for bedtime.
How many times are the protective surahs recited before sleep?
Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas are recited three times, followed by wiping the body with the hands.
How many times should Tasbih be recited before sleep?
Say Subhan Allah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times, and Allahu Akbar 34 times.
Should Ayat Al-Kursi be recited before sleeping?
Yes. Reciting Ayat Al-Kursi when going to bed is among the well-known bedtime remembrances.
What supplication is said when lying down?
Among the prophetic supplications is: “In Your name, my Lord, I lay down my side, and in You I raise it...”
