Muslims are encouraged to end their day by remembering Allah and making dua. The Sunnah contains several supplications and forms of remembrance that can be recited before going to sleep.
These bedtime adhkar combine reliance upon Allah, seeking His protection, and reciting selected verses and surahs from the Quran.
Dua: Allahumma Bismika Ahya Wa Amut
Among the established supplications before sleep is:
“Allahumma bismika ahya wa amut.”
The supplication reminds the believer that life and death are ultimately in Allah’s hands and that the servant relies upon Him when going to sleep and waking up.
Fatimah’s Tasbih Before Sleep
One of the established forms of remembrance is to glorify, praise and magnify Allah by saying:
- Subhan Allah 33 times.
- Alhamdulillah 33 times.
- Allahu Akbar 34 times.
The total is one hundred. This remembrance is associated with the Prophet ﷺ teaching it to Fatimah, may Allah be pleased with her.
Reciting Ayat al-Kursi Before Sleep
Reciting Ayat al-Kursi is among the well-known bedtime adhkar established in the Sunnah.
A hadith mentions that whoever recites it before sleeping will have a protector from Allah and that Satan will not approach them until morning.
For this reason, many Muslims maintain the practice of reciting Ayat al-Kursi before going to sleep.
Reciting the Three Short Surahs Before Sleep
The Sunnah includes reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas before sleeping, followed by lightly blowing into the palms and wiping the body as much as possible.
The Prophet ﷺ was reported to have practiced this before sleeping, repeating the three surahs three times.
Dua for Protection Before Sleep
Among the supplications reported before sleep is:
“Allahumma qini ‘adhabaka yawma tab‘athu ‘ibadak.”
This is a supplication asking Allah for protection from His punishment.
How Can I Organize My Bedtime Adhkar?
A Muslim can establish a consistent bedtime routine that includes:
- Reciting Ayat al-Kursi.
- Reciting Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas three times, followed by blowing into the palms and wiping the body.
- Saying “Allahumma bismika ahya wa amut.”
- Saying Subhan Allah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times and Allahu Akbar 34 times.
- Saying “Allahumma qini ‘adhabaka yawma tab‘athu ‘ibadak.”
These are not the only authentic bedtime remembrances, as other forms of dua and dhikr have also been reported.
Do Bedtime Adhkar Protect From All Harm?
Bedtime adhkar are among the means of seeking protection and tranquility by Allah’s permission. Specific texts mention virtues associated with some of these remembrances, including Ayat al-Kursi and the three short surahs.
A Muslim should recite them following the Sunnah and hoping for Allah’s reward, while recognizing that ultimate protection, benefit and harm are in Allah’s hands alone.
What should I say before sleeping?
Among the established remembrances are “Allahumma bismika ahya wa amut,” Ayat al-Kursi, the three short surahs, and the tasbih, tahmid and takbir.
How many times should I recite the three short surahs before sleep?
Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas are recited three times, followed by blowing into the palms and wiping the body.
What is the number for Fatimah’s tasbih?
Say Subhan Allah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times and Allahu Akbar 34 times.
Is reciting Ayat al-Kursi before sleep Sunnah?
Yes. The Sunnah mentions the virtue of reciting Ayat al-Kursi before going to sleep.
What dua can I say for protection from Allah’s punishment?
One of the reported supplications is: “Allahumma qini ‘adhabaka yawma tab‘athu ‘ibadak.”
