The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, would say upon waking from sleep:
“Praise be to Allah who gave us life after causing us to die, and to Him is the resurrection.”
This is one of the well-known Adhkar of waking up. It begins the day with praise of Allah and reminds the believer of the blessing of life after sleep and the eventual return to Allah.
The Meaning of the Wake-Up Dhikr
This supplication carries a profound meaning. Sleep resembles death in the sense that a person becomes unaware and inactive, and then Allah returns him to wakefulness.
The words “and to Him is the resurrection” remind the believer that the ultimate return is to Allah and that earthly life will eventually be followed by resurrection.
Other Adhkar When Waking During the Night
Other remembrances are also reported for someone who wakes during the night.
The person may 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. Praise be to Allah, glory be to Allah, there is no deity except Allah, Allah is the Greatest, and there is no power or strength except through Allah.”
Then the person may say:
“O Allah, forgive me.”
It is reported that whoever says this remembrance and then supplicates will have his supplication answered, and if he performs ablution and prays, his prayer will be accepted.
What Should You Say If You Wake Up and Cannot Sleep?
When a person wakes during the night and cannot return to sleep, remembrance, seeking forgiveness, and supplication are appropriate.
Among the reported supplications is:
“There is no deity except You. Glory be to You. O Allah, I seek Your forgiveness for my sin and ask You for Your mercy. O Allah, increase me in knowledge, do not let my heart deviate after You have guided me, and grant me mercy from Yourself. Indeed, You are the Bestower.”
This supplication combines belief in Allah’s oneness, seeking forgiveness, asking for mercy, steadfastness, and increased knowledge.
The Dhikr: “Praise Be to Allah Who Has Given Me Well-Being”
Another remembrance associated with waking is:
“Praise be to Allah who has given me well-being in 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.
What Is the Best Dhikr to Say When Waking Up?
The well-known remembrance to say when waking from sleep is:
“Praise be to Allah who gave us life after causing us to die, and to Him is the resurrection.”
For waking during the night, additional Adhkar have also been reported, including Tahleel, Takbeer, praise, seeking forgiveness, and supplication.
What did the Prophet say when he woke up?
He would say: “Praise be to Allah who gave us life after causing us to die, and to Him is the resurrection.”
What should be said when waking during the night?
The reported remembrance includes: “There is no deity except Allah alone, without partner...” followed by seeking forgiveness and supplication.
What can I say if I wake up and cannot sleep?
You can remember Allah, seek His forgiveness, and make supplication, including the reported nighttime remembrance.
Is there a specific Dhikr for waking up every day?
Yes. One of the most well-known wake-up Adhkar is: “Praise be to Allah who gave us life after causing us to die, and to Him is the resurrection.”
