Sleeping is one of the most peaceful and necessary activities in our daily lives. It’s a time when our bodies rest and rejuvenate. But, before we close our eyes, there’s a powerful way to protect our soul and ask for Allah’s mercy—through a special dua. This dua brings a sense of calm and peace, knowing that you’re entrusting yourself to Allah’s care during the night.
The Dua Before Sleeping
Dua in Arabic
بِاسْمِكَ رَبِّي وَضَعْتُ جَنْبِي، وَبِكَ أَرْفَعُهُ، فَإِنْ أَمْسَكْتَ نَفْسِي فَارْحَمْهَا، وَإِنْ أَرْسَلْتَهَا فَاحْفَظْهَا، بِمَا تَحْفَظُ بِهِ عِبَادَكَ الصَّالِحِينَ
Transliteration
Bismika rabbee wada’tu janbee wabika arfa’uh, fa-in amsakta nafsee farhamha, wa-in arsaltaha fahfathha bima tahfathu bihi ‘ibadakas-saliheen.
Translation in Urdu
“اے میرے رب! تیرے نام سے میں اپنے پہلو کو رکھتا ہوں اور تیرے نام سے ہی اسے اُٹھاتا ہوں، اگر تُو میری جان کو روک لے تو اس پر رحم فرما، اور اگر تُو اسے واپس بھیج دے تو اس کی اس طرح حفاظت فرما جیسے تو اپنے نیک بندوں کی حفاظت کرتا ہے۔”
When to Recite This Dua
This dua should be recited just before going to sleep. It’s a reminder to place our trust in Allah as we surrender to sleep. We don’t know what the night holds or if we will wake up the next morning, but through this dua, we ask Allah to take care of our soul, whether we live or pass away during the night.
The Importance of the Dua
Sleep is like a small death. Our soul leaves the body and returns when we wake up. By reciting this dua, we ask Allah for His mercy if He keeps our soul, and if He returns it, we ask Him to protect us. It’s a beautiful way of expressing trust in Allah’s plan and His ability to safeguard our souls.
How This Dua Benefits Us
This dua is a shield. It gives us peace of mind knowing that whether we wake up or not, we are in Allah’s protection. It helps us feel secure before sleeping, especially during times of worry or fear. Knowing that Allah is watching over us makes it easier to rest peacefully.
Other Duas Before Sleeping
There are other duas one can also recite before sleeping, like asking for protection from Allah’s punishment or for good health.
Another Dua in Arabic
اللَّهمَّ إِنَّكَ خَلَقْتَ نَفْسِي وَأَنْتَ تَوَفَّاهَا لَكَ مَمَاتُهَا وَمَحْيَاهَا، إِنْ أَحْيَيْتَهَا فَاحْفَظْهَا، وَإِنْ أَمَتَّهَا فَاغْفِرْ لَهَا
Translation in Urdu
“اے اللہ! تو نے میری جان پیدا کی اور تُو ہی اسے موت دے گا، اس کی زندگی اور موت تیرے اختیار میں ہے۔ اگر تو نے اسے زندہ رکھا تو اس کی حفاظت فرما، اور اگر اسے موت دے تو اس کی مغفرت فرما۔”
FAQs About This Dua
Q1: Why should we recite this dua before sleeping?
Reciting this dua helps us ask for Allah’s protection and mercy before we sleep, putting our trust in Him for our safety through the night.
Q2: Can we recite multiple duas before sleeping?
Yes, multiple duas for protection, mercy, and forgiveness can be recited before going to bed. Each one offers different blessings and peace of mind.
Q3: Is this dua only for night-time sleep?
No, you can recite this dua whenever you’re going to sleep, whether it’s at night or during the day.