بِاسْمِكَ رَبِّ وَضَعْتُ جَنْبِي، وَبِكَ أَرْفَعُهُ، إِنْ أَمْسَكْتَ نَفْسِي فَارْحَمْهَا، وَإِنْ أَرْسَلْتَهَا فَاحْفَظْهَا بِمَا تَحْفَظُ بِهِ عِبَادَكَ الصَّالِحِينَ
In Your name, my Lord, I lay down my side, and in Your name I raise it. If You take my soul, have mercy on it, and if You send it back, protect it with what You protect Your righteous servants.
Bismika Rabbi wadha'tu janbi, wa bika arfa'uhu. In amsakta nafsi, farhamha, wa in arsaltaha, fahfadh-ha bima tahfazu bihi 'ibadak as-salihin.
When to Read
This beautiful dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to his companions for when they lay down to sleep, is perfect for reciting for your child before they sleep. You can gently say it for them as they settle down, or teach them to say it themselves as they grow older. It's a powerful way to invoke Allah's protection and mercy over their rest.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a calm heart. You can gently touch your child's forehead or chest as you recite it, or hold their hand. The intention is to seek Allah's protection for your child throughout the night. It's also beneficial to ensure the environment is conducive to sleep – quiet, dimly lit, and free from distractions.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encompasses comprehensive seeking of Allah's care. It acknowledges Allah as the source of life and death ('If You take my soul...'). By asking Allah to protect the soul if it is returned, we are seeking His guardianship over our child's well-being, both physical and spiritual, throughout the night. The phrase 'protect it with what You protect Your righteous servants' is a profound request, asking for a level of divine care reserved for those closest to Allah. It fosters a sense of security and reliance on Allah from a young age.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to say when he went to bed: 'O Allah, in Your name I die and I live. And when he woke up, he used to say: All praise is for Allah, Who brings us back to life after He has caused us to die, and to Him is the Resurrection.' And when he went to sleep, he would say: 'O Allah, protect me from Your punishment on the Day You will resurrect Your servants.' (Reciting the following dua): 'Bismika Rabbi wadha'tu janbi, wa bika arfa'uhu. In amsakta nafsi, farhamha, wa in arsaltaha, fahfadh-ha bima tahfazu bihi 'ibadak as-salihin.'