اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ قَبَضْتَ نَفْسِي، وَأَنْتَ تَوَفَّاهَا، لَكَ مَمَاتُهَا وَمَحْيَاهَا، إِنْ أَحْيَيْتَهَا فَاحْفَظْهَا، وَإِنْ أَمَتَّهَا فَاغْفِرْ لَهَا، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ العَافِيَةَ
O Allah, You have taken my soul and You will take it. To You belongs its life and death. If You keep my soul alive, protect it. If You cause it to die, forgive it. O Allah, I ask You for well-being.
Allahumma innaka qabatta nafsi, wa anta tawaffaha, laka mamatuha wa mahyaha. In ahyaytaha fahfadh'ha, wa in ammattaha faghfir lahah. Allahumma inni as'alukal-'afiyah.
When to Read
This dua is recited when preparing to go to sleep for the night. It's a beautiful way to entrust your soul and your well-being to Allah before resting, acknowledging His ultimate control over life and death.
How to Read
It's recommended to recite this dua after you've finished your evening prayers and are settled in your bed, ready to sleep. Cleanliness and facing the Qiblah are good etiquette, though not strictly required for this specific dua when going to bed.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua before sleep encapsulates profound trust in Allah. It acknowledges His sovereignty over life and death, seeking His protection throughout the night and His forgiveness if death were to occur. Asking for 'al-'afiyah' (well-being) encompasses protection from all harm, both physical and spiritual, seeking complete peace and security in Allah's care.
Source & Authentication
Narrated 'Abdullah: Whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) went to bed, he would say: 'Allahumma inna qabatta nafsi, wa anta tawaffaha, laka mamatuha wa mahyaha. In ahyaytaha fahfadh'ha, wa in ammattaha faghfir lahah. Allahumma inni as'alukal-'afiyah.' (O Allah, You have taken my soul and You will take it. To You belongs its life and death. If You keep my soul alive, protect it. If You cause it to die, forgive it. O Allah, I ask You for well-being.)