بِاسْمِكَ رَبِّ وَضَعْتُ جَنْبِي، وَبِكَ أَرْفَعُهُ. إِنْ أَمْسَكْتَ نَفْسِي فَارْحَمْهَا، وَإِنْ أَرْسَلْتَهَا فَاحْفَظْهَا بِمَا تَحْفَظُ بِهِ عِبَادَكَ الصَّالِحِينَ.
By Your Name, my Lord, I lay down my side, and by Your Name I raise it. If You should retain my soul, then have mercy upon it, and if You should send it back, then protect it with what You protect Your righteous servants with.
Bismika Rabbi wada'tu janbi, wa bika arfa'uhu. In amsakta nafsi, farhamha. Wa in arsaltaha, fahfadh-ha bima tahfathu bihi 'ibadak-as-salihin.
When to Read
This dua is ideally recited just before going to sleep at night. As the day winds down and we prepare to rest, it’s a perfect moment to reconnect with Allah. The evening often brings a natural pause, a time for reflection, and the opportunity to seek renewal for the coming day. Reciting this as you settle into bed can help transition your mind from the day's activities to a state of remembrance and reliance on Allah.
How to Read
Recite this with sincerity and a humble heart as you are about to lie down. Focus on the meaning of the words, acknowledging Allah's control over your life and death, and entrusting your soul to His care. Visualize His protection as you ask Him to safeguard you. It's a personal conversation with your Creator, so speak from the heart.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua encapsulates our complete dependence on Allah. By reciting it, we acknowledge His sovereignty over our lives, both in waking and sleeping, and even in death. It fosters a sense of peace and security, knowing that our well-being is ultimately in His hands. The request to be protected like His righteous servants reminds us to strive for righteousness and seek His companionship in our actions, even in our dreams and while we are unaware.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to recite this dua when he went to bed. Narrated by 'Abdullah bin Abi Rafi', from his father, from the Prophet (peace be upon him): 'When any one of you goes to bed, he should say: Bismika Rabbi wada'tu janbi, wa bika arfa'uhu. In amsakta nafsi, farhamha. Wa in arsaltaha, fahfadh-ha bima tahfathu bihi 'ibadak-as-salihin.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6320)