بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، وَضَعْتُ جَنْبِي، اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذَنْبِي، وَأَحْشِرْنِي مَعَ جَمْعِي، وَأَلْحِقْنِي بِالرَّفِيقِ الأَعْلَى.
In the name of Allah, I have placed myself on my side. O Allah, forgive me my sins, gather me with my company, and join me with the Highest Companion.
Bismillah, wada'tu janbi. Allahumma-ghfir li dhanbi, wa-ḥshurni ma'a jam'i, wa-ʾalḥiqni bir-rafīq il-a'lā.
When to Read
This beautiful dua is recited when you are ready to settle down for the night, after turning off the lights and lying down on your bed. It marks the transition from your daily activities to rest, seeking Allah's protection and forgiveness before sleep claims you.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely, with your heart turned towards Allah. It's best said when you've actually placed yourself on your side, ready to sleep. The act of saying this dua is a way of acknowledging Allah's sovereignty over your life and death, your well-being, and your ultimate return to Him.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication encapsulates profound reliance on Allah. By starting with 'Bismillah,' we invoke His name for everything. Asking for forgiveness ('Allahumma-ghfir li dhanbi') cleanses our slate. The phrase 'wa-ḥshurni ma'a jam'i' can be understood as seeking to be gathered with the righteous, or simply as acknowledging our connection to the community of believers. Most importantly, 'wa-ʾalḥiqni bir-rafīq il-a'lā' is a humble plea to be joined with the Most High Companion – Allah Himself, or perhaps the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the righteous in Paradise, should our sleep be our final one. It's a powerful reminder of our mortality and our eternal destination.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him), he said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) taught us the *khutbah* (speech) and to perform prayer, and he also taught us to say when going to bed: 'Bismillah, I have placed myself on my side. O Allah, forgive me my sins, gather me with my company, and join me with the Highest Companion.' (Sunan Abi Dawud 5053). The chain of narration for this hadith is considered Hasan.