بِسْمِكَ رَبِّ وَضَعْتُ جَنْبِي ، وَبِكَ أَرْفَعُهُ ، إِنْ أَمْسَكْتَ نَفْسِي فَارْحَمْهَا ، وَإِنْ أَرْسَلْتَهَا فَاحْفَظْهَا بِمَا تَحْفَظُ بِهِ عِبَادَكَ الصَّالِحِينَ.
By Your name, my Lord, I lie down on my side. By Your name, I rise. If You seize my soul, have mercy on it, and if You release it, protect it with what You protect Your righteous servants.
Bismika Rabbi wada'tu janbi, wa bika arfa'uhu. In amsakta nafsi fa'rhamha, wa in arsaltaha fahfadha bima tahfazu bihi 'ibadak as-salihin.
When to Read
This dua is recited as part of the Sunnah before going to sleep at night. It's a beautiful way to entrust yourself to Allah (SWT) for protection throughout the night, seeking His mercy and safeguarding for both your soul and your body. Reading it as you settle down in bed helps set a peaceful and mindful tone for your rest.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely after you have prepared for bed and are about to lie down. Place your right hand under your cheek or head, as was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and recite it with contemplation. Focus on the meaning – surrendering your state to Allah and relying on His ultimate protection. It’s a personal supplication, so reciting it softly and with intention is key.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua offers comprehensive protection. By invoking Allah's name, you're placing your well-being entirely in His hands. It encompasses seeking mercy for your soul, should it be taken in sleep (which is a form of minor death), and seeking preservation for it and your body if you are returned to wakefulness. This reliance on Allah fosters peace of mind and reduces anxiety, leading to a more restful sleep and potentially better dreams, as our minds are often influenced by our state of remembrance and trust in our Creator.
Source & Authentication
Yahya related to me from Malik, from Musa ibn Maysara, from Sa'id ibn Abi Said al-Maqburi, from his father, that Abu Hurayra told him that Abu Hurayra said, 'The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to teach his companions how to pray about everything. He once taught them, 'When one of you goes to bed, he should say: 'Bismika Rabbi wada'tu janbi, wa bika arfa'uhu. In amsakta nafsi fa'rhamha, wa in arsaltaha fahfadha bima tahfazu bihi 'ibadak as-salihin.' (By Your name, my Lord, I lie down on my side, and by Your name, I rise. If You seize my soul, have mercy on it, and if You *send it* [release it] back, protect it with what You protect Your righteous servants.)'