الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي تَوَفَّانَا بَعْدَ مَا أَحْيَانَا وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ
Praise be to Allah Who gave us death after He gave us life, and to Him is the return.
Al-hamdu lillahil-ladhi tawaffana ba'da ma ahyana wa ilayhin-nushur.
When to Read
This dua is recommended to be recited just before falling asleep, as part of your evening routine. It's a beautiful way to acknowledge Allah's control over life and death, and to reflect on the day you've just lived, recognizing every moment as a gift from Him.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a heart full of awareness. As you lie down to rest, turn your thoughts to Allah, acknowledging that your ability to wake up in the morning is entirely by His will, just as your sleep is His decree. Reflect on the blessings of the day – the health, the sustenance, the moments of ease and even the challenges that you've navigated. This practice fosters humility and deepens your connection with your Creator.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua affirms your belief in Allah's absolute sovereignty over life and death, fostering a sense of tawakkul (reliance) on Him. It cultivates a profound sense of gratitude, reminding you that each day is a new lease on life granted by Allah. By acknowledging His decree even in sleep, you are essentially living in a constant state of remembrance (dhikr), seeking His protection and mercies throughout the night. This awareness can lead to a more peaceful and grateful disposition, preparing you to wake up with a renewed sense of purpose.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to say when he went to sleep: 'O Allah, (with Your name) I die and live.' And when he woke up, he used to say: 'Praise be to Allah Who gave us death after He gave us life, and to Him is the return.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6315). The narration from Sahih Muslim 2711 includes a slightly different wording: 'When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) went to bed, he would recite: "Allahumma bismika amutu wa ahya" (O Allah, with Your name I die and live). And when he woke up, he would say: "Al-hamdu lillahi alladhi ahya-na ba'da ma amatana wa ilayhi-n-nushoor" (Praise be to Allah Who gave us life after death, and to Him is the resurrection).'