بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، وَضَعْتُ جَنْبِي، وَبِكَ أَرْفَعُهُ، إِنْ أَمْسَكْتَ نَفْسِي فَارْحَمْهَا، وَإِنْ أَرْسَلْتَهَا فَاحْفَظْهَا، بِمَا تَحْفَظُ بِهِ عِبَادَكَ الصَّالِحِينَ. اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا.
In the name of Allah, I lay down my side. By Your name, I raise it. If You seize my soul, then have mercy on it. If You release it, then protect it with that which You protect Your righteous servants. O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, goodly provision, and accepted deeds.
Bismillahi, wada'tu janbi, wa bika arfa'uhu. In amsakta nafsi farhamha, wa in arsaltaha fahfadha, bima tahfazu bihi 'ibadak-as-salihin. Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman nafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan.
When to Read
This beautiful dua is recited as you prepare to sleep. After you have finished your nightly prayers, your supplications, and perhaps recited Surah Al-Mulk for protection, this is the moment to seek Allah's safeguarding as you surrender yourself to rest. It's the perfect closing for your day, asking Allah to watch over you during the night, a time when we are most vulnerable.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a humble heart as you lie down on your right side, preparing to sleep. Keep the intention clear that you are entrusting yourself to Allah's care. Reflect on the meaning of each phrase, especially the part where you ask Allah to protect your soul – acknowledging that true life and death are in His hands. Let it be a conscious act of reliance on Him.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encompasses a profound reliance on Allah. It's not just about asking for protection from external harm, but also internal struggles. By asking for Allah to 'protect your soul,' you're essentially seeking His help to keep your heart pure and your intentions sound, guarding against the whispers of temptation that might creep in during the night or upon waking. Furthermore, the latter part of the dua—asking for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and accepted deeds—sets a positive tone for your upcoming day, seeking Allah's blessing in all aspects of your life. This comprehensive asking reflects the holistic nature of Islamic supplication.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that when any of them wanted to sleep, he would lie down on his right side and say: 'Bismillahi, wada'tu janbi, wa bika arfa'uhu. In amsakta nafsi farhamha, wa in arsaltaha fahfadha, bima tahfazu bihi 'ibadak-as-salihin. Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman nafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan.' (Sahih Muslim 1173). The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also instructed to recite Ayatul Kursi before sleeping, stating that Allah would appoint a guard for you, and Satan would not be able to approach you until dawn (Sahih al-Bukhari 2311).