الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي تَوَفَّانَا بَعْدَ مَا أَحْيَانَا وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ
All praise is due to Allah, Who caused us to die and then gave us life, and to Him is the return.
*Al-hamdu lillah alladhi tawaffana ba'da ma ahyaana wa ilayhin-nushoor*
When to Read
This beautiful dua is recited when waking up in the morning, but it carries a profound message of gratitude that applies to the end of our day as well. As the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us this prayer upon waking, reflecting on it at night, before sleep, allows us to express thankfulness for having been granted a full day of life. It's a moment to acknowledge that our very existence, and the time granted to us each day, is a blessing from Allah. Consider making it a part of your pre-sleep routine.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely, with a heart full of appreciation for Allah's countless blessings throughout the day. Recognize that each breath, each moment of peace, and the ability to rest are all from Him. Say it with the intention of acknowledging His dominion over life and death, and your ultimate return to Him.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is a powerful expression of gratitude, acknowledging Allah as the ultimate giver and taker of life. It fosters humility by reminding us that our existence is not guaranteed and that every moment is a trust from Allah. By reflecting on this at the end of the day, we cultivate a sense of contentment and peace, recognizing that even if the day brought challenges, we were preserved and given the opportunity to seek His pleasure. It prepares the heart for sleep with a positive and thankful mindset.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Hudhaifah: When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ went to bed at night, he would say: 'Bismika amootu wa ahya' (With Your name I die and live). And when he woke up, he would say: 'Al-hamdu lillah alladhi ahyaana ba'da ma amaatana wa ilayhin-nushoor' (All praise is due to Allah, Who gave us life after death, and to Him is the final return). (This version is slightly different in wording but the meaning is the same as the one commonly recited upon waking, acknowledging the cycle of life and death). Sahih al-Bukhari 6314 also mentions the wording used in the entry: 'Al-hamdu lillah alladhi tawaffana ba'da ma ahyaana wa ilayhin-nushoor' when discussing the prayer said upon waking.