بِاسْمِكَ رَبِّ وَضَعْتُ جَنْبِي، وَبِكَ أَرْفَعُهُ، إِنْ أَمْسَكْتَ نَفْسِي فَارْحَمْهَا، وَإِنْ أَرْسَلْتَهَا فَاحْفَظْهَا بِمَا تَحْفَظُ بِهِ عِبَادَكَ الصَّالِحِينَ
In Your name, my Lord, I lie down. In Your name, I rise. If You take my soul, have mercy on it. If You keep it safe, protect it with what You protect Your righteous servants.
Bismika Rabbi wada'tu janbi, wa bika arfa'uhu. In amsakta nafsi, farhamha. Wa in arsalta-ha, fahfazh-ha bima tahfazhu bihi 'ibadaka-s-salihin.
When to Read
This beautiful dua is recited as one prepares to go to sleep, after the obligatory prayers and other evening rituals. It's a profound moment to surrender oneself to Allah, acknowledging His ultimate control over life and death, and seeking His protection through the night.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely before lying down to sleep. Place your right hand under your cheek (or head) and say it with full presence and understanding of its meaning. Focus on the trust you are placing in Allah for your safety and well-being through the night.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates several key principles: reliance on Allah (tawakkul), acknowledging His dominion over life and death, and seeking His mercy and protection. By asking Allah to protect our souls, we are implicitly seeking His guardianship, which is the best form of protection. It fosters a sense of peace and contentment, knowing that our lives are in the hands of the Most Merciful.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to say when he went to bed: 'O Allah, in Your name I lie down and in Your name I get up. If You take my soul, forgive it, and if You let it go, protect it with what You protect Your righteous slaves with.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6320) This hadith highlights the Prophet's ﷺ constant remembrance of Allah in all aspects of his life, including sleep, which is a form of minor death. It also shows his deep reliance on Allah and his supplication for protection and mercy.