بِسْمِكَ 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 should take my soul, have mercy on it. And if You should return it, protect it with what You protect Your righteous servants.
Bismika Rabbi wada'tu janbi, wa bika arfa'uhu. In amsaka nafsi farhamha, wa in arsalta-ha fahfadha, bima tahfazu bihi 'ibadakas-salihin.
When to Read
This beautiful supplication is recited before going to sleep, after fulfilling the necessary preparations like ablution and reciting other related duas. It's meant to entrust your life and well-being entirely to Allah (SWT) as you surrender to sleep.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a present heart, acknowledging your complete dependence on Allah (SWT) for life, death, and protection. Place your right hand beneath your cheek while reciting if possible, reflecting the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. Ensure you are in a state of purity (Wudu) if possible.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is a profound expression of Tawakkul (reliance on Allah). By reciting it, we acknowledge Allah's sovereignty over our lives, seeking His mercy for our souls if He chooses to take them in sleep, and His protection if He allows us to wake. It fosters a sense of peace and security, reducing anxieties that can lead to insomnia. The mention of protecting us as He protects His righteous servants is a powerful assurance of divine care.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to say when he went to bed: 'Bismika Rabbi wada'tu janbi, wa bika arfa'uhu. In amsaka nafsi farhamha, wa in arsalta-ha fahfadha, bima tahfazu bihi 'ibadakas-salihin.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6320)