بِاسْمِكَ رَبِّ وَضَعْتُ جَنْبِي، وَبِكَ أَرْفَعُهُ، إِنْ أَمْسَكْتَ نَفْسِي فَارْحَمْهَا، وَإِنْ أَرْسَلْتَهَا فَاحْفَظْهَا بِمَا تَحْفَظُ بِهِ عِبَادَكَ الصَّالِحِينَ
In Your name, my Lord, I lay down my side, and in Your name I rise. If You seize my soul, then have mercy upon it. And if You release it, then protect it with what You protect Your righteous servants.
Bismika Rabbi wada'tu janbi, wa bika arfa'uhu. In amsakta nafsi, farhamha. Wa in arsaltaha, fahfadhha bima tahfazu bihi 'ibadakas-salihin.
When to Read
This dua is recited just before lying down to sleep. It's particularly comforting for those who might feel a sense of loneliness or apprehension when going to sleep by themselves. The intention is to place one's trust entirely in Allah's care throughout the night.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a firm reliance on Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He). Imagine your body and soul being placed under Allah's watchful protection. Take a moment to reflect on the meaning of entrusting your life and well-being to the Creator. It's ideally recited after performing Wudu and before settling down to sleep.
Virtues & Benefits
This beautiful supplication encapsulates complete surrender and trust in Allah's dominion over life and death. By reciting it, one acknowledges Allah as the source of all sustenance and protection. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in solitude, we are never truly alone when we have Allah's presence and protection. The request for mercy if the soul is taken, and protection if it is returned, shows a profound understanding of our dependence on Him, bringing peace and security to the heart during sleep.
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 amsakta nafsi, farhamha. Wa in arsaltaha, fahfadhha bima tahfazu bihi 'ibadakas-salihin.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6306)