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 raise it. If You seize my soul, have mercy on it. If You release it, 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 fahfadha bima tahfadhu bihi 'ibadak as-salihin.
When to Read
This is the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ supplication recited before sleeping. By reciting it, we ask Allah to protect our souls and our well-being throughout the night, which implicitly includes protection from the harms that can arise from our own or others' tongues, whether awake or in dreams.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely, with focus and awareness of its meaning. Place your right hand under your cheek or on your side as you prepare to sleep, following the Sunnah.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua encapsulates our reliance on Allah for protection and mercy in every state, including sleep. It asks Allah to safeguard our 'nafs' (soul/self) while it is in His custody during sleep. This protection extends to all forms of harm, including the negative impact of backbiting and gossip, which can affect our peace and well-being even in our slumber. It trains us to attribute all control and safety to Allah, recognizing that no harm can befall us without His decree.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet ﷺ used to say when he slept, 'Bismika Rabbi wada'tu janbi, wa bika arfa'uhu. In amsakta nafsi farhamha, wa in arsaltaha fahfadha bima tahfadhu bihi 'ibadak as-salihin.' (In Your name, my Lord, I lay down my side, and in Your name, I raise it. If You seize my soul, have mercy on it. If You release it, protect it with what You protect Your righteous servants.)