بِسْمِكَ رَبِّ وَضَعْتُ جَنْبِي، وَبِكَ أَرْفَعُهُ، إِنْ أَمْسَكْتَ نَفْسِي فَارْحَمْهَا، وَإِنْ أَرْسَلْتَهَا فَاحْفَظْهَا بِمَا تَحْفَظُ بِهِ عِبَادَكَ الصَّالِحِينَ
By Your Name, my Lord, I lay down my side. By Your Name, I raise it. If You keep my soul, have mercy on it. If You send it back, 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 fahfadh-ha bima tahfadh-hu bihi 'ibadak as-salihin.
When to Read
This comprehensive dua is recited by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ when he would lie down to sleep. In our modern age, the allure of screens is strong, often pulling us away from this beautiful Sunnah. Before you drift off, especially after spending time on your phone or other devices, make it a point to recite this dua. It’s a perfect way to conclude your day, asking Allah to safeguard your soul and well-being, which are directly impacted by our pre-sleep habits.
How to Read
As you settle into bed, after you have completed your evening routine and perhaps even put your phone away, turn to your right side. With sincerity and contemplation, recite the dua. Visualize the protection and mercy of Allah encompassing you as you surrender your affairs to Him for the night. It’s about intention as much as words; feel the reliance and trust in Allah as you utter these sacred phrases.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua, though general for sleep, is profoundly relevant to protecting ourselves from the negative impacts of screen time. By asking Allah to 'protect it with what You protect Your righteous servants,' we are implicitly seeking His help against any harm, seen or unseen. Excessive screen time, especially before bed, can disrupt sleep patterns, affect mental clarity, and even lead to anxiety – all things that righteous servants of Allah would be shielded from. Reciting this with true understanding can be a shield against these modern-day challenges, fostering a more peaceful and blessed rest, and thus, better overall health and spiritual well-being.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Hudhaifa: Whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) went to bed, he would say: 'Bismika Allahumma Amuutu wa Ahyaa.' And when he woke up from his sleep, he would say: 'Al-Hamdu Lillahi Alladhi Ahyaana ba'da ma Amaatana, wa ilaihi An-Nushur.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6312 & 6320). The wording used in this entry is from Sahih al-Bukhari 6320, which is slightly more detailed and fitting for seeking protection.