بِسْمِكَ 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 take my soul, then have mercy on it. And if You keep 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 fahfadha bima tahfazu bihi 'ibadak-as-salihin.
When to Read
Recite this dua immediately before you intend to sleep, after you've finished your evening routine. This is particularly important if you've spent time on screens, as it's a general supplication for protection of your soul and well-being during the vulnerable state of sleep.
How to Read
Recite it sincerely with the intention of seeking Allah's protection for your soul and body throughout the night. It's a beautiful supplication that acknowledges our complete reliance on Allah, even in our sleep. Try to clear your mind from the lingering thoughts from screens and focus on the words.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua encompasses asking Allah for protection of our soul, which is especially relevant in a time when screen usage can lead to mental fatigue and disturbance. It highlights our dependence on Allah for life and death, for mercy, and for preservation, reminding us that our well-being is ultimately in His hands. It's a holistic protection for the night.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say when he went to bed: 'O Allah, Lord of the seven heavens and of all that they envelop, Lord of the earth and of all that it covers, Lord of the devils and of all whom they lead astray! Be my protection against the evil of my own self and against the evil of every-evil creature and against the evil of the graves and all that is in them. I seek refuge in Allah from every builder and from all whom they build, and from all that is in the marketplaces. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of the night and from the evil of the day, and from the evil of the moon. And he used to say: 'Bismika Rabbi wada'tu janbi, wa bika arfa'uhu. In amsakta nafsi farhamha, wa in arsaltaha fahfadha bima tahfazu bihi 'ibadak-as-salihin.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6320)