بِاسْمِكَ رَبِّي وَضَعْتُ جَنْبِي، وَبِكَ أَرْفَعُهُ، إِنْ أَمْسَكْتَ نَفْسِي فَارْحَمْهَا، وَإِنْ أَرْسَلْتَهَا فَاحْفَظْهَا بِمَا تَحْفَظُ بِهِ عِبَادَكَ الصَّالِحِينَ
By Your name, my Lord, I lay myself down. By Your name, I rise. If You seize my soul, then have mercy on it. 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 fahfadha bima tahfazu bihi 'ibadak as-salihin.
When to Read
This dua is recited before going to sleep. It's a profound way to begin your rest, entrusting your life and your faith to Allah. As you lie down, this prayer helps transition your mind from the day's concerns to a state of reliance on your Creator.
How to Read
Recite this supplication with sincerity and presence of heart as you are about to sleep. Place your right hand under your cheek or head, as was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Focus on the meaning of the words, acknowledging Allah's power over life and death and His ability to protect you from all harm, including anything that might affect your faith.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is a comprehensive entrustment of oneself to Allah, especially during sleep, a state where one is vulnerable. By asking Allah to protect our souls, we're essentially asking for protection over our faith (iman), our deeds, and our well-being. It's a reminder that even in unconsciousness, our connection to Allah is paramount. The latter part, 'protect it with what You protect Your righteous servants,' is a plea for divine guardianship that preserves our piety and uprightness.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet ﷺ used to say when he went to bed: '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 6306)