بِسْمِ اللهِ وَضَعْتُ جَنْبِي، اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذَنْبِي، وَأَخْرِسْ شَيْطَانِي، وَأَحْصِنْ فَرَجِي، وَثَقِّلْ مِيزَانِي، وَاجْعَلْنِي فِي النَّدِيِّ.
In the name of Allah, I have laid down on my side. O Allah, forgive my sins, silence my devil, guard my private parts, make my scale heavy, and place me among the esteemed.
Bismillahi wadha'tu janbi, Allahumma-ghfir li dhanbi, wa akh-ris shaytani, wa ahsin faraji, wa thaqqil mizani, waj'alni fin-nadi.
When to Read
This dua is recited before sleeping. It's a comprehensive prayer seeking protection from various harms, both spiritual and physical, for oneself, and by extension, can be made with the intention of asking Allah to protect our families who are also sleeping.
How to Read
As you settle down to sleep, ideally after performing Wudu (ablution), recite this dua. Place your right hand under your cheek or head. While the dua is personal, as you say it, you can consciously include your family in your intention, asking Allah to extend His protection to them as well.
Virtues & Benefits
This beautiful dua encompasses a deep request for Allah's protection and blessings. It asks for forgiveness for sins, protection from the whisperings and influence of Shaytan (Satan), safeguarding of one's chastity, a heavy balance of good deeds on the Day of Judgment, and a respected position. When we make this dua with sincerity, asking Allah to safeguard us, we can extend that request to our loved ones who are also under His care.
Source & Authentication
Narrated 'Abdullah bin Busr: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) taught us a comprehensive supplication. He said: 'Say: Allahumma-ghfir li dhanbi, wa akh-ris shaytani, wa ahsin faraji, wa thaqqil mizani, wa-ghfir li. Say: Allahumma inni as'alukal huda wat-tuqa wal-'afafa wal-ghina (O Allah, forgive my sin, silence my devil, guard my private parts, make my scale heavy, and forgive me. O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity, and contentment). I said: O Messenger of Allah, these two sentences are comprehensive. He said: indeed, they are from the supplications sent down to me. (Another version has: 'Bismillahi wadha'tu janbi, Allahumma-ghfir li dhanbi, wa akh-ris shaytani, wa ahsin faraji, wa thaqqil mizani, waj'alni fin-nadi'.)