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, 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 arsal-taha fahfadha bima tahfadu bihi 'ibadakas-salihin.
When to Read
This comprehensive dua is recited before sleeping. It encompasses a plea for both the physical act of resting and the spiritual well-being of the soul. By saying this before you sleep, you are entrusting your life and your faith to Allah throughout the night.
How to Read
As with all duas, recite it with sincerity and conviction. Place your right hand beneath your cheek or head as you lie down, and recite this supplication. The intention is to acknowledge Allah's power over life and death and to seek His protection for your faith and well-being while you are unconscious and vulnerable during sleep.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is profound. It acknowledges Allah's sovereignty over life and death, asking for mercy if our souls are taken in sleep and for protection if they are returned. The phrase 'protect it with what You protect Your righteous servants' is a powerful request for safeguarding our faith (iman) and good deeds, ensuring we wake up in a state pleasing to Allah, steadfast on His path.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to supplicate: 'Bismika Rabbi wada'tu janbi, wa bika arfa'uhu. In amsakta nafsi farhamha, wa in arsal-taha fahfadha bima tahfadu bihi 'ibadakas-salihin.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 1143, Sahih Muslim 2714). This narration highlights how the Prophet (peace be upon him) would entrust himself to Allah before sleeping, seeking His mercy and protection.