بِاسْمِكَ رَبِّي 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. In Your name, I raise it. If You should take my soul, then have mercy upon it. And if You should return my soul, then protect it with what You protect Your righteous servants with.
Bismika Rabbi wadha'tu janbi, wa bika arfa'uhu. In amsakta nafsi farhamha, wa in arsalta fa-hfadha bima tahfazu bihi 'ibadakas-salihin.
When to Read
This is one of the profound duas the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to recite before falling asleep. It's a powerful way to surrender ourselves to Allah's care as we enter a state of unconsciousness, acknowledging His ultimate control over our lives.
How to Read
Recite this dua after you have settled down in bed, preparing to sleep. Place your right hand under your cheek or head if you wish, and speak these words with sincerity, reflecting on their meaning. It's a personal supplication to the One who watches over us day and night.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua before sleep is a beautiful act of *tawakkul* (reliance on Allah). It reminds us that our very breath and existence are in Allah's hands. By seeking His mercy and protection, we foster a deeper connection with our Creator and gain peace of mind, knowing we are under His watchful gaze. It cultivates humility and reinforces the understanding of Allah's absolute sovereignty over life and death.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say when he intended to sleep: 'O Allah, with Your Name I die and live.' And when he awoke, he used to say: 'Praise is to Allah Who has restored my soul to me and did not take it away in my death. And He will restore my soul again.' And he used to say: 'O Allah, protect me from Your punishment on the Day when You will resurrect Your servants.' (O Allah, with Your Name I die and live.) – Sahih al-Bukhari 6320. *Note: The specific dua provided in the entry is a variation of the first part of this hadith, focusing on the act of sleeping and waking. The core meaning remains the same: acknowledging Allah's control. Another related narration is: 'Allahumma bismika ahya wa amutu' (O Allah, by Your Name I live and die) - Sahih al-Bukhari 7394. The dua in the entry is narrated as: 'Bismika Rabbi wada'tu janbi, wa bika arfa'uhu. In amsakta nafsi farhamha, wa in arsalta fa-hfadha bima tahfazu bihi 'ibadakas-salihin.' (In Your name, my Lord, I lay down my side, and in Your Name I raise it. If You should take my soul, have mercy on it. And if You should send it back, protect it with what You protect Your righteous servants with.) - Sahih Muslim 2714. Both are authentic and convey the same beautiful sentiment.