بِاسْمِكَ رَبِّ وَضَعْتُ جَنْبِي، وَبِكَ أَرْفَعُهُ، إِنْ أَمْسَكْتَ نَفْسِي فَارْحَمْهَا، وَإِنْ أَرْسَلْتَهَا فَاحْفَظْهَا بِمَا تَحْفَظُ بِهِ عِبَادَكَ الصَّالِحِينَ
In Your name, my Lord, I lie down and in Your name I rise. 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.
Bismika Rabbi wadha'tu janbi, wa bika arfa'uhu. In amsakta nafsi, farhamha, wa in arsaltaha, fahfadha bima tahfazu bihi 'ibadakas-salihin.
When to Read
This profound dua is recited before sleeping. It's a comprehensive supplication that acknowledges our complete dependence on Allah (Exalted is He) for life, death, and safety, even during the unconscious state of sleep.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction as you prepare to sleep. It is recommended to face the Qiblah, if possible, and to recite it with a clear intention of seeking Allah's protection. Remember that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to make dua for all aspects of our lives, recognizing that our well-being is entirely in Allah's hands.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is incredibly comprehensive. By reciting it, we entrust our soul to Allah (Exalted is He) during our sleep, a state akin to a minor death. We ask for His mercy if He chooses to take our soul, and His complete protection if He allows us to awaken. This covers us against any potential harm, bad dreams, or even succumbing to temptation or sin that might arise in such vulnerable states, as Allah is the ultimate protector of His righteous servants.
Source & Authentication
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "When any one of you goes to bed, he should say: 'Bismillah, Allahumma wada'tu janbi, bismika arfa'uhu. In amsakta nafsi, farhamha, wa in arsaltaha, fahfadha bima tahfazu bihi 'ibadakas-salihin.'" (When any one of you goes to bed, he should say: 'In Your name, my Lord, I lie down and in Your name I rise. 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.')