الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَحْيَانَا بَعْدَ مَا أَمَاتَنَا وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ
All praise is due to Allah Who gave us life after causing us to die, and to Him is the return.
Al-hamdu lillahil-ladhi ahyaana ba'da ma amaatana wa ilaihin-nushoor
When to Read
This is the general dua to recite immediately upon waking from sleep. It sets a tone of gratitude and reliance on Allah before the day’s activities begin. Thinking about the transition from sleep to wakefulness as a form of 'death' and 'life' helps us appreciate Allah's power and our dependence on Him, fostering humility and preventing arrogance as we start our day.
How to Read
Recite this once upon opening your eyes after waking. It’s a simple yet profound statement of acknowledgment and gratitude towards Allah. Take a moment to truly feel the meaning: you were without life, and He granted it back. This realization should fill your heart with thankfulness and awareness of His dominion over all affairs.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encompasses a deep sense of gratitude for the blessing of life itself, which is a direct gift from Allah. By acknowledging His power to give life and cause death, we are reminded of our ultimate return to Him, which should inspire us to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to Him. It’s a powerful way to start the day with a focus on the eternal, guarding against becoming overly consumed by the temporary frustrations that might arise.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Hudhaifa: Whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) woke up from sleep, he used to recite: 'Al-hamdu lillahil-ladhi ahyaana ba'da ma amaatana wa ilaihin-nushoor.' (All praise is due to Allah Who gave us life after causing us to die, and to Him is the return). Sahih al-Bukhari 6312.