Sleep problems are widespread today. Many people lie in bed, tired but unable to sleep. The mind stays busy with worries, mobile phones, stress, and fear of tomorrow. Even when sleep comes, it is often restless.
Islam offers a beautiful and simple solution to this problem: the dua for sleeping. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught specific duas to recite before sleeping. These duas are not only for sleep. They also bring peace, protection, and trust in Allah.
Sleeping is like a small reminder of death. That is why the Sunnah duas before sleeping are full of meaning. They protect us from harm, calm the heart, and help us sleep with faith and peace.
In this article, you will learn authentic sleeping duas, how to recite them, and their benefits according to the Quran and Hadith.
Why Should We Recite Dua Before Sleeping?
We should recite a dua for sleeping because sleep is a time when our body rests, but our soul is in Allah’s care. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught us to remember Allah before sleeping so we can end our day with faith, peace, and protection. Reciting the dua before sleeping helps calm the mind, remove fear, and protect us from Shaytan, bad dreams, and unseen harm. It also shows our trust in Allah, as sleeping is like a small form of death. When we sleep after making dua, we place our life, soul, and worries in Allah’s hands and rest with complete peace of heart.
Authentic Duas Explained
The following duas are authentic, Sunnah, and reported in Sahih Hadith. You can choose to recite all of them or start with one and slowly make it a habit.
Dua 1: “Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya”
Arabic:
بِاسْمِكَ اللَّهُمَّ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا
English Meaning:
“In Your name, O Allah, I die, and I live.”
This is one of the shortest and most powerful duas for sleeping. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to say this dua every night before sleeping. This dua shows complete trust in Allah. When we sleep, we give our souls into Allah’s care. If we wake up, it is by His mercy. If we do not, we return to Him.
Because it is short, it is perfect for:
- Children
- New learners
- People who forget long duas
Dua 2: Full Submission Dua (Reported in Bukhari)
This is a longer dua taught by the Prophet (ﷺ) to one of his companions.
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ أَسْلَمْتُ نَفْسِي إِلَيْكَ، وَفَوَّضْتُ أَمْرِي إِلَيْكَ، وَوَجَّهْتُ وَجْهِي إِلَيْكَ، وَأَلْجَأْتُ ظَهْرِي إِلَيْكَ، رَغْبَةً وَرَهْبَةً إِلَيْكَ، لَا مَلْجَأَ وَلَا مَنْجَا مِنْكَ إِلَّا إِلَيْكَ، آمَنْتُ بِكِتَابِكَ الَّذِي أَنْزَلْتَ، وَبِنَبِيِّكَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلْتَ.
The dua includes words of surrender, placing one’s soul in Allah’s care, and declaring faith in:
- Allah
- His Book (Quran)
- His Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
English Meaning (summary):
“O Allah, I submit myself to You. I entrust my affairs to You. I turn my face to You, I rely on You out of hope and fear. There is no refuge except with You. I believe in Your Book and Your Prophet.”
The Prophet (ﷺ) said that if a person dies after reciting this dua, they die on fitrah (true faith). This makes it one of the most important duas for sleeping.
Dua 3: Ayat al-Kursi and the Three Quls
Before sleeping, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also recited:
- Ayat al-Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255)
- Surah Al-Ikhlas
- Surah Al-Falaq
- Surah Al-Nas
Ayat al-Kursi gives strong protection. The Prophet (ﷺ) said that when someone recites it before sleeping, an angel guards them all night, and Shaytan cannot come near.
The three Quls protect from:
- Evil
- Fear
- Black magic
- Evil eye
- Nightmares
How to Recite Dua for Sleeping (Sunnah Method)
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) did not only teach the duas. He also taught how to recite them properly.
Follow these simple Sunnah steps:
1. Perform Wudu
Try to sleep in a state of cleanliness. Wudu brings calm and light to the body and soul.
2. Lie on Your Right Side
The Prophet (ﷺ) preferred sleeping on the right side, with the right hand under the cheek.
3. Cup Your Hands
Put your hands together like making dua.
4. Blow Lightly
Blow gently into your hands (no spit).
5. Recite the Three Quls
- Surah Al-Ikhlas
- Surah Al-Falaq
- Surah Al-Nas
6. Rub Over the Body
Start from the head and face, then move down the body.
Repeat this three times.
7. Recite Other Duas
Now recite:
- “Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya”
- The full submission is due
- Ayat al-Kursi
This complete routine takes only a few minutes, but its reward is huge.
Benefits of Reciting Dua for Sleeping
Reciting a dua for sleeping is not just a habit. It brings many spiritual and mental benefits.
1. Peace of Heart
When you remember Allah before sleep, the heart becomes calm. Anxiety reduces, and sleep comes easily.
2. Protection All Night
Hadith confirms that angels protect the one who recites Ayat al-Kursi and the Sunnah duas.
3. Forgiveness of Sins
Sleeping in remembrance of Allah brings mercy and forgiveness.
4. Safety from Shaytan
Shaytan cannot harm or disturb a person who sleeps with these duas.
5. Death on Fitrah
If death comes during sleep, the person dies upon true faith.
Conclusion
Making dua for sleeping a nightly habit can change your life. It improves sleep, strengthens faith, and connects you with the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
You do not need to memorize everything at once. Start small:
- Begin with Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya
- Then add Ayat al-Kursi
- Slowly include the full Sunnah routine
May Allah grant you peaceful sleep, strong faith, and His protection every night. Ameen.
FAQS
Best dua for sleep?
Ayat al-Kursi + Bismika.
For kids?
Start with short Bismika.
