Seeking Protection and Blessings Before Sleeping in Islam
In Islam, seeking protection and blessings from Allah before sleeping is a deeply significant practice. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ provided guidance on various supplications (duas) and remembrance (azkar) to recite at night. These duas help protect one from harm, grant peace of mind, and invite Allah’s mercy into the night.
1. Importance of Remembrance Before Sleeping
In Islam, sleep is considered a temporary death, and before a person lies down to rest, they should prepare themselves spiritually. Engaging in dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and making supplications strengthens one’s connection with Allah, ensuring protection during the vulnerable hours of sleep. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized seeking Allah's protection from harmful influences, both physical and spiritual, before going to sleep.
2. Key Dua and Azkar for Sleeping
Ayat-ul-Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:255)"Whoever recites Ayat-ul-Kursi before going to sleep, Allah will appoint a protector from the angels to protect him, and no devil will come near him until the morning."
Sunan an-Nasa'i (5530)
Arabic Text:
اللَّهُ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ ... وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ.
Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Naas (The Last Three Quls)The last three surahs of the Quran are recommended before sleep for protection:
"Say: 'I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind... among jinn and among mankind.'"
Surah An-Naas (114:1-6)
Arabic Text:
سورة الإخلاص:
قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُۥۤ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ.
سورة الفلق:
قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَقِ مِن شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ وَمِن شَرِّ غَاسِقٍ إِذَا وَقَبَ وَمِن شَرِّ النَّفَّاثَاتِ فِي الْعُقَدِ وَمِن شَرِّ حَاسِدٍ إِذَا حَسَدَ.
سورة الناس:
قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ مَلِكِ النَّاسِ إِلَٰهِ النَّاسِ مِن شَرِّ الْوَسْوَاسِ الْخَنَّاسِ الَّذِي يُوَسْوِسُ فِي صُدُورِ النَّاسِ مِنَ الْجِنَّةِ وَالنَّاسِ.
"Bismika Allahumma amuutu wa ahya."
بِسْمِكَ اللَّهُمَّ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا.
Translation: “In Your name, O Allah, I die and I live.”
Dua for Protection from Shaytan"Allahumma inni as’alu kawajhuka al-karim wa bi-ismika al-‘azim, an tu’afiyani wa tahfazhni min kulli sharri."
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ بِوَجْهِكَ الْكَرِيمِ وَبِإِسْمِكَ الْعَظِيمِ أَنْ تُعَافِيَنِي وَتَحْفَظَنِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ
Translation: “O Allah, I ask You by Your Noble Face and Your Majestic Name to protect me and preserve me from all evil.”
The Duas of the Prophet ﷺ Before Sleep"Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, ash-hadu an la ilaha illa anta, astaghfiruka wa atubu ilayk."
سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا أَنتَ أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْكَ.
Translation: “Glory is to You, O Allah, and praise is to You. I bear witness that there is no deity except You. I seek Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance.”
3. Benefits of Duas and Azkar
- Spiritual Peace and Protection: Reciting these duas ensures peace and safety from harm.
- Proximity to Allah: Strengthens the bond with Allah even during rest.
- Emotional Stability: Calms the heart and reduces anxiety.
- Divine Mercy: Attracts Allah’s blessings throughout the night.
4. Practical Tips for Incorporating Dua and Azkar into Sleep Routine
- Make it a habit to recite these duas every night.
- Understand and reflect on the meanings of the duas.
- Remember their purpose – to seek Allah’s protection.
- Encourage family members to recite them too.
Dua and azkar before sleeping hold immense value in Islam. By incorporating the guidance from the Quran and Hadith, Muslims can ensure protection, peace, and tranquility as they rest. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized these supplications as part of the nightly routine for spiritual well-being. By reciting them sincerely, one transforms their sleep into an act of worship and protection.
May Allah grant us peace, protection, and restful nights through these sacred supplications. Ameen.
Source:
www.islamweb.net/en/article/135329/giving-gifts-in-islam