What to Say Before Sleeping in Islam: A Complete Bedtime Guide
Have you ever wondered why your grandmother insisted on reciting certain prayers before bed? Or noticed how peaceful you feel when you end your day with remembrance of Allah? There's profound wisdom in the Islamic bedtime routine, and it goes far beyond simply mumbling a few words before dozing off.
Sleep, in Islam, isn't just a biological necessity—it's considered a sign of Allah's mercy and a small taste of death that reminds us of our mortality. The way we enter sleep matters, and knowing what to say before sleeping in Islam can transform your nights from merely restful to spiritually rejuvenating.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the beautiful traditions and supplications the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us for bedtime. Whether you're new to Islam, trying to strengthen your practice, or simply want to understand what should a muslim say before going to sleep, this article will walk you through everything you need to know.
Why Does Islam Emphasize Bedtime Supplications?
Before we dive into the specific prayers and supplications, let's understand why this matters. Islam is a complete way of life, guiding us from the moment we wake until we sleep. The bedtime routine isn't just ritual—it serves multiple purposes.
First, these supplications provide spiritual protection. Sleep is a vulnerable state. We're unconscious, unaware of our surroundings, and in Islamic understanding, this is when we're most susceptible to spiritual harm. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us specific words that act as a shield, seeking Allah's protection through the night.
Second, ending your day with dhikr (remembrance of Allah) purifies your heart and mind. Think about it—what's the last thing on your mind before you drift off? For many people, it's worries about tomorrow, regrets about today, or mindless scrolling through social media. Islam offers something better: words that bring peace, gratitude, and connection with your Creator.
Third, these practices prepare you for death. The Prophet (peace be upon him) called sleep "the little death" because of its resemblance to actual death—we lose consciousness, our souls are taken in a sense, and we have no guarantee we'll wake up. By making these supplications, we're essentially preparing ourselves, ensuring that if this sleep becomes our last, we've ended on remembrance of Allah.
Finally, there's the simple blessing of following the Sunnah. When you do what the Prophet (peace be upon him) did, you're walking in blessed footsteps. There's barakah (blessing) in following his example, even in acts as simple as what to say in islam before sleeping.
The Essential Bedtime Dua: Ayat al-Kursi
Let's start with one of the most important things to recite before sleep: Ayat al-Kursi (The Throne Verse), which is verse 255 of Surah Al-Baqarah.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that whoever recites Ayat al-Kursi before sleeping will have a guardian from Allah protecting them until morning, and Satan cannot come near them. That's an incredible promise for simply reciting one verse.
Here's the verse in English:
"Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great."
Reciting this verse is one of the most important practices when considering what to say before sleeping islam. Try to memorize it in Arabic if you can, but if you're still learning, reciting it in English with understanding and intention is also beneficial while you work on memorization.
The Last Two Verses of Surah Al-Baqarah
Another powerful protection for the night comes from the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah (verses 285-286). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever recites the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice him."
Scholars have explained that "suffice him" means these verses will protect him from all evil and harm during the night. These verses affirm belief in Allah, His angels, His books, and His messengers, and they include a beautiful supplication asking Allah not to burden us beyond our capacity.
Make it a habit to recite these verses every night. Many Muslims find that having a Quran or using a Quran app beside their bed makes this easier. Even if you're tired, taking just two minutes to recite these verses is an investment in your spiritual and physical well-being.
Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas
These three short surahs, often called the "Quls" (because they all begin with "Qul"—say), are essential parts of what should a muslim say before going to sleep.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to cup his hands together, recite these three surahs, blow into his hands, and then wipe his hands over his body, starting from his head and face and moving down to whatever he could reach. He would do this three times before sleeping.
Surah Al-Falaq (The Daybreak) seeks Allah's protection from external evils—from the darkness when it settles, from those who practice harmful magic, and from the envy of the envious.
Surah An-Nas (Mankind) seeks protection from internal evils—from the whisperings of Satan and evil thoughts that enter our hearts.
Together, these three surahs provide comprehensive protection. They're short enough to memorize easily, yet their meanings are profound. This practice is so important that many parents teach their children these surahs first, understanding that what to say in islam before sleeping is a foundational practice for spiritual wellbeing.
The Bedtime Tasbih: SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar
Here's a beautiful practice that takes less than two minutes but carries immense rewards. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught his daughter Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with her) to say before sleeping:
- SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah) 33 times
- Alhamdulillah (All praise be to Allah) 33 times
- Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) 34 times
This adds up to 100 glorifications of Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught this to Fatimah when she asked him for a servant to help with household chores. Instead of giving her a servant, he gave her something better—a practice that would strengthen her both spiritually and physically.
Many people report that this dhikr helps them feel more energized and less fatigued. There's wisdom in glorifying Allah before sleep—it shifts your focus from worldly concerns to divine remembrance, allowing you to sleep in a state of peace and gratitude.
You can use your fingers to count, or use a tasbeeh (prayer beads) if you have one. Some people prefer to count on their fingers because it helps them stay focused and prevents their mind from wandering.
The Comprehensive Bedtime Dua
One of the most beautiful and comprehensive supplications for what to say before sleeping islam is this dua that the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us:
"Allahumma bismika amutu wa ahya"
(O Allah, in Your name I die and I live)
This simple yet profound dua acknowledges that sleep is like a temporary death, and waking is like resurrection. It reminds us that our existence—both in sleep and wakefulness—is entirely in Allah's hands.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also taught this longer version:
"Allahumma aslamtu nafsi ilayka, wa wajjahtu wajhi ilayka, wa fawwadtu amri ilayka, wa alja'tu zahri ilayka, raghbatan wa rahbatan ilayka, la malja'a wa la manja minka illa ilayka. Amantu bikitabikal-ladhi anzalta wa nabiyyikal-ladhi arsalta"
(O Allah, I submit myself to You, I turn my face to You, I entrust my affairs to You, and I rely completely on You, out of hope and fear of You. There is no refuge and no escape from You except to You. I believe in Your Book which You revealed, and Your Prophet whom You sent)
This dua is comprehensive—it expresses complete submission to Allah, trust in His plan, belief in His revelation and His messenger, and acknowledgment of our complete dependence on Him. When you say these words with understanding and sincerity, you're essentially handing over all your worries to Allah before sleep.
The Dua for Bad Dreams
Sometimes we wake up troubled by a disturbing dream. Islam has guidance for this too. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us that if you have a bad dream, you should:
- Seek refuge with Allah from Satan and from the evil of what you saw (three times)
- Spit lightly to your left side three times (a dry spit, just the sound)
- Don't tell anyone about the bad dream
- Turn over to your other side
- Get up and pray if you wish
This practice shows the comprehensiveness of Islamic guidance—it doesn't just tell us what should a muslim say before going to sleep, but also how to handle what happens during sleep.
The Sunnah Sleeping Position and Etiquette
While we're discussing what to say before sleeping islam, it's worth mentioning the physical etiquette of sleep that the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to sleep on his right side, placing his right hand under his right cheek. This is actually medically beneficial—sleeping on your right side aids digestion and is better for your heart.
Before lying down, the Prophet (peace be upon him) would brush off his bed three times with the edge of his garment, saying "Bismillah" (in the name of Allah), to remove any dust or insects that might have settled there.
He would also ensure he was in a state of wudu (ablution) before sleeping when possible. While it's not obligatory to have wudu for sleep, it's highly recommended. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that if you sleep in a state of wudu, an angel stays with you throughout the night.
Making Personal Duas Before Sleep
After you've said the prescribed supplications and verses, there's a beautiful opportunity to make personal duas in your own words. The time just before sleep, when you're lying in bed in a state of peace and vulnerability, is an excellent time to speak to Allah from your heart.
Ask Him for whatever you need—guidance, forgiveness, health, provision, help with your struggles, success in your endeavors. Thank Him for the blessings of the day. Seek His forgiveness for your shortcomings. Pray for your family, your community, and the ummah at large.
This personal connection with Allah is what makes the bedtime routine more than just ritual—it becomes a living relationship with your Creator.
Teaching Children What to Say Before Sleep
If you have children, teaching them what to say in islam before sleeping is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. These practices, learned in childhood, often stay with people their entire lives.
Start simple—teach young children the short surahs (Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas) and Ayat al-Kursi. Make it a routine, not a chore. Recite with them every night, and they'll gradually memorize through repetition.
As they grow older, explain the meanings. Help them understand why we say these words, not just how. When children understand that they're seeking Allah's protection and ending their day with gratitude, the practice becomes meaningful rather than mechanical.
Many parents find that the bedtime Islamic routine actually makes bedtime easier—children feel secure, loved, and protected when they end their day with these prayers.
Making It a Consistent Habit
Knowing what should a muslim say before going to sleep is one thing; actually doing it consistently is another. Here are some practical tips to make this a lasting habit:
Start small: If you're not doing anything currently, don't try to add everything at once. Start with Ayat al-Kursi and the three Quls. Once that becomes habitual, add more.
Set reminders: Use your phone to remind you at bedtime. Eventually, you won't need the reminder—it'll become automatic.
Keep a Quran nearby: Having a Quran, prayer book, or even a phone with a Quran app beside your bed removes the excuse of needing to get up to find these verses.
Be patient with yourself: If you forget some nights, don't be discouraged. Just resume the next night. The key is consistency over perfection.
Make it meaningful: Don't rush through these supplications just to check them off a list. Take your time, understand what you're saying, and feel the connection with Allah.
The Benefits You'll Notice
People who consistently practice what to say before sleeping islam report numerous benefits:
Better sleep quality: Ending the day in a state of peace and remembrance of Allah often leads to deeper, more restful sleep.
Less anxiety: When you've entrusted your affairs to Allah before sleep, you're not lying awake worrying about tomorrow.
Spiritual growth: These daily practices strengthen your overall connection with Allah and awareness of His presence.
Protection: Many people notice that they experience fewer nightmares or disturbing dreams when they maintain these practices.
Morning energy: Starting from a foundation of good sleep and spiritual practice often means waking up with more purpose and energy.
Conclusion
The Islamic bedtime routine is a beautiful example of how Islam provides guidance for every aspect of life, no matter how mundane it might seem. What to say before sleeping islam isn't just about memorizing words—it's about ending each day consciously, gratefully, and in connection with your Creator.
These practices—reciting Ayat al-Kursi, the last verses of Surah Al-Baqarah, the three Quls, making tasbih, and offering personal supplications—transform sleep from a mere biological necessity into an act of worship. They provide spiritual protection, mental peace, and a meaningful routine that benefits both your spiritual and physical well-being.
Whether you're just starting your Islamic journey or looking to strengthen practices you've known since childhood, committing to these bedtime supplications is a decision you won't regret. Start tonight. Lie down on your right side, say "Bismillah," and begin with just one practice. Over time, build up until these become as natural as breathing.
Remember, every night is an opportunity to end your day in the best possible way—with the remembrance of Allah on your lips and peace in your heart. Sleep isn't just rest; it's a mercy from Allah, and we honor that mercy by approaching it with the beautiful words He and His Prophet have taught us.
May Allah accept our efforts, protect us through our nights, and awaken us to mornings filled with His blessings. Ameen.
