Before closing your eyes each night, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught a complete routine of dua before sleeping — words that bring protection, forgiveness and peace until Fajr. This guide covers every authentic sleeping dua in Islam: Arabic, transliteration, English meaning, and the exact Sunnah order.
Main dua before sleeping — Bismika Allahumma
Bismika Allaahumma amootu wa ahya.
English: In Your name, O Allah, I die and I live.
Sleep is likened to a small death — and waking is resurrection. This dua places the night in Allah's hands. The Prophet ﷺ said it every night before sleeping (Sahih al-Bukhari 6314).
Complete Sunnah bedtime routine — step by step
- Perform wudu before sleeping if possible (Sunnah)
- Dust the bed lightly with the edge of your garment
- Lie on your right side — the Sunnah sleeping position
- Recite Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya
- Recite Ayatul Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255) — Allah appoints a guardian; no Shaytan comes near until morning (Bukhari 5009)
- Recite the last two ayats of Surah Baqarah — they will be kafat (sufficient) for you (Bukhari 5009)
- Recite Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas — each once, blow into your palms, and wipe over your body (Bukhari 5017). See our 4 Quls guide
More duas before sleeping
Allaahumma qinee 'adhaabaka yawma tab'athu 'ibaadak.
English: O Allah, protect me from Your punishment on the Day You resurrect Your servants.
Allaahumma aslamtu nafsee ilayk, wa fawwadtu amree ilayk, wa wajjahtu wajhee ilayk...
English: O Allah, I submit myself to You, entrust my affairs to You, and turn my face to You...
These longer duas express complete trust in Allah (tawakkul) before sleep. Recite whichever you know — consistency matters more than quantity.
Why bedtime adhkar protect you through the night
Al-Bara ibn Azib (رضي الله عنه) reported the Prophet's ﷺ instruction: Ayatul Kursi brings a guardian angel and keeps Shaytan away until morning; the last two ayats of Surah Baqarah are kafat (sufficient). The 3 Quls were recited by the Prophet ﷺ every night before sleep — blown into the hands and wiped over the body. Together they form the strongest nightly shield in Islam.
Teaching bedtime duas to children
- Start with Bismika Allahumma — only one short sentence
- Add Surah Al-Ikhlas once they know it from Salah
- Make it a family routine — parents recite out loud, children follow
- Explain: "We ask Allah to protect us while we sleep"
- See 20 essential duas for kids for more
Related guides
- Last Two Ayats of Surah Baqarah
- Ayatul Kursi — Arabic, English & Benefits
- The 4 Quls — Ikhlas, Falaq & Naas
- Surah Mulk Before Sleep
- Morning & Evening Adhkar
Frequently asked questions
What is the best dua before sleeping?+
Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya is the primary prophetic dua. For protection, add Ayatul Kursi, the last two ayats of Surah Baqarah, and the 3 Quls — this is the complete Sunnah routine.
Do you need wudu to recite dua before sleep?+
Wudu before sleeping is Sunnah but not required for reciting duas. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged sleeping in wudu, but you may still recite all bedtime adhkar without it.
Can children recite Ayatul Kursi before sleep?+
Yes — once memorised. Many children learn Ayatul Kursi early. Start with shorter duas and Surah Ikhlas, then build up to the full bedtime routine.