abdul
In this world, billions of people live their lives in their own ways. However, a Muslim lives not for themselves but according to the way of their beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as the life led by the Prophet is the one that pleases Allah.
Not only does this way please Allah, but it also leads to success in both this world and the hereafter. The way of the Prophet contains no harm, only benefit. By following these ways, our Prophet (peace be upon him) has won the hearts of billions of people.
One of these ways is how to sleep and rest. After a tiring day, when a person intends to relax, they should consider some guidelines given by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). These are the Sunnahs before sleeping, which every Muslim should try to follow.
Sunnahs Before Sleeping
- Closing the doors while saying Bismillah
Starting any task with Allah’s name invites His help. Doors can allow both visible and invisible harm to enter. Therefore, close them while saying Allah’s name so that no harmful entity can enter. - Sleeping early and avoiding worldly conversations
Engaging in worldly talk delays sleep, causing one to miss the blessed time of early morning and starting the day in disobedience to Allah. Sleeping early makes waking up for Tahajjud and Fajr easier. - Sleeping in a state of ablution (wudu)
If one sleeps with ablution, it is recorded as if they spent the entire night in worship. Thus, even while asleep, one earns reward and is counted among the worshippers. - Using a miswak (toothstick)
Miswak is an important Sunnah of the Prophet. Using it at the time of ablution and before sleeping is beneficial for oral health and a means of earning rewards. - Covering food and drink
Ensure that all food and drink are covered to prevent harmful substances from entering, which could cause trouble later. - Extinguishing fire, candles, or lamps
To avoid any mishap, such as a spark turning into a blaze while you sleep, extinguish these potential hazards beforehand. - Sincerely repenting to Allah
Before falling asleep, seek Allah’s forgiveness for all sins and ask for His blessings. This ensures that if one passes away during sleep, they meet Allah free of sins. - Forgiving others
Remove jealousy, hatred, anger, or enmity from your heart. Lighten your heart by forgiving others, as this brings inner peace and removes spiritual ailments. - Writing a will if in debt
If you owe someone, write it down before sleeping so that, in case of death during sleep, your debts do not remain unpaid. - Dusting the bed three times
Dust the bed to remove any harmful objects or creatures before lying down. - Reciting Tasbih Fatimah
- 33 times Subhanallah
- 33 times Alhamdulillah
- 34 times Allahu Akbar
This powerful dhikr (remembrance) was taught by the Prophet to his beloved daughter Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with her).
- Reciting Ayatul Kursi
The verse of the Throne (Ayatul Kursi) is a strong protection against magic, jinn, and Satan. It should be recited after every obligatory prayer and before sleeping. - Reciting the last three Surahs and blowing over oneself
Recite Surah Ikhlas, Surah Falaq, and Surah Nas three times each, blow into your palms, and wipe over your body. This was a regular practice of the Prophet, especially for protection against harm. - Reciting Surah Mulk and Surah Sajdah
These two Surahs are highly virtuous and are part of the Sunnahs of sleeping. -
Reciting the sleeping dua
Dua:
اللّهُمَّ بِاسْمِكَ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا
“O Allah, in Your name I die and I live.” - Sleeping on the right side facing the Qiblah
Islam places great significance on the right side. Therefore, when lying down, avoid sleeping on the left side or on your stomach, and sleep on your right side facing the Qiblah.
