As an Islamic studies teacher, I get a few questions from the kids about the importance of reciting the ‘dua before sleeping.’ This amazing yet simple practice was recommended by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw) and is part of the sunnah. In this blog post, I’ll talk about why the dua before sleeping is so important, the sunnahs connected to bedtime, and a few hadiths and Quranic ayahs that highlight the significance of sleep in Islam. And guess what? At the end of this post, you’ll find a link to download a free ‘dua before sleeping’ poster to help you (or your kids) remember and bring this wonderful practice into your daily life.
Why is the Dua Before Sleeping So Important?
The ‘dua before sleeping’ holds significant meaning and offers incredible benefits. As Muslims, we should remember Allah (SWT) at all times, especially before we drift off to sleep. By reciting this dua, which translates to “Oh Allah, in your name I die and I live,” we remind ourselves of our reliance on Allah (SWT) for both our life and our death. This serves to strengthen our faith and trust in Allah as the ultimate provider and sustainer, while also helping us find solace in knowing that our lives and our rest are under His care and protection.
Sunnahs of sleeping
The Prophet Muhammad (saw) has taught us several sunnahs related to bedtime that can help us achieve a peaceful and restful sleep. Here are some of them:
- Make wudu (ablution) before going to bed.
- Dust you bed.
- Sleep on your right side.
- Place your right hand under your cheek.
- Recite Surah Naas, Surah Falaq and Surah Ikhlas.
- Blow in your hands after reciting these 3 Surahs and wipe over your face and body
- Recite Surah Al-Mulk and Surah Al-Kafiroon.
- Recite the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah.
- Sleep early and avoid sleeping late
- Make an intention to wake up for tahajjud
Quranic Ayahs on Sleep
“It is He who takes your souls by night and knows what you have committed by day. Then He revives you therein so that a specified term may be fulfilled. Then to Him will be your return; then He will inform you about what you used to do.” (Surah Al-An’am, 6:60)
Hadith on Sleep
Jabir ibn Abdullah reported that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “When any one of you goes to sleep, Shaitan ties three knots at the back of his head, sealing every knot with: ‘You have a long night, so sleep.’ So if one awakens and remembers Allah, a knot is loosened; if he performs ablution, another knot is loosened; and if he prays, the third knot is loosened, and in the morning he is active and in good spirits; otherwise, in the morning, he is in bad spirits and lazy.” (Sahih Muslim, 776)
Grab Your Free Dua Before Sleeping Poster
Now that you know the importance of the dua before sleeping, why not grab a free poster to help you remember and practice it every night? Just click on this link to download your very own ‘dua before sleeping’ poster, and start enjoying the benefits of this beautiful practice.
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