"Bed Time Duas"

It is highly emphasized to do Wudhoo ( i.e. Wazu ) before going to sleep because it carries much Sawaab. A person sleeping on a Taahir (paak or clean) bedding in the state of having performed Wudhoo gets the reward of having done worship for the whole night. Moreover, before falling asleep it is essentially recommended to take account of all our deeds of the past day so as to rewind our tape of memory of good and bad deeds we have committed, thus, eventually realizing our position on the scale of morality, and if the scale of bad deeds is heavier then good deeds we should attempt to reverse the scale in the next coming day.

It is wisely said that take your reckoning yourself before you are taken to be reckoned, or, do your Hisaab yourself before your Hisaab is done, i.e. done by dreadful angels. Sleep is said to be a sister of death. So when one goes to sleep he/she should realize that there is however no any surety of getting up again, therefore it is very important that when we sleep we must possess a clean heart filled with pure faith. Perhaps we may not get a chance to rectify the past wrongs. So first of all one should revive his or her faith, i.e. confirm from the bottom of the heart all that is necessary for a believer. Then do Istighfaar and recite the recommended Duaas. It should be remembered that it is Makrooh to keep awake after Ishaa for merely chatting and wasting time in vain talks.

The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W.) said: that except for three things it is not good to keep awake at night, they are:

(1) for Namaaz-e-Shab,

(2) for reciting Holy Qur'aan or for > education, and

(3) for that bride who came to her husband's house on the first night.

It is also Makrroh to sleep (a) upto sun-rise, (b) in-between Maghrib and Ishaa, and (c) after the time of Asr.

And it is recommendable to have a short nap just before Zohr (in summer), and siesta after Namaaz-e-Zohr and Asr. A person complained to the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W.) of the loss of memory, he was advised to have a small amount of sleep in the afternoon, he acted likewise and was cured of his complaint.

It is Sunnat while going to sleep to lie down on the right side and put the hand under the cheek. It is Makrooh to lie down on the left side. There are some very good Duaas to be recited at the time of going to bed. They are as follows:

1. Recite 3 times Surah-e-Ikhlaas and Surah-e-Takaasoor.

2. Reciting this Dauaa earns Sawaab of 1000 rak'at Namaaz: "Yaf'alullaahu Maa Yashaau Bi Qudratihee, Wa Yahkumu Maa Yureedu Bi Izzatihee."

3. Recite Salawaat on all Prophets, Tasbihaat-e-Arba'aa, and Istighfaar for all Mu'mineen wal Mu'minaat.

4. Recite "Al-Qayyoomu" (The Everlasting) 156 times to have a sound sleep.

5. Recite 100 times "Al-Baaisu" for the increase in wisdom, or 573 times the same for increase in intellectual power.

6. Recite Tasbeeh of Bibi Faatima Zehra (S.A.)

7. Recite Surah-e-Hashr and S.Az-Zaariyaat (this increases sustenance).

8. Recite this Duaa: "Aoodhu Bikalimaatillaahit Ttammaatil Latee Laa Yujaavizuhunna Barrun Walaa Faajirun Min Sharri Maa Zara'a Wa Min Sharri Maa Bara'a Wa Min Sharri Kulli Daabbatin Huwa Aakhidhun Bi Naasiyatihaa Inna Rabbee Alaa Swiraatum Mustaqeem."

9. To remain safe from Ehtelaam (omission of semen) recite: "Allaahumma Aoodhu Bika Minal Ihtillaami Wa Min Soo'il Ihlaami Wa Min An Yatalaa Abaa Bi Yash-Shaytaanu Fil Yaqdhati Wal Manaam."

10. Recite Aayatul Qursee, Aamanar-Rasool, and then this Duaa: "Al-Hamdulillaahil-Ladhee Faqahar, Wal Hamdulillaahil Ladhee Batwana Fakhabar, Wal Hamdu Lillaahil Ladhee Malaka Fa Qadar, Wal Hamdu Lillahil Ladhee Yuhyil Mawta Wa Yummeetul Ahyaa'a Wahuwa Alaa Kulli Shay'in Qadeer."

11. Recite: "Bismillaahi Aamantu Billaahi Wa Kafartu Bittwaaghooti, Allaahumahfadhnee Fee Manaamee Wa Fee Yaqdhatee."

12. Recite: "Aoodhu Bi Izzatillaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Qudratillaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Jalaaillaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Sultwaanillaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Jamaalillaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Daf'illaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Man'illaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Jam'illaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Mulkillaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Wajhillaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Rasoolillaahi (S.A.W.W.) Min Sharri Maa Khalaqa Wa Bara'a Wa Dhara'a."

13. To wake up at desired time recite: "Allaahumma Laa Tu'minnee Makraka Walaa Tunsinaa Dhikraka Walaa Taj'alnee Minal Ghaafileena Aqoomu Saa'ata." (here you determine the time)

14. When you fear you would not be able to wake up at a desired time then recite this Duaa: "Qul Innamaa Basharun Mislokum Yoohaa Elayya Annamaa Elaahokum Elaahin Waahid, Famankaana Yarjoo Liqaa'a Rabbihee Falya'amal Swaalihan Walaa Yushrik Bee Ibaadatee Rabbihee Ahadaa."

15. To have a sound, peaceful and fearless sleep recite: "Laa Ilaaha Illallaahu Wahdhu Laa Shareeka Lahoo Yuhyee Wa Yumeetu Wa Yumeetu Wa Yuhyee, Wahuwa Hayyun Laa Yamoot."

16. Duaa: "Allaahumma Innaka Faradhta Alayya Twaa'atan Aliyyibni Abee Twaalibin, Wal Hasani Wal Husayn Wa Aliyyibnil Husayn, Wa Muhammadibni Aliyyin, Wa Ja'faribi Muhammad, Wa Moosabni Ja'far, Wa Aliyyibni Moosa, Wa Muhammadibni Aliyyin, Wa Aliyyibni Muhammad, Wall Hasanibni Aliyyin, Wal Hujjatul Qaaimi Swalawaatullahi Alayhim Ajma'een."

17. Duaa: "Sub'haanallaahi Heena Tumsoona Wa Heena Tusbihoon,, Walahul Hamdu Fis-Samaawaati Wal Ardh, Wa Ashiyyan Wa Heena Tudh'hiroon."

18. Duaa: "U'eedhu Nafsee Wa Dhurriyyatee Wa Ahlibaytee Wa Maalee Bi Kalimaatillaahit-Tammaati Min Kulli Shaytwaanin Wa Haammatin Min Kulli Aynin Laammatin."

19. For protection recite: "Bismil-Laahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem. Innahum Yakeedoona Kaydan Wa Akeedu Kayda, Fa Mahhilil Kaafireena Amhilhum Ruwayda."

20. Duaa when one awakes from sleep: "Sub'haanallaahi Rabbin-Nabiyyeen, Wa Ilaahil Mursaleen, Wa Rabbil Mustadh'afeen, Wal Hamdu Lillaahilladhee Yuhyil Mawta Wa Huwa Alaa Kulli Shay'in Qadeer."

21. When getting out of bed recite: "Hasbiyar-Rabbu Minal Ibaadi, Hasbiyalladhee Huwa Hasbee, Hasbee Mudh Kuntu Hasbee, Hasbiyallaahu Wa Ni'amal Wakeel."

22. Imaam Ja'afar Saadiq (A.S.) said that anyone who recites this Duaa 3 times while going to sleep will be cleansed of sins as if a new-born one: "Al-Hamdulillaahil-Ladhee Alaa Faqahar, Wal Hamdu Lillaahil-Ladhee Batwana Fa Khabar, Wal Hamdu Lillaahil-Ladhee Malaka Fa Qadar, Wal Hamdu Lillaahil-Ladhee Yuhyil Mawta Wa Yumeetul Ahyaa'a Wahuwa Alaa Kulli Shay'in Qadeer."

23. The same Imaam (A.S.) said not to pass a night without reciting this Duaa: "Aoodhu Bi Izzatillaahi Wa Aooodhu Bi Qudratillaahi Wa Aoodu Bi Jalaalillaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Sultwaanillaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Jamaalillaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Daf'illaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Man'illaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Jam'illaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Mulkillaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Wajhillaahi Wa Aoodhu Bi Rasoolillaahi Swallallahu Alayhi Wa Aalihi Min Sharri Maa Khalaqa Wa Bara'a Wa Dhara'a."

24. The Imaam said that anyone who recites 100 times Surah-e-Ikhlaas at bed-time his or her 50 years' sins shall be forgiven.

25. The Imaam said that anyone who wakes up from sleep and recites the following Duaa shall be considered a grateful servent of Almighty Allaah (S.W.T.): "Sub'haanallaahi Rabbin-Nabiyyeen Wa Ilaahil Mursaleen Wa Rabbil Mustadh'afeen Wal Hamdu Lillaahil-Ladhee Yuhyil Mawta Wa Huwa Alaa Kulli Shay'in Qadeer."

26. Anyone reciting the following at bed-time Allaah shall protect him or her from thieves and every evil things: Aayatul Qursee.

27. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W.) said that reciting 3 times Surah-e-Ikhlaas at bed time is similar to recite the Holy Qur'an; reciting Salawaat on Prophets (A.S.) is to make them interceed on Qayaamat; to do Istighfaar for all Mu'mineen will make them all pleased to you; and reciting 'Tasbeehaat-e-Arba'aa' is similar to perform Hajj and Umrah.

28. Imaam Muhammad Baaqir (A.S.) said that when you go to sleep put your right hand under your head and recite this Duaa: Bismillaahi Innee Aslamtu Nafsee Ilayka Wa Wajjahtu Wajhiya Ilayka Wa Fawwadhtu Amri Ilayka Wa Al'ja'atu Dhwahri Ilayka Wa Tawaqqaltu Ilayka Rahabatan Minka Wa Raghbatan Ilayka Laa Manjaa Walaa Malja'a Minka Illaa Ilayka Aamantu Bi Kitaabikal-ladhee Anzalta Wa Bi Rasoolikal-Ladhee Arsalat. Then recite Tasbeeh-e-Janaab-e-Faatima (S.A.)

29. It is also stated that not to miss reciting the following Duaa when you go to bed: Ueedhu Nafsee Wa Dhurriyatee Wa Ahli Baytee Wa Maalee Kalimaatillaahit-Tammaati Min Kulli Shaytwanin Wa Haammatin Wa Min Kulli Aynil-Laammati.

30. Imaam Radhaa (A.S.) said that anyone reciting the following Duaa shall remain safe from being crushed under the falling house: Innallaaha Yumsikus-Samaawaati Wal Ardha An Tazoola Wa La'in Zaalataa In Amsakahuma Min Ahadin Mimba'adihi, Innahoo Kaana Haleeman Ghafoora.

31. Imaam Ja'afar Saadiq (A.S.) said whoever recites 100 times Laa Ilaaha Illallaah at bed-time Allaah shall make a house for him/her in Paradise, and whoever recites 100 times Istighfaar, his/her sins shall be forgiven in such quantity as the falling leaves of a tree.

32. It is reported from an authentic tradition from Imaam Ali ibnul Husayn (A.S.) that whoever recites the following Duaa at bed-time his poverty and problems will disappear, and will not be harmed by any dangerous insect: Allaahumma Antal Awwalu Falaa Shay'in Qablaka Wa Antadh-Dhwaahiru Falaa Shay'un Fawqaka Wa Antal Baatwinu Falaa Shay'un Doonaka Wa Antal Aakhiru Falaa Shay'un Ba'adaka. Allaahumma Rabbas-Samaawaatis-Sab'I Wa Rabbal Aradheenas-Sab'I Wa Rabbat-Tawraati Wal Injeeli Waz-Zaboor Wal Qur'aanil Hakeem. Aoodhu Bika Min Sharri Kulli Daabbatin Anta Aakhizun Bi  Naaswiyatihaa, Innaka Alaa Swiraatum Mustaqeem.

33. Imaam Jaa'far Saadiq (A.S.) said that when you desire to fall asleep but you can't, recite this Duaa: Sub'haanallaahi Zish-Shaani Daa'imis-Sultwaani Kulla Yawmin Huwa Fish-Shaan.

34. Imaam Jaa'far Saadiq (A.S.) said if you wish to be blessed with holy sight of The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W.) in dream perform this Amal: After Ishaa Namaaz do Sunnat Ghusl, then pray 4 Rak'at Namaaz in which recite Aayatul Kursee 100 times in every rak'at, after this recite 1000 times Salawaat, then sleep on such a bedding on which neither Halaal nor Haraam act has been done, and place your right hand under your right cheek, and recite 100 times - Sub'haanallahi Wal Hamdu Lillaahi Wa Laa Ilaaha Illallaahu Wallaahu Akbar, Walaa Hawla Walaa Quwwata Illaa Billaah.

35. If you wish to be blessed with the holy sight of Imaam Ali (A.S.) then at the time of going to sleep recite this Duaa: Allaahumma Innee As'aluka Yaa Man Laho Lutfun Khufayyun Wa Ayaadeehi Baasitwatun Laa Taqbeedhan As'aluka Bi Lutfikal Khafiyyil-Ladhee Maa Latwufat Bihee Li Abdin Illaa Kafaa An Turiyanee Mawlaaya Ameerul Mu'mineen Aliy-Yibna Abee Twaalibin Alayhissalaamu Fee Manaamee.

36. A person who wishes to see in dream anyone from the dead should do this: Perform Wudhoo and sleep on your right, recite Tasbeeh-e-Bibi Faatim (S.A.) then recite this Duaa: Allaahumaa Antal Hayyul-Ladhee Laa Yooswafu Wal Eemana Ya'arifu Minhu Badaa'atil Al'ashyaau Wa Ilayka Ta'oodu Akbal Minhaa Kuntu Maljaa'a Wa Maa Adabar Minhaa Lam Yakunlahoo Maljaa'un Walaa Manjaa Minka Illaa Ilayka, Fa As'aluka Bi Laa Ilaaha Illaa Anta, Wa As'aluka Bismillaahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem, Wa Bihaqqi Habbebika Muhammadin Swallallaahu Alayhi Wa Aalihi Sayyidin-Nabiyyeen, Wa Bihaqqi Aliyyin Khayril Waswiyyeen, Wa Bihaqqi Faatimata Sayyidatan-Nisaail Aalameen, Wa Bihaqqil Hasani Wal Husaynil-Ladheena Ajalta Humaa Sayyiday Shabaabi Ahlil Jannati Alayhi Ajmaeens-Salaamu, An Tuswalli Alaa Muhammadin Wa Aali Muhamma Wa In Turiyanee Mayyiti Fil Haalil-Latee Huwa Feehaa.

37. Imaam Jaa'far Saadiq (A.S.) said when you change your sides while sleeping recite Al-Hamdu Lillaahi Walaahu Akbar.

38. This is from the same Imaam (A.S.): When you get up from sleep recite Sub'haanallahi Rabbin-Nabiyyeen Wa Ilaahil Mursaleen Wa Rabbil Mustadh'afeen, Wal Hamdu Lillaahil-Ladhee Yuhyil Mawta Wahuwa Alaa Kulli Shay'in Qadeer.

39. To seek guidance for a problem in dream: Go to bed while you are in the state of Twahaarah. Before falling asleep recite 7 times Surah Ash-Shams and 7 times Surah Al-Layl, then recite: Allaahumj'alnee Min Amri Haadhaa Farajan Wa Makhrajan.

    Sleeping Tips

40. Question:

    The idle youth waste their time in sleeping too much. They sleep with no alarm clock. What is the solution for such people?

    The answer:

    They should read the following verses of poetry and come to a decision:

    “O you, who sleep too much and are indifferent, too much sleeping brings regret. In the grave, when you enter into it, there will be a long sleep after death, and a bed of sins or good deeds you have done will wait for you there.”

    The holy traditions warn of too much sleeping. The Prophet (s) said, ‘Beware of too much sleeping, because it leaves its friend poor on the Day of Resurrection.’

    Imam al-Baqir (s) said in a Qudsi [1] tradition that Prophet Moses (s) had said, ‘O my Lord, which of Your people is the most odious to You? Allah said, ‘Carrion (sleeping) in the night and idle in the day.’

    Imam as-Sadiq (s) said, ‘Allah hates much sleeping and much idleness.’ He also said, ‘Much sleeping wastes religion and life.’

    The youth should create jobs for themselves or spend their spare time in reading and acquiring good information and memorizing the suras of the Holy Qur'an because the Qur'an lights the heart and life. Whoever learns in his youth will make use of his knowledge when he grows up. The old learn nothing if they missed leaning in their youth.

    Islam has not left the need of sleeping to man without directing it with special manners that give man a comfortable sleep and make him active in getting up. Here are some of these manners to be observed before going to bed:

    1. Man should go to bed after cleansing himself from sweat and unpleasant smells.

    2. He should perform wudu’.

    3. He should go to the W.C. and relieve himself.

    4. He should recite some Qur’anic verses and some supplications, especially the sura of Ikhlas (112) or al-Hashr (59) or at-Takathur (102) or all of them, and say what the Prophet (s) used to say, ‘O my Lord, if You take my soul in my sleep, forgive it, and if You set it free, keep it safe as You keep Your good people.’

    5. He should not sleep on his face and abdomen because it is the sleep of the Satan and is harmful to the self and body. The believers sleep on their backs or right sides except if there is an excuse.

    6. When lying, instead of thinking of what is of no benefit, Islam invites man to criticize himself on what he has done during his day. Imam as-Sadiq (s) said, ‘When you go to your bed, think of what you have done in your day and remember that you will die and will be resurrected to be punished.’

    7. Huthayfa narrated, ‘When the Prophet (s) went to bed, he said, ‘In Your name O Allah, I die and live’ and when he awoke, he said, ‘Praise be to Allah, Who enlivened us after he has made us die, and to Him is the resurrection.’

    Dear brother, go to bed early and avoid evenings full of play and amusement, and awake early to find all good before you; good health, livelihood, activity, and vitality. The moment you awaken from your sleep, you will understand what you have read in the previous lines about the disadvantages of too much sleeping and about the manners of sleeping. If you understand this, you will awake at the required time.

    Recite this supplication before you sleep to awake at the time you want: “O my Lord, do not make me forget Your mention, do not make me feel safe from Your affliction, and do not make me one of the indifferent!

    [1] Qudsi tradition (Hadith Qudsi) is a class of traditions that give words spoken by Allah as distinguished from the Prophetic traditions that give the words spoken by the Prophet (s). The words of Allah in the Qudsi traditions are different from the Qur'an that was revealed through Gabriel.