SUPPLICATIONS BEFORE SLEEP
Islamic tradition contains reports recommending certain verses and surahs before sleep. Foremost among them are Ayat al-Kursi, the last two verses of Al-Baqarah (Amana ar-Rasulu), the three short surahs (Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas), and Surah Al-Mulk. None of these readings are obligatory; they are considered sunnah practices the Prophet (peace be upon him) maintained. This guide is designed to help build a calm reading routine before sleep.
Designed to help build a calm reading routine before sleep.
Duas and Verses
Ayat al-Kursi
ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلْحَىُّ ٱلْقَيُّومُ
Allâhü lâ ilâhe illâ hüve'l-hayyü'l-kayyûm...
God — there is no god except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of all existence...
A report in Bukhari describes reciting it before sleep as a source of protection.
Amana ar-Rasulu (The Last Two Verses of Al-Baqarah)
ءَامَنَ ٱلرَّسُولُ بِمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِن رَّبِّهِۦ وَٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ
Âmener-Rasûlü bi mâ ünzile ileyhi mir Rabbihî vel mü'minûn...
The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and so have the believers. All of them have believed in God, His angels, His books, and His messengers...
Described in Sahih Muslim as "sufficient for the night" — can be included in a nightly reading routine.
Surah Al-Ikhlas
قُلْ هُوَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدٌ
Kul hüvallâhü ehad...
Say: He is God, the One...
One of the three short surahs (with Al-Falaq and An-Nas) frequently mentioned in reports about nightly reading.
Surah Al-Falaq
قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ ٱلْفَلَقِ
Kul e'ûzü bi Rabbi'l-felak...
Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak...
A report in Bukhari describes the Prophet (peace be upon him) blowing into his cupped hands and wiping them over his body before sleep.
Surah An-Nas
قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ ٱلنَّاسِ
Kul e'ûzü bi Rabbi'n-nâs...
Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of humankind...
Known together with Al-Falaq as "Al-Mu'awwidhatayn" — carries the theme of seeking refuge from whispering and external harm.
Surah Al-Mulk
تَبَٰرَكَ ٱلَّذِى بِيَدِهِ ٱلْمُلْكُ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ قَدِيرٌ
Tebârake'llezî bi yedihi'l-mülkü ve hüve alâ külli şey'in kadîr...
Blessed is He in whose hand is dominion, and He is over all things competent...
Described in a report in Bukhari as protecting its reader from the punishment of the grave — can be part of a nightly reading routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does reading these supplications guarantee sleep?
No, this is not a sleep aid or a guaranteed method. These readings are designed for those who want to build a calm spiritual routine before getting into bed.
Is it obligatory to read all of them every night?
No. This is not an obligation but a habit recommended in hadith; occasionally skipping it carries no religious consequence. A good approach for beginners is to start with the short surahs and expand gradually.
Sources
- Tanzil Project — Uthmani Mushaf
- QuranEnc — Türkçe Meal
- Sahîh-i Buhârî
- Sahîh-i Müslim, Kitâbü Salâti'l-Müsâfirîn