Dua for Sleeping and Waking Up: An Essential Practice as Per Sunnah
Dua, or the act of supplication, is a fundamental practice in Islam. It is a means of communication with Allah, where a person can ask for His help, guidance, and blessings. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of dua and encouraged his followers to make it a regular part of their lives.
Dua can be made at any time and in any place, and there are specific dua for various activities in a Muslim’s daily life. One such important aspect is the dua for sleeping and waking up. These duas have been mentioned in the Sunnah and carry great significance in a believer’s life.
Dua for Sleeping
Before going to sleep, it is the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to recite specific duas for seeking protection and blessings. The following dua is recommended to be recited before sleeping:
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ قِنِي عَذَابَكَ يَوْمَ تَبْعَثُ عِبَادَكَ
Transliteration:
Allahumma qinee AAathabaka yawma tabAAathu AAibadak.
Translation:
“O Allah, protect me from Your punishment on the day Your servants are resurrected.”
This dua serves as a reminder that life and death are in the hands of Allah, and by reciting it, a person seeks His protection and mercy throughout the night.
Dua for Waking Up
Upon waking up, it is the recommended practice to recite the following dua:
Arabic:
اَلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذي أَحْيَانَا بَعْدَ مَا أَمَاتَنَا وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ
Transliteration:
Alhamdu lillahil-lathee ahyana baAAda ma amatana wa-ilayhin-nushoor.
Translation:
“All praise is for Allah who gave us life after having taken it from us and unto Him is the resurrection.”
By reciting this dua upon waking up, a person expresses gratitude to Allah for the gift of a new day and acknowledges that ultimately, everyone will return to Him.
The practice of reciting dua for sleeping and waking up is an essential part of a Muslim’s routine, as per the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). These duas serve as a means of seeking Allah’s protection, mercy, and blessings, while also acknowledging His ultimate control over life and death.
Additionally, it is important to emphasize the role of sincere intentions and actions in ensuring that our duas are accepted by Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Your prayers will be answered if you are not hasty, if you will not say, ‘I prayed but my prayer was not answered'” (Bukhari).
One way to enhance the likelihood of one’s dua being answered is through the act of giving charity with a sincere intention. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Charity does not decrease wealth” (Muslim). By giving in charity, a person not only helps those in need but also demonstrates their sincerity and humility before Allah. This act of generosity can lead to an increase in one’s blessings and the acceptance of their duas.
By reciting these duas with sincerity and following the guidelines of the sunnah, a person can seek Allah’s protection and blessings, and ultimately have their prayers answered. Additionally, incorporating charity into one’s life can further enhance the likelihood of one’s duas being accepted by Allah.