Evening and Bedtime Adhkar in Islam: Supplications for a Protected Night

Evening marks the end of the day. For the Muslim, it is an important opportunity to return to Allah, thank Him for His blessings, seek forgiveness for shortcomings and ask for His protection during the coming night.

Evening supplications and bedtime adhkar help the believer end the day with remembrance of Allah, gratitude, trust and serenity. They protect the heart, strengthen faith and remind the Muslim that sleep is a temporary return to Allah.

These adhkar include Quranic verses, protective surahs, formulas of dhikr and prophetic supplications. They help the believer enter the night under Allah’s protection while ending the day in worship.

To strengthen your understanding of faith, supplications and daily remembrance of Allah, you can also visit our page to learn Islam.

Key points about evening and bedtime adhkar

Evening adhkar are usually recited between late afternoon and the beginning of the night. Bedtime adhkar are recited when going to sleep. Together, they form a complete spiritual routine for ending the day with faith, protection and trust in Allah.

Among the important supplications to recite in the evening or before sleeping are:

• Ayat al-Kursi;
• Surahs Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas;
• the supplication Bismillahi lladhi la yadurru;
• the supplication A‘udhu bi-kalimati Llahi t-tammati;
• the bedtime dua: Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya;
• the supplication of entrusting the soul to Allah;
• the bedtime tasbih: SubhanAllah, Al-hamdu liLlah, Allahu akbar.

The goal is not only to recite many words, but to recite with sincerity, consistency and understanding.

What is the difference between evening adhkar and bedtime adhkar?

Evening adhkar are supplications recited at the end of the day, usually from the ʿAsr prayer until the beginning of the night. They help the Muslim seek Allah’s protection, renew faith, ask for forgiveness and prepare spiritually for the night.

Bedtime adhkar are recited when going to bed. They help the believer entrust the soul to Allah, seek His protection, repel evil whispers and turn sleep into an act of worship.

The two routines complement each other. One closes the day; the other prepares directly for sleep.

These practices belong to a broader understanding of dhikr, prayer, tawakkul and spiritual protection. To study these topics with structure, students can follow Islamic studies online courses.

When should evening adhkar be recited?

Evening adhkar are usually recited from the ʿAsr prayer. The recommended time is before sunset, but they may still be recited at the beginning of the night if one missed the earlier time.

What matters is consistency. A short routine recited every evening with presence of heart is better than a long list recited rarely.

When should bedtime supplications be recited?

Bedtime supplications are recited just before sleeping, when the believer is about to go to bed. It is recommended to prepare for sleep with practices from the Sunnah and then recite the reported supplications.

The Prophet ﷺ recommended making wudu before sleeping, lying on the right side and ending the day with remembrance of Allah.

Recommended practices before sleeping

Before the supplications themselves, some practices are recommended in the Sunnah:

• making wudu as for prayer;
• lying on the right side;
• placing trust in Allah;
• reciting bedtime supplications;
• ending the day with dhikr and seeking forgiveness.

These actions help the believer sleep in a state of purity, remembrance and trust in Allah.

1. Ayat al-Kursi before the night

Ayat al-Kursi is among the greatest verses of the Quran. It is recited in the evening routine to seek Allah’s protection.

Arabic text:

اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ ۚ لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ ۗ مَنْ ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ عِنْدَهُ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ ۚ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ ۖ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَيْءٍ مِّنْ عِلْمِهِ إِلَّا بِمَا شَاءَ ۚ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ ۖ وَلَا يَئُودُهُ حِفْظُهُمَا ۚ وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ

Reference: Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:255.

Meaning explained: This verse reminds the believer of Allah’s greatness, sovereignty, perfect knowledge and protection. Reciting it in the evening helps the Muslim enter the night with trust in the Lord.

Since many evening adhkar include Quranic verses and surahs, learning the Quran and correct recitation remains essential. To improve reading, pronunciation and recitation rules, you can explore our program to learn Quran and Tajweed online.

2. Surahs Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas

These three surahs are among the most important protections to recite in the evening and before sleeping.

Surah Al-Ikhlas:

قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ ۝ اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ ۝ لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ ۝ وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ

Surah Al-Falaq:

قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَقِ ۝ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ ۝ وَمِنْ شَرِّ غَاسِقٍ إِذَا وَقَبَ ۝ وَمِنْ شَرِّ النَّفَّاثَاتِ فِي الْعُقَدِ ۝ وَمِنْ شَرِّ حَاسِدٍ إِذَا حَسَدَ

Surah An-Nas:

قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ ۝ مَلِكِ النَّاسِ ۝ إِلَٰهِ النَّاسِ ۝ مِنْ شَرِّ الْوَسْوَاسِ الْخَنَّاسِ ۝ الَّذِي يُوَسْوِسُ فِي صُدُورِ النَّاسِ ۝ مِنَ الْجِنَّةِ وَالنَّاسِ

Usage: These surahs may be recited three times in the evening. Before sleeping, it is also reported that the Prophet ﷺ would recite them, blow into his hands and wipe them over his body.

Meaning explained: They ask Allah for protection from visible and invisible harms, jealousy, evil whispers and spiritual dangers.

3. General protection supplication: Bismillahi lladhi la yadurru

This supplication is an important protection to recite in the evening.

Arabic text:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

Transliteration: Bismillahi lladhi la yadurru maʿa-smihi shay’un fi l-ardi wa la fi s-sama’, wa Huwa s-Samiʿu l-ʿAlim.

Meaning: In the name of Allah, with whose Name nothing can cause harm on earth or in the sky. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.

To be recited: three times in the evening.

Meaning explained: This supplication reminds the believer that nothing can harm except by Allah’s permission.

4. Supplication against the evil of what Allah created

This supplication asks Allah for protection from harmful creatures, visible or invisible.

Arabic text:

أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ

Transliteration: Aʿudhu bi-kalimati Llahi t-tammati min sharri ma khalaq.

Meaning: I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created.

Usage: It may be recited in the evening, especially to seek protection during the night.

5. Bedtime dua: Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya

This is one of the best-known supplications to recite when going to bed.

Arabic text:

بِاسْمِكَ اللَّهُمَّ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا

Transliteration: Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya.

Meaning: In Your name, O Allah, I die and I live.

Meaning explained: Sleep is compared to a minor death. By reciting this supplication, the believer entrusts life, awakening and the soul to Allah.

6. Supplication of entrusting the soul before sleep

This supplication expresses complete trust in Allah when going to sleep.

Arabic text:

بِاسْمِكَ رَبِّي وَضَعْتُ جَنْبِي وَبِكَ أَرْفَعُهُ، إِنْ أَمْسَكْتَ نَفْسِي فَارْحَمْهَا، وَإِنْ أَرْسَلْتَهَا فَاحْفَظْهَا بِمَا تَحْفَظُ بِهِ عِبَادَكَ الصَّالِحِينَ

Transliteration: Bismika rabbi wadaʿtu janbi, wa bika arfaʿuh, in amsakta nafsi farhamha, wa in arsaltaha fahfazha bima tahfazu bihi ʿibadaka s-salihin.

Meaning: In Your name, my Lord, I lay down my side, and by You I raise it. If You take my soul, have mercy on it; and if You return it, protect it as You protect Your righteous servants.

Meaning explained: This supplication reminds the believer that sleep, awakening and life belong to Allah alone.

7. Supplication of gratitude before sleep

Before sleeping, the believer may thank Allah for food, shelter, protection and the blessings of the day.

Arabic text:

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي كَفَانِي وَآوَانِي، الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَطْعَمَنِي وَسَقَانِي، الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي مَنَّ عَلَيَّ وَأَفْضَلَ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ بِعِزَّتِكَ أَنْ تُنَجِّيَنِي مِنَ النَّارِ

Transliteration: Al-hamdu liLlahi lladhi kafani wa awani, al-hamdu liLlahi lladhi atʿamani wa saqani, al-hamdu liLlahi lladhi manna ʿalayya wa afdal, Allahumma inni as’aluka bi-ʿizzatika an tunajjiyani mina n-nar.

Meaning: Praise be to Allah who sufficed me and sheltered me, praise be to Allah who fed me and gave me drink, praise be to Allah who favored me greatly. O Allah, by Your might, save me from the Fire.

Meaning explained: This supplication combines gratitude and the request for protection from the punishment of the Fire.

8. Supplication against punishment

The believer may ask Allah for protection from punishment on the Day of Resurrection.

Arabic text:

اللَّهُمَّ قِنِي عَذَابَكَ يَوْمَ تَبْعَثُ عِبَادَكَ

Transliteration: Allahumma qini ʿadhabaka yawma tabʿathu ʿibadak.

Meaning: O Allah, protect me from Your punishment on the Day You resurrect Your servants.

9. Supplication of trust: Hasbiya Allah

This supplication expresses complete trust in Allah in the face of worries, fears and concerns.

Arabic text:

حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ، عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ، وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ

Transliteration: Hasbiya Allahu la ilaha illa Huwa, ʿalayhi tawakkaltu, wa Huwa Rabbul-ʿArshil-ʿAzim.

Meaning: Allah is sufficient for me. There is no deity worthy of worship except Him. In Him I place my trust, and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne.

To be recited: seven times in the evening.

10. Supplication to ask Allah for help

This supplication is especially suitable when the believer ends the day with worries, responsibilities or difficulties.

Arabic text:

يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ، بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغِيثُ، أَصْلِحْ لِي شَأْنِي كُلَّهُ، وَلَا تَكِلْنِي إِلَى نَفْسِي طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ

Transliteration: Ya Hayyu ya Qayyum, bi-rahmatika astaghith, aslih li sha’ni kullah, wa la takilni ila nafsi tarfata ʿayn.

Meaning: O Ever-Living, O Sustainer, by Your mercy I seek help. Rectify all of my affairs and do not leave me to myself even for the blink of an eye.

11. Evening supplication: Allahumma bika amsayna

This supplication marks the entrance into evening by reminding the believer that life, death and the final return belong to Allah.

Arabic text:

اللَّهُمَّ بِكَ أَمْسَيْنَا، وَبِكَ أَصْبَحْنَا، وَبِكَ نَحْيَا، وَبِكَ نَمُوتُ، وَإِلَيْكَ الْمَصِيرُ

Transliteration: Allahumma bika amsayna, wa bika asbahna, wa bika nahya, wa bika namut, wa ilayka l-masir.

Meaning: O Allah, by You we enter the evening and the morning, by You we live and die, and to You is the return.

12. Comprehensive evening supplication

This supplication gathers praise, tawhid, asking for the good of the night and seeking protection from several major trials.

Arabic text:

أَمْسَيْنَا وَأَمْسَى الْمُلْكُ لِلَّهِ، وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ، لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ، رَبِّ أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَ مَا فِي هَذِهِ اللَّيْلَةِ وَخَيْرَ مَا بَعْدَهَا، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا فِي هَذِهِ اللَّيْلَةِ وَشَرِّ مَا بَعْدَهَا، رَبِّ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْكَسَلِ وَسُوءِ الْكِبَرِ، رَبِّ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عَذَابٍ فِي النَّارِ وَعَذَابٍ فِي الْقَبْرِ

Transliteration: Amsayna wa amsa l-mulku liLlah, wa l-hamdu liLlah. La ilaha illa Allahu wahdahu la sharika lah, lahu l-mulku wa lahu l-hamd, wa Huwa ʿala kulli shay’in qadir. Rabbi as’aluka khayra ma fi hadhihi l-laylah wa khayra ma baʿdaha, wa aʿudhu bika min sharri ma fi hadhihi l-laylah wa sharri ma baʿdaha. Rabbi aʿudhu bika mina l-kasal wa su’i l-kibar. Rabbi aʿudhu bika min ʿadhabin fi n-nar wa ʿadhabin fi l-qabr.

Meaning: We have entered the evening and the dominion belongs to Allah. Praise is for Allah. There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, without partner. To Him belongs the dominion and praise, and He is capable of all things. My Lord, I ask You for the good of this night and the good that comes after it. I seek refuge in You from the evil of this night and the evil that comes after it. My Lord, I seek refuge in You from laziness and the harms of old age. My Lord, I seek refuge in You from punishment in the Fire and punishment in the grave.

13. Supplication for protection in this world and the Hereafter

This supplication asks for protection in religion, worldly life, family, wealth and personal safety.

Arabic text:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي دِينِي وَدُنْيَايَ وَأَهْلِي وَمَالِي، اللَّهُمَّ اسْتُرْ عَوْرَاتِي وَآمِنْ رَوْعَاتِي، اللَّهُمَّ احْفَظْنِي مِنْ بَيْنِ يَدَيَّ، وَمِنْ خَلْفِي، وَعَنْ يَمِينِي، وَعَنْ شِمَالِي، وَمِنْ فَوْقِي، وَأَعُوذُ بِعَظَمَتِكَ أَنْ أُغْتَالَ مِنْ تَحْتِي

Transliteration: Allahumma inni as’aluka l-ʿafiyata fi d-dunya wa l-akhirah. Allahumma inni as’aluka l-ʿafwa wa l-ʿafiyata fi dini wa dunyaya wa ahli wa mali. Allahumma-stur ʿawrati wa amin rawʿati. Allahumma-hfazni min bayni yadayya, wa min khalfi, wa ʿan yamini, wa ʿan shimali, wa min fawqi. Wa aʿudhu bi-ʿazamatika an ughtala min tahti.

Meaning: O Allah, I ask You for well-being in this world and the Hereafter. O Allah, I ask You for pardon and well-being in my religion, worldly life, family and wealth. O Allah, cover my faults and calm my fears. O Allah, protect me from in front of me, behind me, on my right, on my left and above me. I seek refuge in Your greatness from being struck from beneath me.

14. Supplication against debt and poverty before sleep

Among the supplications recited before sleeping is a request for protection from harm, debt and poverty.

Arabic text:

اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ السَّمَاوَاتِ السَّبْعِ، وَرَبَّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ، رَبَّنَا وَرَبَّ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ، فَالِقَ الْحَبِّ وَالنَّوَى، وَمُنْزِلَ التَّوْرَاةِ وَالْإِنْجِيلِ وَالْقُرْآنِ، أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ أَنْتَ آخِذٌ بِنَاصِيَتِهِ، اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ الْأَوَّلُ فَلَيْسَ قَبْلَكَ شَيْءٌ، وَأَنْتَ الْآخِرُ فَلَيْسَ بَعْدَكَ شَيْءٌ، وَأَنْتَ الظَّاهِرُ فَلَيْسَ فَوْقَكَ شَيْءٌ، وَأَنْتَ الْبَاطِنُ فَلَيْسَ دُونَكَ شَيْءٌ، اقْضِ عَنَّا الدَّيْنَ، وَأَغْنِنَا مِنَ الْفَقْرِ

Meaning: O Allah, Lord of the seven heavens and Lord of the mighty Throne, our Lord and Lord of everything, Splitter of the grain and date-stone, Revealer of the Torah, Gospel and Quran, I seek refuge in You from the evil of everything You hold by the forelock. O Allah, You are the First and nothing was before You; You are the Last and nothing will be after You; You are the Most High and nothing is above You; You are the Most Near and nothing is below You. Settle our debts and enrich us from poverty.

Meaning explained: This supplication combines tawhid, trust in Allah, seeking protection from harm and asking for relief from debt.

15. Tasbih before sleeping

The bedtime tasbih is a well-known practice. It consists of reciting:

• SubhanAllah: 33 times;
• Al-hamdu liLlah: 33 times;
• Allahu akbar: 34 times.

Meaning explained: This dhikr gives strength, calms the heart and ends the day by glorifying Allah.

16. Evening dhikr to repeat regularly

Some forms of dhikr can be added to the evening routine according to one’s ability.

La ilaha illa Allah wahdahu la sharika lah

لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

Meaning: There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, without partner. To Him belongs the dominion and praise, and He is capable of all things.

SubhanAllahi wa bi-hamdih

سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ

Meaning: Glory and praise be to Allah.

Astaghfiru Allah

أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ

Meaning: I seek forgiveness from Allah.

These formulas are causes of purification of the heart, forgiveness of sins and closeness to Allah.

How to memorize evening and bedtime supplications

For beginners, the list of supplications may seem long. However, it is not necessary to memorize everything at once.

• Start with short supplications.
• Learn one supplication per week.
• Listen to recitation to correct pronunciation.
• Read the Arabic text together with transliteration.
• Understand the meaning to recite with presence of heart.
• Repeat every evening until it becomes natural.

Children can also gradually learn short evening supplications, especially when repeated as a family before sleep. To support them in Islamic learning, Al-Dirassa offers Islamic courses for children.

Learning to read Arabic to recite without transliteration

Many non-Arabic-speaking Muslims recite evening supplications using transliteration. This is a useful first step, but it can quickly show its limits.

Some Arabic sounds do not exist in English. Transliteration may therefore lead to pronunciation mistakes, especially for letters such as ح, خ, ع, غ, ق, ص, ض, ط or ظ.

Learning to read Arabic allows a Muslim to recite evening supplications, surahs, prayer and Quran with more precision. To progress step by step, you can follow our program to learn Arabic online.

Studying a Quranic Arabic course also helps students recognize frequent words from adhkar, surahs and prophetic supplications.

For more articles related to supplications, dhikr, sleep and Muslim life, you can visit our Islam and culture section.

FAQ — Evening and bedtime adhkar

What is the difference between evening adhkar and bedtime adhkar?

Evening adhkar are recited at the end of the day, usually from ʿAsr. Bedtime adhkar are recited when going to sleep. The two routines complement each other.

What dua should be recited before sleeping?

One may recite: Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya, meaning: In Your name, O Allah, I die and I live.

Which surahs should be recited before sleeping?

It is recommended to recite Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas. These surahs are important protections from visible and invisible harms.

When should evening adhkar be recited?

Evening adhkar are usually recited from ʿAsr. The recommended time is before sunset, but they may still be recited at the beginning of the night if forgotten.

Can evening supplications be recited in English?

It is useful to read the English meaning to understand the supplication. But when a supplication comes from the Quran or Sunnah with a precise wording, it is better to gradually learn it in Arabic.

Is transliteration enough for reciting supplications?

Transliteration can help beginners, but it does not replace learning to read Arabic. Some Arabic sounds cannot be accurately represented in Latin letters.

Do evening supplications protect during the night?

Yes, several texts mention protections related to evening adhkar and bedtime supplications. The believer recites them with faith and conviction that protection comes from Allah alone.

Does everything have to be recited every night?

It is better to progress gradually. The believer can begin with the shortest supplications, then add more adhkar over time.

Conclusion: ending the day under Allah’s protection

Evening supplications and bedtime adhkar hold an important place in the Muslim’s spiritual life. They allow the believer to end the day with gratitude, repentance, faith, protection and trust in Allah.

Reciting these supplications means recognizing that the day that has passed belonged to Allah, that the coming night depends on His protection and that the heart needs His remembrance to remain firm and peaceful.

Whether the believer begins with a few supplications or a complete routine, what matters most is consistency, sincerity and attention to the meaning of what is recited.