Dua seeking refuge from punishment at bedtime

Recited at night when getting into bed.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would put his hand under his cheek and repeat this dua whenever he got into bed.

This dua is based on the Quran and hadith sources below.

• HadithSunan Abi Dawud, 5045

  It is reported in Sunan Abi Dawud as a dua recited before sleeping (hasan).

Other duas connected to this topic.

• Dua before sleeping

  O Allah, in Your name I die and I live.

• Dua of submission at bedtime

  O Allah, I have submitted myself to You, entrusted my affair to You, turned my face to You, and rested my back on You, hoping for Your reward and fearing Your punishment. There is no refuge and no escape from You except to You. I believe in the Book You sent down and the Prophet You sent.

Common questions about this dua.

• Why is the dua seeking refuge from punishment recited at bedtime?

  It is recited at night before sleeping to seek refuge in Allah from the punishment of the Day of Judgement.

• What is the Arabic, transliteration and meaning of the dua seeking refuge from punishment at bedtime?

  “Allahumma qini adhabaka yawma tab'athu ibadaka”: this dua, found in Sunan Abi Dawud, means “Protect me from Your punishment on the Day You resurrect Your servants.”