Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas Before Sleep

Reciting Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas before sleep is a beautiful part of the sunnah.

When the Prophet (peace be upon him) went to bed he would cup his hands together, recite Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas, blow into his palms and then wipe them over his body; he did this three times. This practice is a beautiful way to pass the night under the protection of Allah.

What is the hadith source of this sunnah?

This sunnah rests on the following hadiths. The reference gives the collection, chapter and number where the hadith appears.

• B6319 Buhârî, Deavât, 12
• D5056 Ebû Dâvûd, Edeb, 97, 98

More sunnahs in Sleep Etiquette

As a table with references: Sleep Etiquette sunnahs.

• Lying on the Right Side: Lying on the right side with the right hand under the cheek is a sunnah of sleep.
• Praising Allah on Waking: The first thing to do with eyes that open to a new life each morning is to praise Allah.
• Shaking Out the Bed: Shaking out the bed before sleeping is a sunnah of caution that the Prophet advised.
• Waking for Tahajjud: Waking from sleep for the night prayer is the deepest form of nearness to Allah.
• Qaylulah — The Midday Rest: A short sleep after the noon prayer is the sunnah that gives strength for night worship.