Every night, before closing your eyes, there is a short yet powerful supplication that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ never missed. This is the Sote Waqt Ki Dua the dua recited at the time of sleeping.
In Islam, sleep is not merely a physical need. It is described as a form of minor death, where Allah ﷻ takes the soul and returns it upon waking. This makes the moment before sleep one of the most important moments of a Muslim’s day. Ending the night with Allah’s name brings protection, peace of mind, and a deep sense of spiritual closeness.
The Sote Waqt Ki Dua is a Masnoon dua meaning it is established through the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. It is reported in Sahih al-Bukhari making it one of the most reliable and widely practiced bedtime supplications in Islam.
Sote Waqt Ki Dua in Arabic
Here is the Sote Waqt Ki Dua in Arabic as recorded in the authentic hadith:
بِسْمِكَ اللَّهُمَّ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا
This is the exact wording reported by Hudhaifah (رضي الله عنه) that the Prophet ﷺ recited every night before lying down to sleep.
Sote Waqt Ki Dua Transliteration (Roman English)
For those who are still learning the Arabic pronunciation, here is the easy Roman transliteration:
Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya
Read it slowly, word by word:
- Bismika — With Your name
- Allahumma — O Allah
- Amutu — I die
- Wa ahya — and I live
Sote Waqt Ki Dua with Tarjuma
Sote Waqt Ki Dua in English
“With Your name, O Allah, I die and I live.”
Sote Waqt Ki Dua in Urdu
اے اللہ! میں تیرے نام کے ساتھ مرتا اور جیتا ہوں۔
Sote Waqt Ki Dua in Hindi
हे अल्लाह! तेरे नाम के साथ मैं मरता और जीता हूँ।
A Second Version of Sote Waqt Ki Dua
There is also another version reported in Sahih al-Bukhari, narrated by Al-Bara’ ibn ‘Azib (رضي الله عنه), which begins with Allahumma:
اَللّٰھُمَّ بِاسْمِكَ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا
Transliteration: Allahumma bismika amutu wa ahya
Meaning (English): “O Allah, with Your name I die and I live.”
Hindi Tarjuma: हे अल्लाह, तेरे ही नाम के साथ मैं मरता और जीता हूँ।
Both versions are recorded in authentic hadith. Either one can be recited before sleeping, and both carry the same meaning and reward.
Hadith Reference
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is reported to have said this dua every night before going to sleep. The narration is recorded as follows:
Whenever the Prophet ﷺ intended to go to bed, he would recite: “Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya” (With Your name, O Allah, I die and I live.)
Sahih al-Bukhari
A similar narration is found in Sahih Muslim narrated by Al-Bara’ (رضي الله عنه), confirming the authenticity and widespread practice of this dua.
Meaning and Explanation
The Sote Waqt Ki Dua with Tarjuma carries a very deep meaning in just a few simple words.
The word “I die” (amutu) in this dua refers to sleep itself. In the Quran, Allah ﷻ describes sleep as a form of taking the soul:
“Allah takes the souls at the time of their death, and those that do not die He takes during their sleep.” Surah Az-Zumar (39:42)
So when a person says this dua, they are acknowledging that their sleep and ultimately their life is entirely in the hands of Allah ﷻ. Waking up in the morning is a fresh blessing and a new life gifted by the Most Merciful.
This is why the Prophet ﷺ taught us to begin sleep with Allah’s name just as we begin any important act with Bismillah. It is a declaration of complete trust (Tawakkul) in Allah ﷻ.
When to Read Sote Waqt Ki Dua
Sote Waqt Ki Dua is recited right before falling asleep. The correct time and method according to the Sunnah are:
- After completing all night prayers (Isha and any voluntary prayers)
- After lying down on the right side — as the Prophet ﷺ placed his right hand under his right cheek before sleeping
- Just before closing the eyes — so that Allah’s name is the last thing on your lips before sleep
There is no specific number of times required for this dua. It is recited once, with sincerity and full attention.
Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only. All duas and references are taken from widely accepted Islamic sources. We are not Islamic scholars, so please consult a qualified scholar for religious guidance. Translations are approximate and the original Arabic always holds the highest authority.
Additional Sunnah Duas and Practices Before Sleeping
The Sote Waqt Ki Dua is the core bedtime supplication, but the Prophet ﷺ also practiced several other acts before sleeping. Including these in your nightly routine brings extra reward and protection:
1. Recite the Three Qul Surahs
Before sleeping, the Prophet ﷺ would cup his palms together, blow into them, and recite:
- Surah Al-Ikhlas (Qul Huwa Allahu Ahad)
- Surah Al-Falaq (Qul A’udhu bi Rabb il-Falaq)
- Surah An-Nas (Qul A’udhu bi Rabb in-Nas)
He would then wipe his hands over his face and body, starting from the head. This was done three times.
2. Recite Ayat-ul-Kursi
The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever recites Ayat-ul-Kursi before sleeping will have a guardian appointed by Allah who will protect them throughout the night, and Shaytan will not be able to come near until morning.
3. Longer Dua Before Sleeping
Another powerful dua taught by the Prophet ﷺ is:
بِسْمِكَ رَبِّي وَضَعْتُ جَنْبِي وَبِكَ أَرْفَعُهُ، فَإِنْ أَمْسَكْتَ نَفْسِي فَارْحَمْهَا، وَإِنْ أَرْسَلْتَهَا فَاحْفَظْهَا بِمَا تَحْفَظُ بِهِ عِبَادَكَ الصَّالِحِينَ
Transliteration: Bismika Rabbi wada’tu janbi, wa bika arfa’uhu, fa in amsakta nafsi farhamha, wa in arsaltaha fahfazha bima tahfazu bihi ‘ibadakas-saliheen.
Meaning: “In Your name, my Lord, I lie down, and in Your name I rise. If You take my soul, have mercy upon it. If You return it, protect it as You protect Your righteous servants.”
4. Dust the Bed
The Prophet ﷺ instructed believers to dust off the bed three times with a garment before sleeping, as one does not know what may have come onto it.
5. Lie on the Right Side
Sleeping on the right side is a Sunnah. It is also healthier and a sign of humility before Allah.
Benefits of Reading Sote Waqt Ki Dua
The spiritual and practical benefits of reciting Sote Waqt Ki Dua regularly are rooted in authentic hadith and Islamic teaching:
1. Allah’s Protection During Sleep Reciting this dua places the believer under the care of Allah ﷻ for the entire night. Sleep becomes a state of trust in Him, not fear of the unknown.
2. Following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ Every act that follows the Prophet’s ﷺ practice is rewarded. Reciting this dua is a direct way of reviving his Sunnah in daily life.
3. Peace of Heart and Mind Remembering Allah before sleep removes anxiety, fear of bad dreams, and restlessness. The heart settles because it knows it is in the care of the Most Powerful.
4. Acknowledgment of Allah’s Control Over Life and Death These words are a daily reminder that life, death, sleep, and waking all are in Allah’s hands alone. This strengthens Iman (faith) and removes pride from the heart.
5. Help in Waking Up for Fajr When a person sleeps with the name of Allah on their lips, they are more spiritually connected and often find it easier to wake up for Fajr with a refreshed heart.
6. Protection from Shaytan The consistent remembrance of Allah at night is a barrier against Shaytan’s influence during the vulnerable hours of sleep.
Dua When Waking Up (Subah Uthne Ki Dua)
The Prophet ﷺ also taught us what to say upon waking up. This completes the full cycle of trust in Allah from sleep to waking:
اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ الَّذِي أَحْيَانَا بَعْدَ مَا أَمَاتَنَا وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ
Transliteration: Alhamdu lillahil-ladhi ahyana ba’da ma amatana, wa ilayhin-nushur.
Meaning: “All praise is for Allah who gave us life after causing us to die (sleep), and unto Him is the resurrection.”
Read Also: Khansi Ki Dua
Conclusion
Sote Waqt Ki Dua is one of the simplest yet most meaningful acts a Muslim can perform every night. In just a few words Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya a believer hands over their soul to Allah ﷻ before sleep and wakes with gratitude for being returned to life.
This dua is not a ritual of habit. It is a daily reminder that life, rest, and waking are all gifts from the Creator. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ never missed this dua, and making it part of your nightly routine is one of the most beautiful ways to follow his Sunnah.
Whether you recite it in Arabic, read its meaning in Hindi, or share it with your children in Urdu the intention remains the same: to begin your rest in Allah’s name and trust Him completely with what comes next.
May Allah ﷻ grant us peaceful sleep, protect us through our nights, and wake us up in good health and strong Iman. Ameen.
FAQs About Sote Waqt Ki Dua
Q1: What is the most authentic Sote Waqt Ki Dua?
The most well-known and authentic dua is: “Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya” reported in Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 6324).
Q2: Is it necessary to recite this dua before sleeping?
It is a strong Sunnah, not obligatory (Fard). However, consistently following this Sunnah brings great reward and protection.
Q3: Can children be taught this dua?
Yes, absolutely. Teaching children the Sote Waqt Ki Dua from a young age builds strong Islamic habits. The words are short and easy to memorize.
Q4: What is the Sote Waqt Ki Dua in Urdu translation?
The Urdu tarjuma is: اے اللہ! میں تیرے نام کے ساتھ مرتا اور جیتا ہوں۔
Q5: Should Ayat-ul-Kursi also be read before sleeping?
Yes. The Prophet ﷺ strongly recommended Ayat-ul-Kursi before sleeping, as it ensures protection from Shaytan throughout the entire night.
Q6: What does “I die and I live” mean in this dua?
“I die” refers to the soul being taken during sleep, and “I live” refers to waking up in the morning. Sleep in Islam is understood as a minor form of death, and this dua acknowledges that both are in Allah’s control.
Q7: Is there a longer version of this dua?
Yes. The dua starting with “Bismika Rabbi wada’tu janbi…” is a longer version reported in Abu Dawud. Both versions can be recited for greater benefit.
Q8: What Surahs should be recited before sleeping?
Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Nas recited three times each while blowing into the cupped palms are recommended before sleep according to Sahih al-Bukhari.
Written by: Ahmad Raza
Credentials: Islamic Studies Content Writer
Read More duas for daily life at The Dua For You