Have you ever felt fear gripping your heart as you wake up from sleep, unable to close your eyes peacefully again because of the overwhelming sense of fear from your sleep? Perhaps it was a nightmare that jolted you awake or a sudden fear that seemed to come out of nowhere. Worry no more because you are going to know the recommended dua for fear during sleep today in shaa Allah.
Fear during sleep is a common experience for many people. These moments can leave us feeling helpless and uneasy, making the night seem long and lonely. It’s natural at times to feel vulnerable during the quiet hours of the night when our minds may be filled with worries, insecurities, or even terrifying dreams. This emotional state can disrupt the peace we all long for during rest, making us to search for comfort.
As Muslims, we are blessed with the teachings of Islam, which provide clear guidance for every difficulty we face, including fear during sleep. Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala), in His infinite mercy, has made us know how to overcome such challenges. Among these are the recommended dua for fear during sleep, as taught by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him).
As Muslims, we should know that by turning to Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) during moments of fear, we shall find rest, peace, and reassurance as Allah says:
“Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:28)
In today’s article, in shaa Allah, we’ll explore the recommended dua for fear during sleep in depth. Seeking Allah’s protection for the fears that disturb our nights is the ultimate solution that can bring peace to our hearts.
#1 Dua for fear during sleep due to bad dream
أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّةِ مِنْ غَضَبِهِ وَعِقَابِهِ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ عِبَادِهِ، وَمِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَأَنْ يَحْضُرُونِ.
A’udhu bikalimat Allah at-tammati min ghadabihi wa ‘iqabihi wa min sharri ‘ibadihi wa min hamazat al-shayatin wa an yahdurun.
I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from His wrath and punishment, from the evil of His creation, and from the whispering (insinuations) of the devils and from their presence.
This is the first recommended dua for fear during sleep, as was narrated from our prophet (May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), where he said:
If one of you is frightened by a dream during sleep, let him say:
“I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from His anger, His punishment, and the evil of His servants, from the insinuations of devils and their presence”
Verily, they will never harm him.
Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3528
This is an authenticated solution from our prophet for anyone whose bad dream wakes him or her up in the night and not unable to sleep again due to fear. The prophet affirmed that after saying the prescribed dua (dua for fear during sleep mentioned above), verily the evils of any creation won’t harm the person anymore.
#2 Dua for fear during sleep due to bad dream
أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ
A’udhu billahi min ash-shaytanir-rajim
I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan
Another dua for fear during sleep is the one narrated by Jabir that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“If one of you sees a dream he dislikes, let him blow on his left side three times and seek refuge in Allah from Satan three times. Let him turn to the other side on which he was sleeping.”
Muslim 2262
If you don’t remember the first dua for fear during sleep, you can do this second one and make sure that you blow to your left said three times and say this dua three times too “A’udhu billahi min ash-shaytanir-rajim (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan)” in Arabic tone or transliteration.
Why Do We Experience Fear at Night?
Fear is a natural human emotion, deeply tied to our sense of vulnerability and self-preservation. The fear at night, especially while sleeping, can occur from two sources. The first is personal anxieties — like stress, unresolved worries, or traumatic experiences that weigh heavily on one’s heart. These emotions can come back to you while sleeping and elevate when you are awake, making it difficult to fall back asleep.
The second source is spiritual in nature. Islam teaches us that Shaytan (Satan) seeks to disturb the believer in various ways. The whispers of Shaytan can instill unreasonable fears or disturbing thoughts into your mind, causing restlessness and unease. Our Prophet Muhammad (May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) warned us about these tactics of Shaytan, who strives to create fear and distance us from remembering Allah.
However, Allah has not left us without guidance or protection. As believers, we are encouraged to seek His refuge and call upon Him for protection as Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) says in the Quran:
“And if an evil whisper comes to you from Shaytan, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” (Surah Al-A’raf, 7:200)
This verse is reminding us that turning to Allah is the ultimate solution for any fear, whether from the devils or it arises from personal struggles or external influences. We should know that seeking Allah’s protection not only shields us from the whispers of Shaytan but also strengthens our faith and grants us peace of mind. It is also recommended that you recite the daily evening Adkhar always for increased protection.
Other Sunnah Practices for Peaceful Sleep
In addition to reciting the dua for fear during sleep, Prophet Muhammad (May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) has already taught us several Sunnah practices before sleeping that can help create a tranquil and peaceful state of mind before bed. By incorporating these actions into our nightly routine, we can cultivate an environment of tranquility and protection, ensuring restful and refreshing sleep.
1. Making Dhikr Before Bed
The Prophet Muhammad (May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) emphasized the importance of remembering Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) through Adkhar before going to sleep. This practice calms the heart, purifies the mind, and keeps Shaytan far away from you. Among the recommended forms of Dhikr are:
- Reciting Ayat-ul-Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:255):
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever recites Ayat-ul-Kursi before sleeping will remain under the protection of Allah, and Shaytan will not come near him until morning.” (Sahih Bukhari)
- Reciting the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah (2:285-286):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Whoever recites the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice for him.” (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)- And many more…
These Adkhar not only protect you but also create a sense of peace, helping to pull away fear and anxiety before sleep.
2. Avoiding Distractions and Sinful Acts
The state of our hearts and minds before bed can significantly affect the quality of our sleep. The Prophet (May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) taught us to avoid distractions, such as excessive entertainment (watching horror movies and the like) or engaging in sinful activities, which can lead to restlessness and unease. Instead, he encouraged believers to:
- Reflect on the blessings of Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) and express gratitude.
- Repent for any mistakes made during the day and seek Allah’s forgiveness.
- Keep the mind free from negative or distressing thoughts that may disturb the heart.
The Prophet (May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) also advised us to go to bed in a state of wudu (ablution). He said,
Whenever you go to bed perform ablution like that for the prayer, lie or your right side and say (Sahih al-Bukhari, 247)
This ensures spiritual purity and helps in maintaining a peaceful state of mind.
Combining the Sunnah before sleeping practices with the Dua before sleeping creates a good approach to achieving a peaceful night, that you might not even need to recite this dua for fear during sleep, since you will be having a good sleep by following the Sunnah before sleeping.
We ask Allah to grant us more understanding of the Deen and set right our affairs. Aameen.
