Nuturing Faith at Bedtime — The Power of Duʿāʾ in a Child’s Heart
Raising children with a strong Islamic foundation is one of the greatest trusts (amānah) given to Muslim parents. It begins with love, consistency, and introducing the child to a life filled with the remembrance of Allah ﷻ. Among the most tender and spiritually impactful moments in a child’s day is bedtime — a time when the heart is soft, the body is still, and the soul prepares to rest. These moments provide the perfect opportunity to nurture their connection with Allah ﷻ through simple, heartfelt duʿās.
The bedtime routine in many Muslim homes involves brushing teeth, putting on pajamas, a short story — but often missed is the practice of tucking a child into bed with meaningful Islamic remembrance (dhikr). The Prophet ﷺ taught that sleep is a minor death (الْمَوْتَةُ الصُّغْرَى), and waking up is a return from that temporary departure. What better way to end a child’s day than by preparing their soul for the night with words that connect them to their Creator?
Teaching short duʿās doesn’t just help children memorize Islamic phrases — it builds Tawakkul (trust in Allah ﷻ), instills Sabr (patience), and fosters Taqwa (God-consciousness) from a young age. These duʿās are short, simple, and easy to memorize, making them ideal for repetition and bonding at bedtime.
Importantly, the goal isn’t to overwhelm children with complex Arabic phrases. Rather, it’s to plant small seeds of remembrance that will grow into trees of faith. With repetition, encouragement, and the example of their parents, these duʿās become second nature — and part of their lifelong habit of turning to Allah ﷻ.
For younger children especially, the melodic sound of Arabic duʿās, the rhythm of the Qur’an, and the warmth of being guided by a loving parent create a soothing and spiritual sleep environment. Bedtime duʿās are not merely words; they are shields of protection, lights of guidance, and means of mercy that follow the child into their dreams.
Moreover, this practice provides an opportunity for meaningful reflection. Each duʿāʾ can be taught with its context — who said it, what it means, and why it matters. In doing so, children learn more than just Arabic syllables; they begin to understand Islamic values, concepts like mercy, forgiveness, gratitude, and hope.
Parents often ask: “What are the best duʿās for children before sleep?” The answer is — start small, start simple, and be consistent. Focus on duʿās from the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah, especially those used for protection, seeking forgiveness, entrusting oneself to Allah ﷻ, and praising Him. These become lifelong tools of comfort and protection — just as they were for the Prophet ﷺ and his companions.
In the following sections, we will explore fifteen short duʿās that are especially suitable for children at bedtime. The next part of this blog will focus on duʿās taken directly from the Qur’an and Sahih Hadith, including how to pronounce them, what they mean, and how to share them with children. The final portion will offer additional duʿās from Arabic sources used throughout the Muslim world, along with a gentle disclaimer and a conclusion for parents and guardians.
Let us now journey into the comforting world of nightly duʿāʾs — words that wrap our children in the warmth of divine remembrance before they close their eyes.
15 Short Duʿās from Qur’an and Sunnah for Children Before Bed
Bedtime is a moment of serenity, vulnerability, and reflection. This is why the Qur’an and Sunnah emphasize specific duʿās and adhkār that offer protection, peace, forgiveness, and trust in Allah ﷻ. Teaching children these short duʿās before bed plants deep seeds of faith and provides them spiritual comfort during the night.
Here are 15 short duʿās taken directly from the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah. Each one is easy to memorize, profound in meaning, and beautiful to teach a child, whether they are three or twelve years old.
1. Seeking Increase in Knowledge
This duʿāʾ is perfect for children who are studying or beginning their Islamic learning journey. It encourages the love of knowledge from an early age.
(وَقُلْ رَبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا)
Transliteration: Wa qul Rabbi zidnī ʿilmā
Translation: And say, “My Lord, increase me in knowledge.”
Source: Surah Ṭāhā (20:114) — Quran.com
2. Before Sleeping – Entrusting Oneself to Allah
The Prophet ﷺ would recite this duʿāʾ before sleep, fully surrendering his soul to Allah ﷻ.
(اللَّهُمَّ أَسْلَمْتُ نَفْسِي إِلَيْكَ)
Transliteration: Allāhumma aslamtu nafsī ilayk
Translation: O Allah, I have submitted myself to You.
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī (247) and Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim (2710)
3. Protection from Harm
This powerful duʿāʾ was taught by the Prophet ﷺ for protection, and is ideal for young children afraid of the dark or nightmares.
(بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ)
Transliteration: Bismillāhil-ladhī lā yaḍurru maʿasmihi shay’un fil-arḍi wa lā fis-samā’i wa huwa as-Samīʿul-ʿAlīm
Translation: In the Name of Allah, with whose Name nothing on earth or in the heaven can cause harm, and He is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd (5088), ḥasan
4. Duʿāʾ for Forgiveness
This duʿāʾ was made by Prophet Nūḥ عليه السلام and is gentle and easy for children to say before sleeping.
(رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي)
Transliteration: Rabbi ighfir lī
Translation: My Lord, forgive me.
Source: Surah Nūḥ (71:28) — Quran.com
5. Gratitude and Praising Allah ﷻ
This duʿāʾ shows children how to express thankfulness to Allah ﷻ for all He provides.
(الْـحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَطْعَمَنَا وَسَقَانَا وَكَفَانَا وَآوَانَا)
Transliteration: Al-ḥamdu lillāhil-ladhī aṭʿamanā wa saqānā wa kafānā wa āwānā
Translation: All praise is due to Allah who fed us, gave us drink, sufficed us, and sheltered us.
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim (2715)
6. Placing Affairs in Allah’s Hands
A comforting duʿāʾ to help children sleep peacefully knowing they are under Allah’s care.
(حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ)
Transliteration: Ḥasbiyallāhu lā ilāha illā huwa
Translation: Allah is Sufficient for me; there is no god but He.
Source: Surah at-Tawbah (9:129) — Quran.com
7. Asking for Mercy from Allah
A beautiful duʿāʾ that teaches children to seek the mercy of Allah ﷻ.
(رَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا)
Transliteration: Rabbi irḥamhumā kamā rabbayānī ṣaghīrā
Translation: My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.
Source: Surah al-Isrā’ (17:24) — Quran.com
8. Before Sleep – Remembering Allah’s Name
The Prophet ﷺ encouraged Muslims to sleep in the name of Allah ﷻ.
(بِاسْمِكَ اللَّهُمَّ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا)
Transliteration: Bismika Allāhumma amūtu wa aḥyā
Translation: In Your name, O Allah, I die and I live.
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī (6314)
9. Seeking Refuge from Evil
The Prophet ﷺ taught this duʿāʾ to protect children from evil and jinn.
(أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ)
Transliteration: Aʿūdhu bikalimātillāhit-tāmmāti min sharri mā khalaq
Translation: I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created.
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim (2708)
10. Praising Allah before Sleep
A joyful way to end the day with praise — the Prophet ﷺ would encourage saying Subḥān Allāh, Al-ḥamdu lillāh, and Allāhu Akbar before sleeping.
(سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ، الْـحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ)
Transliteration: Subḥānallāh, Al-ḥamdu lillāh, Allāhu Akbar
Translation: Glory be to Allah, Praise be to Allah, Allah is the Greatest.
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī (5361), Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim (2727)
11. Duʿāʾ of Yunus عليه السلام – In Difficulty or Fear
For children feeling anxious or afraid, this duʿāʾ brings calm.
(لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ)
Transliteration: Lā ilāha illā anta subḥānaka innī kuntu minazh-ẓālimīn
Translation: There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.
Source: Surah al-Anbiyā’ (21:87) — Quran.com
12. Asking for a Good End
A powerful duʿāʾ that helps children think about ending each day well.
(اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ حُسْنَ الْخَاتِمَةِ)
Transliteration: Allāhumma innī as’aluka ḥusnal khātimah
Translation: O Allah, I ask You for a good end.
Source: Reported in ad-Duʿāʾ collections (authentic chain)
13. Expressing Full Trust in Allah
A lovely short duʿāʾ for children to memorize easily.
(تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللَّهِ)
Transliteration: Tawakkaltu ʿalā Allāh
Translation: I place my trust in Allah.
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim (2717)
14. A Child’s Nightly Conversation with AllahThis duʿāʾ
This beautiful, short duʿāʾ is what the Prophet ﷺ would say as part of his nightly routine before sleeping. It teaches children to end the day with Istighfār (seeking forgiveness), one of the most important habits for a Muslim.
(اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي خَطِيئَتِي وَجَهْلِي، وَإِسْرَافِي فِي أَمْرِي)
Transliteration: Allāhumma ighfir lī khaṭī’atī wa jahlī, wa isrāfī fī amrī
Translation: O Allah, forgive my mistakes, my ignorance, and my excess in my matters.
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī (6398), Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim (2719)
This duʿāʾ teaches children to reflect on their day, acknowledge their human faults, and turn to Allah ﷻ in humility and hope. It is short enough for memorization and rich enough in meaning to be a lifetime companion.
15. Remembering the Blessing of Sleep
An intimate, loving duʿāʾ thanking Allah for sleep.
(الْـحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَذْهَبَ عَنِّي الْأَذَى وَعَافَانِي)
Transliteration: Al-ḥamdu lillāh alladhī adh-haba ʿannī al-adha wa ʿāfānī
Translation: All praise is due to Allah who removed harm from me and granted me well-being.
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī (6306), Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim (2711)
These duʿās are not only rooted in divine revelation and prophetic practice, but also ideal for children to grow up with — shaping their emotional, spiritual, and moral development through the gentle repetition of sacred words.
More Duʿās from the Qur’an
As Muslim parents, one of the most beautiful gifts we can give our children is the habit of ending their day with words from the Book of Allah ﷻ. The Qur’an is filled with short, powerful duʿās made by the Prophets عليهم السلام — words of love, trust, fear, hope, and surrender. These duʿās were spoken in the darkest hours and the most blessed moments, and they continue to be a guiding light for every believer — young and old.
In this section, we offer additional bedtime duʿās taken directly from the Qur’an. They are easy for children to memorize, yet deeply meaningful. Each duʿāʾ can be taught slowly, with its story, helping a child understand not just how to say it — but why it matters.
1. Duʿāʾ of Prophet Mūsā عليه السلام — For a Clear Heart and Tongue
This duʿāʾ helps children express a desire for ease in speech and clarity of heart — especially helpful for anxious or shy children.
(رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي ﴿٢٥﴾ وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي ﴿٢٦﴾ وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِّن لِّسَانِي ﴿٢٧﴾ يَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِي ﴿٢٨﴾)
Transliteration: Rabbi ishraḥ lī ṣadrī (25) wa yassir lī amrī (26) waḥlul ʿuqdatan min lisānī (27) yafqahū qawlī (28)
Translation: My Lord, expand for me my chest. And ease for me my task. And untie the knot from my tongue. That they may understand my speech.
Source: Surah Ṭāhā (20:25–28) — Quran.com
This is a wonderful duʿāʾ for children to say before school or before sleeping if they feel nervous or overwhelmed.
2. Duʿāʾ for Protection from Zālimīn (Wrongdoers)
A bedtime duʿāʾ of seeking protection and safety, made by Prophet Mūsā عليه السلام when fleeing danger.
(رَبِّ نَجِّنِي مِنَ الْقَوْمِ الظَّالِمِينَ)
Transliteration: Rabbi najjīnī minal-qawmi aẓ-ẓālimīn
Translation: My Lord, save me from the wrongdoing people.
Source: Surah al-Qaṣaṣ (28:21) — Quran.com
Parents can explain this as a duʿāʾ for protection from bullying, injustice, or fear — relevant for children facing any kind of distress.
3. Duʿāʾ of Prophet Ibrāhīm عليه السلام — For a Good Heart and Honorable Mention
This duʿāʾ teaches children to think long-term — asking Allah ﷻ for goodness in this life and for remembrance in the Hereafter.
(وَلَا تُخْزِنِي يَوْمَ يُبْعَثُونَ ﴿٨٧﴾ يَوْمَ لَا يَنفَعُ مَالٌ وَلَا بَنُونَ ﴿٨٨﴾ إِلَّا مَنْ أَتَى اللَّهَ بِقَلْبٍ سَلِيمٍ ﴿٨٩﴾)
Transliteration: Wa lā tukhzinī yawma yubʿathūn (87) yawma lā yanfaʿu mālun wa lā banūn (88) illā man atā Allāha biqalbin salīm (89)
Translation: And do not disgrace me on the Day they are [all] resurrected — the Day when neither wealth nor children will benefit, except he who comes to Allah with a sound heart.
Source: Surah ash-Shuʿarā’ (26:87–89) — Quran.com
A powerful reminder that the heart is what truly matters. This makes an excellent bedtime reflection.
4. Duʿāʾ of Prophet Sulaymān عليه السلام — For Gratitude
Gratitude is a key value in Islam. This duʿāʾ teaches children to say thank you to Allah ﷻ sincerely.
(رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَالِدَيَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضَاهُ)
Transliteration: Rabbi awziʿnī an ashkura niʿmataka allatī anʿamta ʿalayya wa ʿalā wālidayya wa an aʿmala ṣāliḥan tarḍāh
Translation: My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and to do righteousness of which You approve.
Source: Surah an-Naml (27:19) — Quran.com
Encouraging your child to end their day by thanking Allah ﷻ fosters humility and contentment.
5. Duʿāʾ for a Blessed Ending
This duʿāʾ can be taught as part of the nightly wind-down — asking for a beautiful conclusion in both this life and the Hereafter.
(تَوَفَّنِي مُسْلِمًا وَأَلْحِقْنِي بِالصَّالِحِينَ)
Transliteration: Tawaffanī musliman wa alḥiqnī biṣ-ṣāliḥīn
Translation: Cause me to die a Muslim and join me with the righteous.
Source: Surah Yūsuf (12:101) — Quran.com
Simple, yet profound — children can learn that we always ask Allah ﷻ to keep us among the good people, even in sleep.
6. Duʿāʾ for Mercy and Forgiveness
This duʿāʾ is comprehensive and gentle — suitable for any child and deeply comforting before sleep.
(رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَ)
Transliteration: Rabbana ighfir lanā warḥamnā wa anta khayru-r-rāḥimīn
Translation: Our Lord, forgive us and have mercy upon us, and You are the best of the merciful.
Source: Surah al-Mu’minūn (23:118) — Quran.com
A lovely short duʿāʾ to end the day, seeking Allah’s mercy for oneself and others.
7. Duʿāʾ for Guidance in All Things
This brief Qur’anic duʿāʾ teaches children to ask Allah ﷻ for guidance, always — before sleep, in dreams, and in life.
(رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ حُكْمًا وَأَلْحِقْنِي بِالصَّالِحِينَ)
Transliteration: Rabbi hab lī min ladunka ḥukman wa alḥiqnī biṣ-ṣāliḥīn
Translation: My Lord, grant me wisdom from Yourself and join me with the righteous.
Source: Surah ash-Shuʿarā’ (26:83) — Quran.com
Reciting this with your child opens a door to discussing the importance of being wise, kind, and righteous.
Conclusion: Let the Qur’an Be Their Final Word Each Night
Teaching children to sleep with the words of the Qur’an on their tongue is a gift that carries into their entire life. It is more than memorization — it is about imbibing divine values, learning to trust Allah ﷻ, to feel safe under His mercy, and to grow up knowing that every night ends with hope, remembrance, and connection.
From the simple prayers of protection to the majestic supplications of Prophets عليه السلام, these duʿās nurture a deep emotional and spiritual grounding. They remind our children that their Lord is near, watching over them as they sleep, and writing their names among those who remember Him in both the quietest and most sacred hours of the night.
As parents, our role is not just to teach these duʿās — but to live them, whisper them, and pray them alongside our children. These moments may seem small now, but they are the seeds of a lifetime of faith, duʿāʾ, and love for the Qur’an.
May Allah ﷻ make our homes full of remembrance, our nights full of peace, and our children among the people of the Qur’an. Āmīn.