Dua Against Nightmares
3 Shields for Peaceful Sleep
Sleep is meant to be a time of rest, yet for many it is disturbed by frightening dreams and a restless heart. The dua against nightmares draws on the supplication the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) taught for fear at night, seeking refuge in the perfect words of Allah from His anger, from the evil of His creation, and from the incitements of the devils. Recited before sleep, it places the believer under the protection of Allah, shielding the night from harm.
أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّةِ مِنْ غَضَبِهِ وَعِقَابِهِ، وَشَرِّ عِبَادِهِ، وَمِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَأَنْ يَحْضُرُونِ
A‘ūdhu bi kalimātillāhit-tāmmati min ghadabihi wa ‘iqābih, wa sharri ‘ibādih, wa min hamazātish-shayātīni wa an yahdurūn.
“I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from His anger and His punishment, from the evil of His servants, and from the incitements of the devils and that they come near me.”
This guide explains the dua against nightmares, the meaning of seeking refuge in the perfect words of Allah, and three shields for peaceful sleep, so that the believer may close their eyes under the protection of Allah, knowing that the One who guards them through the day also watches over them through the night.
The Meaning of the Dua Against Nightmares
The dua against nightmares is a supplication the Prophet (pbuh) taught for moments of fear, especially at night, seeking refuge in the perfect words of Allah from several harms: His anger and punishment, the evil of His servants, and the incitements of the devils together with their very presence. The night can bring fear, restless thoughts and frightening dreams, and this dua places all of them under the protection of Allah, whose perfect words form a shelter that no harm can breach.
Frightening dreams are often stirred by the devil, who seeks to disturb the believer’s rest and fill the heart with fear. By seeking refuge in the perfect words of Allah before sleep, the believer turns away this harm at its source, asking Allah to keep the devils and their whispering far from them through the night. The dua reminds the heart that protection through the night, like protection through the day, comes from Allah alone.
أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّةِ مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ وَهَامَّةٍ وَمِنْ كُلِّ عَيْنٍ لَامَّةٍ
A‘udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min kulli shaytanin wa hammatin wa min kulli ‘aynin lammah
I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from every harm
Three Shields for Peaceful Sleep
The Prophet (pbuh) taught a complete bedtime routine that shields the believer through the night. These three protect against nightmares and bring peaceful sleep.
- Seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the harm of the night and the devils.
- Recite the protective surahs and Ayat al-Kursi before sleep, guarding the night.
- Sleep upon remembrance and wudu, ending the day in the remembrance of Allah.
Closing the Eyes Under the Protection of Allah
A restless, fearful night can weigh heavily on the heart, but the believer is not left without protection. The dua against nightmares, recited before sleep along with the protective surahs, places the night under the shelter of Allah, turning away the harm of the devils and the fears they stir. With the heart resting in the protection of Allah, the believer can close their eyes in peace, certain that the One who guards their days also watches over their nights.
This supplication pairs naturally with the dua upon awakening from a bad dream and the Three Quls recited before sleep. Together they shield the believer through the night, placing both their rest and their dreams under the protection of Allah.
The One who guards the believer through the day also watches over their nights. Learn the protection duas with us on YouTube, where the supplications are recited aloud, on Instagram for a reminder to seek refuge before sleep, and on Threads where readers share how they find peaceful, protected rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
The dua against nightmares is A‘udhu bi kalimatillahit-tammati min ghadabihi wa ‘iqabih, seeking refuge in the perfect words of Allah from His anger, the evil of His creation, and the devils. The Prophet (pbuh) taught it for fear at night.
Say it before sleep, along with the protective surahs and Ayat al-Kursi, to place the night under the protection of Allah. It shields against the fears and frightening dreams the devil stirs.
Frightening dreams are often stirred by the devil, who seeks to disturb the believer’s rest and fill the heart with fear. Seeking refuge in Allah before sleep turns away this harm at its source.
Reciting the Three Quls and Ayat al-Kursi before sleep, sleeping upon wudu and remembrance, and ending the day in the remembrance of Allah all shield the night. The Prophet (pbuh) taught a full bedtime routine of protection.
Seek refuge in Allah from the devil and the evil of what you saw, spit dryly to your left three times, turn to your other side, and do not tell anyone. The Prophet (pbuh) taught these steps for a bad dream.
Yes, reciting the dua and the protective surahs over children before sleep places them under the protection of Allah against frightening dreams. The Prophet (pbuh) sought refuge in the perfect words of Allah for the young.