As we know, Islam is a practical religion that guides one to cater to every possible incident or happening that anyone may encounter in life. The best solution to every problem or issue in Islam is remembering Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ and seeking His guidance, mercy, blessings, and forgiveness. The best way of doing so is by making relevant Duas (Supplication). In a broader sense, such supplications not only resolve our problems and difficulties but also become a part of worship, which brings rewards as well.
Such Duas are mostly taught by the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ to his companions, whereas some are directly mentioned in the Quran. As a believer, it is our unwavering belief that there is one or more Duas that can be recited to come out of difficult situations. One such situation is a fear or nightmare during sleep. Sometimes one may have a bad dream during nighttime sleep. The majority of people, especially children and women, often get scared while having a bad dream or nightmare, resulting in sudden, expected awakening from deep sleep. The Prophet, as well as the Quran, has recommended and taught to recite a dua when scared during sleep.
The importance and need of seeking refuge in Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ protection is narrated in many Quranic verses, some of which are referred to here:
On the other hand, the Quran also reminds us that peace of heart and soul, and serenity come through remembrance of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, as described in the 28th verse of Surah Ar-Ra’ad.
Translation - Such are the ones who believe (in the message of the Prophet) and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah. Surely in Allah's remembrance do hearts find rest.
Similarly, the Quran also narrates that night sleep is a source of rest for mankind (interpretation of the 9th verse of Surah An-Naba). However, we may often experience fear and nightmares or bad dreams during sleep. That's quite natural and mostly happens due to our own bad thinking, and under the influence of whisperings of Shaytan (Satan). So, the Quran and Sunnah also teach us how to get protection from such nightmares by reciting a dua for anxiety during sleep, unrest during the night, and bad dreams during sleep. These specific duas can also be recited when having a frightening dream or waking up scared from sleep.
The dua to be recited upon experiencing unrest, fear, and apprehensiveness during sleep is a convenient tool for soothing your heart and easing your nerves after experiencing discomfort. At night, while no one is by your side to ease your heart, there’s always Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) to protect you, assuage you, and calm your distress. Nightmares are usually from satan, and there’s no better way to get rid of Satan’s grip than by calling upon your Lord for help and ease.
The dua helps a believer to seek refuge in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) in the darkness of the night after he’s terrified and lonely and cannot find comfort anywhere. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) labeled this dua as a guardian against the harms of all things at night (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, 3528). The dua praises Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and is a perfect way of calling upon Him for His help (Sunan Abi Dawud, 3893).
Morning & Evening Duas
'A'oothu bikalimaatil-laahit-taammaati min ghadhabihi wa 'iqaabihi, wa sharri 'ibaadihi, wa min hamazaatish-shayaateeni wa 'an yahdhuroon.
I seek refuge in the Perfect Words of Allah from His anger and His punishment, from the evil of His slaves and from the taunts of devils and from their presence.
Dreams are not always bad; sometimes they are good, bringing good news for us. According to the Islamic perspective, there might be three different types of dreams, as follows:
Hadith 2263a of Sahih Muslim explains the concept and reality of nightmares as follows:
Translation of relevant part - …………., for the vision of a Muslim is the forty-fifth part of Prophecy, and dreams are of three types: one good dream which is a sort of good tidings from Allah; the evil dream which causes pain is from the satan; and the third one is a suggestion of one's own mind; so if any one of you sees a dream which he does not like he should stand up and offer prayer ……...
While describing the concept of dreams, the above Hadith also teaches us to pray while having a bad dream, which also means the recitation of the above-mentioned Duas.
The dua should be recited when a person is frightened and has experienced a nightmare. Nightmares are usually from satan. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) showed his companions what to do when they experienced such distress. The person should spit dryly to his left three times and seek refuge with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) from its evil and the evil of satan and then recite the dua. Afterward, the person should change the side on which he was sleeping and can also make a supplication after reciting the dua.
The etiquette of reciting dua on experiencing fear and anxiety is summarized here:
The major benefit of this dua is the immediate peace and solace one finds against the unrest by reciting the dua. This also emphasizes the Tawheed of the person who calls upon his Lord during such a difficult time and hands over his case to Him. The person is relieved of satan's evil and the distress, apprehensiveness, or fear one may have experienced while sleeping.
Other benefits include the acceptance of any supplication made after such a dua and the rewards and good deeds awarded to the person for this act. The person also benefits from the blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and attains His protection.
No, dreams do not always come from Satan. There are other reasons as well, as also mentioned in Hadith 2263a of Sahih Muslim. According to this Hadith, dreams may also come as good tidings, and sometimes as a result of one’s own thoughts.
No, it is not recommended according to various Sunnah traditions. Narrating dreams, whether bad or good, might be disturbing or annoying for others, and Muslims are forbidden to share them with others.
Yes, children should be trained and taught to memorize this Dua. They should be asked to invariably recite such Duas while going to bed. Children often get frightened during sleep. Teach them to recite this specific Dua to get protection against fear during sleep.
Duas have to be recited exactly in the same words as taught by the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ or directly narrated in the Quran. These Duas are also a sort of worship and must be recited in the Arabic version, as reported in authentic Hadith collections. It is even more virtuous if you can learn its meaning. However, you can additionally recite any personal Duas at any time, in your mother tongue.