Prophetic Supplication for Restlessness, Fear & Nightmares
Context & Islamic Significance
When experiencing fear, sudden panic, or sleepless restlessness during sleep, the Prophet ﷺ taught his companions a comprehensive supplication to seek refuge in Allah's perfect words (Sunan Abi Dawud 3893). It brings tranquility to anxious hearts and wards off demonic distress.
📖Verses & Hadiths for Recitation
3 texts / referencesA'oodhu bi-kalimaatil-laahit-taammaati min ghadabihee wa 'iqaabihee wa sharri 'ibaadihee wa min hamazaatish-shayaateeni wa ay-yahduroon.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) taught them to say when feeling fear in sleep: 'I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from His anger, His punishment, the evil of His servants, and from the whisperings of devils and from their presence.'
Source: Sunan Abi Dawud English
Allahu la ilaha illa Huwa, Al-Hayyul-Qayyum. La ta'khudhuhu sinatuw-wa la nawm. Lahu ma fis-samawati wa ma fil-ard. Man dhal-ladhi yashfa'u 'indahu illa bi-idhnih. Ya'lamu ma bayna aydihim wa ma khalfahum, wa la yuhitoona bi-shay'im-min 'ilmihi illa bima sha'a. Wasi'a kursiyyuhus-samawati wal-ard, wa la ya'uduhu hifzuhuma, wa Huwal-'Aliyyul-'Adheem.
Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.
Source: Saheeh International
Kaana idha awa ila firaashihi kulla laylatin jama'a kaffayhi thumma nafatha feehima faqara'a feehima: Qul Huwallahu Ahad, wa Qul A'udhu bi Rabbil-Falaq, wa Qul A'udhu bi Rabbin-Naas, thumma yamsahu bihima mastata'a min jasadih.
Whenever the Messenger of Allah ﷺ went to bed each night, he would cup his palms together, blow lightly into them, and recite Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Nas into them, then wipe over whatever he could of his body with them.
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari (Muhsin Khan)
🌿How to Perform (According to Sunnah)
Perform wudu before sleeping and dust the bed. Recite Ayat al-Kursi and the Three Quls (Ikhlas, Falaq, Nas), blowing into cupped hands and wiping the body. If waking with fright or restlessness, recite: 'A'oodhu bi-kalimatil-lahit-tammati min ghadabihi wa 'iqabihi wa sharri 'ibadihi...'
Important Safety & Shariah Note
Ruqyah is a means of seeking Allah's protection and healing; it does not replace medical care. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals for illnesses. Never wear amulets/talismans or visit fortune-tellers/sorcerers.
Related Topics
Washing and Bathing Sunnah Remedy for the Evil Eye
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'The evil eye is a fact, and if there were anything to outstrip the divine decree, it would be the evil eye. And when you are asked to wash, then wash.' (Sahih Muslim 2188). If the person who cast the evil eye is known, asking them to perform ablution and pouring that water over the afflicted person is directly established in the authentic Sunnah as an effective ruqyah and healing.
Authentic Ruqyah for the Evil Eye (Ayn & Hasad)
The Prophet ﷺ said: 'The evil eye is real. If anything were to overtake destiny, it would be the evil eye' (Muslim 2188). Ruqyah completely neutralizes the harmful effects of jealousy and admiration, and Angel Jibril performed ruqyah over the Prophet ﷺ for this.