The 4 Essential Tasks Muslims Should Complete Before Sleeping

Learn about the 4 key tasks Muslims are encouraged to complete each night before going to sleep — offering the Isha prayer, performing witr, supplicating, and reciting Surah Mulk.

In Islam, there are certain deeds and acts of worship that are emphasized to be completed before going to sleep at night. This stems from Islamic teachings that encourage utilizing one’s time in acts of virtue and good deeds, while also preparing spiritually for the night. The four main tasks are:

1. Offering the Isha prayer — Isha is the night prayer and the fifth mandatory daily prayer in Islam. Offering Isha completes the five daily prayers and allows one to attain the blessings and forgiveness promised in the Quran for those who establish regular prayer.
2. Performing the Witr prayer — Witr is an additional recommended prayer after Isha, consisting of 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9 rak’ahs. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged witr prayer as part of one’s nightly routine.
3. Supplicating to Allah — Muslims are encouraged to ask Allah for their needs in sincere dua and supplication before sleeping. Raising one’s hands and facing the Qiblah while supplicating is sunnah.
4. Reciting Surah Al-Mulk — This surah protects one from the punishment of the grave. Reciting it before sleeping grants one peace and security.

Completing these four tasks prepares a Muslim spiritually for the night, allowing them to enter sleep in a state of dhikr, prayer, and peace. They enable one to attain the blessings and rewards that nightly devotions provide. Implementing such routines also trains one to be constant in worship and obedience to Allah.

Following the sunnah in performing virtuous deeds before bed will increase faith and keep one mindful of Allah even as they rest. Muslims should aim to make these 4 tasks a part of their daily schedule. InshaAllah, doing so will reap immense spiritual benefits in this life and the next.