Should You Read Quran Before Sleep? Benefits & Tips

While reading the Quran is not listed as one of the main five pillars of Islam, as Muslims we understand its huge significance in guiding us and enabling us to live a life of happiness in this life and the next.

Not only does the Quran contain many miracles explaining the world we live in, it also prescribes and gives advice for how we can maximise our daily affairs. One of the ways we can listen to this advice is by incorporating praying Quran into our bedtime routine. In this post, I discuss how to do this and why it can even be beneficial to your health.

The Quran as a source of peace 😌

The Quran is the Divine Book of Allah, and it holds a place of paramount importance in a Muslim's life. It functions as a complete 'life guide'; a source of immense wisdom, and a beacon of hope to turn to. Allah says in the Quran:

"Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest" (Surah Ar-Ra'd, 13:28)

Integrating the reading of the Quran into our pre-sleep routine can therefore have profound effects on our spiritual and emotional wellbeing.

The Prophet (pbuh) and the Quran 📖

Benefits of reading Quran before sleep 💤

1. Spiritual connection: Reading the Quran before sleep helps us to stay spiritually connected with Allah before we end the day. It provides a serene environment conducive to contemplation and prayer, allowing us to finish the on a peaceful note.

2. Remembrance (Dhikr): Reading the Quran nightly serves as a form of Dhikr or remembrance, keeping our tongues moist with the remembrance of Allah. It allows us to express our gratitude, seek forgiveness, and praise our Creator before we sleep.

3. Cleansing: Reading the Quran purifies our hearts, removes negative thoughts, and brings tranquility to our minds. It's like a spiritual detox before we rest.

4. Relaxation: Reading the Quran can promote better sleep quality due to the calming and soothing effect it has on our minds and hearts, conducive to lowering sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep)

Suggestions for verses to recite 💬

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) encouraged the recitation of specific Surahs and verses before sleep. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Surah Al-Mulk (67): The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said "There is a Surah in the Quran which contains thirty verses. It will intercede for its reciter until he is forgiven. It is Surah Tabarak (Al-Mulk)." (Tirmidhi)
   
   

2. Ayat Al-Kursi (2:255): Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said, "When you are about to sleep recite Ayatul Kursi till the end of the verse for there will remain over you a protection from Allah and no devil will draw near to you until morning." (Bukhari)

3. The last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah (2:285-286): These two verses were given directly to the Prophet (PBUH) from Allah and hold significant benefits for protection.

4. The three Quls: Surah Al-Ikhlas (112), Surah Al-Falaq (113), and Surah An-Nas (114) are often recited for protection before sleep.

Practical tips for reading Quran before sleep 📖

1. Find a comfortable space: Choose a quiet and comfortable space where you can concentrate on your recitation and reflection.

2. Perform Wudu: The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) recommended performing wudu or ablution before sleep. This act of purification can also help us to be more conscious of our recitation.

3. Start small: If you're new to this practice, start with a manageable amount, such as a few verses or one page, and gradually increase.

4. Reflect on the meaning: Try to understand the meaning of the verses you're reciting. If necessary, use a translation or Tafsir to help you.

5. Make dua: Conclude your recitation by making dua for sleep, asking Allah for guidance, forgiveness, and mercy.