Whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) went to bed every night, he used to cup his hands together and blow over it after reciting Surat Al-Ikhlas, Surat Al-Falaq and Surat An-Nas, and then rub his hands over whatever parts of his body he was able to rub, starting with his head, face and front of his body. He used to do that three times.
Virtues of the Qur'an - Sahih al-Bukhari 5017
This narration from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) describes the Prophet's nightly practice of seeking protection through specific Qur'anic chapters before sleep.
Scholarly Commentary
The three surahs recited - Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas - constitute what scholars term "Al-Mu'awwidhat" (the seeking refuge chapters). Al-Ikhlas affirms Allah's absolute oneness, while Al-Falaq and An-Nas seek protection from various evils.
Blowing into cupped hands after recitation symbolizes transferring the Qur'an's spiritual protection onto one's physical being. The act of rubbing the body three times demonstrates comprehensive seeking of divine safeguard for the entire physical form.
This practice combines verbal devotion with physical action, showing Islam's holistic approach to worship. The repetition three times emphasizes earnestness and completeness in seeking Allah's protection throughout the night.
Legal Ruling (Hukm)
Scholars consider this practice recommended (mustahabb) rather than obligatory. It represents the Prophet's sunna for seeking protection before sleep and may be practiced by Muslims seeking to emulate his noble example.