"When Allah’s Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) went to his mattress each night, he joined the palms of his hands, then breathed into them and recited into them: “Say: ‘He is Allah, One [qul Huwa'llahu Ahad]!' (Al-Qur'an;112:1), and: “Say: ‘I take refuge with the Lord of the Daybreak [qul a'udhu bi-Rabbil-falaq]!' (Al-Qur'an;113:1), and: “Say: ‘I take refuge with the Lord of humankind [qul a'udhu bi-Rabbi’n-nas]!' (Al-Qur'an;114:1), Then he passed them over as much of his body as he could, beginning with his head and his face and the front of his body, doing that three times.”
The Sleeping Of Rasoolullah
From Ash-Shama'il Al-Muhammadiyah, Hadith Reference: Ash-Shama'il Al-Muhammadiyah 256
The Nightly Practice of Protection
This noble tradition demonstrates the Prophet's comprehensive approach to seeking divine protection before sleep. The joining of palms signifies the gathering of spiritual energy, while breathing into them represents the infusion of divine remembrance into one's very breath and being.
The recitation of Surah al-Ikhlas affirms Allah's absolute oneness, purifying the heart from shirk. The Mu'awwidhatayn (Surah al-Falaq and an-Nas) seek refuge from all external and internal evils - from the darkness of night, from envy, from whisperings of jinn and mankind.
Scholarly Commentary on the Ritual
Imam al-Nawawi explains that passing the hands over the body after recitation creates a spiritual shield, making the entire body a fortress protected by Qur'anic verses. The three repetitions signify emphasis and completeness of the protective seal.
Ibn al-Qayyim notes that this practice combines verbal dhikr with physical action, engaging both tongue and body in worship. The sequence - beginning with head and face - shows priority to the most noble parts containing senses and intellect.
Wisdom and Benefits
Sleep is a minor death where the soul temporarily departs the body, making it vulnerable to spiritual harm. This practice ensures the believer retires under Allah's protection.
The comprehensive nature of this ritual covers protection from physical dangers, spiritual afflictions, nightmares, and evil whispers. It transforms sleep from mere rest into an act of worship and divine connection.