Bedtime Routine

Bedtime routine

by Umm Asmaa

You’ve heard about the power and baraka of the early mornings. You’ve read about the habits of highly successful people at dawn.

What about the other part of the day that is just as powerful in shaping your day as your morning routine is? Allaah created the night as a cover for the day.

There are some powerful habits you could practice that if practiced will make both your night and the following day more fruitful.

Here are five things you should get into the habit of doing every night before you go to bed to live a happier and more productive life!..

1. Forgive everyone

Forgiving those who wrong you is sometimes not easy, but it’s a very powerful trait to have. It is you who benefits most from forgiving. You clean your heart to make room for love.

You clear your mind to make room for productive thoughts.

Holding grudges and ill feelings towards others places a heavy burden on your pursuit of true happiness. Forgiveness is an attribute of Allaah subḥānahu wa ta’āla (glorified and exalted be He) and it is something He loves and encourages.

“Let them pardon and forgive. Do you not love that Allah should forgive you?” [An-Nur(24):22]

Going to bed at night after forgiving puts you in a peaceful state and allows you to wake up ready to start your day with a happy heart and full of energy. Above and beyond all that, it places you in the category of the people of Al-Jannah.

Haven’t you heard of the man who the Prophet confirmed as a person of Jannah because of his forgiving of others everynight?

The Messenger of Allah ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) was sitting with a group of the sahabah (RAA) in the masjid and he said “A man will now enter [who is] from the people of Paradise.” and a sahabi walked in.

Later it happened again, and then a third time. ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘aas (RAA) wanted to find out what was so special about this man, so he asked the man if he can stay over his house for three days. (He made up an excuse).

The man allowed him to stay. ‘Abdullah noticed that the man didn’t do anything out of the ordinary: He didn’t fast all the time, he slept some of the night and prayed some of the night, and so on.

So after the three days, ‘Abdullah told him the real reason why he requested to stay with him, and he asked him what it was that could be the reason why he was from the people of Jannah.

The man (RA) couldn’t think of anything, but after a bit he said “Every night, before I go to sleep, I forgive whoever has wronged me. I remove any bad feelings towards anyone from my heart.” (Musnad Ahmad)

This man received glad-tidings to Al-Jannah for the simple act of forgiving. So before going to bed, assess your relationships and the events of the day.

Start with forgiving your husband for any miscommunications or mishaps during the day.

This is your life partner and gift from Allaah as your source of tranquility. Reignite the mutual love and mercy that Allaah places between you by letting go of differences every night.

Forgive your family members, friends, in-laws, and neighbours.

Offer excuses as much as you can, and when that’s exhausted, forgive for Allah’s sake in hope for Jannatul Firdos. In the end, it’s you who wins!

2. Say: SubhanAllah 33x, Alhamdulillaah 33x, Allaahu akbar 34x

When Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet, became burdened by her duties and requested a servant from the Messenger of Allaah, he advised her and Ali with the following:

“Shall I not teach you something better than what you asked for? When you go to your bed, magnify Allah thirty-four times, glorify Him thirty-three times and praise Him thirty-three times. That is better for you than a servant.” [Sahih Bukhari & Muslim]

Athkaar (remembrances) do not only offer spiritual strength, but it strengthens the body as well. The Prophet was extremely merciful to his family, and he had the resources to lighten his daughter’s workload.

However, he knew, as a prophet who receives guidance directly from Allah, that productivity and body strength is better achieved through these supplications.

3. Go to sleep in a state of purity (wudu)

Do we need further explanation when the purest creation are invoking The Almighty for your forgiveness all night long?

The Prophet ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said:

“Purify these bodies and Allaah will purify you, for there is no slave who goes to sleep in a state of purity but an angel spends the night with him, and every time he turns over, [the angel] says, ‘O Allaah, forgive Your slave, for he went to bed in a state of purity.’” (Reported by al-Tabaraani. Al-Mundhiri said, its isnaad is jaayid. Saheeh al-Jaami’, 3831).

Sleeping in a state of wudu is also a means of achieving success in this world and the next.

The Prophet ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said: “There is no Muslim who goes to sleep remembering Allaah and in a state of purity, and when he turns over he asks Allaah for good in this world and the next, but it will be given to him.” (Reported by Abu Dawood and Ahmad. Saheeh al-Jaami’, 5754).

4. Reflect over today

Reflect over the different events that took place during the day.

Take the time to appreciate all the wonderful things that happened, and those blessings that remained in tact.

Express your gratitude for the small and big things.

Reflect over your actions.

Have you wronged anyone? Reflect over your relationships. What could you have done better as a wife, or as a mother?

Reflect over successful moments. Is there anything you’re particularly proud of that went well? And most importantly reflect over your relationship with Allaah subḥānahu wa ta’āla (glorified and exalted be He). How would you rate your prayers today?

Did seeking jannah play a major role in your day, or did you get too caught up in your busy schedule?

Seek forgiveness for the minor and major. And ask for guidance in all of tomorrow’s affairs. May Allaah fill your days with blessings and happiness!

5. Plan for tomorrow

Outline your goals and plans for the next day. A planned day saves you a whole lot of time and gives the day more focus.

Doing this the night before helps get you in order from the moment you wake up. Brain clutter can be just as effective in slowing you down, so get it all out on paper and leave your brain energy for the task you planned.

There are definitely other healthy habits and Islamic practices to include in your bedtime routine such as reciting certain verses from the quran, not eating before bedtime etc. which all contribute to your overall wellness and success.

These are 5 summarized practices that are not only for you, but extends to other relationships and aid in productivity.

I’d love to hear some of your own bedtime habits that have brought happiness, motivation, and productivity into your life. Share your secrets with us in the comments section.

@ ummempowered