When a person camps or sleeps in an unfamiliar place where he fears the attack of harmful insects or creatures, he is urged to seek Allah's (d8) protection through His complete words, which include His books and His decree. Khawlah Bint Hakim (Me) reported that she heard the Prop…

"Whoever stops at a place (for camping or rest) and says: "A'uthu bikalimat-illah it-tammati min sharri ma Khalaq - I seek refuge in Allah's complete words from all that He created," nothing will harm him While he stays at that place."

It is NOT recommended to stay awake all night — even for night worship. This would conflict with the Prophet's (8) Sunnah and with the human nature. Anas (4k) reported that a number of young men, having inquired from the Prophet's (l) wives about his manner of worship, reasoned t…

"Recorded by Muslim (2708), an-Nasa'T, and others. Recorded by Abu Dawud, at-Tirmithi, and others. Verified to be hasan by al-Aibani (as-Sahihah no. 264). Indeed, by Allah, I fear Allah and revere Him better than any of you; yet, I fast (some days) and break my fast (on others), I pray (part of the night) and sleep (the other part), and I marry women. So, anyone who dislikes my Sunnah is not (a follower) of me."

'A'ishah (es) reported that she once told the Prophet (88) about a woman who would stay up all night (in worship). The Prophet (504) said (disapprovingly):

"She does not sleep the whole night!? Take upon yourselves only deeds that you can (consistently) maintain, for, by Allah, Allah is never bored (i.e., never stops accepting your deeds) until you are bored (by interrupting your heavy worship)."

It is important to go to bed with a high level of cleanliness. This includes thoroughly washing the hands from food remains or filth. Abu Hurayrah and Ibn 'Abbas () reported that the Prophet (Ma) said:

"Whoever has residues of greasy food on his hand and goes to sleep without washing them off, then if something happens to him during the night (like a sting or bite), let him blame none but himself."

It is recommended to go to bed with taharah (physical purity), which involves ghusl (if needed) or wudu. Al-Bara' Bin 'Azib (a) reported that the Prophet (A) told him:

"When you go to bed, perform a wudu' like that for the prayer, then lie on your right side."

"Whenever a Muslim goes to sleep while he has 1 Recorded by al-Bukhari (247), Muslim (2710), and others. Recorded by Ibn Hibban and at -Tabarani. Verified to be authentic by al-Albani (as- Sahihah no.. 2539 and Sahih ut-Targhib wat-Tarhib nos. 597, 599). taharah and while extolling Allah, and then wakes up during the night and asks Allah for any good from this life or the hereafter, He will grant it to him.> 1 The above discussion does not mean that a person may not go to sleep and invoke Allah while he is junub 2 or without wudu. A'ishah () reported: " While he was junub, Allah's Messenger (i8) would (sometimes) sleep without touching any water — until he would later get up and perform ghusl." 3 And 'A'ishah (te) also reported: " The Prophet (8) invoked Allah (ie) at all times (and situations)." 4 This clearly included the times when he (l) was junub and slept without touching any water. Therefore, it is permissible to go to sleep and invoke Allah (g) while in a state of janabah. However, it is much better to be then in full taharah. If this is sometimes impractical or difficult, one should at least try to perform wudu before sleeping. 'A'ishah (le) reported: 1 Recorded by Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, and others. Verified to be authentic by al- Albani (Sahth ut-Targhib wat-Tarhib no. 598 and as-Sahihah no. 3288). 2 Janabah is the state of physical "uncleanliness" caused by intercourse or ejaculation. This state can only be ended by ghusl. "Junub" is a person with janabah. 3 Recorded by Abu Dawud, at-Tirmithi, and others. Verified to be authentic by al- Albani (Adab uz-Zifaf p. 116). 4 Recorded by Muslim (373). " When the Prophet (S4) was junub and wanted to eat or sleep, he would wash his private parts and perform wudi like he would for the prayer." ! Ibn Umar reported that he asked the Prophet (), "May one of us go to sleep while he is junub?" The Prophet (1) replied: Yes, but after performing wudu' — if he wishes.> 2 It is recommended to fall asleep while lying on the right side. This was the Prophet's (184) practice. Al-Bara', Huthayfah, Abu Tharr, and Haf sah (8) reported: " When the Prophet (b9) went to bed, he would put his hand under his right cheek." 3 The Prophet (A) also instructed his companions to do the same. In al-Bara' Bin 'Azib's (4) earlier hadith, the Prophet (4) said: When you go to bed, perform a wudu' like that for the prayer, then lie on your right side."

Sahih — al-Bukhari (247), Muslim (2710)

The above discussion indicates that it is recommended to fall asleep while lying on the right side, but does not necessarily call for this throughout the night's sleep. It is permissible to lie down or sleep on the left side. Jabir Bin Samurah (4) reported: "I saw Allah's Messeng…

"Let no one among you lie on his back and then raise one foot to place it over the other."

It is prohibited to sleep face-down on the stomach. Abu Hurayrah (4) reported that the Prophet (B) saw a man lying down on his stomach, so he said:

"Indeed, this is a manner of sleep that Allah (08) dislikes."

Similarly, Tikhfah al-Ghifari (4) reported that once, while he was Iying on his stomach in the Masjid at dawn, he felt someone nudge him with his foot. He looked up and saw Allah's Messenger (la), who told him:

"Get up. Indeed, this is a manner of sleep that Allah (8g) hates."

It is prohibited for a Muslim to sleep in a place that puts him in danger or threatens his life. 'Ali Bin Shayban, Jabir, and other companions (ut) reported that the Prophet (ia) said:

"Recorded by Muslim (2099), Abu Dawud, and others. Recorded by at-Tirmithi, Ibn Hibban, and others. Verified to be authentic by al- Albani (Hidayat ur-Ruwah no. 4644). 3 Recorded by Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, and others. Verified to be authentic by al- Albani (Hidayat ur-Ruwah no. 4645 and al-Adab ul-Mufrad no. 1187). Whoever sleeps on a house's roof that has no rail (or cover) and then falls and dies, we take no responsibility for him."

It is disliked to sleep lonely. Ibn 'Umar (te) reported:

"Allah's Messenger () prohibited solitude, which is to sleep lonely or travel lonely."

Recorded by Abu Dawud, at-Tirmithi, and others. Verified to be authentic by al- Albani (as-Sahihah no. 828 and al-Adab ul-Mufrad nos. 1192, 1194). 2 Recorded by Ahmad. Verified to be authentic by al-Albani (as-Sahihah no. 60). Recorded by Abu Dawud, Ahmad, and others. Verified to…

"Let not a man look at another man's 'awrah (or nakedness), nor a woman at another woman's. And let not a man sleep under the same cover with another man, nor a woman with another woman."

The Most Merciful (58) granted us the night for rest and sleep, as He (ig) says:

"It is He who made for you the night for rest and the day for sight (i.e., to see your way and do your work). Indeed in that are signs for those who listen (to the truth)."

And Allah (E5) says:

"It is He who has made the night for you as a cover, and sleep as a (means for) resting, and has made the day for rising (from the death-like sleep)."

And Allah (de) says: Yünus 10:67. Al-Furgan 25:47.

"Say, "Just consider (what would have happened) if Allah should make for you the night continuous until Resurrection Day. Is there any god other than Allah who could bring you light? Will you not, then, listen (to the truth)?" Say, "Just consider if Allah should make for you the day continuous until Resurrection Day. Is there any god other than Allah who could bring you a night in which you may rest? Will you not, then, see (the truth)?" Out of His mercy, He made for you the night and the day that you may rest therein (by night) and seek from His bounty (by day) - that, perhaps, you will be grateful."

And Allah (dE) says:

"Among His wonders is your sleep, at night or in daytime, and (when you wake up) your seeking of His bounty. Indeed in that are signs for those who listen (to the truth)."

While the majority of people sleep and rest during the night, many creatures take this as an opportunity for evil-doing, causing harm and spreading fear. Many crimes, therefore, are committed under the night's cover. Jabir (4) reported that the Prophet (if) said:

"When the darkness of night sets in, the devils spread about."

"After the quietness (of night), lessen your ventures outdoors, for, indeed, Allah has creatures that He then lets loose.> 2 Warding off the Night's Evil We saw above that night is a time of rest and sleep for most people, while it is the time of evil and wrong-doing for Satan and and his allies. The night's evil may come from harmful creatures, jinns, magic, and countless evil practices by degenerate people. The Prophet (19) provided us with a set of instructions for warding off the night's evil. We discuss these in the rest of this section. Extolling Allah (88), which is the most effective form of protection, will be discussed in the subsequent sections. Recorded by al-Bukhart (3304, 5623), Muslim (2012, 2013), and others. Recorded by Abu Dawud and al-Bukhart (in al-Adab ul-Mufrad nos. 1233, 1235). Verified to be authentic by al-Albani (as-Sahihah no. 1518). Pronouncing Allah's name is to say, " bism Mllah — with Allah's Name". This is an affirmation that what we do is by Allah's will, help, and protection. Pronouncing Allah's name upon entering the home in the evening inhibits the devils from entering that home. Jabir (4) reported that the Prophet (64) said:"

When the sun sets, the children should be kept indoors so as to protect them from the night's harm that we described above. Jabir (4e) reported that the Prophet (3) said: I Recorded by Muslim (2018) and Abu Dawud.

"When the night sets in, restrain your children (from playing) until the peak of dusk ends, because devils spread at that time. When an hour of the night has Passed, you may release them."

This hadith indicates that there is a "peak" for the spread of evil, which extends for one hour, starting from sunset. This peak-time is especially harmful for children: They should be restrained during it from playing outdoors, or playing roughly indoors. After this hour has pas…

"After the quietness (of the night), go outdoors only sparsely (i.e., only for what is necessary), for, indeed, Allah has creation that He lets loose then."

Similar to this, Jabir (4) also reported that the Prophet (lg) said:

"Beware of (going out for) chatting after the quietness of the night, because you cannot know what Allah (38) brings out of His creation."

Sahih — al-Hakim

At night, we are urged to close the outside doors, uttering Allah's name as we do. Jabir Bin 'Abdillah (u) reported that the Prophet (84) said:

"When the night sets in, close the doors and utter Allah's name over them. Indeed, Satan would not open a closed door upon which Allah's Name was uttered."

We should cover our food and drinks at night — while uttering Allah's name. Jabir Bin 'Abdillah (i) reported that the Prophet (Eg) said:

"When the night sets in, close large jars and tie the water skins, and pronounce Allah's name; and cover food vessels - even if only by placing a stick across their opening, and pronounce Allah' s name. Indeed, the Devil would not open or uncover closed vessels."

And Jabir (4t') also reported that the Prophet () said:

"Recorded by al-Bukhari (3304, 5623), Muslim (2112, 2013), and others. 2 Recorded by al-Bukhart (3304, 5623), Muslim (2112, 2013), and others. Cover your vessels and tie your water skins. Indeed, one night every year, a disease comes down (i.e., by Allah's decree). Whenever this disease passes by an uncovered utensil or waterskin, it descends into it."

Satan strives to divert people from remembering Allah (4g). He places a strong spell upon each person's head when he goes to sleep. Getting up during the night to extoll and worship Allah dispels Satan's magic. Abu Hurayrah (4) reported that the Prophet (Hg) said:

"When a person goes to sleep, Satan ties three knots over the back of his head, blowing into each knot while saying, "You have a long night, so sleep on." If this person wakes up and extolls Allah, one knot loosens. If he performs wudü', another knot loosens. And if he prays, the third knot loosens, so that he becomes lively, good-natured, and successful; otherwise, he gets up in the morning ill-natured, lazy, and unsuccessful."

"Satan has urinated in this man's ears.>' When a person wakes up for night worship, he should start off by brushing his teeth. Ibn 'Umar (4) reported: " Allah's Messenger (4) would not sleep without the siwak next to him. When he woke up, he would start off by using the siwak." 2 Huthayfah (4) reported: " When Allah's Messenger (I9) would get up at night (for prayer), he would clean his mouth with the siwak." 3 'A'ishah (tes) reported: " The Prophet's (E) wudu water and siwak used to be prepared for him (before he slept). When he got up at Recorded by al-Bukhart (1144, 3270), Muslim (774), and others. Recorded by Ahmad and Ibn Nasr. Verified to be hasan by al-Albani (Sahih ul- Jami no. 4872 and as-Sahthah no. 2111). 3 Recorded by al-Bukhari (245, 889, 1136), Muslim (255), and others. night, he would relieve himself, then use the siwak." 1 When a Muslim brushes his teeth, he gives his mouth a fresh and nice smell, encouraging the angels to approach him and join in his worship and thikr. 'AlI (4t) reported that the Prophet (8) said:"

Whether a person wakes up for night worship or for the moming prayer, he should wash his hands prior to performing wudü. Abu Hurayrah (4d) reported that the Prophet () said:

"When one of you wakes up from sleep, let him wash his hands before immersing them in his wudu' Recorded by Muslim (746), Abu Dawud, and others. Recorded by al-Bayhaqi, ad-Diya', and others. Verified to be authentic by al-Albani (as-Sahihah no. 1213 and Sahih ut-Targhib wat-Tarhib no. 215). water ', because he does not know where his hands were during his sleep."

We saw above that wudü' is an important step for dispelling Satan's spells. It is also a necessary step preceding any prayer. Of particular importance is rinsing the nose thoroughly during wudü. Abu Hurayrah () reported that the Prophet (i) said:

"When one of you wakes up and performs wudü', he should rinse his nose and blow it three times, because the Devil sleeps upon his nose."

"There is not a Muslim who, having gone to sleep in a state of taharah and while extolling Allah, wakes up during the night and asks Allah for any good from this life or the hereafter, but that Allah grants it to him.> 4 1 In the past, water for wudu was taken by the hands from a container, because it was not common for people to have running water. Recorded by al-Bukhar, Muslim, and others. Recorded by al-Bukhari (3295), Muslim (238), and others. 4 Recorded by Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, and others. Verified to be authentic by al- Albani (Sahih ut-Targhib wat-Tarhib no. 598 and as-Sahihah no. 3288). Extollments When Waking up at Night While the following athkar are normally to be said by a person who wakes up for the night prayer, a person who wakes up accidentally at night may also say some of them to attain the rewards incurred by them. Ibn 'Abbas (4) reported that one night, while sleeping at the Prophet's (E4) house ', he witnessed the Prophet (i) sit up from his sleep in the last one-third of the night, look up at the sky, and then recite the last eleven ayat of Surat Al 'Imran: ( Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and earth, and in the alternation of the night and day, are signs for those of understanding ..."

'Ubadah Bin as-Samit (t) reported that the Prophet (i) instructed his companions (il) to say when waking up at night:

"This was also the house of Ibn 'Abbas's maternal aunt, Maymünah ( Al 'Imran 3:190-200. Recorded by al-Bukhart (1120) and Muslim (763)."

"La ilaha illa-lah-ul-wahid-ul-qahhar. Rabb-us- samawati wal-ardi wama baynahum-al-'aziz-ul- ghaffar - There is no (true) god except Allah, the One, the Overpowering, Lord of the heavens and earth and what is between them, the Honorable, the Recorded by al-Bukhari (1154), Ahmad, and others. Recorded by Ibn Hibban, al-Hakim, and others. Verified to be authentic by al-Albani (as-Sahihah no. 2066). Ibn 'Abbas (t) reported that the Prophet (g) would say in supplication (during his night worship):"

Abu Hurayrah (4) reported that when the Prophet (5) was on a journey, he would say at the approach of dawn:

"KSamia sámiun bi-hamd-illahi wa-husni bala'iht 'alayna. Rabbana, sahibna, wa-afdil 'alayna. 'A'ithan billahi minan-nar — Let listeners hear our praise to Recorded by al-Bukhart (1120) and Muslim (763). Allah and His great favor toward us. Our Lord, keep our company and continue showing us Your favors. We seek refuge with Allah from the Fire."

"Our Lord (05) descends every night to the lowest heaven when only one third of the night has remained. He says, "Who is there invoking Me, so that I may answer him? Who is there asking Me, so that I may give him? Who is there seeking My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him?> 2 Abu Umamah (4t) reported that the Prophet (3) said: ("

'Amr Bin 'Abasah (4) reported that Allah's Messenger (ia) said:

"The closest a (believing) servant is to his Lord is in the last part of the night. If you can be among those who extoll Allah during that hour, do so."

"There is an hour of the night during which no Muslim person would happen to be asking Allah for a favor from this life or the hereafter, but that Allah grants it to him. And this is true every night.> 3 Because of this, the Prophet (S) was consistent in rising to worship Allah (dé) during the last part of the night. 'A'ishah ( reported: " Allah's Messenger (4) used to sleep in the early part of the night, and wake up (for worship) during its last Recorded by at-Tirmithi. Verified to be hasan by al-Albani (Hidayat ur-Ruwah no. 1188). 2 Recorded by at-Tirmithi, an-Nasa1, and al-Hakim. Verified to be authentic by al- Albáni (Sahih ul-Jami no. 1173 and Hidayat ur-Ruwah no. 1186). 3 Recorded by Muslim (757) and Abmad. 4 Recorded by al-Bukhart (1146), Muslim (739), and others. And 'A'ishah (te) reported: " Allah's Messenger (i) used to rise (for the night prayer) when he heard the rooster crowing." ' When a Muslim wakes up during the night, even accidentally, he should be keen to pray two or more rak'at. This voluntary night prayer is called "giyam" (standing), because it normally involves a long standing for Qur'anic recitation. Qiyam entails for a Muslim countless virtues and benefits — as we outline in this section. A great quality of true believers is that they allocate a good portion of their night for worshiping Allah and supplicating to Him. Allah (dg) Says. ( Their (the believers') sides forsake their beds, to invoke their Lord in fear and hope; and they spend out of what We bestowed on them."

Abu Umamah () reported that the Prophet (B) said:

"I urge you to perform. qiyam at night, because it was the consistent way of the righteous people who preceded you, it is a means of coming closer to Your ord, it is a means of expiating your wrongdoings nd it is a restraint against sinning."

As we mentioned above, dreams are visions and thoughts that Allah (#) decrees and creates, just as He creates everything else. He (ig) says: Fath ul-Bart 12:442. Fath ul-Bart 12:442 and al-Minhaj 15:20.

"Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is in charge of all things."

"When Satan makes fun of you during your sleep, do Fath ul-Bart 12:463. 2 Al-Minhaj 15:20. "Al-Muhallab said, ' Bad dreams are attributed to Satan because they are created in his likeness (of evil) ...' Aba 'Abd il-Malik said, '(A bad dream) is attributed to Satan because it is according to his desire and goal.' Ibn ul-Baqillani said, '... Allah creates an unpleasant dream in the presence of Satan (i.c., while he is present with the dreamer). This is why it is attributed to him.' And others say that it is attributed to him because he insinuates it.' " 1 An-Nawawi () said: "Al-Maziri said, 'Allah (dg) creates dreams that are indicators of harm in the presence of Satan. They are metaphorically attributed to Satan because he witnesses them - even though he does not really make them.' ... Others said, 'Both pleasant and unpleasant dreams are created, arranged, and willed by Allah (68). Satan has no doing in regard to either, but he witnesses an unpleasant dream, accepts it, and is pleased with it.' " 2 In addition to bad and terrifying dreams, there are absurd dreams that can be caused by Satan. Jabir Bin 'Abdillah (v) reported that a Bedouin came to the Prophet (E4) and said, "I saw in my dream that my throat was cut, and my head fell off and started rolling, so I ran after it, retrieved it, and put it back in its place." The Prophet (4) smiled, and, addressing the man and the people next to him, said: When Satan makes fun of you during your sleep, do Fath ul-Bart 12:463. 2 Al-Minhaj 15:20. not tell people about it."

Wet dreams are associated with the ejection of seminal fluid during sleep. They often include visions of prohibited actions or interactions that are instigated by Satan. In some cases, they may also be an echo of a person's thoughts during wakefulness. Even though wet dreams are…

"Yes, may your right hand be prosperous! How then does her child resemble her?"

A believer should always remember that Allah's (3g) power is boundless and prevailing, whereas Satan's schemes are restricted by Allah's (88) permission and wisdom. Therefore, when a believer is distressed or alarmed by Satan's spurring, he should turn to Allah (E1g) who can easi…

"And if an (evil) provocation touches you from Satan, seek refuge with Allah, for, indeed, He is all- hearing, all-knowing. Indeed, those who possess taqwa - when an image (or impulse) touches them from Satan — they remember (Allah) and, immediately, regain insight."

Abu Salamah 2 () reported that he used to have dreams that made him ill (from fear or worry) — until he heard Abu Qatadah (4) mention that he had the same problem, so Allah's Messenger (Ha) told him: 1 AL-A'raf 7:200-201. He was the son of 'Abd ur-Rahman Bin 'Awf (4), and was bor…

"A pleasant (or good, or truthful) dream is from Allah, and a bad dream is from Satan. When one of you has a good dream (that he likes), let him expect good, and avoid relating it except to those whom he likes. And when he has a dream and dislikes any part of it, let him seek Allah's protection from its evil and from Satan's evil, and let him lightly spit — three times — on his left side, and avoid relating it to anyone. Indeed, it will then not harm him."

Abu SaTd al-Khudri (4de) reported that he heard the Prophet (la) say:

"When one of you has a dream that he likes - indeed, it is only from Allah, so let him praise Allah for it and relate it (to his beloved ones). Otherwise, when one has a dream that he hates — indeed, it is only from Satan, so let him seek Allah's protection from its evil, and let him not mention it to anyone: I This is combined from narrations recorded by al-Bukhart (3292, 5747, 6984, 6986, 6995, 7005, 7044), Muslim (2261), and others. We use two parenthesis to indicate alternative words appearing in different narrations. it will then not harm him."

Abu Hurayrah (4e) reported that the Prophet (b) said:

"Dreams are of three categories: a good dream that has glad tidings from Allah, a terrifying dream from Satan, and a dream about what concerns a person. When one of you has a dream that he dislikes, let him rise from sleep and pray, and let him not relate it to other people."

Abu Hurayrah () also reported that the Prophet (8) said:

"When one of' you has a dream that he likes, let him narrate it (to his beloved ones) and interpret it; and when one of you has a dream that he dislikes, let him neither narrate it nor interpret it."

Jabir Bin 'Abdillah (4) reported that Allah's Messenger (i) said:

"When one of you has a dream that he dislikes, let Recorded by al-Bukhari (6985, 7045), at-Tirmithl, and others. 2 Recorded by al-Bukhari (7017), Muslim (2263), and others. 3 Recorded by Ibn 'Abd il-Bart. Verified to be authentic by al-Albani (as-Sahihah no. 1340). him spit (lightly) three times on his left side, ask Allah three times to shelter him from Satan, and turn over from the side on which he was sleeping."

And 'Awf Bin Malik (4) reported that the Prophet (i4) said:

"Dreams are of three categories: scary dreams from Satan - to depress the human being, things that concern a person during his wakefulness, so he sees them in his dream, and dreams that are a part of forty six parts of prophethood."

Tá'awwuth (or isti'athah) means seeking Allah's protection or refuge. A believer is always required to ask Allah for this, as Allah (#) says:

"So seek refuge with Allah (only). Verily, He is the Hearer, the Seer."

Ta'awwuth is particularly important when we feel the influence of Satan's whispers. Allah (38) says:

"And if an evil whisper from Satan comes to you, seek refuge with Allah. Verily, He is the Hearer, the Knower."