Reciting Ayatul Kursi before sleep, according to various Hadith (sayings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad), is believed to provide protection and safeguard against harm throughout the night.
Protection and Guardianship
According to Bukhari, a highly respected Hadith collection, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated: “When you lie down in your bed, recite Āyat al-Kursī from beginning to end; Allah will appoint for you a guardian (angel) who will stay by you, until you wake up in the morning.” This suggests that reciting Ayatul Kursi before sleep invites divine protection and assigns a guardian angel to watch over the individual until they awaken. Multiple sources corroborate this, emphasizing the protective nature of reciting this verse before sleep. [1, 3, 7, 9]
Repelling Evil
Numerous accounts highlight Ayatul Kursi's role in repelling evil. The Hadith mentions that reciting the verse prevents the devil from approaching the person throughout the night. [4, 7] This aligns with the belief that reciting Ayatul Kursi creates a protective barrier against negative spiritual influences. While the experience of bad dreams isn't directly addressed as being prevented by the recitation, the protection from evil entities implies a reduction in potentially negative spiritual influences that might contribute to negative dreams. [2]
Practical Implications
- Spiritual Security: Many Muslims find comfort and reassurance in this practice, believing it enhances their spiritual connection and provides a sense of safety and peace of mind before sleep. [5, 6, 8, 10]
- Regular Practice: The consistent recitation of Ayatul Kursi before sleep is viewed as a form of spiritual discipline and devotion. [2, 10]
It's important to note that while the Hadith emphasizes the protective benefits of reciting Ayatul Kursi before sleep, personal experiences may vary. The existence of bad dreams despite the recitation doesn't negate the spiritual merit or protective effect. The focus should be on the intention and devotion behind the practice.
