sleep on his right side, which is the finest position for a Muslim to adopt while sleeping. Then, while in this excellent state, the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—directed him to begin communing with his Lord—glorified and exalted—through the magnificent supplication that he—may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him—taught.

Among the matters to which a Muslim should pay careful attention in such a situation is reflecting upon the meanings of the transmitted supplications and remembrances, so that his communion with his Lord—glorified and exalted—and his supplication to Him may be more complete.

When we contemplate the magnificent supplication narrated in this hadith, we find that it encompasses a great wealth of sublime meanings and lofty purposes that a Muslim would do well to keep present in his mind when going to sleep.

His words, “O Allah, I have submitted myself to You,” mean: O Allah, I am entirely content for my soul to be subject to Your will: You dispose of it as You wish and decree for it whatever You will, whether retaining it or releasing it. The keys of the heavens and the earth are in Your hand, and the forelocks of all Your servants are bound to Your decree and predestination. You decree for them whatever You will and judge concerning them as You please. None can repel Your decree or overturn Your judgment.

His words, “I have entrusted my affair to You,” mean: I have committed all my affairs to You. This expresses reliance upon Allah—glorified and exalted—and complete trust in Him, for the servant has neither might nor power except through Him—mighty and majestic.

His words, “I have sought support in You,” mean: I have rested my back upon Your protection and care, knowing that there is no other support from which strength may be drawn and that no protection can avail anyone except Yours. This points to the servant’s utter need of Allah—majestic and exalted—in every affair: in sleep and wakefulness, movement and stillness, and all his other states.