What is the ruling on performing ablution before going to sleep?

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) encouraged Muslims to go to sleep in a state of ablution. Al-Bara` Ibn ʿAzib (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) said, “Before you go to bed, perform ablution as you would for prayer, then lie on your right side and say, ‘O Allah, I surrender my face to You, entrust my affairs to You, and seek refuge in You, hoping in You and fearing You. There is no refuge and no escape from You except with You. O Allah, I believe in Your Book which You have revealed, and in Your Prophet whom You have sent.’ If you die during the night, you will have died upon the fitrah [God-given pure nature]. Let these be your final words.” According to the luminary Ibn Battal in Sharh Sahih Al-Bukhari (1/365), this hadith demonstrates that performing ablution before going to sleep is a recommended and encouraged practice, as is making supplication. If a person’s soul is taken during their sleep, they would have concluded their deeds with ablution and supplication, which are among the best of deeds. For this reason, Ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them both) would make his final act [before sleeping] ablution, supplication, and prayer, following the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) who said, “Make these your final words.”

The scholar al-Shawkani noted in Nayl Al-Awtar (1/268), “The apparent meaning of his words ‘perform ablution’ points to the recommendation of renewing ablution for anyone who intends to sleep, even if they are already in a state of purity.”

The ruling

Based on the above, it is recommended in Islamic law to perform ablution before going to sleep.

And Allah Almighty knows best.