Innovations and saying the testimony of faith before going to sleep 

Question: Is it a blameworthy innovation to say the testimony of faith before going to sleep?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

It is perfectly fine to say the testimony of faith before going to sleep, or any other time of day, be it regularly or not.

Please see:
https://seekers.flywheelstaging.com/answers/general-counsel/the-concept-and-classification-of-bida-in-islam/

https://seekers.flywheelstaging.com/answers/general-counsel/clarifying-innovations-in-islam/

The shahada is also specifically sunna to recite before going to sleep as part of a longer prayer in which one says, ‘I bear witness that there is no god but you.’ (Tirmidhi; Abu Dawud; Kitab al Adhkar, Nawawi)

Thank you for your important question.

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years, he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language.