Surah Al-Falaq — سُورَةُ الْفَلَق — is the 113th surah of the Quran, comprising five verses. It is the first of the two Muawwidhatain (the two surahs of seeking refuge) — Al-Falaq and An-Nas — which are recited together as protection from all harm. The Prophet ﷺ said: “No seeker of refuge has sought refuge with anything like these two surahs.” (Abu Dawud 1463, Tirmidhi 3366, authenticated). He recited them every night before sleep and in his morning and evening adhkar.
The text and meaning
Qul a’udhu bi rabbil falaq — Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak. Al-Falaq means the splitting/breaking of dawn — the moment of transition from darkness to light. Allah ﷻ is the Lord of this breaking-open, this creating of light out of darkness. Min sharri ma khalaq — From the evil of what He has created. All creation contains potential harm — seeking refuge from it in the Creator of it. Wa min sharri ghasiqin idha waqab — From the evil of darkness when it settles. Night and its accompanying reduction in visibility, isolation, and the increase of harmful activity. Wa min sharrin naffathati fil uqad — From the evil of those who blow on knots (witchcraft and magic). Wa min sharri hasidin idha hasad — From the evil of an envier when he envies. The specific mention of the evil eye of the envier makes Al-Falaq the primary Quranic protection against it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Surah Al-Falaq protect from?
All created evils (verse 2), the harm of darkness (verse 3), witchcraft and magic (verse 4), and specifically the evil eye of the envier (verse 5). Together with Surah An-Nas (which addresses the whisperer), the two Muawwidhatain provide comprehensive protection from external harms (Al-Falaq) and internal spiritual harms (An-Nas). The Prophet ﷺ said nothing provides refuge like these two surahs (Abu Dawud 1463).
No seeker of refuge has sought refuge with anything like these two surahs. Three times in the morning. Three times in the evening. Before sleep. The protection is comprehensive. Use it comprehensively.