بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَقِ مِن شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ، وَمِن شَرِّ غَاسِقٍ إِذَا وَقَبَ، وَمِن شَرِّ النَّفَّاثَاتِ فِي الْعُقَدِ، وَمِن شَرِّ حَاسِدٍ إِذَا حَسَدَ. بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ مِن شَرِّ النَّاسِ.
In the name of Allah. I seek refuge in the Lord of the dawn from the evil of all that He has created, and from the evil of the darkening night as it falls, and from the evil of those who practice sorcery, and from the evil of the envier when he envies. In the name of Allah. I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind.
Bismillahi, a'udhu bi Rabbil falaqi min sharri ma khalaqa, wa min sharri ghasiqin idha waqaba, wa min sharri n-naffathati fil 'uqadi, wa min sharri hasidin idha hasada. Bismillahi, a'udhu bi Rabbin nasi min sharri nasi.
When to Read
This dua is most potent when recited just before going to sleep. It's also beneficial to recite it if you wake up during the night experiencing fear or unsettling thoughts. Many scholars recommend reciting it after Fajr and Maghrib prayers as well, to encompass protection throughout the day and night.
How to Read
Recite Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas with sincerity, focusing on the meaning of seeking Allah's protection. It's recommended to recite them three times each, as taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. You can then blow gently onto your hands and wipe them over your body, starting with your head and face, then repeating this two more times. This practice was a Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ when seeking protection.
Virtues & Benefits
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us these Surahs as a powerful means of seeking refuge in Allah from all forms of evil, including unseen harms that can manifest as nightmares or disturbing thoughts. By reciting them, we acknowledge Allah's absolute power and our complete reliance on Him for protection. It brings peace of mind, knowing that we have sought the ultimate safeguard. The Prophet ﷺ said about these two Surahs: 'No one seeking refuge like these two has sought refuge with anything better than them.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 5033)
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'O Abdullah bin Khubaib, recite the two Surahs: 'Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of the daybreak' (Surah Al-Falaq) and 'Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind' (Surah An-Nas) once each, and they will suffice you from everything.' He also said: 'He who recites them at night will be protected, and he who recites them during the day will be protected.' (Sahih Muslim 2708)