قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَقِ ١ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ ٢ وَمِنْ شَرِّ غَاسِقٍ إِذَا وَقَبَ ٣ وَمِنْ شَرِّ النَّفَّاثَاتِ فِي الْعُقَدِ ٤ وَمِنْ شَرِّ حَاسِدٍ إِذَا حَسَدَ ٥ قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ ١ مَلِكِ النَّاسِ ٢ إِلَٰهِ النَّاسِ ٣ مِنْ شَرِّ الْوَسْوَاسِ الْخَنَّاسِ ٤ الَّذِي يُوَسْوِسُ فِي صُدُورِ النَّاسِ ٥ مِنَ الْجِنَّةِ وَالنَّاسِ ٦ قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ ١ اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ ٢ لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ ٣ وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ ٤
Say, 'I seek refuge in the Lord of the daybreak... Say, 'I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind... Say, 'He is Allah, the One and Only...
Qul a'udhu birabbil-falaq... Qul a'udhu birabbin-nas... Qul Huwallahu Ahad...
When to Read
These three Surahs – Al-Falaq (113), An-Nas (114), and Al-Ikhlas (112) – are profoundly protective. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ strongly recommended their recitation for seeking Allah's refuge from all forms of evil, both seen and unseen. He ﷺ specifically advised reciting them after every obligatory prayer for ongoing protection. Additionally, he ﷺ taught us to recite them three times each before sleeping at night, after reciting Ayatul Kursi. This practice is a cornerstone of seeking Allah's shield against harm, anxieties, and malicious influences that may affect us throughout the day and night.
How to Read
The practice involves reciting these three Surahs with sincerity and deep contemplation of their meanings. For protection before sleep, it's recommended to recite each Surah three times. You would read Surah Al-Ikhlas, then Al-Falaq, then An-Nas, and repeat this sequence twice more. Afterward, it is a Sunnah to gently blow on your hands, recite them once more, and then wipe over your entire body as much as you can, starting with the head and face. This gentle act of self-protection is a beautiful manifestation of reliance on Allah.
Virtues & Benefits
The benefits of reciting the Muawwidhat are immense, as they are a direct means of seeking Allah's protection. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated that nothing is sought refuge with like these two Surahs (Al-Falaq and An-Nas), highlighting their unique power. He ﷺ also mentioned that whoever recites them and Surah Al-Ikhlas three times in the morning and evening will be protected from all harm. This divine shield is a profound blessing for the believer, offering solace and security in a world filled with potential challenges.
Source & Authentication
‘Abdullah bin Khubaib narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said: 'When night falls, look for the first few verses of Surah Al-Kahf (18:1-10) and the Muawwidhatain (Surah Al-Falaq 113 and Surah An-Nas 114). Recite them three times each in the morning and in the evening. They will be sufficient for you (as protection) from everything.' — Sunan At-Tirmidhi 2922 (Hasan)