Surah Al-Falaq is the 113th and the second last surah or chapter of the blessed Quran. Positioned in juz number 30, it has a total of 5 verses and is a Makki/Meccan surah. Al-Falaq translates to "the daybreak." The theme of the surah is centered around seeking refuge in Allah for protection from evil.
The surah, along with the 114th (last surah of the blessed Quran) surah An-Nas, are collectively referred to as Al-Mu'awwidhatayn (Arabic: المعوذتين), meaning verses of the refuge. This is because both of the surahs begin with "I ask for refuge" so the believers can plead to Allah for protection and refuge from all things evil. However, an-Nas is about seeking refuge from the evil within one's self, whereas Al-Falaq is about seeking refuge from external evil. Therefore, Muslims are encouraged to recite surah al-Falaq as it is an extremely powerful surah for seeking refuge from evil and harm that can be inflicted on mankind.
١١٣ - ٱلْفَلَق
113 - Al-Falaq
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The surah was revealed in Makkah when the Prophet (ﷺ) began to preach the message of Islam. As the message of the Prophet's (ﷺ) mission spread, the Quraish and their behavior started to become arrogant and harsh. As long as they believed they could provoke the Prophet by their fruitless attempts to harm him or ignore his message, they did not become very hostile. However, once when the Prophet (ﷺ) remained determined and steadfast in the face of falsehood, the Quraish realized all their attempts would not yield to anything. Even in surah al-Kafirun, they were clearly told:
"I do not worship those who you worship, nor are you worshippers of Him Whom I worship. For you is your religion, and for me is mine."
After this, their hostility only increased. They went as far as planning to harm the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) in the secret meetings they held against him in Nadwa. They also practiced black magic against him to stop him from spreading his message of Islam – there was no stone left unturned to stop the Prophet's (ﷺ) message. However, the Prophet (ﷺ) remained determined and did not let their useless tactics stop him. Therefore, surah al-Falaq was revealed to seek refuge from the disbelievers' evil tactics.
At the beginning of the surah, the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) is asked to take refuge with Allah from every evil creature. There are three kinds of evils highlighted – the dark night when it comes, those who blow on knots, and the envious ones. The surah teaches Muslims to seek refuge from the evil that the night brings, from witchcraft, and the evil eye in Allah alone. Although the Prophet (ﷺ) could not be affected by the disbelievers and their evil attempts at magic, he still took refuge in Allah.
Surah Al-Falaq is an important surah of the Quran and has countless blessings for the reciter. Some of the virtues of this short yet significant surah are as follows:
Recite Surah Al-Falaq to seek refuge from black magic and Nazar (evil eye). This surah is the best protection against those who seek to harm believers with black magic or nazar. Nazar is a reality, and Muslims are taught to say Masha Allah. in access to avoid it. In addition, reciting Surah Al-Falaq when you wear new clothes, purchase something new, or experience success or happiness in some way, such as a promotion or the birth of a child, protects one from the Nazar of others.
Uqbah Ibn' Amir reported: "I followed the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) when he was riding, and I placed my hand on his foot and said: O Messenger of Allah, teach me Surah Hud and Surah Yusuf. He said: 'You will never recite anything greater (for refuge) before Allah than: "Qul a'oodhu birabbil falaq (Surat al-Falaq)", and "Qul a'oodhu birabbin-naas (Surat al-Nās)."
Similarly, Abdullah bin Khubaib ( رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ)May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to me, "Recite Surat Al-Ikhlas and Al- Mu'awwidhatain (Surat Al-Falaq and Surat An-Nas) three times at dawn and dusk. It will suffice you in all respects." [Riyad as-Salihin 1456].
Another hadith states: Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to seek protection against the evil of jinn and the evil eyes till Surat Al-Falaq and Surat An-Nas were revealed. After they were revealed, he took to them for seeking Allah's protection and left everything besides them. [Riyad as-Salihin 1015]
Surah Al-Falaq protects from illness and sickness. When one becomes ill, they should recite Surah Al-Falaq in abundance and ask Allah to protect them from the harm of ill health.
A'isha (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا) reported that whenever the Prophet ﷺ became sick, he would recite the Mu'awwidhāt (Sūrat Al-Falaq and Sūrat An-Nās) and then blow his breath over his body. When he became seriously ill, I used to recite (these two surah) and rub his hands over his body hoping for its blessings. [Sahih Al-Bukhari 5016]