Surah Al-Falaq: Recitation, Meaning and Virtues

About Surah Al-Falaq

Surah Al-Falaq is the 113th chapter of the Quran and consists of 5 verses. It was revealed during the Meccan period. Its name means "daybreak, the light of dawn".

Together with Surah An-Nas it is known as "Al-Mu'awwidhatayn" (the two surahs of refuge). Both begin with "A'udhu..." (I seek refuge) and contain a supplication seeking Allah's protection from external harm.

Surah Al-Falaq in Arabic

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَقِ مِن شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ وَمِن شَرِّ غَاسِقٍ إِذَا وَقَبَ وَمِن شَرِّ النَّفَّاثَاتِ فِي الْعُقَدِ وَمِن شَرِّ حَاسِدٍ إِذَا حَسَدَ

Transliteration

Bismillāhi'r-raḥmāni'r-raḥīm.

Qul aʿūḏu bi-rabbi'l-falaq. Min sharri mā khalaq. Wa min sharri ghāsiqin iḏā waqab. Wa min sharri'n-naffāthāti fi'l-ʿuqad. Wa min sharri ḥāsidin iḏā ḥasad.

English Meaning

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Say: "I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak,
2. from the evil of that which He created,
3. and from the evil of darkness when it settles,
4. and from the evil of the blowers in knots,
5. and from the evil of an envier when he envies."

Virtues of Surah Al-Falaq

1. A refuge without equal:

"Two surahs have been revealed to me the like of which has never been revealed to anyone: 'Qul a'udhu bi-rabbi'l-falaq' and 'Qul a'udhu bi-rabbi'n-nas'." — Muslim, Musafirin, 264

2. Protection morning and evening:

"When you reach the morning and when you reach the evening, recite Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas three times each. They will suffice you against everything." — Tirmidhi, Da'awat, 116

3. Protection before sleeping:

When the Prophet went to bed, he would join his hands, recite Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas, and blow into his palms. He would then wipe his hands over his head, his face and the rest of his body. — Bukhari, Fada'il al-Qur'an, 14

The Four Kinds of Harm Sought Refuge From

The surah teaches seeking refuge in Allah from four distinct kinds of harm:

1. The evil of all creation (verse 2)

   • General harm — the innate evil that can come from any created thing
   • Harm from people, animals, jinn, and even inanimate things

2. The evil of night when it settles (verse 3)

   • Dangers that hide under cover of darkness
   • Harm not visible in the dark
   • Some commentators: a supplication for the time of a lunar eclipse

3. The evil of those who blow on knots (verse 4)

   • Magic, sorcery, malicious manipulation
   • Deceptive or harmful influence over others

4. The evil of the envier (verse 5)

   • Envy and the evil eye
   • The material and spiritual harm that a malicious gaze can cause

When to Recite Surah Al-Falaq

• Three times, morning and evening (a sunnah practice)
• Before sleeping (blowing into cupped hands and wiping the body)
• After each of the five daily obligatory prayers
• On and on the eve of Fridays
• In times of fear, distress or harm
• In times of illness (as a supplication for healing)
• When the evil eye is suspected
• Before travelling

The Difference Between Al-Falaq and An-Nas

| Al-Falaq | An-Nas | |----------|--------| | Refuge from external harm | Refuge from inward whispers (waswasa) | | Nature and outside forces | Those who whisper evil into the human heart | | 5 verses | 6 verses | | Refuge sought in: the Lord of daybreak | Refuge sought in: the Lord of mankind |

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it correct to recite Surah Al-Falaq for protection against the evil eye?

Yes. The surah explicitly teaches seeking refuge in Allah from the evil of the envier — the one who casts the evil eye. This is one reason the Prophet recommended it for protection.

Is reciting only the transliteration enough?

Reciting it in Arabic carries greater reward. But for those who do not know Arabic, reciting the transliteration or the meaning is also valid. What matters is seeking refuge sincerely.

What are the Three Quls?

This is the shared name for Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas, so called because all three begin with "Qul..." (Say). They are among the protection surahs the Prophet recommended reciting morning and evening.

Read Surah Al-Falaq in the Nurlu App

In the Nurlu app you will find Surah Al-Falaq with:

• the original Arabic text
• transliteration
• audio recitation options
• a morning-and-evening reminder together with An-Nas and Al-Ikhlas

all free of charge.