Surah Al-Falaq, The Daybreak

Surah 113 · 5 verses · classification disputed

Al-Falaq is the first of the two surahs known together as the Mu'awwidhat, the two of seeking refuge. It is five verses long and every one of them asks for protection.

The structure is plain. The opening verse states who is being asked: the Lord of the daybreak — of the moment the light splits the dark. Then three things are named, in order.

The first is the evil of what He has created, which is broad enough to cover anything at all. The second is the darkness when it settles, the hour when things people fear come out. The third and fourth are specific in a way the rest of the Qur'an rarely is: those who blow on knots, and the envier when he envies. The first of these refers to a form of sorcery practised in Arabia at the time. The second names an emotion — and it is worth noticing that the surah does not ask for protection from the envious person in general, but from envy at the moment it is actually felt.

What the four have in common is that they come from outside the person praying, and that none of them can be seen coming. That is the character of this surah, and it is exactly what distinguishes it from the one that follows.

The classification is disputed, as with several of the short surahs. Both Meccan and Medinan have been argued by serious authorities, and this site does not pretend the matter is settled.

Al-Falaq is recited in the morning and evening, before sleeping, and when somebody is unwell. Sahih Bukhari records the Prophet reciting these last two surahs, blowing into his cupped hands and passing them over himself.

Surah Al-Falaq on this site

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Surah Al-Falaq, The Daybreak

Surah Al-Falaq on this site

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