Surah Name: Al-Falaq (سورة الفلق)
Translation: The Daybreak
Origin of name: The name "Al-Falaq" comes from the first verse, where the word refers to the break of dawn or daybreak. It symbolizes the emerging of light from darkness and is associated here with seeking refuge in Allah from all forms of evil.
Surah Number: 113
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 5
Makki or Madani: Disputed (Some scholars say Makki, others say Madani)
Historical Context
Surah Al-Falaq was revealed during a time when the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) faced various physical and spiritual threats. Although there is disagreement among scholars about whether it was revealed in Makkah or Madinah, some reports suggest that it was revealed in Madinah in response to a specific incident.
According to several narrations, a Jewish individual is reported to have performed magic against the Prophet in Madinah. This act of sorcery caused him distress, and as a result, Surah Al-Falaq, along with Surah An-Nas, was revealed to offer protection and spiritual healing from such harmful influences [1,2]. These two surahs were collectively known as “Al-Mu'awwidhatayn” (The Two Protectors).
According to a tradition narrated by Aisha, the Prophet Muhammad [pbuh) practiced a nightly ritual of reciting Surah al-Ikhlas, Surah al-Falaq, and Surah al-Nas before blowing into his palms and rubbing them over his body for healing and protection [3-5]. In a separate narration from Uqba ibn Amir, it is stated that the Prophet (pbuh) said to him: "O Uqba! Recite the Surah 'Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of the daybreak' (Surah al-Falaq); for you cannot recite any Surah that is more beloved to Allah or more eloquent than this one; so recite it as much as you can. [6]
References:
[1] Al-Suyuti, Al-Durr al-Manthur, Vol VIII, pp. 687–688;
[2] Al-Shawkani, Fath al-Qadir, Vol V, p. 519.
[3] Al-Bukhari, “Fada’il al-Qur’an”, 14;
[4] Abu Dawud, “Adab”, 98;
[5] Al-Tirmidhi, “Da'awat”, 21.
[6] Musnad Ahmad, Vol IV, pp. 149, 155.
Main Themes of Surah Al-Falaq
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Seeking Refuge in Allah:
The main theme of this surah is to seek protection and refuge in the Lord of the daybreak (Al-Falaq), emphasizing Allah as the ultimate source of safety and security. -
Protection from Harm:
The surah teaches believers to ask Allah for protection from all types of evil, including the darkness of the night, harmful magic, and people who harbor jealousy and hatred.
Key Lessons from Surah Al-Falaq
- Seek refuge in Allah from all types of harm and evil.
- Trust Allah as the protector against dangers you cannot see or control.
- Fear and jealousy are real threats, but Allah’s help is stronger.
Ayahs of Surah Al-Falaq
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Verse 1:
"Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak," -
Verse 2:
"from the evil of whatever He has created," -
Verse 3:
"and from the evil of the night when it grows dark," -
Verse 4:
"and from the evil of those ˹witches casting spells by˺ blowing onto knots," -
Verse 5:
"and from the evil of an envier when they envy."
