Suratul Falaq (Reading and Meaning) – JSS1 Islamic Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

Suratul-Falaq is the 113th chapter (surah) of the Holy Quran, a five-verse prayer in which a Muslim seeks Allah’s protection from evil.

Behavioural objectives

1. State the position of Suratul-Falaq in the Quran and the meaning of its name.
2. Read the five verses of Suratul-Falaq with correct pronunciation.
3. Give the meaning of each verse.
4. List the four kinds of evil from which the surah seeks protection.
5. Explain when and how Suratul-Falaq is recited for protection and ruqyah.

What are the basic facts about Suratul-Falaq?

Suratul-Falaq is the 113th surah of the Quran, and its name, Al-Falaq, means “The Daybreak” or “The Dawn”.

• Position: it is the 113th surah, placed just before the last surah, Suratul-Nas.
• Juz’: it is found in the 30th and final juz’ (part) of the Quran.
• Verses: it has 5 verses (ayat).
• Main name: Al-Falaq, “The Daybreak” or “The Dawn”.
• Al-Mu’awwidhatayn: the name given to Suratul-Falaq and Suratul-Nas together, meaning “The Two Protectors”, because both begin with seeking refuge in Allah.
• Four evils: it seeks protection from harmful created things, darkness, magic and envy.

When was Suratul-Falaq revealed?

Scholars differ on whether Suratul-Falaq was revealed in Makkah or in Madinah.

• Makkah: some scholars place it in Makkah, during the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) early mission.
• Madinah: others place it in Madinah, because of the report that links it to magic done against the Prophet.
• Reported reason: according to some reports, it was revealed with Suratul-Nas when magic was used against the Prophet.

How is Suratul-Falaq read?

Suratul-Falaq is read in Arabic after the Bismillah, which is recited first and is not counted as one of its five verses.

What are the tips for correct reading?

• Pronunciation: say each letter from its correct place in the mouth.
• Pauses: pause briefly at the end of each verse.
• Speed: read at a moderate pace.
• Reflection: think about the meaning as you read.

Which letters need special care?

1. Qaf in “Falaq”: say it deep in the throat, from the back of the tongue.
2. Ghayn in “Ghasiq”: say it as a rough sound in the throat.
3. Qaf in “Waqab”: say it clearly, as in “Falaq”.
4. Tha in “Naffathat”: a soft “th” sound, as in the English word “think”.
5. Sin in “Hasid”: a clear hissing sound.

What does each word in Suratul-Falaq mean?

The word-by-word table below gives the meaning of every word in the surah.

What is the overall meaning of Suratul-Falaq?

Suratul-Falaq is a prayer in which Allah teaches us to seek refuge with Him from four kinds of evil.

• Verse 1: it opens by naming Allah as “Lord of the Daybreak”, which gives hope.
• Hope: daybreak ends the darkness of night and brings light and a new beginning.

What does each verse of Suratul-Falaq teach?

Verse 1: “Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of the Daybreak”

• Say: Allah commands the Prophet, and every Muslim, to say these words.
• I seek refuge: to run to Allah for protection, shelter and safety.
• Lord of the Daybreak: Allah, who brings the dawn after the darkness of night.
• Lesson: Allah can remove difficulties just as He brings light after darkness.

Verse 2: “From the evil of what He has created”

• Meaning: protection from every harmful created thing.
• Animals: harmful animals and insects, such as snakes and scorpions.
• Disasters: natural disasters.
• Illness: diseases and illnesses.
• People: evil people.

Verse 3: “And from the evil of the darkness when it settles”

• Darkness: night time.
• When it settles: when it becomes completely dark.
• Dangers at night: harmful creatures come out and thieves are more active.
• Fear: people feel more afraid and weak, and evil is easier to hide.

Verse 4: “And from the evil of the blowers in knots”

• Meaning: those who practise magic or sorcery.
• Method: in the past, magicians tied knots in string or rope.
• Spells: they blew on the knots while saying evil words, to harm others.
• Lesson: we seek Allah’s protection from all magic and those who practise it.

Verse 5: “And from the evil of the envious when he envies”

• Envious person: someone who is unhappy when others have blessings.
• When he envies: when the feeling leads to harmful words or actions.
• Evil eye: harm caused by an envious look or wish against another person.
• Effects: attempts to spoil others’ blessings, and division and hatred between people.

What lessons does Suratul-Falaq teach?

Suratul-Falaq teaches Muslims to turn to Allah first when they face fear, danger or harm.

1. Seek refuge with Allah: when facing any fear or danger, turn to Allah first.
2. Know the sources of harm: the surah names real dangers in life.
3. Trust Allah: no evil can harm us without Allah’s permission, and He is the best protector.
4. Avoid envy: envy is named as an evil, so we should not envy others.
5. Recite regularly: make the surah a daily habit.

What are the benefits of reciting Suratul-Falaq?

Suratul-Falaq is recited for protection from evil, for spiritual healing and for comfort.

• Protection from evil: the Prophet (peace be upon him) recited it with Suratul-Nas for protection.
• Spiritual healing (ruqyah): when sick, the Prophet recited the two surahs, blew on his hands and wiped his body.
• Protection from magic: verse 4 names magic, so the surah is recited against witchcraft and sorcery.
• Protection from envy: verse 5 names envy, so it is recited against the evil eye.
• Comfort: it helps reduce fear and anxiety, especially fear of the dark.

How is Suratul-Falaq related to Suratul-Nas?

Suratul-Nas is the 114th and last surah of the Quran, with six verses, in which Muslims seek refuge from the whispers of the devil.

Suratul-Falaq and Suratul-Nas are recited together and are called Al-Mu’awwidhatayn.

When should Suratul-Falaq be recited?

Suratul-Falaq can be recited at any time, and it is especially recited at the times below.

• In prayer: Muslims recite it as one of the short surahs after Al-Fatihah.
• Before sleep: the Prophet (peace be upon him) advised reciting the Mu’awwidhatayn for protection at night.
• After each prayer: some Muslims recite it with Suratul-Nas and Ayatul Kursi after the five daily prayers.
• When afraid: it brings comfort and a sense of security.
• When travelling: many Muslims recite it before or during a journey.
• During illness: Muslims follow the Prophet’s example and seek healing from Allah.

What stories are related to Suratul-Falaq?

What is the story of Labid bin Al-A’sam?

It is reported that a man named Labid bin Al-A’sam performed magic against the Prophet (peace be upon him).

1. The Prophet felt unwell and imagined he had done things he had not done.
2. Two angels came and told him about the magic.
3. They told him the magical items were hidden in a well.
4. The items were found and removed.
5. Suratul-Falaq and Suratul-Nas were recited, and the Prophet was cured.

What did the Prophet do every night?

Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) recited the last three surahs every night before sleep.

1. He cupped his hands together and blew into them.
2. He recited Suratul-Ikhlas, Suratul-Falaq and Suratul-Nas.
3. He wiped his hands over as much of his body as he could.
4. He began with his head and face, then the front of his body.
5. He did this three times.

How can we use Suratul-Falaq in daily life?

How is Suratul-Falaq used for ruqyah?

Ruqyah is the recitation of Quran, with a prayer to Allah, for protection and healing.

1. Cup your hands together.
2. Recite Suratul-Falaq, Suratul-Nas and Suratul-Ikhlas.
3. Blow gently into your palms.
4. Wipe your hands over your body, starting with your head and face.
5. Repeat three times, daily for protection and during illness for healing.

What else should a Muslim do?

• Trust Allah: after reciting, believe that Allah will protect you.
• Be careful at night: avoid dangerous places and times.
• Choose friends well: stay away from people known for bad intentions.
• Do not show off blessings: do not expose your blessings to people who may envy you.
• Teach children: help them memorise it, explain its meaning and make it part of their bedtime routine.

Evaluation

1. What does “Al-Falaq” mean, and why is the surah named this way?
2. List the four evils mentioned in Suratul-Falaq.
3. What does the phrase “blowers in knots” refer to?
4. Name three times when Suratul-Falaq may be recited.
5. How can we use Suratul-Falaq for ruqyah?

Assignment

Write out the five verses of Suratul-Falaq in transliteration and give the meaning of each verse.