SuratuI-Falaq (Q1133) & Suratun-Nas (Q114) – SS2 Islamic Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

Suratul-Falaq (Chapter 113) and Suratun-Nas (Chapter 114) are the last two chapters of the Qur’an, and Muslims recite them to seek Allah’s protection from harm.

• Suratul-Falaq: seeks refuge from outside dangers such as darkness, magic and envy.
• Suratun-Nas: seeks refuge from evil whispers that put wrong thoughts in the mind.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. recite Suratul-Falaq and Suratun-Nas;
2. explain the meaning of each verse of the two Surahs;
3. state the lessons taught by each Surah;
4. explain how the two Surahs are connected;
5. state when and why Muslims recite these Surahs in daily life.

What are the Al-Mu’awwidhat?

The Al-Mu’awwidhat are the chapters in which a Muslim seeks refuge (protection) with Allah, mainly Suratul-Falaq and Suratun-Nas.

• The Qur’an: the holy book of Islam, with 114 chapters called Surahs.
• The last two chapters: Suratul-Falaq (113) and Suratun-Nas (114).
• Meaning of the name: “Al-Mu’awwidhat” means “the chapters of seeking protection”.
• Suratul-Ikhlas (Chapter 112): about the oneness of Allah. Muslims often recite it together with the two Surahs for protection.

What does Suratul-Falaq (Chapter 113) say?

Suratul-Falaq is a five-verse chapter in which a believer asks the Lord of the daybreak for protection from different kinds of evil.

What is the text of Suratul-Falaq?

It begins: “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.”

What is the meaning of Suratul-Falaq?

Each verse names one thing to seek Allah’s protection from, after calling on Him as Lord of the daybreak.

1. The Lord of daybreak: “Falaq” means daybreak or dawn. Allah brings light after darkness, so He can remove bad things from our lives.
2. Evil of what He created: we seek protection from harmful things in creation. Some created things can harm us unless Allah protects us.
3. Evil of darkness: we cannot see dangers in the dark. Darkness can also mean times of trouble or confusion.
4. Those who blow on knots: this refers to magic or witchcraft. People tied knots and blew on them with magic words to hurt others. Islam teaches us to seek Allah’s protection from such practices.
5. Envier when he envies: envy is feeling unhappy about the good things others have. It can make a person want to harm the one he envies.

What lessons does Suratul-Falaq teach?

• Allah is our protector: we turn to Him first.
• Fear and danger: we should call on Allah when we feel scared.
• Power belongs to Allah: no evil can harm us without His permission.
• Trust: we should rely on Allah’s protection.

What does Suratun-Nas (Chapter 114) say?

Suratun-Nas is a six-verse chapter in which a believer asks Allah for protection from evil whispers.

What is the text of Suratun-Nas?

It begins: “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.”

What is the meaning of Suratun-Nas?

The first three verses name Allah by three titles, and the last three name the evil we seek protection from.

1. Lord of mankind: Allah is the Creator who made and sustains all people.
2. King of mankind: Allah is the Ruler with power over all people.
3. God of mankind: Allah alone is worthy of worship by all people.
4. The retreating whisperer: this refers to Shaytan (Satan). He puts bad thoughts in our minds but retreats when we remember Allah.
5. Whispers in the breasts of mankind: bad thoughts enter our hearts and minds. They can make us want to do wrong.
6. From among the jinn and mankind: evil whispers can come from jinn (unseen beings) like Shaytan, or from bad people.

What lessons does Suratun-Nas teach?

• Three titles of Allah: we seek refuge with Him as our Lord, King and God.
• Inner danger: evil whispers work on the heart and mind, so we need Allah’s help against them.
• Two sources: both jinn and people can try to lead us to wrong.
• Remembering Allah: when we remember Him, evil whispers become weak.

How are the two Surahs connected?

Suratul-Falaq and Suratun-Nas together ask Allah for protection from outside dangers and inside dangers.

• Same opening: both begin with “Say: I seek refuge with the Lord…”.
• Same purpose: both teach us to depend on Allah for protection.

When do Muslims recite these Surahs in daily life?

Muslims recite these Surahs at set times and in times of fear, following the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

1. Every morning and evening.
2. Before sleeping.
3. After the obligatory prayers.
4. When feeling scared or worried.
5. When feeling sick.
6. As protection for children.

• Hadith: the Prophet taught that no one seeks refuge with anything better than these two Surahs.

What are the benefits of reciting these Surahs?

Reciting these Surahs brings spiritual protection, calm and a stronger faith.

1. They remind us that Allah is always there to protect us.
2. They help us feel safe and calm when we are scared.
3. They strengthen our faith in Allah.
4. They protect us from harm, both seen and unseen.
5. They help us fight against bad thoughts.
6. They connect us to Allah throughout the day.

How can teachers and parents teach these Surahs to children?

Children learn these Surahs best through simple meanings, repetition and daily habit.

1. Explain the meanings in simple words.
2. Tell stories about how the Prophet used these Surahs.
3. Recite them together before bed each night.
4. Talk about different fears and how Allah protects us.
5. Memorise one verse at a time.
6. Draw pictures about the meaning, such as the sun rising after darkness.

Evaluation

1. What does “Falaq” mean?
2. State the four kinds of evil from which Suratul-Falaq asks for protection.
3. Who is the “retreating whisperer” in Suratun-Nas, and when does he retreat?
4. Explain how Suratul-Falaq and Suratun-Nas are connected.
5. State four occasions when the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us to recite these Surahs.

Assignment

1. Write out the six verses of Suratun-Nas in English and explain each one in your own words.
2. List four benefits of reciting Suratul-Falaq and Suratun-Nas.