There is no doubt that the surahs of the Holy Qur’an are all great, however, God has singled out some surahs with specific virtues, and what we will address in this article is Tafsir of Surah Al-Falaq and their importance, with an explanation of the reasons for the revelation of this surah, and the place of its revelation, as we learn about the interpretation of the surah and show the greatness of its verses, as we explain the aphorisms that were revealed by it.
The History of Surah Al-Falaq
Surah Al-Falaq is one of the Makkan chapters of the Quran and is the 50th surah in the order of the Mus’haf. It was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during the period of Makkah, before his migration to Madinah. The surah consists of 5 verses that call upon the believers to seek protection from evil and harm. There has been some disagreement about the place of its revelation. Some say it was revealed in Madinah after the migration, a view attributed to Ibn Kathir, while Al-Hasan says it was revealed in Makkah.
Surah Al-Falaq also contains a specific supplication for protection against the evil and harm that can be caused by enemies or envious individuals. This supplication is considered one of the invocations seeking refuge in Allah and seeking His protection and salvation. It is also among the supplications that are authentically attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
As for the reason for the revelation of the surah, it is narrated by Shu’ayb al-Arna’ut in his Takhrij al-Musnad from Zaid ibn Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him) that a Jew had cast a spell on the Prophet (peace be upon him). He complained about it for several days until Jibril (Gabriel) came to him and said, “A man from the Jews has cast a spell on you.
He has tied a knot in a well at such and such place. Send someone to fetch it.” The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) sent Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) to retrieve it, and when it was extracted, the knot was untied. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stood up as if he had been released from a shackle. He did not mention anything to the Jew, nor did he ever see him again until he died.
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The Virtues of Surah Al-Falaq in Islam
Surah Al-Falaq is a Makkan surah located in the thirtieth part of the Quran. It consists of five verses and was revealed after Surah An-Nas. Surah Al-Falaq is distinguished by its beautiful style and powerful meanings.
It calls upon Muslims to seek refuge in Allah from the evil of what He has created, the evil that descends from the heavens, the evil that emerges from the earth, the evil of the blowers in knots, and the evil of an envier when he envies. Surah Al-Falaq holds great importance in Islam. It is one of the chapters of the Quran that is recited in prayer, and many authentic hadiths mention its virtues, including:
“We went out on a rainy dark night to seek the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). We found him and said, ‘What should we say?’ He replied, ‘Say: “He is Allah, [who is] One,” and the two “Mu’awwidhatain” (Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas) when you wake up and when you go to sleep three times. They will suffice you against everything.'” (Sahih, narrated by Abdullah ibn Khubayb)
“While I was walking with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) between the Juhfah and Abwa, a strong wind and darkness overcame us. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) sought refuge by reciting ‘A’udhu billahi min ash-shaytaanir-rajim (I seek refuge in Allah from Satan the accursed),’ ‘Qul a’udhu bi Rabbil-Falaq (Say: ‘I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak’),’ and ‘Qul a’udhu bi Rabbil-Nas (Say: ‘I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind’).” He said, “O ‘Uqbah, seek refuge with them, for no one seeks refuge with anything like them.” He also said, “I heard him leading us in prayer with them.” (Sahih, narrated by ‘Uqbah ibn ‘Amir)
Narrated by Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri: The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to seek refuge from the jinn and the evil eye until Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas were revealed. When they were revealed, he took them and left everything else. (Sahih Al-Jami’)
Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to Ibn ‘Abbas, “Shall I not inform you of the best thing with which the seekers of refuge seek refuge?” Ibn ‘Abbas replied, “Yes, O Messenger of Allah.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Say: ‘A’udhu bi Rabbil-Falaq’ (I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak) and ‘A’udhu bi Rabbil-Nas’ (I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind).” (Sahih An-Nasai)
Based on these noble hadiths, Surah Al-Falaq is considered one of the greatest chapters of the Quran that protects Muslims from all kinds of evil and safeguards them from harm. Some secrets of Surah Al-Falaq include:
- It is a short surah, but its meanings are profound.
- It calls upon Muslims to seek refuge in Allah from all kinds of apparent and hidden evil.
- It is recited in prayers and during the morning and evening.
- It is recited to ward off evil and bring about goodness.
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Tafsir of Surah Al-Falaq
Allah the Almighty says:
“Say, ‘I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak, from the evil of that which He created, and from the evil of darkness when it settles, and from the evil of the blowers in knots, and from the evil of an envier when he envies.'”
{قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَقِ (1) مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ (2) وَمِنْ شَرِّ غَاسِقٍ إِذَا وَقَبَ (3) وَمِنْ شَرِّ النَّفَّاثَاتِ فِي الْعُقَدِ (4) وَمِنْ شَرِّ حَاسِدٍ إِذَا حَسَدَ(5)}
“Say, ‘I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak’ (1)
Meaning, say, O Messenger: I seek refuge in the Lord of the morning and seek His protection and refuge from the evil of what He has created. It is also said that Al-Falaq refers to a prison in Hellfire, and it is also said that it refers to the morning.
“From the evil of that which He created” (2)
Meaning, from the evil of all creatures, including humans, jinn, and animals.
“And from the evil of darkness when it settles” (3)
Meaning, from the evil that appears during the intensely dark night when people are overwhelmed and harmful things and evils spread.
“And from the evil of the blowers in knots” (4)
Meaning, from the evil of sorcerers who blow into what they have tied with the intention of sorcery, and from those who seek their help to harm others.
“And from the evil of an envier when he envies” (5)
Meaning, seek refuge in Allah from every envious and malicious person who harbors envy towards the blessings that Allah bestows upon His servants, and desires their removal and harm to befall them.
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