Surah Al-Falaq: Text, Meaning, Message & Virtue

Surah Al-Falaq (سورة الفلق‎) is one of the most powerful short chapters of the Qur’an, often recited for protection and spiritual strength. It is the 113th surah of the Holy Qur’an and, along with Surah An-Nas, forms part of the Mu‘awwidhatayn (the two chapters of seeking refuge). Muslims worldwide recite this surah in daily prayers, before sleep, and during times of distress to seek Allah’s protection from every type of evil.

Surah Falaq in Arabic

Here is the text of Surah Al-Falaq in Arabic:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَقِ
مِن شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ
وَمِن شَرِّ غَاسِقٍ إِذَا وَقَبَ
وَمِن شَرِّ النَّفَّاثَاتِ فِي الْعُقَدِ
وَمِن شَرِّ حَاسِدٍ إِذَا حَسَدَ

Surah Falaq Transliteration

For those who want to recite correctly, here is Surah Falaq Al-Transliteration:

Bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm
Qul a‘ūdhu birabbil-falaq
Min sharri mā khalaq
Wa min sharri ghāsiqin idhā waqab
Wa min sharrin-naffāthāti fil-‘uqad
Wa min sharri ḥāsidin idhā ḥasad

Surah Falaq Translation (in English)

Here is Surah Al-Falaq in English:

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Say, “I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak,
From the evil of what He created,
And from the evil of darkness when it settles,
And from the evil of those who blow on knots,
And from the evil of an envier when he envies.”

This Falaq surah in English clearly emphasizes seeking Allah’s protection from all types of external and hidden harms.

What Does Surah Al-Falaq Mean?

Many people ask: “What does Surah Falaq mean?”

The word “Al-Falaq” means daybreak or dawn. The surah begins by reminding us that Allah is the Lord of the daybreak, the One who brings light out of darkness. Symbolically, this represents Allah’s power to remove hardship, fear, and evil from the lives of believers, just as dawn removes the darkness of night.

So, Surah Falaq is about seeking protection from every type of harm—whether physical, spiritual, unseen, or caused by others.

Is Surah Falaq Makki or Madani?

A common question is: “Is Surah Falaq Makki or Madani?”
Most scholars agree that Surah Al-Falaq is a Makki surah, revealed in Makkah before the Prophet ﷺ’s migration to Madinah. However, some scholars suggest it could be Madani. Regardless, its timeless message applies to every believer.

What is Surah Al-Falaq About?

Surah Falaq focuses on protection from:

1. The evil of all created things – whether humans, animals, or hidden forces.
2. The darkness of night – symbolizing fear, crimes, or unseen dangers that occur in darkness.
3. Black magic and sorcery – “those who blow on knots” refers to practitioners of witchcraft.
4. Envy and jealousy – the destructive power of an envious heart is real, and this surah seeks Allah’s protection from it.

Thus, the chapter is not only about protection but also about teaching us to always seek refuge in Allah alone.

Surah Falaq and Surah Nas

Surah Falaq is often paired with Surah An-Nas, the next chapter of the Qur’an. Together, they are known as Al-Mu‘awwidhatayn (the two chapters of seeking refuge).

• Surah Falaq protects against external evils—like envy, darkness, and black magic.
• Surah Nas protects against internal evils—like whispers of Shaytan (Satan) and harmful thoughts.

Reciting both surahs ensures comprehensive protection for a believer, both inside and out.

Surah Falaq Tafseer

The Tafseer of Surah Falaq explains that Allah teaches us to ask Him directly for refuge. Just as children instinctively run to their parents for safety, believers are taught to turn to Allah for every kind of protection.

Ibn Kathir’s tafseer highlights that this surah specifically warns against:

• The harmful power of envy.
• The real dangers of sorcery and black magic.
• The vulnerability of humans during darkness.

It also shows the limitless power of Allah, who controls all creation and can protect us from every harm.

Surah Falaq Virtues

There are many virtues of Surah Falaq mentioned in Hadith:

• The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to recite Surah Falaq and Surah Nas before sleep for protection.
• He also recited them after salah (prayer) and blew over himself and his family.
• According to Sahih al-Bukhari, when the Prophet ﷺ was affected by black magic, Allah revealed Surah Falaq and Surah Nas to cure and protect him.

This shows that the surah is a powerful shield against spiritual and physical harm.

Surah Falaq Before Sleep

Reciting Surah Falaq before sleep is a Sunnah practice. The Prophet ﷺ would recite Surah Ikhlas, Surah Falaq, and Surah Nas before sleeping, blow into his hands, and wipe over his body for protection from harm during the night.

Surah Falaq After Prayer (Salah)

Many Muslims also recite Surah Falaq after prayer. It is recommended in Sunnah to recite Surah Ikhlas, Surah Falaq, and Surah Nas three times after Fajr and Maghrib prayers. This practice ensures Allah’s protection throughout the day and night.

Lessons from Surah Al-Falaq

Here are some key lessons every believer can take from Surah Falaq:

1. Seek protection only from Allah – no one else can protect us fully.
2. Acknowledge the reality of hidden evils – envy, black magic, and darkness are real dangers.
3. Daily recitation builds spiritual shield – making this surah a part of daily routine ensures peace of mind.
4. Faith over fear – no matter how great the harm, Allah’s protection is greater.

Conclusion

Surah Al-Falaq is a short yet powerful surah that teaches us to seek Allah’s refuge from all types of evils—seen and unseen. Whether recited before sleep, after salah, or during hardships, it strengthens a believer’s faith and ensures Allah’s divine protection.

If you’ve ever wondered, “What is Surah Al-Falaq about?”—the answer is simple: it is about recognizing our vulnerabilities and turning completely to Allah for safety, peace, and guidance.

By regularly reciting Surah Falaq and Surah Nas, every Muslim can experience spiritual comfort, protection, and strength against life’s challenges.