SURAH AL-FALAQ

 This blog is part of series of blogs based on my research and compilation of Surahs of Quran, in an effort to understand these surrah, in an easy way. Today's effort is on Surah Al- FALAQ Chapter (113), hope going through it will be a learning journey for all of you. May Allah forgive any mistake, omission or error on mine in its compilation (Aameen Summa Aameen)

Introduction: Surah Al-Falaq is the 113th chapter of the Quran, Surah Falaq written (sura e Falak, surah falak, surah alfalaq). It is a Meccan Surahs &has five verses. Al-Falaq means "The Daybreak" or "The Dawn."

Background & Why it was Revealed:

The surahs was revealed in response to an incident involving the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. A sorcerer named Labid ibn al-A’sam tried to harm the Prophet ﷺ using magic, which caused him distress and resulted in the revelation of these surahs as a form of protection and healing. It was said about the curse of surah Alfalaq, which was revealed in narration, that the Messenger of Allah – may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him – was struck by magic from the Jews.

Labid ibn al-A’sam performed 2 black magic against the Prophet ﷺ with tools and using the things that the Prophet ﷺ possessed. He also used a rope and tied 11 knots with pins on each knot. Then he placed the object in a well and put a stone on the object to prevent it from floating.

The effects of black magic started very slowly, day by day, and the Prophet ﷺ slowly became ill. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Allah, in His mercy, sent angels to unveil the mystery behind the Prophet’s illness – shedding light on the insidious nature of the dark magic that had befallen him. The Prophet ﷺ then entrusted some of his trusted companions with the task of uncovering the concealed objects used in the black magic ritual.

In this surah, Allah orders the prophet (s) to seek protection of God from every evil; especially, from the evil of the dark night, the evil of the witches and the evil of the envious ones.

Abu Said Al Khudri (RA) reported:“The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) used to seek protection against evil of jinn & the evil eyes till Surah Al Falaq and Surah an Naas were revealed. After they were revealed, he took them to seek Allah's protection & left everything beside them.”

General Information:

Surah Falaq written (sura e Falak, surah falak, surah alfalaq ) emphasizes seeking refuge in Allah from the evils and harmful influences that may exist in the darkness of the night or in the form of envy, black magic, and evil whispers. It is also commonly referred to as the “Verse of Refuge”, in which we seek refuge from Allah.

It was mentioned in the hadiths of the Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, where he said: “You will not recite a surah dearer to Allah, and I do not communicate more with Him than that you recite, Say I seek refuge in the Allah of daybreak, & if you are able not to miss a prayer, then do it) “. Narrator: Uqbah bin Amer, the narrator: Al-Albani. Al-Falaq (splitting a thing & making it clear from one another). It is said: He split it & it split. Surah Falak came down after the descent of Surah Al-Fil

Meaning of al Falaq?

The meaning of “Al Falaq” varies between the exegesis and commentators, and the meaning of the word “Al-Falaq” includes:

Ø  He is imprisoned in Hell with that name.

Ø  It is one of the names of Hell.

Ø  It’s morning.

Ø  It is creation, and the phrase means: Say I seek refuge in the Creator.

Reward of reciting Surah Falaq:

It is narrated from Muhammad that whoever recites this Surah in the month of Ramadhan in any of his prayers, it is as if he has fasted in Makkah and he will get the reward for performing Hajj and 'Umra.

Here are its Main Purposes:

The fourth verse of Surah Falaq denotes the use of magic by mankind or jinns to harm other beings. However, everything requires the permission of Allah. And indeed, this surah teaches us to seek refuge in Allah SWT to get protection from the magic doers and their magic. In short,

– It teaches the Muslim to seek refuge in Allah, and resort to him from all that warns him in the things of this world and the hereafter.

– It’s a realization that Envy does not harm his envy unless he shows the anger inside him, and acts with his envy, otherwise his Envy does not exceed his sadness with the joy of others.

Lessons of Surah Falaq and Life Applications:

1.      Always Seek Refuge in Allah’ Isti’aza’

2.      A Muslim Should Never Fear Darkness, Envy or Black Magic as Long as He/She Recites Quran.

3.      Never Seek Magicians and Foretellers.

4.      Keep Away from Envy.

Benefits and Virtues of Surah Al-Falaq

Surah Al-Falaq has common benefits and virtues with Surah Al-Naas. They both have great virtues and benefits, owing to them being ruqya.

1. Surah Al-Falaq and Surah Al-Naas are Unique

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated that Surah Al-Falaq and Surah Al-Naas are unique, and none of the revelations are similar to them. (Mishkat al-Masabih 2131)

2. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Recited Surah Al-Falaq and Surah Al-Naas for Illness

The Prophet (PBUH) used to recite Al-Mu’awithatain during his severe illness. He used to blow on his hands and pass them over his face and body while reciting. (Sahih al-Bukhari 5751)

That’s similar to Surah Al-Fatiha, where the prophet (PBUH) acknowledged it as a Ruqya from illness. That’s a lesson to Muslims on how to cure diseases; by making duaa & reciting ruqya along with seeking the proper medicine.

3. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Recited Surah Al-Falaq and Surah Al-Naas in Wind and Darkness

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to recite Al-Mu’awithatain in darkness and severe wind; where he repeated them several times and taught the companions to do the same. (Sunan Abi Dawud 1463)

4. Surah Al-Falaq and Surah Al-Naas as Ruqya for Black Magic

Al-Mu’awithatain are considered ruqya against black magic; where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to recite them as a cure for the magic performed by the Jew, as we previously mentioned.

5. Surah Al-Falaq and Surah Al-Naas in Witr Prayer

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to recite Al- M’uawathatain within prayer at night and said that you would not recite anything greater before Allah than both surahs. (Sunan an-Naasa’i 953)

Hadith on surah Falaq

(1) Aisha reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace, and blessings be upon him when anyone from his family was sick, he would blow over them with the two chapters of refuge. When he was sick with the illness in which he died, I blew over him & wiped himself with his hands, as they had greater blessings than my hand. Sahih Muslim 2192

(2) ‘Uqbah ibn ‘Amir reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace, and blessings be upon him, commanded me to recite the two chapters of refuge, al-Falaq and al-Nas, at the end of every prayer.    Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2903

(3) Aisha reported: When the Messenger of Allah, peace, and blessings be upon him, would lie down for sleep, he would blow into his hands, recite the two chapters of refuge, al-Falaq, and al-Nas, and he would wipe his hands over his body.    Sahih al-Bukhari 5960

(4) Abu Sa’id reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace, and blessings be upon him, would seek refuge from jinn and the evil eye of man until the two chapters of refuge were revealed, al-Falaq and al-Nas. After they were revealed, he held to both of them and left everything else.    Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2058

(5) ‘Uqbah ibn ‘Amir reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace, and blessings be upon him, said, “Have you not seen the verses Allah revealed to me in the night? No one has seen the likes of them, ‘Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of the people,’ (114:1) and, ‘Say; I seek refuge in the Lord of the daybreak.’” (113:1)  Sahih Muslim 814

(6) Abdullah ibn Khubayb reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace, and blessings be upon him, said, “Speak.” I said, “What should I say?” The Prophet said, “Say: He is Allah, the One, (112:1) and the two chapters of refuge, al-Falaq, and al-Nas, every evening and morning three times. They will be enough for you against everything.”   Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3575

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Surah Al-Falaq stands as a profound chapter within the Quran, offering a wellspring of spiritual and protective benefits for those who recite them with sincerity and understanding. Their significance extends beyond the historical context of the incident involving black magic, serving as a timeless source of refuge and healing for believers facing various challenges.

Surah Al-Falaq Surah is very wonderful and has many benefits, and in the virtue of Surah Al-Falaq a lot of conversations, it came from the Prophet – peace be upon him he said:” I do not tell you the best of what you seek refuge with the Al-Ma’widhatayn say I seek refuge with the Allah of the Falaq and say I seek refuge with the Allah of the people”

The Holy Prophet ordered to read the MU’awateen after each prayer: according to the text of the Hadeeth about Uqba Ibn Amer, may Allaah be pleased with him, he said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) ordered me to read the MU’awateen in the conduct of every prayer”

Therefore, let us embrace the power of seeking Allah’s protection, acknowledging His sovereignty over all aspects of our lives. May the recitation of Surah Al-Falaq be a constant companion, providing solace, strength, and spiritual fortitude in our journey towards closeness to the Divine.

 

Researched & Compiled by:

Ovais Asad Khan