Surah Al-Falaq: A Brief Explanation

Introduction

This chapter was revealed during the Meccan period. The chapter teaches the slaves to resort to the protection of Al-Rahman (the Most Gracious) and to seek refuge in His greatness and power from the evils of His creation. Allah explicitly mentions the evils of the night after dark because that is usually when people feel alienation [out of fear] and when evils and obscenity spread. There is also mention of seeking refuge in Allah from every envier and magician.

This chapter along with Surah al-Naas are called al-Mu’awwidhatan (المعوذتان), which some translate as ‘the verses of refuge’ and the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) used to utilize them both to protect himself through them.

Explanation of the Verses

Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak

• Say, O’ Messenger [to the people], I seek protection in the Lord of falaq, which is in reference to the [beginning of the] day [at dawn].

From the evil of that which He created

• From the evils and harms of all that is created. 

And from the evil of darkness when it settles

• From the evils and harms which occur when the intense darkness of the night enters and permeates.

And from the evil of the blowers in knots

• From the evil witches who blow into knots tied for the purpose of magic.

And from the evil of an envier when he envies

• From the evil of the hateful envier who envies the people over what Allah has given them from His bounty. He wants this bounty to be removed from them and desires to bring harm on them.

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Source: Al-Tafseer Al-Muyassar and Safwah Al-Tafaseer