The Fortress of the Believer – The Mu‘awidhāt
Part 8 of “The Regimen: Ruqyah with the Qur’an and Sunnah”
Compiled by Dalia Elamawy
Introduction
The final three chapters of the Qur’an — Al-Ikhlāṣ, Al-Falaq, and An-Nās — are known collectively as Al-Mu‘awidhāt (the Chapters of Seeking Refuge).
They form the ultimate spiritual shield for every believer, combining pure monotheism with comprehensive protection against every form of harm — seen and unseen.
The Prophet ﷺ said that reciting these surahs three times in the morning and evening suffices as complete protection.
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, ‘Say: He is Allah, the One,’ and the two chapters of refuge every evening and morning three times. They will be enough for you against everything.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi)
Surat al-Ikhlāṣ (الإخلاص)
(divinely revealed توقيفي)
1. Say (O Muhammad ﷺ), “He is Allah, the One.”
2. “The Self-Sufficient Master.”
3. “He begets not, nor was He begotten.”
4. “And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him.”
Points to Ponder
Loving this surah will take you to Paradise — as the Prophet ﷺ told a man who said he loved it.
It is the declaration of pure monotheism, the very essence of tawḥīd.
Virtue and Benefit
This short, magnificent surah is equivalent to one-third of the Qur’an.
Abu Dardā’ reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Is it difficult for one of you to recite a third of the Qur’an in a single night?”
They said, ‘How can one of us do that?’
He said, ‘Qul Huwa Allahu Ahad is equivalent to one-third of the Qur’an.’”
(Muslim)
How to Use It for Ruqyah
Recite it — along with the next two surahs — three times, or any odd number if you are able.
It is foundational for ruqyah and should be recited for all types of affliction: physical pain, psychological distress, ‘ain, siḥr, or possession.
Surat al-Falaq (الفلق)
(divinely revealed توقيفي)
1. Say: “I seek refuge with (Allah), the Lord of the daybreak,
2. From the evil of what He has created,
3. And from the evil of the darkening night as it comes,
4. And from the evil of the witchcrafts when they blow in the knots,
5. And from the evil of the envier when he envies.”
Points to Ponder
Allah is my Protector against all things evil.
Just as the Messenger ﷺ was afflicted by siḥr and overcame it by Allah’s help, I too beseech Allah for His protection against every form of evil.
Virtue and Benefit
Zayd ibn Arqam reported that a Jew named Labeeb ibn A’sam cast a magical spell on the Prophet ﷺ.
When he began to suffer from it, Jibrīl came to him and revealed Al-Falaq and An-Nās, saying:
“Surely it was a Jew who cast this spell on you and the charm is in a certain well.”
The Prophet ﷺ sent ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib to retrieve it.
He returned with the charm, and the Prophet ﷺ instructed him to untie each knot while reciting a verse from the surahs.
As he did so, the Prophet ﷺ rose as if released from a binding.
How to Use It for Ruqyah
Recite it and its sisters (Al-Ikhlāṣ and An-Nās) three times, or any odd number.
These surahs are essential for ruqyah, especially against siḥr, ‘ain, and psychological affliction.
Surat an-Nās (الناس)
(divinely revealed توقيفي)
1. Say: “I seek refuge with (Allah), the Lord of mankind,
2. The King of mankind,
3. The God of mankind,
4. From the evil of the whisperer who withdraws,
5. Who whispers in the hearts of mankind,
6. Of jinn and men.”
Points to Ponder
I am seeking refuge in the Lord of mankind, the King of mankind, the God of mankind —
from the whisperings of shayṭān, whether from jinn or human.
No harm can touch me when I am under Allah’s protection.
Virtue and Benefit
Zayd ibn Arqam narrated the same event of the Prophet ﷺ being afflicted by siḥr and cured through these two surahs.
They serve as the final, ultimate protection for every believer.
How to Use It for Ruqyah
Recite this surah — along with Al-Falaq and Al-Ikhlāṣ — three times, or any odd number if you are able.
They form the foundation of every ruqyah, protecting from all harm: physical, spiritual, or emotional.
Reflection
The Mu‘awidhāt are not simply chapters of refuge — they are a believer’s daily shield, armor, and renewal of tawḥīd.
Reciting them each morning and evening is like building a spiritual fortress, keeping one’s heart anchored in Allah’s mercy and power.