‘Uqba b. ‘Āmir reported God’s messenger as saying, “What wonderful verses have been sent down to-night! The like of them has never been seen. They are ‘Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of the dawn’ and ‘Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of men.’” (Qur’ān, 113 and 114).Muslim transmitted it.
The Excellence of the Mu'awwidhatayn
This narration from 'Uqba ibn 'Āmir (may Allah be pleased with him) highlights the special status of the final two chapters of the Qur'an - Sūrat al-Falaq (The Dawn) and Sūrat al-Nās (Mankind). The Prophet's (peace be upon him) description of them as "wonderful verses" whose like has never been seen indicates their unique nature in seeking divine protection.
Scholarly Commentary on the Mu'awwidhatayn
Imam al-Nawawi explains in his commentary on Sahih Muslim that these chapters are called al-Mu'awwidhatayn (the two chapters of seeking refuge) because they contain comprehensive protection from all evils. Their excellence lies in their comprehensive nature - seeking refuge in Allah from both apparent and hidden harms, from human and jinn evils, and from spiritual and physical afflictions.
Ibn al-Qayyim states in "Zād al-Ma'ād" that these chapters encompass protection from all types of harm that may befall a person in this world and the next. They are a spiritual fortress for the believer when recited with understanding and conviction.
Practical Application and Benefits
The scholars recommend reciting these chapters three times each morning and evening as part of the daily adhkār (remembrances). They serve as protection against evil eye, magic, envy, and all forms of spiritual and physical harm.
Al-Qurtubi mentions that these chapters were revealed when the Prophet (peace be upon him) was afflicted with magic, and through their recitation, Allah removed this affliction. This demonstrates their efficacy in seeking divine protection against all forms of harm.