The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to me: There have been sent down to me verses the like of which had never been seen before. They are the Mu'awwadhatain.
The Excellence of Al-Mu'awwidhatayn
The Mu'awwidhatayn refer to the last two chapters of the Qur'an: Surah Al-Falaq (113) and Surah An-Nas (114). These are known as "The Two Seekers of Refuge" as they teach believers to seek Allah's protection from various evils.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam An-Nawawi explains that the Prophet's (ﷺ) statement emphasizes the unique excellence of these surahs. Their like had never been revealed before because they contain comprehensive protection from all evils - both seen and unseen, human and jinn, envy and witchcraft.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that these surahs were revealed together and are to be recited for protection, especially before sleeping. Their comprehensive nature makes them unlike any previous revelation in their specific function as protective verses.
Practical Implementation
The scholars recommend reciting these surahs three times each morning and evening, and before sleeping. They serve as a spiritual shield when practiced consistently with faith and understanding of their meanings.
Al-Qurtubi mentions that these surahs contain the most complete form of seeking refuge in Allah from all types of harm, making them uniquely beneficial for spiritual protection in daily life.