"It was raining and dark, and we were waiting for the Messenger of Allah [SAW] to lead us in prayer. Then the Messenger of Allah [SAW] came out to lead us in prayer and he said: 'Say.' I said: 'What should I say?' He said: 'Say: He is Allah, (the) One and Al-Mu'awwadhatain in the evening and in the morning, three times, and that will suffice you against everything.'"
The Book of Seeking Refuge with Allah
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith 5428
Hadith Text
"It was raining and dark, and we were waiting for the Messenger of Allah [SAW] to lead us in prayer. Then the Messenger of Allah [SAW] came out to lead us in prayer and he said: 'Say.' I said: 'What should I say?' He said: 'Say: He is Allah, (the) One and Al-Mu'awwadhatain in the evening and in the morning, three times, and that will suffice you against everything.'"
Commentary on the Hadith
This noble hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i contains profound guidance from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) regarding spiritual protection. The context of darkness and rain indicates times of potential fear and vulnerability, when seeking Allah's protection is most needed.
"He is Allah, (the) One" refers to Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112), which affirms Allah's absolute Oneness and uniqueness. "Al-Mu'awwadhatain" refers to the last two chapters of the Quran - Surah Al-Falaq (113) and Surah An-Nas (114) - which are specifically revealed for seeking refuge in Allah.
The instruction to recite these three surahs three times each morning and evening establishes a daily spiritual practice. The phrase "that will suffice you against everything" demonstrates the comprehensive protection these recitations provide - encompassing physical dangers, spiritual harms, envy, evil eye, and all forms of harm.
Scholars explain that this practice creates a spiritual fortress around the believer, drawing divine protection through the power of Allah's words. The repetition three times emphasizes the importance of consistency and strengthens the spiritual barrier.
Practical Implementation
The morning period begins at dawn (Fajr) and extends until sunrise or slightly after. The evening period begins at Asr time and extends until sunset or Maghrib.
Recite Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Nas three times each during these periods. One may recite them after Fajr and Asr prayers for consistency.
This practice combines affirmation of Tawheed (Surah Al-Ikhlas) with seeking protection from all evils (Surah Al-Falaq) and from the whispers of mankind and jinn (Surah An-Nas), providing comprehensive spiritual security.