"I was with the Messenger of Allah [SAW] on the road to Makkah when I found myself alone with the Messenger of Allah [SAW]. I drew close to him and he said: 'Say.' I said: 'What should I say?' He said: 'Say.' I said: 'What should I say?' He said: 'Say: I seek refuge with (Allah) the Lord of the daybreak...' until he finished (the Surah), then he said: 'Say: I seek refuge with (Allah) the Lord of mankind...' until he finished it. Then he said: 'The people cannot seek refuge with Allah by means of anything better than these two.'"
The Book of Seeking Refuge with Allah
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith 5429
Narration Context
This blessed narration recounts a moment of intimate companionship between a companion and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) during travel to Makkah. The companion found himself alone with the Messenger, presenting a precious opportunity for spiritual instruction.
Divine Instruction Methodology
The Prophet's repeated command "Say" demonstrates the importance of verbal affirmation in worship. His insistence before specifying the words teaches us that the seeker must first empty their heart and prepare their tongue to receive divine protection.
The Two Supreme Refuges
The Prophet taught Surah Al-Falaq (The Daybreak) and Surah An-Nas (Mankind) - the final two chapters of the Qur'an. These are collectively known as Al-Mu'awwidhatayn (The Two Protections). They encompass comprehensive refuge from all evils - both apparent and hidden, from creation and from the self.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam Al-Suyuti explains that these surahs contain the most complete form of seeking protection because they cover all types of harm: Surah Al-Falaq addresses external evils of creation, while Surah An-Nas addresses internal evils of whisperings and spiritual corruption.
Ibn Al-Qayyim states that the superiority mentioned lies in their comprehensive nature - they seek protection from every evil in existence, from the smallest harm to the greatest calamities, from human and jinn, from envy and magic, and from the evil within one's own soul.
Practical Implementation
The scholars recommend reciting these surahs three times each morning and evening, after prayers, before sleep, and when feeling any distress. They serve as spiritual armor for the believer, protecting them through Allah's complete guardianship.