"While I was leading the Messenger of Allah [SAW] on his mount on a military campaign, he said: 'O 'Uqbah, say!' I listened, then he said: 'O 'Uqbah, say!' I listened, then he said it a third time. I said: 'What should I say?' He said: 'Say: He is Allah, (the) One...' and he recited the Surah to the end. Then he recited: 'Say: I seek refuge with (Allah) the Lord of the daybreak...' and I recited it with him until the end. Then he recited: 'Say: I seek refuge with (Allah) the Lord of mankind...' and I recited it with him until the end. Then he said: 'No one ever sought refuge (with Allah) by means of anything like them.'"
The Excellence of Al-Mu'awwidhat
This narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i (5430) demonstrates the supreme virtue of the last three chapters of the Qur'an: Surah Al-Ikhlas (112), Surah Al-Falaq (113), and Surah An-Nas (114). The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ personally taught these surahs to his companion 'Uqbah ibn 'Amir during a military expedition, emphasizing their importance through repetition.
Scholarly Commentary on the Three Surahs
Surah Al-Ikhlas establishes the foundation of Tawhid (Divine Unity), purifying one's belief from all forms of shirk (associating partners with Allah). Its recitation is equivalent to one-third of the Qur'an in reward.
Surah Al-Falaq provides protection from external evils - the darkness of night, witchcraft, envy, and all created harms that emerge in the world.
Surah An-Nas safeguards against internal spiritual diseases - the whisperings of shayatin (devils) from among jinn and mankind that corrupt the heart and intentions.
The Comprehensive Protection
The Prophet's statement "No one ever sought refuge by means of anything like them" indicates these surahs contain the most complete and effective form of divine protection available to believers. They combine affirmation of Allah's perfect unity with seeking refuge from all conceivable harms - both visible and invisible, physical and spiritual.
Practical Implementation
Classical scholars recommend reciting these three surahs every morning and evening, after prayers, and before sleeping. They serve as spiritual armor for the believer, particularly during times of difficulty, travel, or potential danger as demonstrated in this hadith during a military campaign.