"The Prophet [SAW] was given a gray mule which he rode, and 'Uqbah led it. The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said to 'Uqbah: 'Recite.' He said: 'What should I recite, O Messenger of Allah?' He said: 'Recite: 'Say: I seek refuge with (Allah) the Lord of the daybreak, from the evil of what He has created.' And he repeated it until I had learned it."
The Book of Seeking Refuge with Allah - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5433
This narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i demonstrates the profound importance the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ placed upon seeking divine protection through the recitation of Surah Al-Falaq (Chapter 113). The gray mule served as the physical conveyance, while the spiritual protection was established through this powerful supplication.
Pedagogical Excellence of the Prophet
The Prophet's methodology in teaching 'Uqbah ibn Amir exemplifies ideal Islamic pedagogy. Rather than merely commanding recitation, he engaged in interactive learning, prompting 'Uqbah to ask "What should I recite?" This approach ensures comprehension and active participation in spiritual education.
The repetition mentioned in the hadith indicates the importance of memorization and internalization of Quranic verses for protection. The Prophet ﷺ continued the lesson until 'Uqbah had perfectly learned the surah, demonstrating that seeking Allah's refuge requires proper knowledge and retention.
Spiritual Significance of Surah Al-Falaq
Surah Al-Falaq represents one of the two great protective chapters (Al-Mu'awwidhatayn) revealed specifically for seeking Allah's refuge. Its comprehensive protection covers all created evils - both visible and invisible, known and unknown.
The timing of this teaching during travel is significant, as journeys expose believers to various dangers. The Prophet ﷺ thereby taught that divine protection should be sought continuously, especially during vulnerable circumstances.
Practical Application in Daily Life
Classical scholars emphasize that this hadith establishes the sunnah of regularly reciting Surah Al-Falaq for protection throughout daily activities. Just as 'Uqbah learned it while accompanying the Prophet, Muslims should incorporate this surah into their daily spiritual practice.
The narration also highlights the virtue of accompanying scholars and righteous people, as 'Uqbah's proximity to the Prophet ﷺ enabled him to receive this precious teaching directly, illustrating that spiritual knowledge is often acquired through companionship with the learned.