"I was leading the Messenger of Allah [SAW] (on his mount) on a journey, and the Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: 'O 'Uqbah, shall I not teach you the best two Surahs that can be recited?' And he taught me: 'Say: I seek refuge with (Allah) the Lord of the daybreak.' And 'Say: I seek refuge with (Allah) the Lord of mankind...' He thought that I did not seem too overjoyed with them, so when he stopped to pray Subh, he recited them when he led the people in the Subh prayer. When the Messenger of Allah [SAW] finished praying, he turned to me and said: 'O 'Uqbah, what do you think?'"
The Book of Seeking Refuge with Allah
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith 5436
Narrative Context
This blessed narration recounts a journey where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) personally taught his companion 'Uqbah ibn 'Amir (رضي الله عنه) the two protective surahs - Al-Falaq and An-Nas. The Prophet's gentle pedagogy is evident as he first taught them privately, then demonstrated their importance by reciting them publicly in the Fajr prayer.
Scholarly Commentary
The two surahs mentioned are the final chapters of the Qur'an, known collectively as Al-Mu'awwidhatayn (the two protectors). Scholars note that these surahs contain comprehensive protection from all evils - both apparent and hidden, human and jinn, envy and witchcraft.
Imam al-Nawawi comments that the Prophet's question "Shall I not teach you the best two surahs?" indicates their supreme excellence in seeking refuge with Allah. Their superiority lies in their comprehensive nature, protecting from all forms of harm that may afflict a believer.
The Prophet's follow-up demonstration in congregational prayer shows the importance of acting upon this knowledge and confirms their legitimacy as Qur'anic chapters to be recited in prayer.
Spiritual Benefits
Ibn al-Qayyim explains that these surahs are a complete cure and protection when recited with sincerity and trust in Allah. They safeguard the reciter from the evil of creation, dark thoughts, and harmful influences.
The repetition of seeking refuge with "the Lord" (Rabb) emphasizes complete dependence on Allah's lordship and care, acknowledging that protection comes only from the Master of all domains.
Practical Implementation
Scholars recommend reciting these surahs three times each morning and evening, after prayers, and before sleeping. They should be recited with presence of heart and firm belief in Allah's protection.
The Prophet's methodology in this hadith teaches us the importance of learning, practicing, and teaching these protective verses to others, following his noble example.