8/19. Chapter:
Sunan Abi Dawud 1462 — The Best Two Surahs for Seeking Refuge
Regarding The Mu'awwidhatain
Surah Falaq and Surah Nas Hadith: Two Best Surahs to Recite
Sunan Abi Dawud : 1462
Sunan Abi DawudHadith Number 1462
حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ عَمْرِو بْنِ السَّرْحِ، أَخْبَرَنَا ابْنُ وَهْبٍ، أَخْبَرَنِي مُعَاوِيَةُ، عَنِ الْعَلاَءِ بْنِ الْحَارِثِ، عَنِ الْقَاسِمِ، مَوْلَى مُعَاوِيَةَ عَنْ عُقْبَةَ بْنِ عَامِرٍ، قَالَ كُنْتُ أَقُودُ بِرَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم نَاقَتَهُ فِي السَّفَرِ فَقَالَ لِي " يَا عُقْبَةُ أَلاَ أُعَلِّمُكَ خَيْرَ سُورَتَيْنِ قُرِئَتَا " . فَعَلَّمَنِي { قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَقِ } وَ { قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ } قَالَ فَلَمْ يَرَنِي سُرِرْتُ بِهِمَا جِدًّا فَلَمَّا نَزَلَ لِصَلاَةِ الصُّبْحِ صَلَّى بِهِمَا صَلاَةَ الصُّبْحِ لِلنَّاسِ فَلَمَّا فَرَغَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم مِنَ الصَّلاَةِ الْتَفَتَ إِلَىَّ فَقَالَ " يَا عُقْبَةُ كَيْفَ رَأَيْتَ " .
Narrated Uqbah ibn Amir: I was driving the she-camel of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) during a journey. He said to me: Uqbah, should I not teach you two best surahs ever recited? He then taught me: "Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of the dawn," and "Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of men." He did not see me much pleased (by these two surahs). When he alighted for prayer, he led the people in the morning prayer and recited them in prayer. When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) finished his prayer, he turned to me and said: O Uqbah, how did you see.
[2] Referring to Sūrat Al-Falaq (113) and An-Nās (114).[1] Al-Falaq (113).[2] An-Nās (114).Reference : Sunan Abi Dawud 1462In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 47English translation : Book 8, Hadith 1457
Summary of Sunan Abi Dawud Hadith 1462
This hadith about Surah Falaq and Surah Nas shows the special place of these two surahs. Uqbah ibn Amir was with the Messenger of Allah during a journey when the Prophet offered to teach him two of the best surahs ever recited. He taught him Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas. At first, Uqbah did not show much joy, perhaps because the surahs are short. Later, the Prophet led the people in the morning prayer and recited these same two surahs. After the prayer, he turned to Uqbah and asked how he saw them. The message is clear: short surahs can hold deep value, and the Prophet showed their importance by reciting them in prayer.
What we learn from this hadith
- Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas have a special value in recitation.
- The Prophet taught important Qur'an lessons in simple moments, even during travel.
- Short surahs should not be treated as less meaningful.
- Reciting these surahs in prayer shows their respected place.
