قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ ٱلْفَلَقِ 1
Translations
Say, "I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak
Transliteration
Qul a'udhu birabbi al-falaq
Tafsir (Explanation)
The speaker (Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) is commanded to declare his refuge and protection with the Lord of al-Falaq (the Daybreak, or the One who splits/cleaves). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain that al-Falaq refers to the break of dawn, symbolizing Allah's power to split darkness and bring forth light, or more broadly, Allah's dominion over all creation. This opening ayah establishes the foundational principle of seeking divine protection from all forms of evil and harm by turning to Allah alone.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Falaq is a Meccan surah revealed to the Prophet ﷺ as a means of spiritual protection and reliance upon Allah during a time of intense opposition in Mecca. The surah, along with Surah Al-Nas, was revealed to teach the believers (and the Prophet himself) the proper etiquette of seeking Allah's protection from physical, spiritual, and psychological harms through sincere supplication.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet ﷺ said: 'When evening comes, say: Qul a'udhu birabbi al-falaq... and Qul a'udhu birabbi al-nas... (Surah 113 and 114) three times, for they will suffice you from everything.' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3575, graded Sahih)
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that true security and protection come only through conscious, intentional reliance on Allah and seeking His refuge. In our modern lives, when facing fears, anxieties, or uncertainties, we should turn to Allah with sincerity rather than depending solely on material means, recognizing His complete power over all affairs.