The 4 Quls—Surah Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, Surah An-Nas, and Surah Al-Kafirun—are among the most powerful chapters of the Qur’an. Short yet immensely deep in meaning, these surahs are often recited together for spiritual protection, purification of faith, and healing. They are referred to as “Char Qul” in South Asian Islamic tradition, a term widely used in morning and evening adhkar.
What Are the 4 Quls?
These four surahs begin with the Arabic word “Qul” (قُلْ), meaning “Say”, as Allah commands the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to proclaim His message:
-
Surah Al-Kafirun (109) – Declares rejection of disbelief and affirms the purity of Tawheed.
-
Surah Al-Ikhlas (112) – Emphasises the absolute oneness of Allah (Tawheed).
-
Surah Al-Falaq (113) – Seeks refuge in Allah from the evils of creation, black magic, and envy.
-
Surah An-Nas (114) – Seeks protection from the whisperings of Shaytan and spiritual harm.
Each surah serves as a shield against both external and internal harm, making them essential for every Muslim’s spiritual life.
Powerful Benefits of the 4 Quls
1. Spiritual Protection in Islam
The 4 Quls are known to protect against the evil eye, black magic, jinn, and Shaytan’s whisperings. Reciting these verses regularly, especially before sleeping and after prayers, forms a strong spiritual barrier.
The Prophet ﷺ used to recite Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas and blow over himself when ill. According to Sahih al-Bukhari, Aisha (RA) reported:
“Whenever the Prophet went to bed, he used to blow on his hands and recite the Mu’awwidhatayn (Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas), then pass his hands over his body.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 5017)
2. Equal to Portions of the Quran
-
Surah Ikhlas is equivalent to one-third of the Qur’an in reward. (Sahih al-Bukhari 6643)
-
Surah Al-Kafirun is known as the declaration of freedom from shirk and is equal to a quarter of the Qur’an.
3. Essential for Ruqyah and Healing
In Islamic Ruqyah (spiritual healing), the 4 Quls are foundational verses used for protection against harm, mental distress, and physical illness. Many scholars recommend using these surahs while performing self-Ruqyah along with Ayat al-Kursi and Surah Al-Fatiha.
The Deep Meaning and Message of the 4 Quls
The 4 Quls are more than just short Surahs of the Qur’an—they are powerful declarations of faith, protection, and reliance on Allah. Each Surah begins with the divine command “Qul” (قُلْ)—”Say”—reminding us that we are repeating the exact words Allah taught His Prophet ﷺ.
Together, they serve as a spiritual shield and offer a complete guide to protect the body, heart, and soul. Let us understand the divine wisdom and message behind each Surah:
1. Surah Al-Kāfirūn (Surah 109) – A Declaration of Pure Faith
This Surah draws a clear line between belief and disbelief. It teaches us to remain firm in our religion and never compromise the truth of Islam, even under pressure or social influence.
2. Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ (Surah 112) – The Essence of Tawheed
A pure affirmation of Allah’s Oneness, Surah Ikhlas negates all forms of shirk. It tells us that Allah is One, Eternal, Self-Sufficient, and has no equal, parent, or child. Reciting it is like affirming our entire belief in Islam.
3. Surah Al-Falaq (Surah 113) – Seeking Protection from External Harm
In this Surah, we seek refuge in Allah from all forms of evil, whether visible or hidden. It protectsus from black magic, evil creatures, jealousy, and darkness—forces that harm us from the outside.
4. Surah An-Nās (Surah 114) – Seeking Protection from Internal Harm
While Surah Falaq guards against external threats, Surah Nas guards our heart and soul from the whispers of Shaytan, which cause doubt, sin, and anxiety. It is a reminder always to seek Allah’s help in maintaining spiritual purity.
The Full Text of the 4 Quls (Arabic + Translation)
1. Surah Al-Kāfirūn (The Disbelievers – Surah 109)
Arabic:
قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا الْكَافِرُونَ
لَا أَعْبُدُ مَا تَعْبُدُونَ
وَلَا أَنتُمْ عَابِدُونَ مَا أَعْبُدُ
وَلَا أَنَا عَابِدٌ مَّا عَبَدتُّمْ
وَلَا أَنتُمْ عَابِدُونَ مَا أَعْبُدُ
لَكُمْ دِينُكُمْ وَلِيَ دِينِ
Translation:
Say: O disbelievers!
I do not worship what you worship,
Nor are you worshippers of what I worship.
And I will never worship what you worship,
Nor will you ever worship what I worship.
To you be your religion, and to me, mine.
2. Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ (Sincerity – Surah 112)
Arabic:
قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ
اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ
لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ
وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ
Translation:
Say: He is Allah, the One,
Allah, the Eternal, Absolute.
He neither begets nor is born,
And there is none comparable to Him.
3. Surah Al-Falaq (The Daybreak – Surah 113)
Arabic:
قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَقِ
مِن شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ
وَمِن شَرِّ غَاسِقٍ إِذَا وَقَبَ
وَمِن شَرِّ النَّفَّاثَاتِ فِي الْعُقَدِ
وَمِن شَرِّ حَاسِدٍ إِذَا حَسَدَ
Translation:
Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of the daybreak
From the evil of all created things,
From the evil of darkness when it spreads,
From the evil of those who blow on knots (black magic),
And from the evil of the envier when he envies.
4. Surah An-Nās (Mankind – Surah 114)
Arabic:
قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ
مَلِكِ النَّاسِ
إِلَٰهِ النَّاسِ
مِن شَرِّ الْوَسْوَاسِ الْخَنَّاسِ
الَّذِي يُوَسْوِسُ فِي صُدُورِ النَّاسِ
مِنَ الْجِنَّةِ وَالنَّاسِ
Translation:
Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind,
The King of mankind,
The God of mankind,
From the evil of the whisperer who withdraws,
Who whispers in the hearts of mankind,
From among the jinn and among mankind.
Hadith on the Importance of the 4 Quls
The 4 Quls were highly recommended by the Prophet ﷺ as part of his daily and nightly routines:
-
Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas were recited thrice every morning and evening for protection (Sunan Abu Dawood).
-
He would use them for spiritual cleansing before sleep, teaching us the importance of constant remembrance of Allah.
Teaching Children the 4 Quls
The 4 Quls are short and rhythmic, making them ideal for children’s memorisation. Start with:
-
Surah Al-Ikhlas is due to its brevity and clarity.
-
Use visual aids, repetition, and child-friendly tafsir to explain meanings.
-
Encourage family recitation time after Maghrib or Isha prayers.
This not only helps children develop a strong Islamic identity but also embeds daily protective habits early on.
Memorisation Tips for the 4 Quls
For those new to Quranic memorisation, the 4 Quls are the perfect starting point. Here are some practical tips:
-
Break it down: Memorise 1–2 verses a day.
-
Use repetition: Recite after every salah.
-
Listen & mimic: Use audio apps like Tarteel or Quran Companion.
-
Write to retain: Writing each verse strengthens memory.
-
Practice daily until fluent and accurate.
Why Recite the 4 Quls Daily?
Incorporating these surahs into your daily adhkar connects your heart to Allah and shields you from unseen harms.
Morning and Evening Practice:
-
After Fajr: Begin your day with clarity and protection.
-
Before Maghrib: Prepare your soul for the night.
-
Before sleep: Just like the Prophet ﷺ did, recite and blow on your body.
These routines protect your soul, home, and loved ones.
Misconceptions to Avoid
While the 4 Quls are powerful, remember:
-
They are not magical charms. Their power lies in belief, intention, and Allah’s will.
-
Reciting without understanding or sincerity diminishes their effect.
-
Avoid using them as mere rituals; seek to feel and reflect on their meanings.
Cultural & Historical Legacy
Across South Asia, Africa, and the Arab world, the 4 Quls are part of traditional Islamic upbringing. They’re commonly used in:
-
Morning assemblies in Islamic schools
-
Post-prayer dhikr sessions
-
Funeral and janazah practices
-
Protection talismans (taweez) – though scholars differ on this use
Their legacy reflects their deeply rooted place in Muslim life across generations.
Conclusion
The 4 Quls are a gift from Allah ﷻ to His servants—offering protection, purification of belief, and inner peace. By reciting these short yet powerful Surahs regularly, we not only guard ourselves from harm but also reconnect with the essence of Islamic faith: Tawheed, sincerity, and trust in Allah.
To deepen your understanding of the Quran and strengthen your daily spiritual habits, consider joining Kanzol Quran—a trusted online Quran learning platform. Whether you’re a beginner or wish to revise your Tajweed, Kanzol Quran offers:
At Kanzol Quran, our mission is to help Muslims worldwide learn, love, and live the Quran, starting with essential Surahs, such as the 4 Quls.
🟢 Begin your journey today and let the Quran be a guiding light in your life and your family’s future.
