Muawwidhatayn

Muawwidhatayn refers to the two final chapters of the Qur’an, Surah Al-Falaq (113) and Surah An-Nas (114). The term comes from the Arabic root meaning to seek refuge, with the plural form indicating the two surahs. They are commonly called the two protectors or the two chapters of refuge.

These two short surahs are traditionally understood as a paired supplication for protection. Surah Al-Falaq asks for protection from the evil of what He has created, from the darkness and its harms, from those who practice witchcraft and blow on knots, and from the envy of the envious. Surah An-Nas seeks refuge in the Lord, the King, and the God of mankind from the whisperer who withdraws, who whispers into human hearts, including whispers from jinn and from people.

Muawwidhatayn have a central place in Islamic practice as verses of protection (ruqya). They are frequently recited in daily prayers, after ablution, before sleep, and as part of personal supplication. A well-known tradition encourages reciting them three times in the morning and three times in the evening for protection.

Historically, these surahs are Meccan revelations, believed to have been revealed before the Prophet’s migration to Medina. They are regarded by many Muslims as emitters of direct divine protection against various forms of harm, whether physical, spiritual, or psychological.