In Islam, the Quran serves as a comprehensive guide for life. Among the many powerful Surahs (chapters), there are four short but very important ones.
These are known as the 4 Qul. They are easy to memorize, full of deep meaning, and offer strong spiritual protection. Also, recite dua to make someone love you.
In this blog post, we will learn: what the 4 Qul are, their meanings and importance, the benefits of reading them, and when to recite them in daily life
The Four Qul Surahs in the Quran
The term “4 Qul” refers to four short Surahs from the Quran that all begin with the Arabic word “Qul” (قُل), which means “Say”.
Here are the 4 Surahs:
- Surah Al-Kafirun (Chapter 109)
- Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112)
- Surah Al-Falaq (Chapter 113)
- Surah An-Naas (Chapter 114)
These Surahs are short, easy to remember, and are often among the first Surahs taught to children.
Meaning and Explanation of Each Surah
1. Surah Al-Kafirun (The Disbelievers)
Theme: Belief and disbelief are separate. Muslims should not mix Islamic faith with other beliefs. Also recite dua for love back.
This Surah clearly says that a Muslim worships only Allah and does not follow the religion of non-believers. It teaches us to stay firm in our faith without being rude to others.
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
Transliteration:Qul yā ayyuhal-kāfirūn.
Lā a‘budu mā ta‘budūn.
Wa lā antum ‘ābidūna mā a‘bud.
Wa lā ana ‘ābidum mā ‘abattum.
Wa lā antum ‘ābidūna mā a‘bud.
Lakum dīnukum wa liya dīn.
Translation:Say, “O disbelievers,
I do not worship what you worship,
Nor are you worshippers of what I worship.
Nor will I ever worship what you worship.
Nor will you ever worship what I worship.
To you be your religion, and to me my religion.”
2. Surah Al-Ikhlas (The Purity)
Theme: The oneness of Allah. This Surah tells us that Allah is One, Eternal, and has no children, parents, or equal. Also recite wazifa for love back.
Arabic:
قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ
اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ
لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ
وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ
Transliteration:Qul huwallāhu aḥad
Allāhuṣ-ṣamad
Lam yalid wa lam yūlad
Wa lam yakun lahu kufuwan aḥad
Translation:Say, “He is Allah, [who is] One,
Allah, the Eternal Refuge.
He neither begets nor is born,
Nor is there to Him any equivalent.”
Hadith Reference: The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, it is equal to one-third of the Qur’an.”(Sahih al-Bukhari 5013)
3. Surah Al-Falaq (The Daybreak)
Theme: Seeking protection from external evil. In this Surah, we ask Allah to protect us from the darkness of night, black magic, envy, and all harmful things around us.
Arabic:
قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَقِ
مِن شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ
وَمِن شَرِّ غَاسِقٍ إِذَا وَقَبَ
وَمِن شَرِّ النَّفَّاثَاتِ فِي الْعُقَدِ
وَمِن شَرِّ حَاسِدٍ إِذَا حَسَدَ
Transliteration:Qul a‘ūdhu birabbil-falaq
Min sharri mā khalaq
Wa min sharri ghāsiqin idhā waqab
Wa min sharri an-naffāthāti fil-‘uqad
Wa min sharri ḥāsidin idhā ḥasad
Translation:Say, “I seek refuge with the Lord of daybreak,
From the evil of what He has created,
And from the evil of darkness when it settles,
And from the evil of the blowers in knots,
And from the evil of an envier when he envies.”
4. Surah An-Naas (Mankind)
Theme: Seeking protection from internal evil. This Surah is about asking Allah to protect us from the whisperings of Satan that enter our hearts and minds. Also recite dua for safar.
Arabic:
قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ
مَلِكِ النَّاسِ
إِلَٰهِ النَّاسِ
مِن شَرِّ الْوَسْوَاسِ الْخَنَّاسِ
الَّذِي يُوَسْوِسُ فِي صُدُورِ النَّاسِ
مِنَ الْجِنَّةِ وَالنَّاسِ
Transliteration:Qul a‘ūdhu birabbin-nās
Malikin-nās
Ilāhin-nās
Min sharri l-waswāsi l-khannās
Allaḏī yuwaswisu fī ṣudūrin-nās
Minal-jinnati wan-nās
Translation:Say, “I seek refuge in 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 jinn and mankind.”
Benefits of Reciting the 4 Qul
Reading the 4 Qul brings many spiritual benefits. Here are some important ones:
1. Protection from Evil
The Prophet (PBUH) used to recite Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Naas three times before sleeping, blow into his hands, and wipe over his body.
(Sahih al-Bukhari 5017)
These Surahs protect against black magic, the evil eye, jinn, and harmful people.
2. Strengthens Belief in Allah
Surah Al-Ikhlas serves as a powerful reminder that Allah is One and has no partners. It keeps our belief pure and clean from shirk (associating others with Allah).
3. Brings Peace and Calmness
Many people read the 4 Qul for peace of heart, especially in times of stress or fear. They remind us that Allah is always there to protect us.
4. Easy to Memorize and Read
Since all 4 Surahs are short, they are easy to learn and read every day. Even children can memorize them quickly.
When Should You Recite the 4 Qul?
You can recite the 4 Qul shareef anytime, but here are some recommended times based on hadith and Islamic teachings:
1. Before Sleeping
The Prophet (PBUH) used to blow over his hands after reciting the last 3 Surahs (Ikhlas, Falaq, Naas) and wipe them over his body before sleeping (Bukhari 5017).
2. After Every Salah (Prayer)
Some scholars recommend reciting Surah Ikhlas, Falaq, and Naas after each obligatory prayer for protection.
3. Morning and Evening
Reciting the 4 Qul in the morning and evening is a good habit to start and end your day with dua of protection.
4. When Afraid or Unwell
If someone feels scared, anxious, or unwell due to evil eye or unseen harm, reciting the 4 Qul can help them feel safe and spiritually shielded.
How to Make It a Daily Habit
Here are a few simple tips to make the 4 Qul a regular part of your life:
- Recite them before sleeping every night
- Add them to your morning and evening duas
- Teach your children to memorize them
- Recite when traveling or feeling unsafe
These small acts bring big rewards and protection, InshaAllah.
Conclusion
The 4 Qul Surahs are powerful chapters of the Quran that every Muslim should understand and recite regularly.
They protect us from spiritual and physical harm, help us stay close to Allah, and remind us of the basics of our faith. You don’t need to wait for a special occasion to read them.
Start today, make them part of your daily routine, and teach others about their importance, too.
FAQs about the 4 Qul
Q1: Can I read the 4 Qul for someone else’s protection?
Yes, you can read and make dua for someone else by asking Allah to give them the protection mentioned in these Surahs.
Q2: Are the 4 Qul only for protection from black magic?
No. They are for overall protection, including envy, evil whispers, fear, and harm from both people and jinn.
Q3: Is it Sunnah to recite the 4 Qul daily?
Yes. The Prophet (PBUH) regularly recited Surah Ikhlas, Falaq, and Naas in his daily routine. Including them in your life is highly rewarding.
