How many times should I recite the Three Quls?

Three Quls for Protection – Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas

The Prophet ﷺ taught the recitation of these three short surahs as a comprehensive means of protective remembrance. Reciting them provides a shield against the evil of the self, the evil of creation, and the whispers of Shaytan.

قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ ۝ قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَقِ ۝ قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ

Transliteration

Qul huwa Allahu ahad... Qul a'udhu bi Rabbil-falaq... Qul a'udhu bi Rabbin-nas.

Translation

Say: He is Allah, One... Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak... Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind.

Source

Hadith — Sunan Abi Dawud; Jami at-Tirmidhi — Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas in morning/evening and before sleep

Authenticity: Authentic reports

Meaning and Explanation

Together these three chapters affirm absolute monotheism (Tawhid) and seek refuge in Allah from every form of harm, manifest or hidden, internal or external.

When to Recite

Recite them after every prayer (1x), in the morning and evening (3x), and before going to sleep (3x).

How to Recite

Recite the three surahs in order. Before sleep, it is Sunnah to blow into your hands, recite them, and then wipe your hands over your body as far as they can reach.

Important Notes

The term 'Three Quls' is a popular name. In the Sunnah, they are referred to by their individual names or as the Mu'awwidhat (the protecting ones).

Benefits

According to the Hadith, reciting them three times in the morning and evening is sufficient for a person against everything.

Additional Duas

أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ

A'udhu bi kalimati-llahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaq

I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created.

Source

Hadith — Sunan Abi Dawud — Sunan Abi Dawud 5084

Authenticity: Sahih (Authentic)

The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Recite [them] three times when you enter upon the evening and when you enter upon the morning, they will suffice you against everything.'

Hadith — Sahih al-Bukhari — Sahih al-Bukhari 5017

Authenticity: Sahih (Authentic)

Narrated Aishah (RA) regarding the Prophet's ﷺ habit of reciting these three surahs before sleep and wiping his body.

Content type: Hadith

Tags: three-quls ikhlas falaq nas protection

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

According to the Sunnah, they are recited 3 times each in the morning and evening, 3 times each before sleeping, and 1 time each after the obligatory prayers (except for Fajr and Maghrib where 3 times is recommended).