What are the "three Quls" and when do I read them?
Yes, it's a simple daily habit: the "three Quls" are the last three surahs of the Quran. They are Surah al-Ikhlas (112), al-Falaq (113) and an-Nas (114), each starting with the word Qul ("Say"). The Prophet ﷺ recited them before sleeping, in the morning and evening, after prayers and when he was ill. They're short, easy to memorize and a strong daily protection.
The three surahs
- Al-Ikhlas (Sincerity): begins Qul huwa Allahu ahad. It describes Allah as One, with no parent, no child and no equal. The Prophet ﷺ said this surah "is equal to one-third of the Qur'an" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5013).
- Al-Falaq (The Daybreak): begins Qul a'udhu bi rabbil-falaq. You seek refuge in Allah from the evil of what He created, the darkness of night, magic and envy.
- An-Nas (Mankind): begins Qul a'udhu bi rabbin-nas. You seek refuge from the whispering that pulls you away from good, whether it comes from jinn or people.
Al-Falaq and an-Nas are called al-Mu'awwidhatan, "the two surahs of seeking refuge." The Prophet ﷺ said about them: "What wonderful verses have been sent down today. the like of which has never been seen!" (Sahih Muslim 814).
When to read them
- Before sleeping: every night, the Prophet ﷺ cupped his hands, blew into them after reciting all three, then wiped over as much of his body as he could, starting with his head, face and front. He did this three times (Sahih al-Bukhari 5017).
- Morning and evening: he told a Companion to recite al-Ikhlas and the two Mu'awwidhat three times in the morning and evening, saying "they will serve you for every purpose" (Sunan Abi Dawud 5082).
- After every prayer: he commanded Uqbah ibn Amir to recite the Mu'awwidhat after every prayer (Sunan Abi Dawud 1523). Many scholars include al-Ikhlas here as well, reading each once.
- When sick: he recited the Mu'awwidhat and blew over his body (Sahih al-Bukhari 5016).
Why they're perfect for new Muslims
All three together take less than a minute. Many converts learn them right after al-Fatiha, because you can also use them as the extra surah in your prayers. See Which surahs should I memorize first as a new Muslim?
They also give you words for fears that are hard to name: anxiety at night, other people's envy, bad thoughts that keep coming back. Instead of carrying those alone, you hand them over to Allah. See What dua can I say when I feel anxious?
- The three Quls are surahs 112, 113 and 114.
- Read them three times before bed, blowing into your hands.
- Read them three times morning and evening, and after each prayer.
- They're short enough to learn in a week.
People also ask
Can I read tafsir by myself as a new Muslim?
Yes, reading a trusted tafsir on your own is encouraged. Just don't invent your own rulings, and take hard questions to a teacher.
Read the full answer →Which tafsir is good for beginners in English?
It depends on the detail you want. Popular picks: abridged Ibn Kathir, Mawdudi's Towards Understanding the Quran, Ma'ariful Quran.
Read the full answer →How do I memorize short surahs for prayer?
Yes, you can: learn one verse at a time, listen on repeat, chain verses together and recite new surahs in your prayers the same day.
Read the full answer →Where should I start reading the Quran as a new Muslim?
It depends on your goal, but start with al-Fatiha, then short surahs from Juz 'Amma, and read the translation a page a day.
Read the full answer →Which surahs should I memorize first as a new Muslim?
It depends a little, but start with al-Fatiha, then al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq and an-Nas. Then add short surahs and Ayat al-Kursi.
Read the full answer →