What Are The Four Quls of the Qur’an?
The Four Quls refer to four surahs (chapters) of the Qur’an that begin with the word “Qul” (Say). These surahs are among the shortest in the Qur’an—only 4 to 6 ayats (verses) long—making them easy to memorize. Below is an overview of each Qul, along with key details and their virtues as highlighted in authentic hadiths.
The Four Quls of the Qur’an
1. First Qul: Surah Al-Kafirun
- Chapter Details: 109th chapter of the Qur’an, consisting of 6 ayats.
- Core Purpose: Rejects shirk (associating partners with Allah) and clarifies the distinction between faith and disbelief.
2. Second Qul: Surah Al-Ikhlas
- Chapter Details: 112th chapter of the Qur’an, with 4 ayats (shorter than Surah Al-Kafirun).
- Meaning: Translates to “Fidelity” or “Sincerity.”
- Core Purpose: Affirms tawheed (Allah’s oneness)—the foundational belief of Islam.
3. Third Qul: Surah Al-Falaq
- Chapter Details: Second-last chapter of the Qur’an, comprising 5 ayats.
- Core Purpose: A supplication for refuge in Allah, protecting against harm from jinn, black magic, and the evils of creation.
4. Fourth Qul: Surah An-Nas
- Chapter Details: Final chapter of the Qur’an, with 6 ayats.
- Core Purpose: Seeks Allah’s protection from the whispering of shaitan (Satan) and the evil inclinations of humanity.
Key Virtues & Benefits (From Hadith)
The Four Quls are known as the “Protecting Surahs” for their profound spiritual benefits:
- Surah Al-Kafirun & Al-Ikhlas: Guard against shirk and strengthen faith in Allah’s oneness.
- Surah Al-Falaq & An-Nas: Shield from jinn, black magic, shaitan’s whispers, and physical or spiritual harm.
Authentic hadiths further emphasize their significance:
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Ibn ‘Umar reported: “I observed the Prophet (ﷺ) for a month, and in the two rak’ahs before Fajr prayer, he would recite Surah Al-Kafirun (‘Say: O you disbelievers!’) and Surah Al-Ikhlas (‘Say: Allah is One’).”
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The Prophet (ﷺ) asked his Companions: “Is it difficult for any of you to recite one-third of the Qur’an in one night?” When they expressed hesitation, he replied: “‘Allah (the) One, the Self-Sufficient Master Whom all creatures need’—Surah Al-Ikhlas (from the first verse to the end) is equivalent to one-third of the Qur’an.”
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Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: “When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prepared for sleep, he would blow into his hands, recite Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas (the two chapters of refuge), then wipe his hands over his entire body.”
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Aisha also shared: “Whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) fell ill, he would recite Surah Al-Falaq and An-Nas, blow his breath over his body, and seek their blessings. When his illness became severe, I would recite these surahs and rub his hands over his body, hoping to attain their barakah (blessings).”
Conclusion
The Four Quls are short yet immensely powerful surahs that every Muslim should incorporate into daily remembrance. Their spiritual weight is profound—offering protection from harm, strengthening faith, and yielding great rewards on the Day of Judgment. Their brevity makes them accessible to all, and their virtues make them invaluable for spiritual well-being. May we all strive to memorize and recite them regularly, seeking Allah’s protection and guidance. Ameen.
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jislam
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"Allah's guidance to spread the Qur'an, unite Muslims, and strengthen Islam!" "هداية الله لنشر القرآن وتوحيد المسلمين وإعزاز الإسلام!"