These Surahs should be read three times in the morning & evening, three times after Maghrib and once after every other fardh prayer. The Prophet – SallAllahu alayhi wa sallam – also taught us to read them at night before going to bed.
The two last surahs are also known as al-Muawwidhatain, meaning the two from which one seeks refuge. Ibn ul Qayyim (rh) said “These two chapters are of immense benefit and every single servant is in need of them, and this need is indispensable and esserntial. They have a potent affect in repressing magic, the evil eye and indeed every form of eveil. The need that a servant has of these two chapters is greater than the need he has of rest, food, drink and clothes.
Reciting these verses upon ourselves and our children is one of the best means to attaining protection from the problems surrounding us.
Benefits
The Messenger of Allah – SallAllahu alayhi wa sallam – said: “O Ibn Aabis, shall I tell you about the best protection used by those who seek it. He said: Yes, O Messenger of Allah. He(sws) said: “Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of the daybreak.” and ‘Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind.’ It is included in these two surahs.” [Abu Dawood]
Aisha(RA) reported that whenever the Prophet – SallAllahu alayhi wa sallam – went to bed every night, he used to cup his hands together and blow over them after reciting surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas and then rub his hands over whatever parts of his body he was able to rub, starting with his head, face and front of his body. He used to do that three times. [Bukhari]
Al-Bukhaari (6643) narrated from Abu Sa’eed that a man heard another man reciting Qul Huwa Allaahu Ahad and repeating it. The next morning he came to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and told him about that. The man thought that it was too little, but the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “By the One in Whose hand is my soul, it is equivalent to one-third of the Qur’aan.”
Whoever recites these three Surahs three times in the morning and in the evening, they will suffice him against everything. [Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi]
