Muawwadhatayn

Etymology

The term “Muawwadhatayn” (Arabic: المعوذتين, Turkish: Muavvizeteyn) originates from the Arabic root word ‘ʿa-w-dh’ (ع و ذ) which means “to seek refuge.” The suffix “-tayn” indicates a dual form, thus referring to two entities.

Overview

The Muawwadhatayn denotes the last two chapters of the Quran: Surah Al-Falaq (Chapter 113) and Surah An-Naas (Chapter 114). Both of these chapters are concise prayers that Muslims frequently recite to seek refuge and protection from various forms of evil, including Satan, harmful spirits, and the evil eye.

Surah Al-Falaq (Chapter 113)

Arabic: الفلق Translation: The Daybreak

Surah Al-Falaq consists of five verses and invokes Allah’s protection against the evils of the night, sorcery, envy, and other harmful things that He created.

Surah An-Naas (Chapter 114)

Arabic: الناس Translation: The Mankind

Surah An-Naas comprises six verses and seeks refuge in Allah from the evil of the whisperer who hides, which is usually interpreted to mean Satan, who whispers evil thoughts into the hearts of people.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The recitation of Muawwadhatayn holds immense importance in both individual and communal Muslim practices. Often Muslims recite these surahs in their daily prayers, during moments of fear or distress, and in various supplications for divine protection. According to hadith, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would frequently recite these surahs for seeking Allah’s refuge and encourage others to do the same.

Hadith References

• Ibn Al-Qayyim states that the Prophet Muhammad used to recite these surahs three times in the morning and evening.
• Anas ibn Malik reported that the Prophet recommended their recitation to cure ailments.

Further Reading

1. “Tafsir Ibn Kathir (10 Vols; Abridged)” by Ibn Kathir.
2. “The Holy Quran” by Abdullah Yusuf Ali - Translation and Commentary.
3. “Fiqh-us-Sunnah” by Sayyid Sabiq.
4. “Sahih Al-Bukhari” (Hadith compilation) by Imam Bukhari.

Key Takeaways

• The Muawwadhatayn are the last two surahs of the Quran.
• These chapters are essential prayers for protection against evil.
• Their frequent recitation is a prescribed Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
• They hold immense significance in various cultural and religious contexts within Islam.

Conclusion

The Muawwadhatayn are powerful short chapters of the Quran that serve as a spiritual fortress against the myriad evils surrounding humanity. Their recitation symbolizes a deep reliance on divine protection and is a potent practice rooted in Islamic tradition.