Tafsir from Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Surah Al-Falaq is a Madani surah. It teaches the believer to seek protection with Allah from different kinds of evil.
The Meaning of Al-Falaq (Verse 1)
Allah says:
“Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of Al-Falaq.”
(Qur’an 113:1)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Al-Falaq means the morning or the daybreak. This was the explanation reported from Ibn Abbas, Mujahid, Sa‘id bin Jubayr, Qatadah, and others.
The meaning of the verse is that the believer seeks protection with Allah, the Lord who brings forth the morning and causes the darkness to split with light.
Seeking Protection from the Evil of Creation (Verse 2)
Allah says:
“From the evil of what He has created.”
(Qur’an 113:2)
Explanation
This verse means seeking protection from the evil of all created things.
Some scholars mentioned that this includes the evil of Hell, Iblis, and his offspring, since they are also among the things that Allah created.
The Evil of the Night (Verse 3)
Allah says:
“And from the evil of the Ghasiq when Waqab.”
(Qur’an 113:3)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir reports several explanations from the early scholars:
• Many scholars said “Ghasiq” refers to the night when it becomes dark.
• Others said it refers to the setting of the sun.
• Some scholars said it refers to the moon when it rises.
The Evil of Sorcery (Verse 4)
Allah says:
“And from the evil of the blowers in knots.”
(Qur’an 113:4)
Explanation
The scholars explained that this refers to those who practice magic. When they perform their spells, they blow into knots.
This verse teaches the believer to seek protection from the harm of sorcery and witchcraft.
The Evil of Envy (Verse 5)
Allah says:
“And from the evil of the envier when he envies.”
(Qur’an 113:5)
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References
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), English translation, Surah Al-Falaq (113).
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Surah Al-Falaq.