Themes and purpose:

This surah is a core lesson in seeking refuge with Allah. Its purpose is to teach the Prophet (ﷺ) and the believers an all-encompassing prayer to seek protection from all sources of evil: from general creation, from the darkness of night, from sorcery, and from the malicious intent of the hateful and envious.

Context of Revelation:

Era: The stronger view is that it is Makkan, though a report about the sorcery of Labīd ibn al-Aʿṣam led some to argue it is Madinan.

Context: The surah was revealed to provide the Prophet (ﷺ) with the specific, powerful words to seek protection from the general evils of the world, especially the hidden and spiritual dangers that threatened him and his community.

Chronology: It is counted as the 20th surah in the order of revelation, revealed after Sūrat al-Fīl and before al-Nās.

Name and Ayah Count:

Name: The surah is known as "Sūrat al-Falaq" (The Daybreak) and by its opening ayah.

Virtue: The Prophet (ﷺ) declared that no one could read anything more effective than this surah and Sūrat al-Nās for seeking protection: together they are called "al-Muʿawwidhatān" (The Two Protectors).

Verse Count: 5 ayahs.

Surah Overview:

Instructing the Prophet (ﷺ) and the believers to seek refuge with the Lord of the Daybreak. [1]
General Harms: Seeking protection from the evil in all creation. [2]
Hidden Harms: Seeking protection from the evil that lurks in the darkness of the night. [3]
Spiritual Harm: Seeking protection from the spiritual evil of those who participate in the dark arts. [4]
Psychological Harm: Seeking protection from the envy of the jealous when he envies. [5]