Which Surah is often recited for protection from evil?

Answer Details

Surah Al-Naas (Surah 114) is one of the surahs most commonly recited for protection from evil. It is one of the two Mu'awwidhat (surahs of seeking refuge), alongside Surah Al-Falaq (Surah 113). Together they are known as the Mu'awwidhatayn.

Surah Al-Naas specifically seeks Allah's protection from the evil of the whisperer (al-waswas al-khannas) who whispers into the hearts of people. The Prophet Muhammad used to recite both Al-Falaq and Al-Naas regularly before sleeping and as a general supplication for protection, as reported in authentic hadith collections.

The other surahs serve different purposes. Al-Zalzalah (Surah 99) describes the earthquake on the Day of Judgment. Al-Adiyat (Surah 100) opens with oaths by charging horses and discusses human ingratitude. Al-Kawthar (Surah 108) is about the abundance granted to the Prophet.