The 4 Quls in English: Short, Powerful and Beneficial -

As a devoted new muslim of Islamic teachings, I’ve found a lot of comfort in the 4 quls in English. These four powerful surahs from the Quran were one of the first surahs I memorized. I’d like to share my personal experience with them, hoping it might help others who just starting their journey with Islam.

The 4 quls in English comprise four powerful and significant surahs from the Holy Quran that begin with the Arabic word “Qul” (meaning “Say”). These surahs are Al-Falaq, An-Nas, Al-Ikhlas, and Al-Kafirun. Together, they are often recited for protection and affirmation of faith. The importance of these 4 quls in English translation helps non-Arabic speakers understand their meanings.

When I first began exploring these verses, I was drawn to how the 4 quls in English opened up a new understanding of their deeper meanings. Let me take you through my journey with each surah and what they’ve come to mean in my life.

The 4 Quls in English

My Experience with Surah Al-Ikhlas

قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ

Transliteration: Qul huwa Allahu ahad Allahu samad Lam yalid walam yulad Walam yakun lahu kufuwan ahad

English Translation: Say: He is Allah, the One Allah, the Self-Sufficient He does not beget, nor was He begotten And there is none comparable to Him.

This surah holds a special place in my heart. This was the first surah I memorized after I embraced Islam. The pure, uncompromising declaration of Allah’s oneness and the reward of reciting it amazed me. The reward of reading sura Al-Iklas, is equivalent to reading one-third of the Quran due to its powerful message about Allah’s swt unity and uniqueness.

Finding Protection in Surah Al-Falaq

قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَقِ مِن شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ وَمِن شَرِّ غَاسِقٍ إِذَا وَقَبَ وَمِن شَرِّ النَّفَّاثَاتِ فِي الْعُقَدِ وَمِن شَرِّ حَاسِدٍ إِذَا حَسَدَ

Transliteration: Qul a’udhu bi rabbil-falaq Min sharri ma khalaq Wa min sharri ghasiqin idha waqab Wa min sharrin-naffathati fil ‘uqad Wa min sharri hasidin idha hasad

English Translation: Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of the daybreak From the evil of what He has created And from the evil of darkness when it settles And from the evil of the blowers in knots And from the evil of an envier when he envies.

I’ve found myself turning to this surah during sleepless nights, finding solace in its protective words. I pray this surah in combination with Ayatul Kursi and then blow on my daughter, for her protection. It gives me peace of mind because I’m putting my trust in Allah’s swt hands but I’m also doing my part taking other precautions.

The Inner Peace of Surah An-Nas

قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ مَلِكِ النَّاسِ إِلَهِ النَّاسِ مِن شَرِّ الْوَسْوَاسِ الْخَنَّاسِ الَّذِي يُوَسْوِسُ فِي صُدُورِ النَّاسِ مِنَ الْجِنَّةِ وَ النَّاسِ

Transliteration: Qul a’udhu bi rabbin-nas Malikin-nas Ilahin-nas Min sharril-waswasil-khannas Alladhi yuwaswisu fi sudurin-nas Minal-jinnati wan-nas

English Translation: Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind The King of mankind The God of mankind From the evil of the retreating whisperer Who whispers into the breasts of mankind From among the jinn and mankind

This surah complements Al-Falaq by focusing on protection from internal and psychological threats, particularly the whispers of evil that can affect human hearts and minds. I love reciting this surah especially laud when I’m alone. It calms me down, guides me through struggle with anxiety and negative thoughts. Understanding it through the 4 quls in English helped me recognize how it addresses the psychological challenges we face daily.

The Clarity of Surah Al-Kafirun

قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا الْكَافِرُونَ لَا أَعْبُدُ مَا تَعْبُدُونَ وَلَا أَنتُمْ عَابِدُونَ مَا أَعْبُدُ وَلَا أَنَا عَابِدٌ مَّا عَبَدتُّمْ وَلَا أَنتُمْ عَابِدُونَ مَا أَعْبُدُ لَكُمْ دِينُكُمْ وَلِيَ دِينِ

Transliteration: Qul ya ayyuhal-kafirun La a’budu ma ta’budun Wa la antum ‘abiduna ma a’bud Wa la ana ‘abidum ma ‘abattum Wa la antum ‘abiduna ma a’bud Lakum dinukum wa liya din

English Translation: Say: O disbelievers I do not worship what you worship Nor do you worship what I worship Nor will I worship what you worship Nor will you worship what I worship For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.

My Daily Practice with the 4 Quls

Over the years, I’ve developed a personal routine with these surahs. Every morning after Fajr namaz, I recite all four surahs. Learn the 4 quls in English to be able to really appreciate these powerful verses.

I’ve noticed significant changes in my life since establishing this routine:

Mental Clarity: Starting my day with these verses helps clear my mind and set positive intentions.
Emotional Stability: When facing challenges, recalling these verses brings me peace and perspective.
Strengthening my iman: Understanding the 4 quls in English has deepened my connection with Allah and strengthened my faith.

Personal Reflections on Each Surah’s Impact

Al-Ikhlas has taught me about pure monotheism and helped me maintain focus in my worship. When doubts creep in, I return to its clear, powerful message about Allah’s uniqueness.

Al-Falaq has been my refuge during times of fear and uncertainty. Whether facing workplace challenges or personal struggles, its words remind me that all protection comes from Allah.

An-Nas has helped me combat negative thoughts and anxiety. In our digital world, where mental peace is increasingly rare, this surah has become more relevant than ever.

Al-Kafirun has guided me in maintaining respectful relationships with people of different beliefs while staying true to my own faith. It’s particularly relevant as nobody from my side of the family is muslim, YET.

The Significance and Benefits of the 4 Quls in English

The 4 quls in English represent a comprehensive system of protection and affirmation of faith. Each surah serves a specific purpose:

Protection of your faith: These surahs are often recited together for protection against various forms of evil, both visible and invisible. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would recite these surahs before sleeping and after prayers.

Faith Affirmation: The 4 quls in English provide a clear declaration of monotheism, rejection of polytheism, and establishment of clear boundaries between truth and falsehood.

Daily Practice: Many Muslims recite these surahs three times each after Fajr (dawn) and Maghrib (sunset) prayers, following the prophetic tradition.

Practical Applications in Modern Life

In contemporary times, the 4 quls in English serve as a reminder of essential Islamic principles and provide practical guidance for dealing with modern challenges:

Mental Health Protection: The surahs, particularly An-Nas, address psychological well-being and protection from negative thoughts and whispers.
Social Interaction: Surah Al-Kafirun teaches respectful coexistence with people of different beliefs while maintaining one’s own faith.
Spiritual Cleansing: Regular recitation of these surahs is believed to purify the heart and strengthen faith.
Protection from Evil: These surahs provide a spiritual shield against various forms of harm, whether physical, psychological, or spiritual.

Conclusion

Each day brings new insights and deeper understanding. For anyone beginning their exploration of these verses, I encourage you to spend time with both the Arabic and English translations.

Let them become not just words you recite, but principles you live by.

These verses have been my compass, my shield, my hope, and my source of strength. Through understanding and implementing the 4 quls in English, I’ve found a path to greater spiritual awareness and peace. What I’ve learned most from my journey with the 4 quls in English is that understanding the meaning behind what we recite multiplies its impact on our lives. While the Arabic recitation carries its own power, the meaning through translation adds another dimension to our connection with these verses.