Short Surahs & Common Duas

For new Muslims, learning short surahs (chapters) from the Quran and essential duas (supplications) is an important step in strengthening faith and daily worship. These selections are short, easy to memorize, and frequently used in prayer and daily life.

Short Surahs for Salah

These surahs are commonly recited after Surah Al-Fatihah when performing the five daily prayers.

1. Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112)

Transliteration:
Qul huwallahu ahad,
Allahu-s-samad,
Lam yalid wa lam yoolad,
Wa lam yakun lahu kufuwan ahad.

Translation:
Say, “He is Allah, the One.
Allah, the Eternal Refuge.
He neither begets nor is born.
And there is nothing comparable to Him.”

2. Surah Al-Falaq (Chapter 113)

Transliteration:
Qul a’oodhu bi rabbil-falaq,
Min sharri maa khalaq,
Wa min sharri ghaasiqin idhaa waqab,
Wa min sharrin-naffathaati fil ‘uqad,
Wa min sharri haasidin idhaa hasad.

Translation:
Say, “I seek refuge in the Lord of the daybreak,
From the evil of what He created,
And from the evil of darkness when it settles,
And from the evil of those who blow on knots (to cast spells),
And from the evil of an envier when he envies.”

3. Surah An-Nas (Chapter 114)

Transliteration:
Qul a’oodhu bi rabbin-naas,
Malikin-naas,
Ilaahin-naas,
Min sharri waswaasil-khannaas,
Alladhee yuwaswisu fee sudoorin-naas,
Minal-jinnati wan-naas.

Translation:
Say, “I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind,
The King of mankind,
The God of mankind,
From the evil of the retreating whisperer,
Who whispers in the chests of mankind,
From among the jinn and mankind.”

Essential Duas for Daily Life

1. Dua for Seeking Guidance (Istikhara Opening)

Transliteration:
Allahumma inni astakheeruka bi ‘ilmika, wa astaqdiruka bi qudratika, wa as’aluka min fadlikal-‘azeem…

Translation:
“O Allah, I seek Your guidance through Your knowledge, and I seek strength through Your power, and I ask You from Your immense bounty…”
(Full dua can be found in hadith collections if needed for detailed prayer guidance.)

2. Dua Before Eating

Transliteration:
Bismillah.

Translation:
“In the name of Allah.”
(If forgotten, say: Bismillah fi awwalihi wa akhirihi – ‘In the name of Allah, at its beginning and at its end’.)

3. Dua After Eating

Transliteration:
Alhamdu lillahi alladhi at’amana wa saqana wa ja’alana minal-Muslimeen.

Translation:
“All praise is due to Allah, who has fed us and given us drink and made us Muslims.”

4. Dua Before Sleeping

Transliteration:
Bismika Allahumma amootu wa ahyaa.

Translation:
“In Your name, O Allah, I die and I live.”

5. Dua After Waking Up

Transliteration:
Alhamdu lillahi alladhi ahyana ba’da ma amatana wa ilayhin-nushoor.

Translation:
“All praise is due to Allah who has given us life after causing us to die, and to Him is the resurrection.”

Final Encouragement

Start by memorizing one surah or dua at a time, practicing daily until you feel comfortable. Even if Arabic is new to you, remember that every effort you make is rewarded by Allah.

For more duas and recommended short surahs, explore further Islamic resources or join a supportive learning group.