Which short surahs and duas should every Muslim know? A handful of short chapters of the Qur’an and simple supplications cover much of daily life: prayer, protection, gratitude, travel, sleep and hardship. This guide lists the most useful short surahs and duas, with their authentic sources and tips for memorising them.
Essential Short Surahs
| Surah | Chapter | Why learn it |
|---|---|---|
| Al-Fatihah | 1 | Recited in every unit of every prayer |
| Al-Ikhlas | 112 | A summary of Tawheed |
| Al-Falaq | 113 | Seeking refuge with Allah |
| An-Nas | 114 | Seeking refuge with Allah |
| Al-Asr | 103 | A complete guide to success in three verses |
| Al-Kawthar | 108 | The shortest surah; easy for beginners |
Surah Al-Ikhlas: Equal to a Third of the Qur’an
When a man was found reciting Al-Ikhlas repeatedly, the Prophet ﷺ said: “By Him in Whose Hand my life is, this Surah is equal to one-third of the Qur’an!” (Sahih al-Bukhari 5013). Read its meaning in our guide to Tawheed.
Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas Before Sleep
Some short surahs and duas belong to bedtime. Aisha reported that every night the Prophet ﷺ would cup his hands, blow into them after reciting Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas, and wipe over his body, three times (Sahih al-Bukhari 5017).
Surah Al-Asr: Three Verses, a Whole Way of Life
“By time, Indeed, mankind is in loss, Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.”
— Qur’an 103:1–3, Saheeh International (quran.com)
Everyday Duas
| Moment | Dua | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Waking up | “Al-hamdu lil-lahil-ladhi ahyana ba’da ma amatana; wa ilaihi an-nushur” | Bukhari 6324 |
| Going to sleep | “Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya” (“With Your name, O Allah, I die and I live”) | Bukhari 6324 |
| Leaving home | “In the name of Allah, I trust in Allah; there is no might and no power but in Allah” | Abu Dawud 5095 (Sahih, Al-Albani) |
| Before eating | “Bismillah” | Bukhari 5376 |
Duas from the Qur’an
“Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”
— Qur’an 2:201, Saheeh International (quran.com)
Two more short duas from the Qur’an are “My Lord, increase me in knowledge” (Qur’an 20:114) and the dua of Prophet Yunus in hardship: “There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers” (Qur’an 21:87).
How to Memorise Short Surahs and Duas
Anyone can learn short surahs and duas with a simple routine:
- One at a time. Master one surah or dua before moving on.
- Listen first. Hear a reliable reciter several times, for example on quran.com.
- Repeat in prayer. Use newly learned surahs in your Sunnah prayers.
- Learn the meaning. Understanding makes words easier to remember and more heartfelt.
- Teach someone. Teaching a child is one of the best ways to fix a surah in memory.
For bedtime routines with children, see our Islamic bedtime stories for toddlers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shortest surah in the Qur’an?
Surah Al-Kawthar (chapter 108), with three verses.
Can I recite duas in English?
Yes, you can make personal dua in any language. The prescribed wording of the prayer itself, including Al-Fatihah, is recited in Arabic.
A Dua for Your Wall
Keeping short surahs and duas in view helps you remember them. Our prophetic dua designs are a gentle daily prompt.
Explore Dua of Prophet Ibrahim A.S, an instant digital download supplied as a high-resolution JPEG file for printing at home or at a local print shop; no physical item is shipped. Custom designs can be requested.
