ABSTRACT
Meccan. This and the following sura are together known as the Mu'awwidhatan, ‘the (suras) of taking refuge’, and are incantations or protective formulae to ward off evil. The practice of ‘taking refuge with God’ is commended at various points in the Qur’ān, such as 7.200/199 f., 19.18, 23.97/9 f.
