Muslim

Hadith Commentary: Benefits and Issues: These two surahs are unparalleled in the sense that from beginning to end—that is, from the first to the last—they are entirely supplications for refuge (ta'awwudh) in Allah from every kind of evil, whether it pertains to the outward or the inward. Refuge is sought, and Allah, in these surahs, has placed immense effectiveness for protection from evils. In this way, they serve as a strong fortress (hisn haseen) for remaining safe from every kind of evil, and despite their brevity, both are extremely comprehensive, sufficient, and complete in their content.

1462. Commentary:
➊ Perhaps Uqbah radi Allahu anhu thought that some particularly long surahs would be recited, but these were short, so initially no one was especially pleased. Therefore, the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam recited them in the Fajr prayer and thus clarified their virtue and importance. It is also established that these surahs are a protection against sorcery, a means of preservation and safety, and comprehensive supplications for seeking refuge.
➋ And even now there are some people who are fond of long and arduous devotional practices, whereas one should make it a habit to recite the easy and light remembrances that are authentically established from the Sunnah. In this, the effort is less and the reward and virtue are greater.

“What do you think?”—that is, do you now realize the importance of these surahs?

Urdu marginal note:
"What is your opinion?"—that is, regarding the status and greatness of these two surahs, in that they were recited in the morning prayer.

Benefit:
It is established from this hadith that the two chapters of seeking refuge (al-Mu'awwidhatayn) possess great virtue. One should continue to seek Allah’s protection through their recitation. Whoever comes under Allah’s protection, what more could he desire?

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Uqbah bin Amir radi Allahu anhu that the Noble Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: “Do you not know the verses that were revealed tonight, the like of which has never been seen before? Those verses are:
﴿Qul a‘udhu bi-Rabbil-Falaq﴾ and ﴿Qul a‘udhu bi-Rabbin-Nas﴾.” [صحيح مسلم 814/ 264] Several ahadith regarding the virtue of the two chapters of seeking refuge (al-Mu'awwidhatayn) have been narrated, which can be seen in al-Jami‘ al-Kamil.

Hafiz Ibn al-Qayyim rahimahullah states that Sayyiduna Yunus, on the authority of al-Zuhri, narrated the last part of the hadith from Sayyidah A’ishah al-Siddiqah al-Tayyibah al-Tahirah radi Allahu anha in this manner. However, Imam Malik rahimahullah, on the authority of al-Zuhri, narrated it thus: When the Noble Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam would fall ill, he would recite the two chapters of seeking refuge (al-Mu'awwidhatayn) and blow over himself. But when he became severely ill, I would recite these chapters on his behalf, blow onto his blessed hand, and then pass it over his body, by which I intended to attain blessing. [تفسير المعوذتين]