Four main surahs in the Quran begin with the Arabic word "Qul," which means "say" or "proclaim."
These "4 Qul" refer to four short chapters (surahs) in the Quran that are significant for Muslims. These surahs are recited almost every day for various purposes, including seeking protection, guidance, and blessings.
These four Qul Surahs are:
1. Surah Al-Kafirun (109),
2. Surah Al-Ikhlas (112),
3. Surah Al-Falaq (113), and
4. Surah An-Nas (114).
Read these Surahs here.
These surahs are also shown in this image:

However, there is one more Surah that starts with Qul and that is Surah Al-Jinn (72). So we can say that there are a total of 5 Qul in the Quran.
Read Surah Al-Jinn here.
What is the Importance of These Four Surahs:
1. Surah Al-Kafirun - Read This
Surah Al-Kafirun is the 109th chapter (surah) of the Quran with 6 verses. It is classified as a Meccan surah, which means it was revealed during the early period of Prophet Muhammad's prophethood when he was still in Mecca. The surah stresses the importance of monotheism and the refusal of polytheism. The title "Al-Kafirun" means "The Disbelievers" in English, and the surah addresses those who refuse to believe in the oneness of Allah and the message of Islam. It also serves as a clear statement of Islamic beliefs and a sign of the differences between Islam and other religions. Surah Al-Kafirun is recited in daily prayers and is considered to be one of the most important surahs of the Quran.
2. Surah Al-Ikhlas - Read This
Surah Al-Ikhlas is the 112th chapter of the Quran and is considered one of the most important surahs of the Quran. It is a short surah that consists of only four verses, but it is rich in meaning and significance. The surah emphasizes the Oneness of Allah (Tawheed) and is often referred to as "Surah Tawheed" because of this.
The surah begins with the Arabic phrase "Qul Huwa Allahu Ahad", which translates to "Say, He is Allah, the One". This phrase is a clear declaration of the oneness of Allah and the fact that there is no other deity worthy of worship except Allah. The surah goes on to explain that Allah is self-sufficient, and He does not need anything or anyone, but everything and everyone is dependent on Him.
Surah Al-Ikhlas is a source of great spiritual benefits, and reciting it regularly is considered to have immense rewards. It is one of the surahs that is recommended to be recited in the daily prayers (salah) and is also recited on many other occasions. Muslims believe that reciting this surah helps to strengthen their faith, increase their understanding of the Oneness of Allah, and purify their hearts.
So, Surah Al-Ikhlas is a powerful and effective reminder of the central principle of Islam - the belief in the Oneness of Allah. Its short length and simple yet profound message make it accessible to all ages and backgrounds, and its recitation is considered a vital part of Islamic worship and spiritual practice.
3. Surah Al-Falaq - Read This
Surah Al-Falaq is the 113th chapter of the Quran, consisting of 5 verses. It is classified as a Meccan surah and is one of the four Surahs that begins with the word "Qul" which means "Say".
The surah begins with seeking refuge with Allah from the evil of the creation, particularly the darkness of night and the harm of those who practice witchcraft and sorcery. The next three verses are statements of affirmation of Allah's power and protection. These verses express the idea that Allah is the ultimate source of protection and that seeking refuge in Him is the best way to guard oneself against harm.
The final verse of Surah Al-Falaq mentions the harm caused by envy or jealousy and the importance of seeking protection from it. This verse highlights the significance of seeking Allah's protection from any form of harm and the need to seek refuge with Him in times of difficulty.
In essence, Surah Al-Falaq gently nudges us towards an important truth – the significance of turning to Allah for protection and leaning on Him for guidance and safety in every nook and cranny of our lives.
4. Surah An-Nas - Read This
Surah An-Nas is the 114th and the last surah (chapter) of the Quran. It is also known as "Al-Mu'awwidhatain," which means the two protectors or the two refuge-seeking chapters. This surah contains 6 verses and is classified as a Meccan surah, which means it was revealed before the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to Medina.
Surah An-Nas is a prayer seeking refuge in Allah from the whisperings of Satan and the evil that resides within the hearts of people. The surah starts with the Arabic phrase "Bismillah hir-Rahman nir-Rahim," which means "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful."
The surah goes on to say that Allah is the Lord and Sustainer of all people, including the jinn (invisible beings). The surah then seeks refuge in Allah from the evil of the whisperings of Satan, who whispers into the hearts of people and jinn. It ends with a prayer asking Allah for protection from the evil of those who practice black magic and envy.
Surah An-Nas is often recited as a means of seeking protection from evil and negative energies. Muslims believe that reciting this surah, along with Surah Al-Falaq, can protect them from harm and evil intentions. This surah serves as a reminder to seek refuge in Allah and to rely on Him for protection from all forms of harm.
Also read:
How many Surahs or Chapters are in the Quran?
In How Many Years Quran was Revealed?
What are the benefits of reciting Surah Al Kahf?