The last ten surahs of the Quran — from Al-Fil (105) to An-Nas (114) — are the ones most Muslims memorise first and recite in prayer every day. Yet many of us recite them without knowing what they say. This guide gives you the meaning and main message of each, in a few lines, so your prayer becomes more present.
The last 10 surahs at a glance
No. | Surah | Verses | Main message |
|---|---|---|---|
105 | Al-Fil (The Elephant) | 5 | Allah protected the Ka‘bah from Abrahah's army |
106 | Quraysh | 4 | Thank Allah for safety and provision by worshipping Him |
107 | Al-Ma‘un (Small Kindnesses) | 7 | True faith shows in caring for orphans, the poor and prayer |
108 | Al-Kawthar (Abundance) | 3 | Allah has given the Prophet ﷺ abundant good — so pray and sacrifice |
109 | Al-Kafirun (The Disbelievers) | 6 | Clear separation in worship: "To you your religion, and to me mine" |
110 | An-Nasr (Victory) | 3 | When victory comes, glorify Allah and seek His forgiveness |
111 | Al-Masad (Palm Fibre) | 5 | The fate of Abu Lahab, who opposed the Prophet ﷺ |
112 | Al-Ikhlas (Sincerity) | 4 | Allah is One, needs no one, and has no equal |
113 | Al-Falaq (Daybreak) | 5 | Seeking refuge from outer harms: darkness, magic, envy |
114 | An-Nas (Mankind) | 6 | Seeking refuge from inner harm: the whispers of Satan |
Each surah in a few lines
105. Al-Fil
A powerful army came with elephants to destroy the Ka‘bah. Allah sent flocks of birds that struck them with stones of baked clay, and the army was destroyed. Lesson: no power can stand against Allah's protection.
106. Quraysh
Allah reminds the tribe of Quraysh of His favours: safe trade journeys in winter and summer, food in hunger and safety from fear. Lesson: blessings call for worship of the Lord of this House.
107. Al-Ma‘un
It describes the one who denies the Day of Judgement: he pushes away the orphan, does not encourage feeding the poor, is careless about prayer, shows off, and refuses even small kindnesses. Lesson: faith is seen in how we treat others.
108. Al-Kawthar
Allah has given the Prophet ﷺ al-Kawthar — abundant good, including a river in Paradise that the Prophet ﷺ described (reported by Muslim). Lesson: answer great gifts with prayer and sacrifice for Allah alone.
109. Al-Kafirun
A clear statement: "I do not worship what you worship… To you your religion, and to me mine." The Prophet ﷺ recited it, with Al-Ikhlas, in the two sunnah units before Fajr (reported by Muslim). Lesson: worship belongs to Allah alone.
110. An-Nasr
When Allah's help and victory come and people enter Islam in crowds, glorify your Lord and seek His forgiveness. Ibn ‘Abbas explained that it also signalled that the Prophet's ﷺ mission was nearing its end (reported by al-Bukhari). Lesson: success should lead to humility, not pride.
111. Al-Masad
Abu Lahab, the Prophet's ﷺ uncle, and his wife fought the message. Their wealth would not save them. Lesson: family ties and wealth do not replace faith.
112. Al-Ikhlas
Allah is One, the One all depend on, who has no children and no parents, and nothing is equal to Him. It is equal to a third of the Quran (reported by al-Bukhari). Read more in Surah Al-Ikhlas: meaning and virtues.
113. Al-Falaq
Seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak from the evil of what He created, from the darkness of night, from those who blow on knots, and from the envier when he envies. Lesson: turn to Allah for protection from every outside harm.
114. An-Nas
Seek refuge in the Lord, King and God of mankind from the whisperer who withdraws — whether from jinn or people. Lesson: the hardest harm to see is inside us; ask Allah to protect your heart.
Reciting them correctly
Since you recite these in every prayer, it's worth checking the tajweed: see the three Quls with tajweed and Al-‘Asr, Al-Kawthar and An-Nasr with tajweed. For the full list of Juz ‘Amma, see the Juz ‘Amma list and memorisation plan. To learn with a teacher, see our Quran classes for kids and for adults.
FAQ
What are the last 10 surahs of the Quran?
Al-Fil, Quraysh, Al-Ma‘un, Al-Kawthar, Al-Kafirun, An-Nasr, Al-Masad, Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas (surahs 105–114).
Which surahs did the Prophet ﷺ recite before Fajr?
Al-Kafirun and Al-Ikhlas, in the two sunnah units before the Fajr prayer (reported by Muslim).
What is al-Kawthar?
Abundant good given to the Prophet ﷺ, including a river in Paradise he described in a hadith reported by Muslim.
Is it better to understand what I recite in prayer?
Yes. Understanding helps your heart be present, which is the spirit of prayer.
Sources
- Surahs 105–114 on Quran.com — Quran.com
- Sahih Muslim 400 — al-Kawthar — Sunnah.com
- Sahih Muslim 726 — Al-Kafirun and Al-Ikhlas before Fajr — Sunnah.com
- Sahih al-Bukhari 4970 — Ibn ‘Abbas on An-Nasr — Sunnah.com
- Sahih al-Bukhari 5013 — Al-Ikhlas equals a third of the Quran — Sunnah.com