What is the First Thing You Must Do Before Reading the Quran? Seeking Protection from Allah Against Shaytan

Remember being taught to start reciting the Quran with Tauz (Aa-oo-zu-billah) and Tasmia (Bismillah)?

I did it for years without questioning why.

Then it hit me: it’s not just tradition, it’s a divine commandment from Allah SWT.

“When you recite the Quran, seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the accursed.”(Q16:98)

Shaytan wants to distract and mislead us from true guidance. By saying Tauz, we’re asking Allah for protection so we can focus on His words without distractions.

Arabic, Transliteration, and Translation

Arabic:

Transliteration:

Aa-oo-zoo Bi-llah-hi Mi-nash Shay-tan-ir Ra-jeem

Translation:

"I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan (Satan)."

This phrase is a powerful prayer asking Allah to protect us from Shaytan’s whispers and influence.

This verse has four (4) key parts.

First, it calls us to seek Allah's protection and to be fully aware of what we are about to do—the great task of reading the Quran.

Second, it reminds us that ONLY Allah SWT can protect us from Shaytan. Seeking Allah’s refuge protects the heart from doubts, distractions, and misguidance.

Third, it urges us to reflect on who Shaytan is, why he became our enemy, and why we seek protection from him.

Fourth, it helps us to understand why Shaytan is called "Rajeem"—what he did to deserve this title. 

1. Acknowledging Human Limitations: A Declaration of Need [Aa-oo-zoo]
2. Protection Comes ONLY from Allah [Bi-llah-hi]
3. From Whom Do We Seek Protection? Understanding Shaytan [Mi-nash Shay-tan-ir]
4. Why is Shaytan Called ‘Rajeem’? The Outcast and the Cursed [Ra-jeem]

Understanding these four points will make you appreciate this verse more when you recite it.

1/ Acknowledging Human Limitations: A Declaration of Need [Aa-oo-zoo]

Placing Aa-oo-zu-billah before Bismillah emphasizes starting with spiritual protection.

We cannot see Shaytan visibly but he comes and whispers in our minds thoughts and tries his best for us not to understand and receives guidance from Allah. 

Allah knows this more than anyone. That's why Allah SWT specifically mentioned to ask for this and guard our heart, mind and thoughts to focus on the message. 

Try reading one ayah per day and you will find it super hard, why? you will find so many excuses not to read? Why does this happen? it's not you to blame it's actually Shaytan who is trying his best to not even bring us close to the Quran. 

To fight this, Allah has shown us the way to protect ourselves, guard our thoughts and get fully focused to understand the Quran which helps us receive Allah's guidance and blessings and mercy. 

Humans are weak and prone to distractions, doubts, and temptations.

One of the verses that highlights the weakness of humans is:

"Allah wants to lighten your burden, and mankind was created weak." (Surah An-Nisa 4:28)

This verse reminds us that human beings, by nature, have weaknesses and limitations, which is why we constantly need Allah’s guidance and support.

We require Allah’s guidance and protection to stay on the straight path.

Seeking refuge in Allah before reciting the Quran makes us aware that the task we are about to do requires full focus and attention and also it humbles us and strengthens our Eman (faith).

2/ Protection Comes ONLY from Allah [Bi-llah-hi]

No power or entity can protect us except Allah.

Shaytan has no authority over those who sincerely seek refuge in Allah.

In Chapter 16, Surah An-Nahl, Verse 98, Allah explicitly commands us to seek His protection before reciting the Quran, emphasizing the importance of this act as a preparation for engaging with His words.

“When you recite the Quran, seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the accursed."(Surah An-Nahl 16:98)

As a parent, my kids’ safety is always my top priority. Before crossing the street, I always tell them, “Look both ways, hold my hand, and don’t run.” It’s second nature—because I want to protect them from harm.

Now, imagine Allah, who loves us more than anyone ever could. He warns us about dangers we can’t even see—especially from Shaytan, our greatest unseen enemy.

I learned this lesson in the most terrifying way. My son, Zayne, had a seizure while we were in Saudi Arabia. I was new to Riyadh, had no idea where the hospitals were, and in sheer panic, I ran red lights to reach a clinic—only to be told they couldn’t help him. They directed me to a larger hospital, but I had no clue where it was. Google Maps was useless since most places were listed in Arabic.

I was desperate. My son was unconscious. I broke down and prayed, “Ya Allah, help me.”

Out of nowhere, a man appeared and said, “I know where the hospital is—follow me.” He led me straight there. The doctors treated my son immediately. Alhamdulillah, he was okay. But when I turned to thank the man, he was gone.

That moment hit me hard. I had a car, money, and every resource—but none of it could have saved my son. Only Allah could. Help didn’t come from me—it came from Him.

This is a reminder for all of us: No matter how much control we think we have, true protection comes only from Allah. Seek His refuge, for He is the only one who can truly keep us safe.

Allah tells us in Surah Al-Hashr (59:23) that He is Al-Mu’min (the Giver of Security) and Al-Muhaymin (the Guardian, the Watchful Protector). What better protection could we ask for?

"He is Allah beside Whom La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allah! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him." (Al-Hashr 59:23)

3/ From Whom Do We Seek Protection? Understanding Shaytan [Mi-nash Shay-tan-ir]

When we say, “Aa-oo-zoo Bi-llah-hi Mi-nash Shay-tan-ir Ra-jeem”, we’re not just reciting words—we’re seeking Allah’s protection from an enemy who has been plotting against us since the beginning of time. 

But who exactly is Shaytan, and why is he so determined to mislead us?

Shaytan’s Rebellion and Eternal Enmity

Shaytan, originally known as Iblis, was a jinn who once worshiped Allah. 

But when Allah created Adam (AS) and commanded the angels and jinn to bow in respect, Iblis refused out of arrogance. He saw himself as superior, saying:

(Allah) said: "What prevented you (O Iblis) that you did not prostrate yourself, when I commanded you?" Iblis said: "I am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire, and him You created from clay.". (Al-A'raf 7:12)

Because of his arrogance and disobedience, Allah expelled Iblis from His mercy and from Paradise. But instead of repenting, Shaytan said:

(Iblis) said: "Allow me respite [reprieve me, i.e., postpone the punishment] till the Day they are raised up (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)." (Al-A'raf 7:14)

[Allāh] said, "Indeed, you are of those respited/reprieved." (Al-A'raf 7:15)

At that moment, Shaytan vowed to mislead humanity, said:

[Satan] said, "Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them [i.e., mankind] on Your straight path. (Al-A'raf 7:16)

Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You]." (Al-A'raf 7:17)

[Iblees] said, "My Lord, because You have put me in error, I will surely make [disobedience] attractive to them [i.e., mankind] on earth, and I will mislead them all. (Al-Hijr 15:39)

This was Shaytan’s open declaration of war against mankind.

[Iblis (Satan)] said: "See this one whom You have honoured above me, if You give me respite (keep me alive) to the Day of Resurrection, I will surely seize and mislead his offspring (by sending them astray) all but a few!". (Al-Isra' 17:62)

His goal? 

To make us forget Allah, lead us into sin and away from the Straight Path, and ultimately, distance us from the mercy and guidance of our Creator,

Shaytan’s Tactics: How He Misleads Us

And befool them gradually those whom you can among them with your voice (i.e. songs, music, and any other call for Allah’s disobedience), make assaults on them with your cavalry and your infantry, share with them wealth and children (by tempting them to earn money by illegal ways - usury, or by committing illegal sexual intercourse), and make promises to them. But Satan promises them nothing but deceit. (Al-Isra' 17:64)

Allah warns us in the Quran:

Indeed, Satan is an enemy to you; so take him as an enemy. He only invites his party to be among the companions of the Blaze. (Fatir 35:6)

Shaytan doesn’t force us into sin; instead, he whispers doubts, distractions, and desires into our hearts. He tries to:

• Make us neglect, delay, or even abandon prayer (Surah Al-Ma’un 107:4-5)
• Fill our hearts with pride and arrogance (Surah Al-Isra 17:61-62)
• Satan made their deeds attractive to them - Tempt us into sin by making it seem attractive (Surah An-Nahl 16:63)
• Create division between family, friends, and believers - And say to My slaves (i.e. the true believers of Islamic Monotheism) that they should (only) say those words that are the best. (Because) Shaytan (Satan) verily, sows a state of conflict and disagreements among them. Surely, Shaitan (Satan) is to man a plain enemy. (Surah Al-Isra 17:53)
• Make us doubt Allah’s mercy and forgiveness - Say, "O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allāh. Indeed, Allāh forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful." (Surah Az-Zumar 39:53)

This is why seeking refuge in Allah is crucial—because without His protection, we are vulnerable to these whispers.

Before we read the Quran, Allah instructs us:

So when you recite the Qur’ān, [first] seek refuge in Allāh from Satan, the expelled [from His mercy]. (Surah An-Nahl 16:98)

Why? 

Because Shaytan will do everything in his power to distract us from understanding and acting upon Allah’s words. 

He fills our minds with unrelated thoughts, makes us feel tired, or even whispers that we "already know enough." 

By reciting "Aa-oo-zoo Bi-llah…" we consciously turn to Allah, asking Him to shield our hearts and minds so we can truly benefit from His guidance.

A Lifelong Struggle—But Not Without Hope

Shaytan will continue his attacks until our last breath, but Allah has given us the tools to resist him:

• Seeking refuge in Allah (Surah Fussilat 41:36)

And if there comes to you from Satan an evil suggestion, then seek refuge in Allāh. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing. (Fussilat 41:36)

• Remembering Allah often (Dhikr) (Surah Al-Mujadila 58:19)

Satan has overcome them and made them forget the remembrance of Allāh. Those are the party of Satan. Unquestionably, the party of Satan - they will be the losers. (Al-Mujadila 58:19)

• Reading and reflecting on the Quran (Surah Al-Isra 17:82)

And We send down of the Qur’an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism and act on it), and it increases the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers) nothing but loss. (Al-Isra' 17:82)

• Keeping company with those who glorify Allah and seek His acceptance (Surah Al-Kahf 18:28)

And keep yourself (O Muhammad ﷺ) patiently with those who call on their Lord (i.e. your companions who remember their Lord with glorification, praising in prayers, and other righteous deeds) morning and afternoon, seeking His Face [i.e., acceptance]; and let not your eyes overlook them, desiring the pomp and glitter of the life of the world; and obey not him whose heart We have made heedless of Our Remembrance, and who follows his own lusts, and whose affair (deeds) has been lost. (Al-Kahf 18:28)

Most importantly, Allah reminds us that Shaytan has no power over those who sincerely seek His protection:

Certainly, you shall have no authority over My slaves, except those who follow you of the Ghawun (Mushrikun and those who go astray, criminals, polytheists, and evil-doers). (Al-Hijr 15:42)

A reminder to seek Allah’s refuge—Shaytan is unseen but real. Learning about yourself and Shaytan helps you recognize his whispers. I will dedicate a chapter to everything the Quran says about Shaytan, Insha'Allah.

4/ Why is Shaytan Called ‘Rajeem’? The Outcast and the Cursed [Ra-jeem]

When Shaytan arrogantly refused Allah’s command to prostrate before Adam, believing himself superior, that was the moment Allah declared him Rajeem—the accursed and cast out—until the Day of Resurrection.

This is my personal opinion—what fascinates me about this word is its contrast with Raheem in Bismillah hir Rahman nir Raheem, where Allah is Most Kind and Merciful. Arrogance is the opposite of kindness and mercy; arrogant people often lack compassion.

The story of Adam and Shaytan is detailed in Surah Al-Hijr (Chapter 15), and below is the specific verse where Allah calls Shaytan Rajeem.

(Allah) said: "Then, get out from here, for verily, you are Rajeem (an outcast or a cursed one)." (Al-Hijr 15:34)

Remember: 

Rajeem means expelled or cast away from Allah’s mercy (Surah Sad 38:77). 

Shaytan was cursed for his arrogance and seeks to misguide others (Surah Al-A'raf 7:16-17). 

This reminds us to seek Allah’s protection (Surah An-Nahl 16:98), keeping our hearts open to His guidance