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Is the only place where the Basmalah and Isti'adhah are legislated together in the middle of a Surah when Allah says in Surat Fussilat, "To Him is referred knowledge of the Hour," in order to avoid the misconception that the pronoun "Him" refers to the accursed Satan?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Seeking refuge (Al-Isti'adha) when reciting the Qur'an is legislated and commanded by His, the Almighty’s, saying: "So when you recite the Qur'an, [first] seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the expelled [from His mercy]." This command, according to the majority of scholars, is for recommendation (Istihbab). There is no harm in connecting the Isti'adha with what follows it, unless the verse begins with the majestic name of Allah (lafz al-jalalah) or a pronoun referring to Him, the Exalted. In such cases, it is obligatory to pause after the Isti'adha or the Basmala (which is preferable) to separate between the name of Allah and the description of Satan. This ruling applies to every verse that begins with Allah’s name or a pronoun referring to Him. This is a commendable opinion from the scholars that has its justification, and no text raised to the Prophet (peace be upon him) or from the Companions has been reported concerning it.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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