The Ruling on Seeking Refuge in Allah from These Four

The Shaykh : Is seeking refuge in Allah from these four a recommended practice (sunnah) or obligatory? The majority of scholars hold that it is a recommended practice (sunnah) and not obligatory.
Some scholars from the Salaf and the Khalaf held that seeking refuge from these four is obligatory, and that it is obligatory for a person to seek refuge in Allah from them, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded it, saying: and mentioning them, and because they are great matters from which a person needs to seek refuge in the Great Allah (Mighty and Majestic). Therefore, it is obligatory to seek refuge in Allah from these four in every prayer due to the command of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). The position that it is obligatory is very strong, but the majority of scholars hold that it is recommended.