Surah Al-Nas, the 114th chapter of the Quran, holds profound significance in the Islamic faith. As one of the shortest chapters, it encompasses deep spiritual lessons and serves as a guide for believers seeking protection from the whispers of Satan and the evil within themselves. Titled “The Mankind,” Surah Al-Nas imparts invaluable insights into the nature of human vulnerability and the power of seeking refuge in Allah. In this article, we will delve into the tafsir, or interpretation, of Surah Al-Nas, exploring its timeless wisdom and practical applications for believers striving towards spiritual growth and resilience.
The History of Surah Al-Nas
Surah Al-Nas is a Meccan surah that was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Mecca before the migration to Medina. The reason for the revelation of Surat An-Nas is the same as the reason for the revelation of Surat Al-Falaq.
It was revealed to be a protection for the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) due to an incident involving a young Jewish boy who used to serve the Prophet (peace be upon him). The Jews came to this boy and asked him for a comb or some hair from the Prophet’s comb so that they could make magic against him. So the boy gave a man named Labid ibn Al-A’sam some hair from the Prophet’s comb for that purpose.
Here is some further information about Surah Al-Nas:
- Name of the Surah: It is called Surat An-Nas because Allah orders the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to seek refuge with Him from the evil of mankind.
- Number of verses: 6 verses.
- Order in the Quran: It is the last surah in the Quran.
- Order of revelation: A Meccan surah revealed after Surat Al-Falaq.
- Main themes: It speaks about seeking refuge in Allah from the evil of mankind and from the whisperer who whispers evil into the hearts of people.
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The Virtues of Surah Al-Nas in Islam:
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It is recommended to recite Surah Al-Nas after every prayer
Narrated by Uqbah ibn Amir (may Allah be pleased with him), he said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) commanded me to recite the Mu’awwidhat (Surahs Al-Falaq and An-Nas) after every prayer.”
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No similar Surahs have been revealed in the Torah, the Gospel, or the Furqan
Narrated by Uqbah ibn Amir (may Allah be pleased with him), he said: “I met the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and he said to me, ‘O Uqbah ibn Amir, shall I not teach you Surahs that were not revealed in the Torah, the Zabur, the Injeel, or the Furqan? No night passes upon you except that you recite in it: Say: He is Allah, [who is] One, and say: ‘I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak,’ and say: ‘I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind.’ Uqbah said, ‘Since that day, no night has passed upon me except that I recite them, and it is my right not to abandon them as the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) commanded me to recite them.'”
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The Muslim is sufficient with everything
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Hubayb (may Allah be pleased with him), he said: “We went out on a dark and gloomy night to find the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) to pray for us. I caught up with him, and he said, ‘Say.’ I did not say anything. Then he said, ‘Say.’ Again, I did not say anything. Then he said, ‘Say.’ I said, ‘What should I say?’ He said, ‘Say: Say: He is Allah, [who is] One, and the Mu’awwidhatayn (Surahs Al-Falaq and An-Nas) when you reach evening and when you reach morning, three times. They will be sufficient for you against everything.'”
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The Prophet used to recite it for himself
Narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her): “When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) felt unwell, he would recite the Mu’awwidhat (Surahs Al-Falaq and An-Nas) upon himself and blow on his hands. When his pain became severe, I would recite them upon him and wipe his body with his own hand, seeking the blessings of his hand.”
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The Prophet sought refuge with it when he went to bed
Narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her): “The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to gather his hands, then blow on them, and recite in them: Say: He is Allah, [who is] One, and say: ‘I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak,’ and say: ‘I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind.’ Then he would wipe his body with his hands as much as he could, starting with his head, face, and the front of his body. He would do this three times.”
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The Prophet commanded to recite it along with Surah Al-Falaq
Narrated by Zaid ibn Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him): “A Jew performed magic on the Prophet (peace be upon him), and it caused him pain. Then, Jibril (peace be upon him) came to him with the Mu’awwidhat (Surahs Al-Falaq and An-Nas) and said, ‘A man from the Jews has performed magic on you, and the magic is in a well belonging to so-and-so.’ So, the Prophet sent Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), and he brought the well out, and he was ordered to untie it and recite a verse. He started reciting and untying, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) felt as if he were released from a bond.”
Read also about: Tafsir of Surah Al-Falaq
Interpretation of Surat Al-Nas
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
{بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم}
“Say, ‘I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind, the Sovereign of mankind, the God of mankind, from the evil of the retreating whisperer – who whispers [evil] into the breasts of mankind – from among the jinn and mankind.'”
{ قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ (1) مَلِكِ النَّاسِ (2) إِلَهِ النَّاسِ (3) مِنْ شَرِّ الْوَسْوَاسِ الْخَنَّاسِ (4) الَّذِي يُوَسْوِسُ فِي صُدُورِ النَّاسِ (5) مِنَ الْجِنَّةِ وَالنَّاسِ (6) }
Say: This is a verb in the imperative form, indicating the obligation to supplicate to Allah and invite others to do so. The meaning of the verse is to seek protection in the Lord, affirming one’s reliance and seeking refuge in the Creator of jinn and mankind, and inviting people to do the same.
The Lord of mankind: Referring to Allah as the Lord, Ruler, and Controller of jinn and mankind. Al-Malik (the Sovereign) is one of the beautiful names of Allah, signifying His mastery, governance, and authority.
The God of mankind: Meaning the deity worshipped by jinn and mankind. The greatest name of Allah is Allah Himself, signifying the worshipped One to whom people draw near through various acts of obedience, showing reverence and love for Him.
From the evil of the retreating whisperer: Referring to Satan, who whispers to mislead and casts his wicked words into the hearts of people. Al-Khannas (the retreating) implies that he retreats and hides after whispering.
Who whispers [evil] into the breasts of mankind: The place of influence of these whispers is the heart, causing distress, sadness, and anxiety. Consequently, it leads to fatigue and sleeplessness.
From among the jinn and mankind: Whispering is performed by both evil jinn and humans. It also includes one’s own soul, which is susceptible to whispering.
Read also about: Tafsir of Surah Al-Ikhlas
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