Surah An-Nas is the 114th and the last surah or the chapter of the blessed Quran. Positioned in the last juz, juz 30, it has 1 ruku and 6 verses. An-Nas translates to "the mankind" or "the people." The name of the surah occurs in the content of the surah numerous times. Surah an-Nas and its preceding surah, Surah al-Falaq, are both known as Al-Mu'awwidhatayn (Arabic: المعوذتين) because both of the surahs begin with sentences that say: "I seek refuge in Allah." Surah An-Nas is one of the four "qul" surahs, i.e., surahs that start with the Arabic word "qul" meaning say.
Both surahs are also closely related in regard to their theme and subject matter. The main subject is seeking refuge in Allah from all evil creatures and things that can affect mankind. However, while surah al-Falaq aims to seek refuge from external sources, an-Nas seeks refuge from the evil within. For instance, the surah discusses waswasa, which is considered a tactic of Shaytan to mislead the believer by whispering evil or negative suggestions repeatedly. The surah is a means through which Muslims can seek refuge in Allah Azzawajal from the waswasa of the Shaiytan.
١١٤ - ٱلنَّاس
114 - Al-Nas
English
Ahmed Ali
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English
Ahmed Ali
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The surah highlights the three attributes of Allah – Allah is the sustainer/provider, Master of all mankind, and Lord of all mankind. The surah asks the believer to seek refuge in Allah who is their sole Provider, Judge and Master of all mankind, and the Lord of the universe. As it is only Allah alone who has all power over mankind and other living beings and Allah alone can protect them from evil that may harm them. No one except Allah can give them refuge whenever they're in need.
Then, the surah also mentions the whispering of the Shaytan, referred to as "waswas-il-khannas," it is a tactic of evil to convince the believer to think or act on disturbing, misleading thoughts that lead them towards committing evil deeds and sins. Since mankind is not convinced by one attempt, the Shaytan whispers waswas into his mind repeatedly – this is when a believer has to fight the evil within himself – to resist the waswas and conviction of the Shaytan. The surah also mentions how evil whispers can be done by devils among jinns and devils among men.
Surah an-Nas is a significant surah of the blessed Quran that encompasses several important lessons for the believers. The surah reinstates the belief that one should only seek refuge in Allah from all sorts of evil, even the evil within. For instance, the whispers of Shaytan can deeply disturb believers and make them believe something may be wrong or disturbed within themselves. However, Allah knows what is in our hearts, and it is clarified by the surah that inclination towards sins or evil can be directly from the whispering of the devil.
It furthermore also teaches us that one should supplicate Allah using His names that have been mentioned in the Quran. Allah also states in surah Al-Araf:
"All the names of God are beautiful, so call Him by them, and leave those alone who act profanely towards His names: They will be retributed for their deeds."
Another important lesson encompassed in the surah is that of how weak the Shaytan is. The devil can try to tempt the believers to transgress the path of evil. However, those who constantly seek refuge in Allah will always stay safe from his tactics. Moreover, surah An-Nas also highlights how important it is to be mindful of not only the devil jinns but also devils and evil people within men.
Narrated `Aisha (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا): "Whenever Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) went to bed, he used to blow on his hands while reciting the Mu'auwidhat (i.e. Suratal-Falaq 113 and Surat-an-Nas 114) and then pass his hands over his body." – [Sahih al-Bukhari 6319]
A'isha (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا) reported that whenever the Prophet ﷺ became sick, he would recite the Mu'awwidhāt (Sūrat Al-Falaq and Sūrat An-Nās) and then blow his breath over his body. When he became seriously ill, I used to recite (these two suwar) and rub his hands over his body, hoping for its blessings. [Sahih Al-Bukhari 5016]
'Abdullah bin Khubaib ( رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ)May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to me, "Recite Surat Al-Ikhlas and Al- Mu'awwidhatain (Surat Al-Falaq and Surat An-Nas) three times at dawn and dusk. It will suffice you in all respects." [Riyad as-Salihin 1456].