Quran
An-Nas (Surah An-Nas)
An-Nās
The 114th and final chapter of the Quran (6 verses), "Mankind". The second of the Mu'awwidhatayn, seeking refuge from the whisperer (Satan).
What is Surah An-Nas?
Surah An-Nas is the 114th and final chapter of the Quran, a short surah of six verses meaning "Mankind". It is the second of the Mu'awwidhatayn (the two surahs of refuge), and it teaches the believer to seek protection from the most dangerous, hidden enemy: the whisperer (al-waswas) who plants doubt and evil suggestions in the heart.
Themes and Content
The surah seeks refuge in Allah through three of His relationships to humanity — "the Lord of mankind, the King of mankind, the God of mankind" — ascending from His nurturing care, to His absolute sovereignty, to His sole right to be worshipped. It then names the threat: the retreating whisperer who whispers into the breasts of people and then withdraws, whether from among the jinn or mankind. Where Al-Falaq guards against external evils, An-Nas guards the inner world of the heart and mind.
Virtues
- Together with Al-Falaq, the Prophet ﷺ said no better means of seeking refuge exists (Muslim 814).
- He recited An-Nas, Al-Falaq, and Al-Ikhlas each night, blowing into his cupped hands and wiping over his body, beginning with his head and face (Bukhari 5017).
When and Why it is Recited
An-Nas is recited daily in the morning and evening adhkar, before sleep, and after the obligatory prayers, and is turned to whenever a person feels the assault of intrusive thoughts, doubts, or temptation. It reminds the believer that the struggle against evil is often internal, and that the cure is to return to Allah — Lord, King, and God of all people. Fittingly, the Quran that opened with "All praise to Allah, Lord of all worlds" closes by seeking refuge in that same Lord.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "whisperer" (al-waswas)?
It refers to Satan and his suggestions — the doubts, evil thoughts, and temptations whispered into the heart. The surah notes he "retreats" when Allah is remembered, which is why dhikr and reciting this surah are effective protections against waswasah (intrusive whispering).
Why does An-Nas mention "jinn or mankind"?
Because the whispering enemy may be a devil from among the jinn, or a human being who misguides and tempts others toward evil. The surah seeks refuge from harmful whispering whatever its source, teaching vigilance over the influences we allow into our hearts.
Etymology & origin
An-Nas (الناس), "Mankind / the People", names the surah after its repeated key word: it invokes the Lord, King, and God "of mankind" (an-nas) and seeks refuge from the whisperer who whispers into the breasts "of mankind". The word echoes through the surah, grounding it in humanity's relationship with its Creator.
References
- Quran:
- 114:1, 114:2, 114:3, 114:4, 114:5, 114:6
- Hadith:
- Muslim 814 (the best means of seeking refuge are the two protective surahs); Bukhari 5017 (reciting the three Quls into the hands each night); Tirmidhi 2058 (the Prophet sought refuge from jinn and the evil eye until the Mu'awwidhatayn were revealed)
Related terms
Al-Falaq (Surah Al-Falaq)
The 113th chapter of the Quran (5 verses), "The Daybreak". The first of the two "seeking-refuge" surahs (Mu'awwidhatayn), against external harms.
Al-Fatihah
The Opening — the first surah of the Quran, recited in every unit of every prayer. Called "the Mother of the Book" and "the Seven Oft-Repeated", it is a complete supplication.
Al-Ikhlas (Surah Al-Ikhlas)
The 112th chapter of the Quran (4 verses), "Sincerity / Purity". A concise declaration of pure monotheism, said to equal a third of the Quran.
Dhikr
The remembrance of God through repeated words of praise, glorification, and supplication; commanded abundantly in the Quran and central to spiritual life.
Surah
A chapter of the Quran. The Quran contains 114 surahs of varying length, from Al-Baqarah (286 verses) to Al-Kawthar (3 verses), each with its own name and theme.