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114

An-Nas

Mankind

Verses

6

Revelation Period

Makkan

View all verses

Background Info

  • When & Where: Revealed in Mecca, during the early period (similar context to Al-Falaq). The second of the Mu'awwidhatayn.
  • The Situation: Recognition of the internal, psychological, and spiritual threats to faith – the insidious whispers of doubt, temptation, and evil thoughts planted in the hearts of people.
  • The Need: To teach believers specific words to seek Allah's protection from the subtle, internal enemy – the temptations originating from Satan and misleading humans.
  • Purpose of the Chapter: To instruct believers to seek refuge in Allah – invoking His roles as Lord, King, and God of Mankind – specifically from the evil of the "whisperer" (Satan or other evil influences, jinn or human) who whispers into the hearts of people and then withdraws.

Core Message

A direct command and supplication to seek refuge solely in Allah, the Lord, King, and God of all mankind, from the hidden, insidious evil of the whisperer (Shaitan/Satan) and those like him among jinn and humans.

Summary

This brief yet profound chapter instructs believers on where and how to seek protection from subtle, internal, and often unseen evils. It begins by invoking Allah through three of His essential attributes related to His authority over creation: Lord (Rabb), King (Malik), and God/Object of Worship (Ilah) of Mankind .

It then specifies the source of evil to seek refuge from: the elusive 'whisperer who withdraws' (Al-Waswas Al-Khannas) , who targets the hearts and minds of people . The final verse clarifies that such harmful whispering can originate from both the Jinn and from among mankind themselves .

Reason for the Name

Named "Mankind" (An-Nas) because the word is repeated multiple times (verses , , , , as the focus is on seeking refuge in the Lord of Mankind from evils that affect mankind.

Unique Features

  • One of the Mu'awwidhatayn (the two chapters of seeking refuge), alongside Surah Al-Falaq (Chapter 113).
  • The final chapter in the standard Quranic compilation.
  • Focuses specifically on seeking refuge from internal/hidden evils targeting the heart and mind.
  • Emphasizes Allah's relationship with Mankind specifically (Lord, King, God of Mankind).

Themes

  • Seeking Refuge (Istiadha) in Allah
  • Allah's Absolute Sovereignty (Lordship, Kingship, Divinity)
  • Protection from Evil
  • The Nature of Evil Whisperings (Waswasa)
  • Shaitan (Satan) and his methods
  • Hidden dangers (from Jinn and Humans)
  • Importance of Heart/Mind Purity

Key Verses

As the chapter is very short and forms a cohesive whole, all verses are key. However, one can highlight: * : "Say, 'I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind, The King of mankind, The God of mankind...'" - Establishes the ultimate source of protection through Allah's fundamental relationship with humanity. * : "...From the evil of the whisperer who withdraws, Who whispers into the hearts of mankind, From among the jinn and mankind." - Identifies the specific, insidious evil (whisperings) and its sources.

Stories

This chapter does not contain specific historical narratives or stories. It is a direct supplication and instruction.

Personalities

  • Allah: Invoked through His attributes as Rabb (Lord), Malik (King), and Ilah (God) of Mankind.
  • Shaitan (Satan): Implicitly identified as 'the whisperer' (Al-Waswas).
  • Jinn & Mankind: Mentioned as categories from which evil whisperings can arise .

Practical Guidance

  • Constantly turn to Allah alone for protection from all forms of evil, especially hidden and internal ones (doubts, temptations, negative thoughts).
  • Recognize that harmful influences ('whisperings') can come not only from unseen forces (Shaitan/Jinn) but also from people around us.
  • Affirming Allah's Lordship, Kingship, and Divinity reinforces His absolute power and our reliance on Him.
  • This Surah, often recited with Surah Al-Falaq, provides a means of seeking daily protection.
  • Be mindful of the thoughts and suggestions that enter the heart and evaluate them.

Points of Reflection

  • How do I practically 'seek refuge' in Allah when I feel negative thoughts or external pressures creeping in?
  • In what ways might 'whisperings' from other people manifest in my life?
  • How does reflecting on Allah as the King and God of all mankind provide comfort and strength against evil?

Connection to Chapters

  • Connection to Previous (Surah Al-Falaq - 113): Surah An-Nas forms a complementary pair with Al-Falaq. While Al-Falaq seeks refuge from external evils (darkness, sorcery, envy), An-Nas seeks refuge from the internal, subtle evil of whisperings that attack the heart and faith. Together, they offer comprehensive protection.
  • Connection to Next Chapter: As the final chapter, it serves as a concluding reminder of the constant need for seeking Allah's protection throughout life, encapsulating a core theme of reliance on God after the journey through the Quran's guidance.