The surah An-Nās (“Mankind”) is a Meccan surah consisting of 6 verses. Revealed alongside Al-Falaq, it forms part of the two protective chapters (al-mu‘awwidhatayn). According to Ibn Kathīr and As-Suyūtī, these two surahs were revealed after the Prophet ﷺ was afflicted by a spell. Allah sent down these verses as both a cure and protection.
An-Nās complements Al-Falaq: while the latter seeks refuge from external evils (sorcery, envy, darkness), An-Nās protects against the internal evil — namely, the whisperings and temptations of Satan.
Main Teachings and Key Insights
An-Nās is a spiritual invocation of protection from the subtle harm of Satan and corrupt influences. It teaches believers to recognize Allah as the sole Lord, Sovereign, and Deity worthy of worship. Its main teachings are:
- Seeking refuge in Allah: the Lord, the King, and the God of humankind. (verses 1–3)
- Identification of evil: the whisperer who sows doubt in hearts. (verse 4)
- Nature of the whisperer: he operates among both humans and jinn. (verse 6)
The Prophet ﷺ used to recite Al-Falaq and An-Nās every evening before sleeping, blowing gently into his hands and passing them over his body for protection. (Sahih al-Bukhari; Sahih Muslim)
Structure and Main Themes
- Verses 1–3: Affirmation that Allah is the Lord, King, and God of humanity.
- Verses 4–6: Supplication for protection from the unseen whisperer who instills evil thoughts, whether human or jinn.
The tone of the surah is introspective and protective: it speaks directly to the human soul, reminding that the most dangerous evil arises from doubt and inner temptation inspired by Satan.
Key Verse
The key verse of the surah is verse 3:
إِلَـٰهِ ٱلنَّاسِ
The God of mankind.
Why is this verse key?
- It declares Allah’s absolute sovereignty: He is not only the Lord and King but also the only true Deity worthy of worship.
- It summarizes the intimate bond between humankind and their Creator: Allah is both Protector and ultimate refuge.
- It emphasizes spiritual monotheism: recognizing Allah alone as the divine source safeguards the soul from inner corruption.
In summary, An-Nās is a prayer for inner refuge. It teaches believers to seek protection in Allah against harmful spiritual influences, doubts, and temptations — whether from humans or jinn — and to anchor themselves fully in the Lord, King, and God of all mankind.