Surah 114 of 114

سورة الناس

An-Naas

6 verses · tap any ayah to deep-dive

Ayat 1

قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ ٱلنَّاسِ.(1)

Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind,(1) [An-Naas: 1]

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Section 01

Traditional understanding

Translation, tafseer from classical and modern scholars, transliteration, word-by-word grammar.

Translation Sahih International

Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind,(1)

Tafseer Abdullah Yusuf

Say: I seek refuge(6307) with the Lord and Cherisher of Mankind,(6308)

Say: I seek refuge

6307 The previous Surah pointed to the necessity of seeking Allah's protection against external factors which might affect an individual. Here the need of protection from internal factors, mankind being viewed as a whole, is pointed out. For this reason the threefold relation in which man stands to Allah is mentioned, as explained in the next note.
...Say: I seek refuge(6307) with the Lord and Cherisher of Mankind,(6308)
with the Lord and Cherisher of Mankind,

6308 Man's relation to Allah may be viewed in three aspects: (1) Allah is his Lord, Maker, and Cherisher; Allah sustains him and cares for him; He provides him with all the means for his growth and development, and for his protection against evil; (2) Allah is his king or ruler; more than any earthly king, Allah has authority to guide man's conduct, and lead him to ways which will make for his welfare; and He has given him laws; and (3) Allah is He to Whom mankind must return, to give an account of all their deeds in this life (2:156); Allah will be the Judge; He is the goal of the Hereafter, and the only Being entitled to man's worship at any time. From all these aspects man could and should seek Allah's protection against evil.

Tafseer Ibn Abbas

And of the surah in which Mankind is mentioned, which is all Medinan, and consists of 6 verses, 20 words and 79 letters:
[114:1]
And from his narration on the authority of Ibn 'Abbas that he said regarding the interpretation of Allah's saying (Say: I seek refuge): '(Say: I seek refuge) and it is also said this means: I seek protection (in the Lord of mankind) in the Lord of the jinn and humankind,

Tafseer Jalalain

[114:1]
Say: ‘I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind, their Creator and their Possessor: they [mankind] have been singled out for mention here in order to honour them, and a preface to seeking refuge from the evil of the one who whispers in their hearts;

Tafseer Ma’arif Ul-Quran

Say, |"I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind,

Introductory Remarks
This Surah, the second of the Mu'awwadhatain, constitutes an extension of its predecessor and is in a way complementary to it, in that in Surah Al-Falaq the believers were enjoined to seek refuge with Allah against the hardships and privations of life in this world, while in the current Surah protection is sought from the trials and tribulations of the Hereafter. It was explained in Surah Al-Falaq that the word sharr could stand for 'evil' or 'harm' or even 'that which causes harm, anguish or distress'. In the present Surah, we are to seek refuge from the evil that is the cause of all sins, namely, the whisperings and insinuations of Shaitan. As the anguish and distress of the Hereafter is most severe, the Qur'an appropriately emphasizes at the end to seek Allah's protection against these evil powers.

Verse [ 114:1] قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَ‌بِّ النَّاسِ Say, (I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind,) The attributive name of Allah rabb stands for 'one who nurtures', and implies that the Supreme Nurturer takes care of everything under all circumstances. In the present verse, He is referred to as 'the Lord of mankind', while in the previous Surah He was referred to as 'the Lord of the daybreak', because in the foregoing Surah the purpose was to seek protection against the outer bodily hardships and privations of life, and they are not confined to human beings. Animals also suffer bodily hardships and difficulties, unlike the Shaitanic instigations which are restricted to man, and the Jinn are subjoined to him. [ Mazhari from Baidawi ]

Transliteration

Ayah 1

Qul aAAoothu birabbi alnnasi

Word-by-word

Ayah 1

# Arabic Pronunciation Meaning Root
1 قُلْ Qul Say ق و ل
2 أَعُوذُ aAAoothu I seek refuge ع و ذ
3 بِرَبِّ birabbi in (the) Lord ر ب ب
4 النَّاسِ alnnasi (of) mankind ن و س

Section 02

Cross-references

Similar verses elsewhere in the Qur’an and authentic ahadith narrated about this ayah.

Section 04

Audio & video lectures

0 videos · 10 audio lectures from contemporary scholars.

References

  1. Tafseer — Abdullah Yusuf
  2. Tafseer — Ibn Abbas
  3. Tafseer — Jalalain
  4. Tafseer — Ma’arif Ul-Quran
  5. Translation — Sahih International
  6. Quranic cross-references — 18 parallel verses

Ayat 2

مَلِكِ ٱلنَّاسِ.(2)

The Sovereign of mankind.(2) [An-Naas: 2]

Back to surah / Surah 114 · An-Naas / Ayah 2

Section 01

Traditional understanding

Translation, tafseer from classical and modern scholars, transliteration, word-by-word grammar.

Translation Sahih International

The Sovereign of mankind.(2)

Tafseer Ibn Abbas

[114:2]
(The King of mankind) the King of the jinn and humankind,

Tafseer Jalalain

[114:2]
the King of mankind,

Tafseer Ma’arif Ul-Quran

the King of mankind,

Transliteration

Ayah 2

Maliki alnnasi

Word-by-word

Ayah 2

# Arabic Pronunciation Meaning Root
1 مَلِكِ Maliki (The) King م ل ك
2 النَّاسِ alnnasi (of) mankind ن و س

Section 02

Cross-references

Similar verses elsewhere in the Qur’an and authentic ahadith narrated about this ayah.

Section 03

Articles & resources

Long-form articles, scientific commentary, and historical context linked from the legacy archive.

Section 04

Audio & video lectures

36 videos · 10 audio lectures from contemporary scholars.

TAFSEER OF QUR'AN Ep 52 Surah Nasr to Surah Naas Sheikh Assim Al Hakeem Sheikh Assim Al Hakeem Video · youtube TAFSEER OF QUR'AN Ep 52 Surah Nasr to Surah Naas Sheikh Assim Al Hakeem Sheikh Assim Al Hakeem Video · youtube Tafsir al-Falaq & an-Nas by Mohammad Elshinawy Mohammad El Shinawy Video · youtube Tafsir al-Falaq & an-Nas by Mohammad Elshinawy Mohammad El Shinawy Video · youtube THE SIZE OF ALLAH┇ The KING OF the KINGS *POWERFUL* Bilal Philips Video · youtube THE SIZE OF ALLAH┇ The KING OF the KINGS *POWERFUL* Bilal Philips Video · youtube THE SIZE OF ALLAH┇ The KING OF the KINGS *POWERFUL* Yusuf Estes Video · youtube THE SIZE OF ALLAH┇ The KING OF the KINGS *POWERFUL* Yusuf Estes Video · youtube Al-Falaq An-nas Protection from JINN n Black Magic - MUFTI MENK 2017 Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube Al-Falaq An-nas Protection from JINN n Black Magic - MUFTI MENK 2017 Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube Tafseer - Surah Falaq & Naas (Mu'awidhatayn) - Introduction - Shaykh Yahya Ibrahim Yahya Ibrahim Video · youtube Tafseer - Surah Falaq & Naas (Mu'awidhatayn) - Introduction - Shaykh Yahya Ibrahim Yahya Ibrahim Video · youtube Illustrated Lesson From Surah-An Naas | Nouman Ali Khan | HD | Subtitled Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube Illustrated Lesson From Surah-An Naas | Nouman Ali Khan | HD | Subtitled Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube GET TO KNOW: Ep. 29 - Surah An-Nas - Nouman Ali Khan Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube GET TO KNOW: Ep. 29 - Surah An-Nas - Nouman Ali Khan Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube Surah Al Fatihah & Surah An-Nas | Quran Gems Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube Surah Al Fatihah & Surah An-Nas | Quran Gems Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube Tafseer of Surah 114 - An-Nas (Part 1) - Nouman Ali Khan Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube Tafseer of Surah 114 - An-Nas (Part 1) - Nouman Ali Khan Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube Tafseer of Surah 114 - An-Nas (Part 2) - Nouman Ali Khan Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube Tafseer of Surah 114 - An-Nas (Part 2) - Nouman Ali Khan Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube [NEW] The Power Of Surah An-Nas and Al-Falaq - Nouman Ali Khan (2018) Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube [NEW] The Power Of Surah An-Nas and Al-Falaq - Nouman Ali Khan (2018) Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube Allah Power King Of All Kings - ALLAH ᴴᴰ XTRAS Video · youtube Allah Power King Of All Kings - ALLAH ᴴᴰ XTRAS Video · youtube King of Kings - Powerful Speech by Muhammad Abdul Jabbar XTRAS Video · youtube King of Kings - Powerful Speech by Muhammad Abdul Jabbar XTRAS Video · youtube THE SIZE OF ALLAH┇ The KING OF the KINGS *POWERFUL* XTRAS Video · youtube THE SIZE OF ALLAH┇ The KING OF the KINGS *POWERFUL* XTRAS Video · youtube King Of Kings | Mohamed Hoblos XTRAS Video · youtube King Of Kings | Mohamed Hoblos XTRAS Video · youtube The King Of All Kings - Shaykh Muhammad Abdul Jabbar XTRAS Video · youtube The King Of All Kings - Shaykh Muhammad Abdul Jabbar XTRAS Video · youtube The Evil Whisperers: A Tafsir of Surat al-Nas [Surah 114] XTRAS Video · youtube The Evil Whisperers: A Tafsir of Surat al-Nas [Surah 114] XTRAS Video · youtube Hijab Iqbal)Tafsir Al-Ikhlas - An-Nas Hijab Iqbal Audio lecture Hijab Iqbal)Tafsir Al-Ikhlas - An-Nas Hijab Iqbal Audio lecture Taimiyyah Zubair)Tafsir Al-Falaq 1-5 Al-Naas 1-6 Taimiyyah Zubair Audio lecture Taimiyyah Zubair)Tafsir Al-Falaq 1-5 Al-Naas 1-6 Taimiyyah Zubair Audio lecture Taimiyyah Zubair Al-Qadr - Al-Naas Taimiyyah Zubair Audio lecture Taimiyyah Zubair Al-Qadr - Al-Naas Taimiyyah Zubair Audio lecture Aisha Altaf 23C Al-Naas Aisha Altaf Audio lecture Aisha Altaf 23C Al-Naas Aisha Altaf Audio lecture Dr Israr Ahmed - Dr Israr Ahmed - Audio lecture Dr Israr Ahmed - Dr Israr Ahmed - Audio lecture

References

  1. Tafseer — Ibn Abbas
  2. Tafseer — Jalalain
  3. Tafseer — Ma’arif Ul-Quran
  4. Translation — Sahih International
  5. Hadith collections — 10 narrations from Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud and others (see Cross-references)
  6. Quranic cross-references — 14 parallel verses
  7. Linked articles — 6 long-form pieces

Ayat 3

إِلَٰهِ ٱلنَّاسِ.(3)

The God of mankind,(3) [An-Naas: 3]

Back to surah / Surah 114 · An-Naas / Ayah 3

Section 01

Traditional understanding

Translation, tafseer from classical and modern scholars, transliteration, word-by-word grammar.

Translation Sahih International

The God of mankind,(3)

Tafseer Ibn Abbas

[114:3]
(The God of mankind) the Creator of the jinn and humankind,

Tafseer Jalalain

[114:3]
the God of mankind (both [maliki’l-nās and ilāhi’l-nās] are either substitutions or adjectival qualifications or
explicative supplements; the repetition of the annexed word [al-nās] is meant as an additional explication),

Tafseer Ma’arif Ul-Quran

the King of mankind,

Tafseer Tafheem Ul-Quran

...(114:3) the True God of mankind,1


(114:3) the True God of mankind,1

1.Here also, as in Surah Al-Falaq, instead of saying Audhu-billahi (I seek Allah’s refuge), a prayer has been taught to seek Allah’s refuge by reference to His three attributes: First, that He is Rabb-in-naas, i.e. Sustainer, Provider; second, that He is Malik-in-naas, i.e. Master of all mankind; third, that He is Ilah-in-naas, i.e. real Deity of all mankind. Here, one should clearly understand that the word ilah has been used in two meanings in the Quran: first for the thing or person who is practically being worshipped although it or he is not entitled to worship; second, for Him Who is entitled to worship, Who is in fact the Deity whether the people worship Him or not, wherever this word is used for Allah; it has been used in the second meaning. Seeking refuge by means of these three attributes means: I seek refuge with that God, Who being the Sustainer, King and Deity of men, has full power over them, can fully protect them and can really save them from the evil, to save myself and others from which I am seeking His refuge. Not only this; since He alone is Sustainer, King and Deity, therefore, there is no one beside Him with Whom I may seek refuge and he may give real refuge.

Transliteration

Ayah 3

Ilahi alnnasi

Word-by-word

Ayah 3

# Arabic Pronunciation Meaning Root
1 إِلَٰهِ Ilahi (The) God أ ل ه
2 النَّاسِ alnnasi (of) mankind ن و س

Section 02

Cross-references

Similar verses elsewhere in the Qur’an and authentic ahadith narrated about this ayah.

Section 03

Articles & resources

Long-form articles, scientific commentary, and historical context linked from the legacy archive.

Section 04

Audio & video lectures

22 videos · 10 audio lectures from contemporary scholars.

TAFSEER OF QUR'AN Ep 52 Surah Nasr to Surah Naas Sheikh Assim Al Hakeem Sheikh Assim Al Hakeem Video · youtube TAFSEER OF QUR'AN Ep 52 Surah Nasr to Surah Naas Sheikh Assim Al Hakeem Sheikh Assim Al Hakeem Video · youtube Tafsir al-Falaq & an-Nas by Mohammad Elshinawy. Mohammad El Shinawy Video · youtube Tafsir al-Falaq & an-Nas by Mohammad Elshinawy. Mohammad El Shinawy Video · youtube Al-Falaq An-nas Protection from JINN n Black Magic - MUFTI MENK 2017 Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube Al-Falaq An-nas Protection from JINN n Black Magic - MUFTI MENK 2017 Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube Tafseer - Surah Falaq & Naas (Mu'awidhatayn) - Introduction - Shaykh Yahya Ibrahim Yahya Ibrahim Video · youtube Tafseer - Surah Falaq & Naas (Mu'awidhatayn) - Introduction - Shaykh Yahya Ibrahim Yahya Ibrahim Video · youtube The Evil Whisperers: A Tafsir of Surat al-Nas [Surah 114] XTRAS Video · youtube The Evil Whisperers: A Tafsir of Surat al-Nas [Surah 114] XTRAS Video · youtube Illustrated Lesson From Surah-An Naas | Nouman Ali Khan | HD | Subtitled Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube Illustrated Lesson From Surah-An Naas | Nouman Ali Khan | HD | Subtitled Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube GET TO KNOW: Ep. 29 - Surah An-Nas - Nouman Ali Khan Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube GET TO KNOW: Ep. 29 - Surah An-Nas - Nouman Ali Khan Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube Surah Al Fatihah & Surah An-Nas | Quran Gems Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube Surah Al Fatihah & Surah An-Nas | Quran Gems Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube Tafseer of Surah 114 - An-Nas (Part 1) - Nouman Ali Khan Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube Tafseer of Surah 114 - An-Nas (Part 1) - Nouman Ali Khan Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube Tafseer of Surah 114 - An-Nas (Part 2) - Nouman Ali Khan Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube Tafseer of Surah 114 - An-Nas (Part 2) - Nouman Ali Khan Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube [NEW] The Power Of Surah An-Nas and Al-Falaq - Nouman Ali Khan (2018) Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube [NEW] The Power Of Surah An-Nas and Al-Falaq - Nouman Ali Khan (2018) Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube Hijab Iqbal)Tafsir Al-Ikhlas - An-Nas Hijab Iqbal Audio lecture Hijab Iqbal)Tafsir Al-Ikhlas - An-Nas Hijab Iqbal Audio lecture Taimiyyah Zubair)Tafsir Al-Falaq 1-5 Al-Naas 1-6 Taimiyyah Zubair Audio lecture Taimiyyah Zubair)Tafsir Al-Falaq 1-5 Al-Naas 1-6 Taimiyyah Zubair Audio lecture Taimiyyah Zubair Al-Qadr - Al-Naas Taimiyyah Zubair Audio lecture Taimiyyah Zubair Al-Qadr - Al-Naas Taimiyyah Zubair Audio lecture Aisha Altaf 23C Al-Naas Aisha Altaf Audio lecture Aisha Altaf 23C Al-Naas Aisha Altaf Audio lecture Dr Israr Ahmed - Dr Israr Ahmed - Audio lecture Dr Israr Ahmed - Dr Israr Ahmed - Audio lecture

References

  1. Tafseer — Ibn Abbas
  2. Tafseer — Jalalain
  3. Tafseer — Ma’arif Ul-Quran
  4. Tafseer — Tafheem Ul-Quran
  5. Translation — Sahih International
  6. Quranic cross-references — 12 parallel verses
  7. Linked articles — 2 long-form pieces

Ayat 4, 5, 6

مِن شَرِّ ٱلْوَسْوَاسِ ٱلْخَنَّاسِ.(4)

ٱلَّذِى يُوَسْوِسُ فِى صُدُورِ ٱلنَّاسِ.(5)

مِنَ ٱلْجِنَّةِ وَٱلنَّاسِ.(6)

From the evil of the retreating whisperer -(4) [An-Naas: 4, 5, 6]

Back to surah / Surah 114 · An-Naas / Ayah 4, 5, 6

Section 01

Traditional understanding

Translation, tafseer from classical and modern scholars, transliteration, word-by-word grammar.

Translation Sahih International

From the evil of the retreating whisperer -(4)

Tafseer Abdullah Yusuf

From the mischief of the Whisperer(6309) (of Evil), who withdraws (after his whisper),-
From the mischief of the Whisperer

6309 Evil insinuates itself in all sorts of insidious ways from within so as to sap man's will, which was given to man by Allah. This power of evil may be Satan or his host of evil ones, or evil men or the evil inclinations within man's own will: for there are "evil ones among men and Jinns, inspiring each other with flowery discourses by way of deception" (6:112). They secredy whisper evil and then withdraw, to make their net the more subtle and alluring (see also n. 941).
: (The same) who whispers into the hearts of Mankind,-

Tafseer Dr. Farooq Azam

from the evil of the retreating whisperer (Shaitan or his worker).

Tafseer Ibn Abbas

[114:4]
(From the evil of the sneaking whisperer) i.e. Satan who runs away and hides himself whenever Allah is mentioned,
[114:5]
(Who whispereth in the hearts of mankind) and when Allah is not mentioned, he whispers in the hearts of created beings,

Tafseer Jalalain

[114:4]
from the evil of the slinking whisperer, Satan — he is referred to by the name of the action [waswasa] on account of his repeated engaging in it — who slinks [away] and recoils from the heart whenever God is mentioned,
[114:5]
who whispers in the breasts of mankind, in their hearts — whenever they neglect to remember God,

Tafseer Ma’arif Ul-Quran

the God of mankind,



Verses [ 114:2 & 3] مَلِكِ النَّاسِ إِلَـٰهِ النَّاسِ (the King of mankind, the God of mankind.) The reason for adding these two attributes is that the word rabb, attributed to a particular thing, could refer to someone other than Allah also, as for instance rabb-ud-dar [ land-lord ] or رَبُّ المال rabb-ul-mal [ owner of wealth ]. But not every master or owner is a king. That is why the attributive name malik [ King ] has been added to indicate that He is not only the 'Lord of mankind' but also the 'King of mankind'.Furthermore, not every king is worthy of worship. Thus the third attributive name ilah [ God ] has been added to nas [ people ]. The Divine wisdom in combining all three Divine attributes is that each attribute motivates protection. Every master has servants and takes care of them. Likewise, every king has subjects and looks after them. That the worshipped God protects His worshipper is even more obvious. Only Allah, and no other being, is characterized by these three attributes simultaneously. Therefore, seeking Allah's protection by invoking these attributes is the greatest protection, and the invocation is readily acceptable.

Since the first sentence contains the word nas (people), the second and the third verses should apparently refer to them with the pronouns by saying, مَلِکِھِم malikihim [ their king ] rather than repeating the word nas (people). However, this is an occasion of supplication and praise, and as such repetition needs to be employed by deliberate design to add force and clarity to the sublime emotion by creating natural rhyme, rhythm and melodic sequence. Some scholars have explained the repetition of the word 'nas' differently. They say that the word nas occurs five times in this Surah. In its first occurrence, it refers to the children. The word rabb that refers to nurturer-ship of Allah is a hint to this, because children need nurturing the most. Its second occurrence refers to youth, and the hint in the context is the word malik which refers to kingship of Allah. It bears political connotation and is appropriate to the youth. Its third occurrence refers to old age. Old people cut themselves off from the world and look up to Allah alone as the real support of life, and render Him alone true and unconditional obedience and to make Him alone the real object of his love and adoration. The context for this is ilah [ God ] which points to the Divine worship. Its fourth occurrence refers to the righteous servants of Allah. The contextual hint for this is the word waswasah [ evil whisperings ] because the devil is the enemy of the righteous servants of Allah. His work is to cast evil prompting into the hearts of such people. Its fifth occurrence refers to mischief-makers because protection is sought from their mischief.
from the evil of the whisperer who withdraws (when Allah\&s name is pronounced),


Verse [ 114:4] مِن شَرِّ‌ الْوَسْوَاسِ الْخَنَّاسِ (from the evil of the whisperer who withdraws [ when Allah's name is pronounced ].) After invoking three attributes of Allah, the present verse describes the one from whom protection is sought. He is 'the whisperer who withdraws'. The word waswas is originally an infinitive in the sense of waswasah 'to whisper [ that is, to use breath instead of voice, when saying something in barely audible way ] '. But here it is used as an hyperbolic expression to refer to 'Shaitan' in the sense that 'he is an embodiment of whisper'. Whispering of the Shaitan means that he invites people to his obedience by a superstitious discourse in a way that its subject is cast into man's heart, but no voice is heard. [ Qurtubi ].

The word خَنَّاسِ khannas is derived from khanasa which means 'to sneak, recede or withdraw furtively'. The Shaitan is so named because he puts himself in a squatting [ perched ] position on the heart of man. So, when the latter becomes heedless, the former whispers, but when he remembers Allah, he withdraws furtively. When man becomes unmindful of Allah again, the Shaitan returns. Whenever man remembers Allah, he withdraws. This practice continues persistently. The Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) is reported to have said:

|"Allah has built two houses in the heart of man, in one of which an angel resides and in the other the Shaitan. The angel urges him to do good works and the Shaitan induces him to do evil works. When man remembers Allah, the Shaitan withdraws. And when he stops remembering Allah, the Shaitan perches on the heart of man and pecks with his beak to whisper into it to do evil things.|" [ Transmitted by Abu Ya` la on the authority of Anas (رض) ، as quoted by Mazhari ].

Tafseer Mufti Taqi Usmani

‘Whispering’ in this verse means evil thoughts and scruples created in one’s heart. Normally this is done by Satan, but when Allah’s name is pronounced and His refuge is sought, he withdraws from his evil act.
the one who whispers in the hearts of people,

Tafseer Shaikh Ashiq Ilahi

who whispers into the hearts of mankind

Tafseer Tafheem Ul-Quran

...(114:4) from the mischief of the whispering, elusive prompter who returns again and again,2


(114:4) from the mischief of the whispering, elusive prompter who returns again and again,2

2. The word waswas in waswas-il-khannas means the one who whispers over and over again, and waswasa means to whisper into someone’s heart an evil suggestion over and over again in such a way or ways that the one who is being inspired may not feel that the whisperer is whispering an evil suggestion into his heart. Waswasah by itself suggests repetition just as zalzalah contains the meaning of repetitive movement. Since man is not tempted by just one attempt but effort has to be made over and over again to seduce and tempt him, such an attempt is called waswasah and the tempter waswas. As for the word khannas, it is derived from khunus, which means to hide after appearing and to retreat after coming into view. Since khannas is the intensive form, it would imply the one who behaves thus very frequently. Now, obviously the whisperer has to approach man for whispering again and again, and besides, when he is also described as khannas, the combination of the two words by itself gives the meaning that after whispering once he retreats and then again returns over and over again to repeat the act of whispering. In other words, when once he fails in his attempt to whisper evil, he withdraws, then he again returns to make the second and the third and the next attempt over and over again.

After understanding the meaning of waswas-il-khannas, let us consider what is meant by seeking refuge from its evil. Its one meaning is that the seeker after refuge himself seeks God’s refuge from its evil, i.e. from the evil lest it should whisper some evil suggestion into his own heart. The second meaning is that the caller to Truth seeks God’s refuge from the evil of the one who whispers evil suggestions into the hearts of the people against himself. It is not in his own power to approach all the people in whose hearts evil suggestions are being whispered against himself individually and remove the misunderstandings of every person. It is also not right and proper for him that he should give up his mission of inviting others to Allah and should devote all his time and energy to removing the misunderstanding created by the whisperer and to answering their accusations. It is also below his dignity that he should stoop to the level of his opponents. Therefore, Allah has instructed the caller to truth to seek only His refuge from the evil of the wicked people, and then to attend single-mindedly to his work of invitation and mission. For it is not for him to deal with them but for Allah, who is Sustainer of men, King of men, God of men.

Here, one should also understand that an evil suggestion is the starting point of evil act. When it affects a careless or heedless person, it creates in him a desire for evil. Then, further whisperings change the evil desire into an evil intention and evil purpose. When the evil suggestion grows in intensity, the intention becomes a resolution, which then culminates in the evil act. Therefore, the meaning of seeking God’s refuge from the evil of the whisperer is that Allah should nip the evil in the bud.

If seen from another aspect, the order of the evil of the whisperers seems to be this: first they incite one to open unbelief, polytheism, or rebellion against Allah and His Messenger, and enmity of the righteous (godly) people. If they fail in this and a person does enter Allah’s religion, they misguide him to some innovation. If they fail in this too, they tempt him to sin. If they do not succeed even in this, they inspire the man with the suggestion that there is no haram in indulging in minor sins, so that if he starts committing these freely, he is over burdened with sin. If one escapes from this too, in the last resort they try that one should keep the true religion confined to oneself, and should do nothing to make it prevail, but if a person defeats all these plans, the whole party of the devils from among men and jinn makes a common front against him and incites and stirs up the people and makes them shower him with invective and accusation and slander, and defames him as widely as it can. Then, Satan comes to the believer and excites him to anger, saying: It is cowardly of you to have borne all this insult: arise and clash with your opponents. This is the last and final device with Satan by which he tries to thwart the struggle of the caller to truth and entangle him in difficulties and obstructions. If he succeeds in escaping from this too, Satan becomes powerless before him. About this same thing it has been said in the Quran: If Satan ever excites you to anger, seek refuge with Allah. ("Surah Ref 7 Verse Ref 200">Surah Al-Aaraf, Ayat 200); ("Surah Ref 41 Verse Ref 36">Surah HaMim As-Sajdah, Ayat 36).

Say: Lord, I seek refuge with You from the promptings of satans. ("Surah Ref 23 Verse Ref 97">Surah Al-Mominun, Ayat 97).

The fact is that if ever an evil suggestion from Satan so much as touches those who are God-fearing people, they immediately get alerted and clearly see the right course they should adopt. ("Surah Ref 7 Verse Ref 201">Surah Al-Aaraf, Ayat 201).

And on this very basis about the people who escape from this last attack of Satan Allah says: None can attain to this rank except those who are men of great good fortune. ("Surah Ref 41 Verse Ref 35">(Surah HaMim As-Sajdah, Ayat 35).

In this connection, another thing should also be kept in mind, and it is this: Evil suggestion is not whispered into the heart of man only from outside by the satans from among men and jinn, but also by the self of man from within. His own wrong theories misguide his intellect, his own unlawful motives and desires lead his power of discrimination, will and power of judgment astray, and it is not only the satans from outside but within man his satan of the self also beguiles him. This same thing has been expressed in the Quran, thus: And We know the evil suggestions arising from his self. ("Surah Ref 50 Verse Ref 16">Surah Qaaf, Ayat 16). On this very basis, the Prophet (peace be upon him) in his well-known Sermon said: We seek Allah’s refuge from the evils of our self.
who whispers in the hearts of people;

Transliteration

Ayah 4

Min sharri alwaswasi alkhannasi

Ayah 5

Allathee yuwaswisu fee sudoori alnnasi

Ayah 6

Mina aljinnati wa alnnasm

Word-by-word

Ayah 4

# Arabic Pronunciation Meaning Root
1 مِن Min From
2 شَرِّ sharri (the) evil ش ر ر
3 الْوَسْوَاسِ alwaswasi (of) the whisperer و س و س
4 الْخَنَّاسِ alkhannasi the one who withdraws خ ن س

Ayah 5

# Arabic Pronunciation Meaning Root
1 الَّذِى Allathee The one who
2 يُوَسْوِسُ yuwaswisu whispers و س و س
3 فِى fee in
4 صُدُورِ sudoori (the) breasts ص د ر
5 النَّاسِ alnnasi (of) mankind ن و س

Ayah 6

# Arabic Pronunciation Meaning Root
1 مِنَ Mina From
2 الْجِنَّةِ aljinnati the jinn ج ن ن
3 وَالنَّاسِ waalnnasi and men ن و س

Section 02

Cross-references

Similar verses elsewhere in the Qur’an and authentic ahadith narrated about this ayah.

Section 03

Articles & resources

Long-form articles, scientific commentary, and historical context linked from the legacy archive.

Section 04

Audio & video lectures

94 videos · 10 audio lectures from contemporary scholars.

TAFSEER OF QUR'AN Ep 52 Surah Nasr to Surah Naas Sheikh Assim Al Hakeem Sheikh Assim Al Hakeem Video · youtube TAFSEER OF QUR'AN Ep 52 Surah Nasr to Surah Naas Sheikh Assim Al Hakeem Sheikh Assim Al Hakeem Video · youtube How to get rid of waswas of Shaytan ~ Dr Muhammad Saleh Dr.Muhammad Salah Video · youtube How to get rid of waswas of Shaytan ~ Dr Muhammad Saleh Dr.Muhammad Salah Video · youtube Tafsir al-Falaq & an-Nas by Mohammad Elshinawy. Mohammad El Shinawy Video · youtube Tafsir al-Falaq & an-Nas by Mohammad Elshinawy. Mohammad El Shinawy Video · youtube Doubts, Desires, & Dajjal [1] :: Khutbah by Sh Mohammad Elshinawy Mohammad El Shinawy Video · youtube Doubts, Desires, & Dajjal [1] :: Khutbah by Sh Mohammad Elshinawy Mohammad El Shinawy Video · youtube TRAPS OF SATAN (MUST WATCH) | Ustadh. Muhammad Tim Humble Muhammed Tim Humble Video · youtube TRAPS OF SATAN (MUST WATCH) | Ustadh. Muhammad Tim Humble Muhammed Tim Humble Video · youtube TRAPS OF SATAN: IMMORALITY - Tim Humble Animated Muhammed Tim Humble Video · youtube TRAPS OF SATAN: IMMORALITY - Tim Humble Animated Muhammed Tim Humble Video · youtube TRAPS OF SATAN: FEAR OF POVERTY - Tim Humble Animated Muhammed Tim Humble Video · youtube TRAPS OF SATAN: FEAR OF POVERTY - Tim Humble Animated Muhammed Tim Humble Video · youtube HOW TO COMBAT TRAPS OF SATAN - Tim Humble Animated Muhammed Tim Humble Video · youtube HOW TO COMBAT TRAPS OF SATAN - Tim Humble Animated Muhammed Tim Humble Video · youtube The Essence Of Every Evil ᴴᴰ ┇ #SatanExposed ┇ by Ustadh Muhammad Tim Humble ┇ TDR Production ┇ uhammad Tim Humble Video · youtube The Essence Of Every Evil ᴴᴰ ┇ #SatanExposed ┇ by Ustadh Muhammad Tim Humble ┇ TDR Production ┇ uhammad Tim Humble Video · youtube Shaitan's Azan "Music" by Dr. Bilal Philips (MUST WATCH!!!) Bilal Philips Video · youtube Shaitan's Azan "Music" by Dr. Bilal Philips (MUST WATCH!!!) Bilal Philips Video · youtube Save Your Family From Shaitan - Dr. Bilal Philips Dr. Bilal Philips Video · youtube Save Your Family From Shaitan - Dr. Bilal Philips Dr. Bilal Philips Video · youtube why did Allah create Iblees? (by bilal philips) Dr. Bilal Philips Video · youtube why did Allah create Iblees? (by bilal philips) Dr. Bilal Philips Video · youtube The whispering of shaytân when praying and doing ablution? - Dr. Haitham Al-Haddad - HD Haitham Al Haddad Video · youtube The whispering of shaytân when praying and doing ablution? - Dr. Haitham Al-Haddad - HD Haitham Al Haddad Video · youtube The Reality of Jinn in the Qur'an and Sunnah ~ Dr. Yasir Qadhi | 20th April 2014 Yasir Qadhi Video · youtube The Reality of Jinn in the Qur'an and Sunnah ~ Dr. Yasir Qadhi | 20th April 2014 Yasir Qadhi Video · youtube FAITH OF SHAITAN EVIL┇Dr Yasir Qadhi {RAMADAN}┇ Yasir Qadhi Video · youtube FAITH OF SHAITAN EVIL┇Dr Yasir Qadhi {RAMADAN}┇ Yasir Qadhi Video · youtube Ramadan 2015 Qur'anic Gems 6: Surat Ibrahim verses 21-22 - A dialogue with Shaitan - Yasir Qadhi Yasir Qadhi Video · youtube Ramadan 2015 Qur'anic Gems 6: Surat Ibrahim verses 21-22 - A dialogue with Shaitan - Yasir Qadhi Yasir Qadhi Video · youtube Difference Between The Dua Of Adam and Shaytan - Yasir Qadhi (MUST WATCH) Yasir Qadhi Video · youtube Difference Between The Dua Of Adam and Shaytan - Yasir Qadhi (MUST WATCH) Yasir Qadhi Video · youtube The Creation of Adam & the Story of the Devil - Yusuf Estes - Beauties of Islam - Episode 9 Yusuf Estes Video · youtube The Creation of Adam & the Story of the Devil - Yusuf Estes - Beauties of Islam - Episode 9 Yusuf Estes Video · youtube Al-Falaq An-nas Protection from JINN n Black Magic - MUFTI MENK 2017 Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube Al-Falaq An-nas Protection from JINN n Black Magic - MUFTI MENK 2017 Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube Shaitaan (Satan, The Accursed) - Mufti Menk Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube Shaitaan (Satan, The Accursed) - Mufti Menk Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube MUFTI MENK [NEW] 2017 ┇Get To Know Shaitan (Satan) & His Tricks┇Promise of Shaitan Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube MUFTI MENK [NEW] 2017 ┇Get To Know Shaitan (Satan) & His Tricks┇Promise of Shaitan Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube Shaitans 5 tricks & promises (5mins) Mufti Menk (EPIC!) Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube Shaitans 5 tricks & promises (5mins) Mufti Menk (EPIC!) Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube How to Fight Shaitan? How to kick the devil out? Mufti Menk Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube How to Fight Shaitan? How to kick the devil out? Mufti Menk Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube Recognise and Fight Shaitan ~ Mufti Ismail Menk Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube Recognise and Fight Shaitan ~ Mufti Ismail Menk Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube History Of The Devil (Iblis) & His Promise | Mufti Menk Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube History Of The Devil (Iblis) & His Promise | Mufti Menk Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube The Devil's Plan - Mufti Ismail Menk Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube The Devil's Plan - Mufti Ismail Menk Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube How Imaan is damaged by JINN by Mufti Menk Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube How Imaan is damaged by JINN by Mufti Menk Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube Mufti menk talking about shaitan and his tricks Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube Mufti menk talking about shaitan and his tricks Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube Shaytan's biggest trap ~ Mufti Menk Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube Shaytan's biggest trap ~ Mufti Menk Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube Do Not Follow Footsteps of Shaitan | Mufti Menk Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube Do Not Follow Footsteps of Shaitan | Mufti Menk Ismail Ibn Musa Menk Video · youtube Tafseer - Surah Falaq & Naas (Mu'awidhatayn) - Introduction - Shaykh Yahya Ibrahim Yahya Ibrahim Video · youtube Tafseer - Surah Falaq & Naas (Mu'awidhatayn) - Introduction - Shaykh Yahya Ibrahim Yahya Ibrahim Video · youtube What Causes Divorce? Shaytaan Or Faulty Marriages? | Shaykh Yahya Ibrahim | Faith IQ Yahya Ibrahim Video · youtube What Causes Divorce? Shaytaan Or Faulty Marriages? | Shaykh Yahya Ibrahim | Faith IQ Yahya Ibrahim Video · youtube The Strategy of Satan by Nouman Ali Khan | 877-Why-Islam Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube The Strategy of Satan by Nouman Ali Khan | 877-Why-Islam Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube When The Devil Attacks Head On - Khutbah by Nouman Ali Khan Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube When The Devil Attacks Head On - Khutbah by Nouman Ali Khan Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube How The Devil Attacks From The Right - Khutbah by Nouman Ali Khan Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube How The Devil Attacks From The Right - Khutbah by Nouman Ali Khan Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube How Shaytan Will Rope You In - Khutbah by Nouman Ali Khan Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube How Shaytan Will Rope You In - Khutbah by Nouman Ali Khan Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube How The Devil Pulls Us Back - Khutbah by Nouman Ali Khan Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube How The Devil Pulls Us Back - Khutbah by Nouman Ali Khan Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube How Shaytan Works | Nouman Ali Khan | Traps of Shaitan | Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube How Shaytan Works | Nouman Ali Khan | Traps of Shaitan | Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube When Shaytaan Enters heart | Full Animated Lecture - Nouman Ali Khan Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube When Shaytaan Enters heart | Full Animated Lecture - Nouman Ali Khan Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube Tricks of Satan - Nouman Ali Khan - Quran Weekly Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube Tricks of Satan - Nouman Ali Khan - Quran Weekly Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube How Shaytaan Stops you from Quran | illustrated | Nouman Ali Khan | Subtitled Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube How Shaytaan Stops you from Quran | illustrated | Nouman Ali Khan | Subtitled Nouman Ali Khan Video · youtube dr zakir naik about shaitan Zakir Naik Video · youtube dr zakir naik about shaitan Zakir Naik Video · youtube WILL ALLAH FORGIVE IBLEES IF HE REPENTS? BY DR ZAKIR NAIK Dr Zakir Naik Video · youtube WILL ALLAH FORGIVE IBLEES IF HE REPENTS? BY DR ZAKIR NAIK Dr Zakir Naik Video · youtube Beware! of the 'Footsteps of the Devil' | by Dr Zakir Naik Dr Zakir Naik Video · youtube Beware! of the 'Footsteps of the Devil' | by Dr Zakir Naik Dr Zakir Naik Video · youtube Why do people commit sins if the devils are chained in Ramadhaan? by Dr Zakir Naik Dr Zakir Naik Video · youtube Why do people commit sins if the devils are chained in Ramadhaan? by Dr Zakir Naik Dr Zakir Naik Video · youtube How come Satan entered the paradise to dupe Adam and Eve(pbut)? Dr. Zakir Naik (Urdu) Dr Zakir Naik Video · youtube How come Satan entered the paradise to dupe Adam and Eve(pbut)? Dr. Zakir Naik (Urdu) Dr Zakir Naik Video · youtube The Evil Whisperers: A Tafsir of Surat al-Nas [Surah 114] XTRAS Video · youtube The Evil Whisperers: A Tafsir of Surat al-Nas [Surah 114] XTRAS Video · youtube Hijab Iqbal)Tafsir Al-Ikhlas - An-Nas Hijab Iqbal Audio lecture Hijab Iqbal)Tafsir Al-Ikhlas - An-Nas Hijab Iqbal Audio lecture Taimiyyah Zubair)Tafsir Al-Falaq 1-5 Al-Naas 1-6 Taimiyyah Zubair Audio lecture Taimiyyah Zubair)Tafsir Al-Falaq 1-5 Al-Naas 1-6 Taimiyyah Zubair Audio lecture Taimiyyah Zubair Al-Qadr - Al-Naas Taimiyyah Zubair Audio lecture Taimiyyah Zubair Al-Qadr - Al-Naas Taimiyyah Zubair Audio lecture Aisha Altaf 23C Al-Naas Aisha Altaf Audio lecture Aisha Altaf 23C Al-Naas Aisha Altaf Audio lecture Dr Israr Ahmed - Dr Israr Ahmed - Audio lecture Dr Israr Ahmed - Dr Israr Ahmed - Audio lecture

References

  1. Tafseer — Abdullah Yusuf
  2. Tafseer — Dr. Farooq Azam
  3. Tafseer — Ibn Abbas
  4. Tafseer — Jalalain
  5. Tafseer — Ma’arif Ul-Quran
  6. Tafseer — Mufti Taqi Usmani
  7. Tafseer — Shaikh Ashiq Ilahi
  8. Tafseer — Tafheem Ul-Quran
  9. Translation — Sahih International
  10. Hadith collections — 130 narrations from Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud and others (see Cross-references)
  11. Quranic cross-references — 18 parallel verses
  12. Linked articles — 10 long-form pieces

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