Al Nas Surah is the 114th and final chapter of the Holy Qur’an. It is part of the Mu‘awwidhatayn—two chapters revealed for seeking refuge in Allah (the other being Surah Al-Falaq). These two surahs are often recited together as protection against all forms of evil—both visible and invisible.

Basic Information:

• Arabic Name: An-Nās (النَّاسِ)
• English Meaning: The People
• Place of Revelation: Makkah
• Number of Verses: 6
• Juz: 30 (Part 30 of the Qur’an)

The word “Nas” means mankind, and this surah emphasizes seeking refuge in Allah from the evil that affects humans, especially the whisperings of Shaytan (Satan).

Transliteration:

• Qul a‘ūdhu bi-Rabbi n-nās
• Maliki n-nās
• Ilāhi n-nās
• Min sharri l-waswāsi l-khannās
• Alladhī yuwaswisu fī ṣudūri n-nās
• Mina l-jinnati wa n-nās

Transliteration of Surah Nas:

• Qul a‘ūdhu bi-Rabbi n-nās
• Maliki n-nās
• Ilāhi n-nās
• Min sharri l-waswāsi l-khannās
• Alladhī yuwaswisu fī ṣudūri n-nās
• Mina l-jinnati wa n-nās

Meaning and Message of Surah An-Nas

Al Nas Surah in English teaches us to seek complete protection from Allah alone. The chapter begins with three attributes of Allah — Lord (Rabb), King (Malik), and God (Ilah) — emphasizing His total authority over creation. Each verse calls the believer to recognize Allah as the only refuge and protector.

The surah addresses a specific kind of danger: the whispering of Shaytan. These whispers may appear as doubts, temptations, or inner confusion. They are subtle and persistent, designed to mislead believers. Surah An-Nas reminds us that only Allah can protect us from these invisible spiritual harms.

Verse-by-Verse Insight:

1. “Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind”
   We begin by acknowledging that Allah is the Rabb—the One who nurtures, sustains, and guides humanity.
2. “The Sovereign of mankind”
   Allah alone has ownership and control over everything. No one else holds real authority.
3. “The God of mankind”
   He alone deserves worship. We submit to Him, not to our desires or worldly influences.
4. “From the evil of the whisperer who withdraws”
   Shaytan whispers evil thoughts but retreats when one remembers Allah.

5–6. “Who whispers in the hearts of mankind, from among jinn and mankind.”
Evil influences can come from both unseen beings (jinn) and people who misguide others.

Why You Should Recite Surah Nas Regularly

Surah An-Nas is short but incredibly powerful. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) often recited it for protection and encouraged the same for all Muslims.

1. Protection from Evil and Harm

The surah acts as a spiritual shield against the whisperings of Shaytan, jealousy, envy, and negative thoughts. It fortifies your mind and heart with remembrance of Allah. Muslims can Also recite Ayatul Kursi for protection from Evil Eyes.

2. Strengthens Your Faith

When you recite Surah Nas with understanding, you reaffirm your trust in Allah as your Lord, King, and God — reinforcing tawheed (the oneness of Allah).

3. Daily Spiritual Cleansing

Regular recitation cleanses your heart from internal whisperings and keeps your thoughts aligned with righteousness and positivity.

4. Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ

It is reported that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ recited Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas every night before sleeping, and he would blow over his hands and wipe his body with them. (Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)

5. A Source of Peace and Calm

In moments of anxiety or fear, reciting Surah Nas helps calm the heart and restore a sense of peace. It reminds you that Allah is in control of everything.

How to Recite Surah Nas with Transliteration?

For non-Arabic speakers, transliteration is a helpful bridge to correct pronunciation. Here are a few tips:

1. Listen and Repeat:
   Find a trusted Qur’an reciter (Qari) — such as Mishary Rashid Alafasy or Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais — and repeat each verse using the transliteration provided above.
2. Focus on Pronunciation:
   Pay attention to Arabic letters that don’t exist in English, like ‘ayn (ع) and khā (خ). Transliteration gives a guide, but listening improves accuracy.
3. Understand While Reciting:
   When you understand the meaning, your heart connects more deeply with your recitation.
4. Recite in Morning and Evening Adhkar:
   Recite Surah Nas as part of your daily morning and evening remembrance (adhkar) to begin and end your day with Allah’s protection.

Surah Nas Transliteration for Children and Beginners

Children and new learners often struggle with Arabic pronunciation. Transliteration provides an accessible way to start learning. Parents can teach their kids Surah Nas by:

• Reciting one verse at a time and having them repeat after them.
• Displaying the transliteration and translation together for better understanding.
• Explaining the meaning in simple words: that Allah protects us from bad thoughts and whisperings.

This early practice instills a sense of spiritual protection and a habit of daily remembrance in young hearts.

When to Recite Surah Nas

You can recite Surah Nas anytime, but there are specific occasions when it is especially recommended:

1. Before Sleeping:
   Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to recite Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas before sleeping.
2. After Salah (Prayer):
   Reciting it after obligatory prayers adds extra protection for the day.
3. Morning & Evening:
   Part of the adhkar (daily remembrance) routine for protection throughout the day and night.
4. During Fear or Anxiety:
   When feeling uneasy or spiritually weak, recite it to seek comfort and peace.
5. For Protection of Family and Home:
   Reciting it regularly over your children or loved ones invokes Allah’s protection upon them.

Spiritual Lessons from Surah An-Nas

1. Only Allah Can Protect You:
   No power, charm, or person can safeguard you better than Allah Himself.
2. Awareness of Inner Whisperings:
   The real battle begins within the heart. Surah Nas trains believers to recognize and resist harmful thoughts.
3. Reliance on Allah’s Sovereignty:
   By invoking Allah through His attributes—Rabb, Malik, and Ilah—we reaffirm that He alone governs all affairs.
4. Unity of Humanity:
   The surah addresses “mankind” as a whole, reminding us of our shared vulnerability and need for divine help.

Surah Nas in the Prophet’s (ﷺ) Sunnah

It is narrated that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Recite Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas three times in the morning and three times in the evening; they will suffice you in all respects.”
(Tirmidhi) This Hadith emphasizes the comprehensive protection these short surahs provide when recited with faith and consistency.