Surah An-Nas (Mankind)

An-Nas means "Mankind" or "The People," taken from the surah's opening appeal to the Lord, Sovereign, and God of humanity.

Surah An-Nas ("Mankind") is the 114th and final surah of the Quran, a short Meccan chapter of 6 ayahs (though some scholars hold it to be Medinan). It is a prayer of refuge (isti'adhah) in which the believer takes shelter with Allah described by three attributes in relation to humanity: as their Lord (Rabb), their Sovereign King (Malik), and their God (Ilah). Having named the One in whom refuge is sought, the surah identifies what one seeks protection from: the recurring evil of the "whisperer who withdraws" (al-waswas al-khannas), the source of insinuating suggestions cast into human hearts, whether that source comes from among jinn or from among people. Together with the surah immediately before it, Al-Falaq (113), An-Nas forms a pair traditionally called the Mu'awwidhatayn — "the two [surahs] of seeking refuge." Its structure moves from the refuge to the threat, emphasizing reliance on Allah alone for protection of the heart against unseen temptation and doubt.

Surah number: 114
Revelation: Meccan
Ayahs: 6
Arabic: الناس

Read Surah An-Nas online — full Arabic text with the Pickthall English translation.

Main themes

Seeking refuge (isti'adhah) in Allah for protection
Allah's threefold relationship to humanity: Lord, Sovereign, and God
The whisperer (al-waswas al-khannas) as a spiritual threat
Insinuating temptation cast into the human heart
Evil originating from both jinn and human beings
Reliance on Allah alone for safeguarding the inner self

Why this surah matters

An-Nas closes the Quran as its final surah and, paired with Al-Falaq before it, makes up the Mu'awwidhatayn, the two chapters devoted to seeking Allah's protection. Traditionally these surahs hold a prominent place in Muslim daily practice: many Muslims recite them, often alongside Al-Ikhlas, as part of morning and evening remembrances, after the obligatory prayers, and before sleep — a practice widely reported in the prophetic tradition. An-Nas is commonly associated with seeking refuge from harmful whispers, doubt, and unseen influences, and is a familiar early memorization for children learning the Quran because of its brevity and clear structure.

Frequently asked questions

Is Surah An-Nas Meccan or Medinan?

It is most commonly classified as Meccan, though some scholars hold it to be Medinan. Both views appear in the traditional literature, so it is usually described as Meccan while noting the difference of opinion.

What are the Mu'awwidhatayn?

The Mu'awwidhatayn ("the two of seeking refuge") are the final two surahs of the Quran, Al-Falaq (113) and An-Nas (114). They are frequently recited together as prayers for protection.

How many verses does Surah An-Nas have?

Surah An-Nas has 6 ayahs. It is one of the shortest surahs in the Quran and among the first that many learners memorize.

Read Surah An-Nas

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