The Holy Quran is the ultimate miracle of Allah (SWT). It is much more than a book of guidance and commandments. The Holy Book is full of wisdom, historical events, and future predictions. It satiates the human need for knowledge by relaying information that Allah (SWT) has decided to reveal to us.
It also contains information that needs to be deciphered and may require extensive study of history, sociology, psychology, and the Arabic language to be understood. Some aspects of the Holy Quran remain concealed and confound all scholars and ordinary people alike. This is the case with the Huroof-e-Muqata’at, the true nature of which is with Allah Almighty (SWT) alone.
The Holy Quran was revealed over a twenty-three-year period. It contains 114 chapters, or Surahs, and comprises 6,236 verses, excluding basmala (Tasmiyyah). Every word of the Holy Quran has been preserved in exactly the order Allah (SWT) had commanded the Holy Prophet (SAW) to compile it.
For a text to be passed down through an oral tradition and remain unchanged for over 1400 years is unprecedented. It is a testament to the fact that the Holy Quran is a miraculous book from Allah (SWT).
Surah Al-Nas-The Last Chapter of the Holy Quran
The Holy Quran concludes with Surah Al-Nas, which means ‘the mankind.’ Revealed to the Holy Prophet (SAW) in Makkah, this last chapter of the Holy Book contains just six verses. The surah is preceded by Surah Al-Falaq (The Dawn). Collectively, the two surahs are referred to as Al-Mu’awwidhatayn (the two protectors).
The chapter follows a wonderful structure. Every verse except for the fourth verse ends with the word ‘Nas,’ meaning ‘mankind.’ There is a rhythmic quality that makes it easy to recite and memorize.
Aside from the ease of recitation, the subject matter of the surah is simple yet poignant. The first three verses praise Allah (SWT). This is followed by the verses that mention the evil machinations of the devil, who is adamant about leading the believers astray. Protection is being sought from Allah Almighty (SWT).
This is why Surah Al-Nas is used to gain Allah’s (SWT) refuge from all kinds of problems, especially the harm caused by unseen forces like jinn.
Meaning Behind the Verses
When we examine the chapter verse by verse, it is apparent how it works to protect us. The surah is in the form of a supplication to Allah (SWT). It begins with Allah (SWT) telling us to recite the words that make up the rest of the surah. We are told to seek Allah’s (SWT) protection and the first three verses emphasize His power, authority, and oneness.
The fourth verse mentioned what we are seeking protection against, that is, the incitements of the Shaytan, who is determined to lead us away from the straight path. The fifth verse indicates how the devil provokes us by getting into our hearts and minds. The manipulations of the devil are unseen and inconspicuous, making them hard to resist and combat.
The final verse concludes by letting us know the source of these manipulations. They may be from a hidden source, that is, jinn, or from a visible source, that is, people. This last verse highlights how sometimes we get astray not by some supernatural powers that Jinn possesses but by the words and actions of those around us.
Our family and friends are a major influence on our lives. This makes resisting their suggestions even more hard. So, protection is requested from Allah (SWT) to strengthen our belief so no one sways us.
How Surah Al-Nas Provides Protection
Here is why we should incorporate Surah Al-Nas in our daily routine to seek refuge from Allah (SWT):
⦁ Allah’s (SWT) Protection Against Evil
The last chapter of the Holy Quran, along with the second last chapter, is known as Al-Mu’awwidhatayn collectively. These are the verses of seeking refuge from Allah (SWT) because the devil is an open enemy of mankind. Elsewhere in the Holy Quran, Allah (SWT) says:
“Tell my creatures only to speak good words. Verily Satan sows dissentions: Satan is indeed the acknowledged enemy of mankind.” [17:53]
Satan is fully committed to making mankind defy Allah (SWT). It is for this purpose that he targets the believers, making it hard for us to follow the commands of Allah (SWT). Surah Al-Nas is a supplication to Allah (SWT) to help us and strengthen our faith so we can resist the temptations that arise in our hearts and minds.
⦁ Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (SAW)
The Holy Prophet (SAW) used to recite the surah daily, as reported by Hazrat Aisha (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا) in the following tradition:
“Whenever Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) went to bed, he used to blow on his hands while reciting the Mu’auwidhat (i.e., Suratal-Falaq 113 and Surat-an-Nas 114) and then pass his hands over his body.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, Book 75,Hadith 331]
There is also an incident where the Holy Prophet (SAW) was affected by black magic. A Jewish woman had cast a spell on the Holy Prophet (SAW), resulting in him getting severely ill. It was at this time that Allah (SWT) commanded the holy Prophet (SAW) to recite Al-Mu’awwidhatayn.
Together, Surah Al-Nas and Surah Al-Falaq made the black magic cast on the Holy Prophet (SAW) ineffectual. This is why Al-Mu’awwidhatayn is recited as ruqqiya as an antidote to magic or jinn possession. The effectiveness of Surah Al-Nas and Surah Al-Falaq is proven by the life of the Holy Prophet (SAW) himself.
⦁ Comforts the Soul and the Mind
The surah provides safety and protection against the forces of evil, both seen and unseen. It comforts the heart and the soul. Reciting the surah daily provides peace and strengthens our faith. Allah (SWT) listens to the believers and gives us the power to resist Satan.
It is easier to stay on the straight path when our faith is strong. Invoking Allah (SWT) for His protection ensures we are strong in our belief. It relieves us of the mental conflict we face when tempted by worldly things which makes us more at ease and gives us peace of mind.
Protecting Our Faith
As Muslims, we believe that this life is nothing but a test. It is a temporary abode and we must not give in to the enticements of this world if we are to succeed in the Hereafter. Satan, on the other hand, is driven by the goal to make as many people as possible defy Allah (SWT).
We must have strength in our faith and ask for Allah’s (SWT) help in every way because He alone is the Protector against evil. Whatever form evil takes, seen or unseen, the best shield against it is Allah’s (SWT) protection. Reciting Surah Al-Nas and Surah Al-Falaq consistently is a way of invoking Allah’s (SWT) protection.
