Surah An-Nas Warns about Evil Temptations

TEHRAN (IQNA) – Satan is a sworn enemy of mankind who always tries to lead people astray. But there are also some people who act like Satan and cause others to go astray.

 Surah An-Nas of the Holy Quran warns us to be vigilant against such individuals.

An-Nas is the 114^th and last Surah of the Quran that has 6 verses and is in the 30^th Juz. It is Makki and the 21^st Surah revealed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

Its name is An-Nas, meaning people and mankind, because the word an-Nas is mentioned five times in the Surah.

By reading this chapter, one seeks refuge in God from the temptations of Satan. God orders His Prophet (PBUH) to seek protection from Him against evil temptations.

 Quran interpreters believe that the first Nas mentioned in this chapter refers to people in general, while the second is about those attacked by temptations of jinn and people, and the third refers to those who tempt others (those who whisper into the hearts of men- Verse 5).

When someone faces an evil that he cannot confront, he would take refuge in a powerful person. God is the best refuge as He is the one who fulfills mankind’s needs. He has power. He is the one who must be worshipped. And He is the King of the world and all creatures.

So when someone faces a problem or adversity in life, he should take refuge in God and ask Him for help.

In Surah An-Nas, Satan is described as Waswas al-Khannas (the slinking whisperer). Quran interpreters say that Satan is always whispering temptations into the hearts of people except for the times they remember God. When they remember God, Satan retreats and as soon as they forget God, he comes forward and resumes his temptations.

This Surah also talks about groups who induce temptation into the hearts of mankind, and these groups can be people or jinn (Verse 6). So according to this verse, some individuals have gone astray so much that they have the power to lead others astray as well and they are as dangerous as Satan.