Sūratun-Nās (Chapter 114, Verses 1-3) – Basic 1 Islamic Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

Sūratun-Nās means “The People” or “Mankind”. It is Chapter 114, the last chapter of the Qur’an, and it has 6 verses. It is a Makki Sūrah, revealed in Makkah. Muslims recite it to seek Allah’s protection from evil. The first three verses name Allah as the Lord, King and God of mankind.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• state the meaning of Sūratun-Nās and its chapter number
• recite verses 1 to 3 of Sūratun-Nās
• give the meaning of each of the three verses
• name the three names of Allah in the Sūrah
• say when Muslims recite Sūratun-Nās

What is Sūratun-Nās?

Sūratun-Nās means “The People” or “Mankind”.

Important facts

• It is Chapter 114, the last chapter of the Qur’an.
• It has 6 verses.
• It is a Makki Sūrah (revealed in Makkah).
• We recite it for protection from evil.

Why is it called “An-Nās”?

• نَاس (Nās) means “people” or “mankind”.
• The Sūrah talks about seeking protection from evil among people.

What are the first three verses of Sūratun-Nās?

Verse 1

Arabic: قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ ٱلنَّاسِ

Transliteration: Qul a’udhu bi-Rabbin-nas

Word-by-word:

• قُلْ (Qul) = Say
• أَعُوذُ (A’udhu) = I seek refuge/protection
• بِرَبِّ (bi-Rabbi) = in the Lord
• ٱلنَّاسِ (an-nas) = of mankind

Meaning: Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind.

Explanation:

• Allah tells us to seek His protection.
• We seek refuge in the Lord who created all people.
• When we are scared or afraid, we run to Allah.

Verse 2

Arabic: مَلِكِ ٱلنَّاسِ

Transliteration: Malikin-nas

Word-by-word:

• مَلِكِ (Maliki) = King/Master
• ٱلنَّاسِ (an-nas) = of mankind

Meaning: The King of mankind.

Explanation:

• Allah is the King of all people.
• He rules over everyone.
• He is the Master and Owner of all mankind.

Verse 3

Arabic: إِلَٰهِ ٱلنَّاسِ

Transliteration: Ilahin-nas

Word-by-word:

• إِلَٰهِ (Ilahi) = God
• ٱلنَّاسِ (an-nas) = of mankind

Meaning: The God of mankind.

Explanation:

• Allah is the only true God of all people.
• Only He deserves to be worshipped.
• He is the God of everyone: past, present and future.

Read verses 1 to 3 together

قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ ٱلنَّاسِ مَلِكِ ٱلنَّاسِ إِلَٰهِ ٱلنَّاسِ

Notice the pattern: All three verses end with ٱلنَّاسِ (an-nas, mankind).

What are the three names of Allah in this Sūrah?

1. Rabb (رَبّ): Lord, Sustainer
2. Malik (مَلِك): King, Master
3. Ilah (إِلَٰه): God, Deity

Why these three names?

1. Rabb, the Lord

• He created us.
• He takes care of us.
• He provides for us.
• So we seek His protection.

2. Malik, the King

• He owns us.
• He has power over us.
• He controls everything.
• So we submit to Him.

3. Ilah, the God

• He is the only one worthy of worship.
• We worship only Him.
• He deserves all praise.
• So we turn to Him alone.

How do Muslims use Sūratun-Nās?

1. Protection from evil whispers (Waswas)

This Sūrah specifically protects against:

• Evil thoughts that come to our hearts
• Bad ideas from Shaytan (Satan)
• Whispers that make us doubt
• Negative thinking

2. Protection from evil people

The Sūrah protects us from:

• People who wish us harm
• Those who are jealous of us
• Those who want to hurt us
• Evil plans of others

3. Protection from jinn

• Protects from evil jinn
• Protects from their harm
• Keeps us safe from unseen evil

4. Morning and evening remembrance

The Prophet (SAW) used to recite:

• Sūratun-Nās
• Sūratul-Falaq
• Sūratul-Ikhlas
• Three times each in the morning and evening

The Prophet (SAW) said: “Recite them three times every morning and evening, and they will suffice you from everything.”

5. Before sleeping

• Recite these three Sūrahs.
• Blow into your hands.
• Wipe over your body.
• This protects you while you sleep.

6. When feeling scared

Recite this Sūrah when:

• You are afraid
• You feel something evil
• You are worried

7. Ruqyah (Islamic healing)

• Recited over sick people
• For spiritual healing
• To remove evil eye
• To break magic spells

When to recite Sūratun-Nās

• After every prayer
• Before going to sleep
• In the morning (3 times)
• In the evening (3 times)
• When feeling scared
• When you think bad thoughts
• When you feel someone is jealous of you
• Anytime you want Allah’s protection

How can students memorise verses 1 to 3?

Step 1: Learn verse 1

• قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ ٱلنَّاسِ
• Repeat 10 times.

Step 2: Learn verse 2

• مَلِكِ ٱلنَّاسِ
• It is easy. Just remember “King of mankind”.
• Repeat 10 times.

Step 3: Learn verse 3

• إِلَٰهِ ٱلنَّاسِ
• It is easy. Just remember “God of mankind”.
• Repeat 10 times.

Step 4: Say all three together

• Repeat 10 times.

Tip: All three verses end with “an-nas”, which makes them easier to remember.

Practice schedule

• Day 1: Memorise verse 1
• Day 2: Memorise verses 1 and 2
• Day 3: Memorise verses 1 to 3
• Day 4: Review and perfect
• Day 5: Recite to parents
• Days 6 and 7: Practise daily

Evaluation

1. Sūratun-Nās means _____.
   1. The Night
   2. The People
   3. The Light
2. Sūratun-Nās is Chapter _____.
   1. 1
   2. 113
   3. 114
3. “A’udhu” means _____.
   1. I seek refuge
   2. I eat
   3. I sleep
4. Sūratun-Nās has _____ verses.
   1. 3
   2. 6
   3. 9
5. We recite Sūratun-Nās for _____.
   1. fun
   2. protection from evil
   3. money

Assignment

1. Memorise verses 1 to 3 of Sūratun-Nās.
2. Recite them to your parents 5 times.
3. Say them before sleeping tonight.
4. Write the meaning of each verse.