إِلَـٰهِ ٱلنَّاسِ 3
Translations
The God of mankind,
Transliteration
Ilāhi an-nās
Tafsir (Explanation)
This phrase means 'the God of mankind' and emphasizes Allah's universal lordship over all of humanity without exception. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi note that this reiterates the oneness of Allah as the sole deity deserving worship by all people, regardless of their status, nationality, or belief. The phrase follows the petition for refuge from the evil of the whisperer and establishes the authority and power of the One being invoked for protection.
Revelation Context
Surah An-Nas is one of the final surahs revealed in Mecca and serves as a comprehensive protection prayer (du'ā). This ayah contextualizes the invocation within the framework of Allah's absolute dominion over all humanity, making the plea for refuge universal and emphasizing that protection can only come from the Creator of all peoples.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari 5010 reports that the Prophet (ﷺ) would recite Surah An-Nas along with Al-Falaq and Al-Ikhlas as protective surahs, particularly in the evening. Additionally, various hadiths emphasize seeking refuge with Allah from the whispers of shaytan, which is the central theme of this surah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that Allah's protection and kingship extend over all of humanity, making Him the only source of refuge from spiritual harm and evil whispers. For modern readers, it reinforces that regardless of one's circumstances or isolation, turning to Allah with full awareness of His universal dominion brings comfort and security.