Protection
Surah an-Nas (seeking refuge with the Lord of mankind)
Surah an-Nas is the last surah of the Qur'an and, with al-Falaq, one of the two chapters of refuge (al-Mu'awwidhatayn). In it you seek refuge with Allah as Lord, King and God of mankind from the whisperer that draws people toward evil, whether jinn or human. Recite it morning and evening, before sleep, and whenever waswas (intrusive whispers) troubles your heart.
قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ ﴿١﴾ مَلِكِ النَّاسِ ﴿٢﴾ إِلَٰهِ النَّاسِ ﴿٣﴾ مِن شَرِّ الْوَسْوَاسِ الْخَنَّاسِ ﴿٤﴾ الَّذِي يُوَسْوِسُ فِي صُدُورِ النَّاسِ ﴿٥﴾ مِنَ الْجِنَّةِ وَالنَّاسِ ﴿٦﴾
Qul a'udhu bi-rabbin-nas. Malikin-nas. Ilahin-nas. Min sharril-waswasil-khannas. Alladhi yuwaswisu fi sudurin-nas. Minal-jinnati wan-nas.
Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind, the King of mankind, the God of mankind, from the evil of the retreating whisperer, who whispers into the chests of mankind, from among the jinn and mankind.
Authenticity: Qur'an, surah an-Nas (114), the entire surah.
Download image to shareWhen to say it
Morning and evening, before sleep, after the obligatory prayers, and against intrusive whispers (waswas).
How often
Three times each morning and evening, and once after each obligatory prayer (three times after Maghrib and Fajr per the sunnah of the adhkar).
Frequently asked
What is Surah an-Nas used for?
It is a surah of protection. In it you take refuge with Allah, the Lord, King and God of mankind, from the retreating whisperer (Shaytan) who casts evil suggestions into the heart. It is especially recited against waswas and, with al-Falaq, forms the two surahs of refuge.
How do I recite al-Mu'awwidhatayn morning and evening?
The Prophet ﷺ recited surah al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq and an-Nas three times each morning and evening, saying they suffice a person against everything (Abu Dawud 5082, at-Tirmidhi 3575, graded sound). He also blew into his hands with them and wiped over his body before sleep (al-Bukhari 5017).