سُوْرَةُ النَّاسِ
Surah An-Naas (114) — Ayah 6
مِنَ ٱلْجِنَّةِ وَٱلنَّاسِ ﴿6﴾
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
"Of jinn and men."
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
مِنَ
mina
From
ٱلْجِنَّةِ
l-jinati
the jinn
وَٱلنَّاسِ
wal-nāsi
and men
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
(Ayah 6){ مِنَ الْجِنَّةِ وَ النَّاسِ:} The devils who cast whispers into the hearts of people are both from among the jinn and from among humans. Allah the Exalted said: «وَ كَذٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَا لِكُلِّ نَبِيٍّ عَدُوًّا شَيٰطِيْنَ الْاِنْسِ وَ الْجِنِّ يُوْحِيْ بَعْضُهُمْ اِلٰى بَعْضٍ زُخْرُفَ الْقَوْلِ غُرُوْرًا » [ الأنعام : ۱۱۲ ] “And thus We have made for every prophet an enemy—devils from mankind and jinn—some of them inspiring to others decorative speech in delusion.” Allah the Exalted has appointed for every person a jinn devil and an angel; the devil’s task is to cast evil whispers, and the angel’s task is to inspire goodness. Abdullah bin Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: [ مَا مِنْكُمْ مِّنْ أَحَدٍ إِلَّا وَقَدْ وَكَّلَ اللّٰهُ بِهِ قَرِيْنَهُ مِنَ الْجِنِّ، قَالُوْا وَ إِيَّاكَ يَا رَسُوْلَ اللّٰهِ!؟ قَالَ وَ إِيَّايَ إِلَّا أَنَّ اللّٰهَ أَعَانَنِيْ عَلَيْهِ فَأَسْلَمَ فَلَا يَأْمُرُنِيْ إِلَّا بِخَيْرٍ ] [ مسلم، صفۃ القیامۃ، باب تحریش الشیطان… : ۲۸۱۴ ] “For every one of you, Allah has appointed a companion from among the jinn.” The Companions asked: “O Messenger of Allah! Even for you?” He said: “Yes, even for me, but Allah has helped me against him, so he has submitted, and he does not command me except with good.” In this same hadith in Sahih Muslim, it is narrated from Sufyan with these words: [ وَقَدْ وُكِّلَ بِهِ قَرِيْنُهُ مِنَ الْجِنِّ وَ قَرِيْنُهُ مِنَ الْمَلاَئِكَةِ ] [ مسلم، صفۃ القیامۃ، باب تحریش الشیطان… : ۲۸۱۴ ] “(For every person) a companion from among the jinn and a companion from among the angels has been appointed.” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said to two Ansari Companions: [ إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ يَجْرِيْ مِنَ الْإِنْسَانِ مَجْرَی الدَّمِ، وَ إِنِّيْ خَشِيْتُ أَنْ يَّقْذِفَ فِيْ قُلُوْبِكُمَا سُوْئًا أَوْ قَالَ شَيْئًا ] [ بخاري، بدء الخلق، باب صفۃ إبلیس و جنودہ : ۳۲۸۱ ] “The devil circulates in the human being like fear, and I feared that he might cast a whisper, or he said, something into your hearts.” The devil and his jinn tribe can cause mischief while remaining hidden from human sight, and they do so. (See Al-An’am: 27) As for the human devils, they cannot always attack in secret, but through their words and behavior, they cast whispers and sow the seeds of evil in the heart.
Apart from other whisperers, a person’s own soul also casts whispers. Its evil desires and bad deeds incite and provoke him toward evil. Allah the Exalted said: « وَ لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْاِنْسَانَ وَ نَعْلَمُ مَا تُوَسْوِسُ بِهٖ نَفْسُهٗ» [ قٓ : ۱۶ ] “And indeed, We created man and We know what his soul whispers to him.” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) used to say in his sermon: [ وَنَعُوْذُ بِاللّٰهِ مِنْ شُرُوْرِ أَنْفُسِنَا وَمِنْ سَيِّآتِ أَعْمَالِنَا ] [ ابن ماجہ، النکاح، باب خطبۃ النکاح : ۱۸۹۲۔ ترمذي : ۱۱۰۵، وصححہ الألباني ] “And we seek refuge with Allah from the evils of our souls and from the evils of our deeds.” From all these whisperers, whether they are devils from among the jinn, devils from among humans, or a person’s own soul, one should seek refuge with Allah the Exalted, for He alone can protect from their evil.
Apart from other whisperers, a person’s own soul also casts whispers. Its evil desires and bad deeds incite and provoke him toward evil. Allah the Exalted said: « وَ لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْاِنْسَانَ وَ نَعْلَمُ مَا تُوَسْوِسُ بِهٖ نَفْسُهٗ» [ قٓ : ۱۶ ] “And indeed, We created man and We know what his soul whispers to him.” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) used to say in his sermon: [ وَنَعُوْذُ بِاللّٰهِ مِنْ شُرُوْرِ أَنْفُسِنَا وَمِنْ سَيِّآتِ أَعْمَالِنَا ] [ ابن ماجہ، النکاح، باب خطبۃ النکاح : ۱۸۹۲۔ ترمذي : ۱۱۰۵، وصححہ الألباني ] “And we seek refuge with Allah from the evils of our souls and from the evils of our deeds.” From all these whisperers, whether they are devils from among the jinn, devils from among humans, or a person’s own soul, one should seek refuge with Allah the Exalted, for He alone can protect from their evil.
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
6. 1. There are two types of those who cast whispers: as for the devils from among the jinn, Allah Almighty has given them the power to mislead humans. In addition, every human has a devil as his companion who keeps misleading him. Thus, it is mentioned in the hadith that when the Prophet ﷺ said this, the noble companions asked, "O Messenger of Allah! Is he with you as well?" The Prophet ﷺ replied, "Yes, he is with me too, but Allah has helped me against him, and he has become obedient to me; he does not command me except for good." (Sahih Muslim) Similarly, it is mentioned in the hadith that the Prophet ﷺ was observing i'tikaf when his purified wife, Lady Safiyyah (may Allah be pleased with her), came to meet him. It was nighttime, and the Prophet ﷺ went with her to see her off. On the way, two Ansari companions passed by, so the Prophet ﷺ called them and said, "This is my wife, Safiyyah bint Huyayy." They said, "O Messenger of Allah ﷺ, how could we think ill of you?" The Prophet ﷺ said, "That is correct, but Satan flows through the veins of man like fear. I feared that he might cast some doubt into your hearts." (Sahih Bukhari) The other devils are from among humans, who, in the guise of well-wishers and sympathizers, encourage people towards misguidance. Some say that the devil misleads both types, meaning the devil misleads both humans and jinn. The mention of only humans is for predominance, otherwise, jinn are also among those misled by the whispers of the devil. And some say that the word "رجال" (men) has also been used in the Quran for jinn (وَّاَنَّهٗ كَانَ رِجَالٌ مِّنَ الْاِنْسِ يَعُوْذُوْنَ بِرِجَالٍ مِّنَ الْجِنِّ فَزَادُوْهُمْ رَهَقًا ۙ) 72. Al-Jinn:6), therefore, they are also included in the meaning of "nas" (mankind).
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
6. Whether he be from among the jinn [3] or mankind.
[3]
Shaytan Can Also Be the Human Self That Casts Whisperings:
﴿اَلجِنَّةُ﴾ Besides humans, the other accountable creation is the jinn. Among the jinn, some are righteous and pious, while others are wicked, harmful, and of bad character. This second type is called shaytan. Then, the term shaytan began to be applied to every harmful thing, rebellious and disobedient, whether human, jinn, or any animal. For example, a snake is called shaytan and jinn and jann [27: 10] because of its harmfulness. Then, these shayatin or ﴿خناس﴾ are not only jinn and humans, but a person's own self also keeps casting whisperings. As it is said: ﴿وَنَعْلَمُ مَا تُوَسْوِسُ بِهٖ نَفْسُهٗ﴾ [50: 16] Thus, once you ﷺ were observing i'tikaf in Masjid Nabawi when your honorable wife Safiyyah bint Huyayy came to meet you ﷺ at night. You ﷺ went with her to bid her farewell. On the way, two Ansari men met you. You ﷺ called them and said, "This is my wife Safiyyah bint Huyayy." They said, ﴿’سبحان الله‘﴾ (i.e., who can doubt you ﷺ?) You ﷺ said: ﴿ان الشيطان يجري من ابن اٰدم مجري الدم﴾ [بخاری، کتاب الاحکام۔ باب الشھادۃ تکون عند الحاکم۔۔]
That is, shaytan runs in every human like blood. According to this hadith as well, a person's own self is also called shaytan. Also, these well-known words from your ﷺ prescribed sermon are: ﴿وَنَعُوْذُ باللّٰهِ مِنْ شُرُوْرِ أنْفُسِنَا﴾ That is, we seek Allah's refuge from the evils and whisperings of our own selves.
Blowing and Rubbing With the Mu'awwidhat Is Sunnah:
It has already been written that Surah al-Falaq and Surah an-Nas are called the Mu'awwidhatayn, and if Surah Ikhlas is also included with them, they are called the Mu'awwidhat. And it was your ﷺ practice that you would often recite these surahs, then blow on your hands and wipe your hands over your face and body, as is also clear from the following hadith. Sayyidah Aisha ؓ narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, during his final illness, would recite the Mu'awwidhat and blow over himself. Then, when his illness became severe, I would recite the Mu'awwidhat and blow over him ﷺ, and instead of my own hand, for the sake of blessing, I would use his own hand to wipe over his body. Mu'ammar said: I asked Zuhri (both are narrators of this hadith) how he ﷺ would blow. He said: He would blow on both hands and then wipe them over his face. [بخاری۔ کتاب الطب و المرضیٰ۔ باب الرقی بالقرآن والمعوذات]
Writing and Drinking or Hanging Amulets Is All Unlawful and an Innovation:
It should be clear that the Sunnah method regarding blowing and rubbing is only that some verse or verses of the Quran or prescribed supplications are recited and blown over the patient. All other methods that are common nowadays, such as writing some text or making boxes and writing numbers in them to make an amulet and hanging it around the neck, or dissolving it in water and drinking it, or tying it on the arm or thigh, are all unlawful. In fact, even if Quranic verses or prescribed supplications are written, in which there is not even a hint of shirk, even then this is against the Sunnah, an innovation, and unlawful. And we call them innovation and unlawful because if the Messenger of Allah ﷺ considered writing or having amulets written in this way to be good, he could have had them written in his time as well, and there was nothing to prevent it. Therefore, all such methods are unlawful, against the Sunnah, and fall under the definition of innovation. By the grace and mercy of Allah Almighty, the fourth volume is complete and this tafsir of the Noble Quran, "Tayseer al-Quran," is finished.
[3]
Shaytan Can Also Be the Human Self That Casts Whisperings:
﴿اَلجِنَّةُ﴾ Besides humans, the other accountable creation is the jinn. Among the jinn, some are righteous and pious, while others are wicked, harmful, and of bad character. This second type is called shaytan. Then, the term shaytan began to be applied to every harmful thing, rebellious and disobedient, whether human, jinn, or any animal. For example, a snake is called shaytan and jinn and jann [27: 10] because of its harmfulness. Then, these shayatin or ﴿خناس﴾ are not only jinn and humans, but a person's own self also keeps casting whisperings. As it is said: ﴿وَنَعْلَمُ مَا تُوَسْوِسُ بِهٖ نَفْسُهٗ﴾ [50: 16] Thus, once you ﷺ were observing i'tikaf in Masjid Nabawi when your honorable wife Safiyyah bint Huyayy came to meet you ﷺ at night. You ﷺ went with her to bid her farewell. On the way, two Ansari men met you. You ﷺ called them and said, "This is my wife Safiyyah bint Huyayy." They said, ﴿’سبحان الله‘﴾ (i.e., who can doubt you ﷺ?) You ﷺ said: ﴿ان الشيطان يجري من ابن اٰدم مجري الدم﴾ [بخاری، کتاب الاحکام۔ باب الشھادۃ تکون عند الحاکم۔۔]
That is, shaytan runs in every human like blood. According to this hadith as well, a person's own self is also called shaytan. Also, these well-known words from your ﷺ prescribed sermon are: ﴿وَنَعُوْذُ باللّٰهِ مِنْ شُرُوْرِ أنْفُسِنَا﴾ That is, we seek Allah's refuge from the evils and whisperings of our own selves.
Blowing and Rubbing With the Mu'awwidhat Is Sunnah:
It has already been written that Surah al-Falaq and Surah an-Nas are called the Mu'awwidhatayn, and if Surah Ikhlas is also included with them, they are called the Mu'awwidhat. And it was your ﷺ practice that you would often recite these surahs, then blow on your hands and wipe your hands over your face and body, as is also clear from the following hadith. Sayyidah Aisha ؓ narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, during his final illness, would recite the Mu'awwidhat and blow over himself. Then, when his illness became severe, I would recite the Mu'awwidhat and blow over him ﷺ, and instead of my own hand, for the sake of blessing, I would use his own hand to wipe over his body. Mu'ammar said: I asked Zuhri (both are narrators of this hadith) how he ﷺ would blow. He said: He would blow on both hands and then wipe them over his face. [بخاری۔ کتاب الطب و المرضیٰ۔ باب الرقی بالقرآن والمعوذات]
Writing and Drinking or Hanging Amulets Is All Unlawful and an Innovation:
It should be clear that the Sunnah method regarding blowing and rubbing is only that some verse or verses of the Quran or prescribed supplications are recited and blown over the patient. All other methods that are common nowadays, such as writing some text or making boxes and writing numbers in them to make an amulet and hanging it around the neck, or dissolving it in water and drinking it, or tying it on the arm or thigh, are all unlawful. In fact, even if Quranic verses or prescribed supplications are written, in which there is not even a hint of shirk, even then this is against the Sunnah, an innovation, and unlawful. And we call them innovation and unlawful because if the Messenger of Allah ﷺ considered writing or having amulets written in this way to be good, he could have had them written in his time as well, and there was nothing to prevent it. Therefore, all such methods are unlawful, against the Sunnah, and fall under the definition of innovation. By the grace and mercy of Allah Almighty, the fourth volume is complete and this tafsir of the Noble Quran, "Tayseer al-Quran," is finished.
