Surah An-Naas and Seeking Allah’s Refuge
One of the beauties of the Quran is its ability to convey the most complex concepts in a simple and concise language, making it accessible to even those with basic understanding. In this Surah, we aim to understand two fundamental questions.
What does it mean when we seek Allah’s refuge?
How does Allah’s refuge work when granted to an individual?
In Surah An-Naas, Allah teaches us to seek His protection by calling upon three of His attributive names. These names are significant in their respective actions. The noteworthy point is that Allah urges us to invoke these three names to seek protection from one single evil. This emphasizes the gravity and danger of the evil we are being warned against, necessitating refuge through Allah’s three attributes.
Note: In Surah Al-Falaq, Allah mentions one attribute and teaches us to seek refuge from all evils, including envy and witchcraft. Here, in Surah An-Naas, we are taught to seek refuge from one evil using three attributes. This is intriguing. The evils mentioned in Surah Al-Falaq are external, like envy and witchcraft, attacking from outside. However, the evil in Surah An-Naas is internal, attacking from within, centered in the heart and mind. When the human thought process is disrupted, all actions and behaviors are affected. A well-functioning mind leads to good actions and behaviors.
After understanding these key points, let’s briefly discuss the actions and behaviors that are pivotal to human thought. These influence the foundation of anyone’s thinking process.
This Surah emphasizes living life according to divine commands and following Allah’s guidance.
Three Attributive Names
1. Rabb (Lord):
Allah says, “I am the Lord.” Rabb means the one who provides our basic needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter. This title signifies Allah as the greatest provider and sustainer. This attribute is mentioned because, contrary to this, capitalist and socialist systems often claim to fulfill people’s needs and consider themselves as “lords.” These man-made systems enslave people through the fear of hunger. The propagators of these systems constantly preach that the system is the ultimate provider. When these systems were not there, people were slaves to kings and religious figures, with religion being seen as an opiate that numbs minds. Capitalists claim that since wealth can buy everything, they are the lords. Socialists argue that capitalists enslave people through money, promising equal distribution of bread, clothing, and shelter. An ordinary person, constantly hearing such debates, becomes so confused that they lose sight of the true Rabb and start believing in these human-made systems. Therefore, Allah’s attribute of Lordship is emphasized first in this Surah, urging believers to seek refuge with their true Lord.
2. Malik (King):
Allah’s second attributive name is “Malik,” signifying His sovereignty and control over all creations. Unlike worldly rulers and systems that claim power over others, Allah’s reign is perfect and just. This attribute holds great significance and is particularly mentioned in this Surah. Human history has witnessed various forms of governance and monarchies. Even now, under the guise of democracy, absurd, corrupt, and mentally unstable individuals govern the world. For instance, the self-proclaimed global power, the USA, has Joe Biden as its president, an 82-year-old suffering from memory loss, while Israel’s Netanyahu justifies killing children in Gaza, claiming they would become terrorists. Many world leaders, including those engaging in homosexual relationships, govern while others are ignorant and proud of their lack of education. Despite various political ideologies, including capitalist and socialist states, promising peace and prosperity, they all fall short. Real sovereignty and justice come from Allah alone.
3. Ilah (God):
Lastly, Allah refers to Himself as “Ilah,” the true deity to be worshipped and obeyed. Atheists and secular individuals often deny any deity’s existence, considering human intellect and systems as supreme. They reject the need for divine guidance. This Surah reminds us that only Allah is worthy of worship and true guidance comes from Him alone. Capitalism, with its emphasis on wealth, positions money as the deity, making people worship it. Socialism, on the other hand, claims that human salvation lies in equality, positioning the system as a deity. Both claims have led humanity to despair, as people have become more troubled and lonely. The root cause is human-made deities, corrupting human thoughts and enslaving desires. By following these false deities, humanity has reached a state of chaos and bloodshed. Allah, therefore, instructs seeking refuge in the true deity.
What is a Whisper and Doubt?
A whisper is a misleading thought repeatedly introduced into a person’s heart until they are convinced and it becomes firm. Hence, Allah describes it as an evil from which seeking refuge is crucial. Since it is an internal act, invisible yet completely destructive to human life, it diverts a person from their purpose and indulges them in trivialities. Before discussing the whisper, Allah mentions its sources, revealing the deceptive “lords,” rulers, and deities who govern through fear and false divinity.
The Center of Whisper – How It Arises?
Allah uses the term “Sadoor,” which in Arabic means the chest, encompassing the mind, heart, and leaders. By using the plural form “Sadoor,” Allah integrates all three meanings – the human mind, chest, and leaders. Whispers grow and are cultivated within these areas, done by humans and jinn, who operate covertly. Hidden means working unnoticed, like a writer repeatedly emphasizing that money is everything, or a speaker continually teaching skills to avoid hunger. By focusing solely on material success, they divert from the true Lord, causing confusion and misguidance.
How Worldly Systems Deceive Humanity?
Worldly systems, whether capitalist, socialist, or secular, often present themselves as the ultimate providers and protectors. They claim to address human needs and problems, positioning themselves as divine substitutes.
- Capitalism: Claims that economic growth and market principles provide food and necessities. Their focus is money, considering it the ultimate lord, master, and deity. They neglect the poor and marginalized.
- Socialism: Promises resource distribution through equality and state control. Despite its aim for equality, it can be oppressive and limit individual freedom.
- Secular and Atheist Ideologies: Deny any divine power, relying solely on human intellect and governance. They lead to moral relativism and confusion.
These systems, focusing on material gains and human intellect, fail to provide true peace and contentment, leading to widespread despair and isolation.
Seeking Allah’s Refuge
Seeking Allah’s refuge means aligning with His system, protecting oneself from false claims of lordship, kingship, and divinity. It involves recognizing Allah as the ultimate provider, ruler, and deity, and following His divine guidance to ensure well-being and fulfillment.
Conclusion
Surah An-Naas teaches us to seek refuge in Allah, recognizing Him as our Lord, King, and God. It emphasizes living according to His commands and avoiding the deceptive promises of worldly systems. By trusting in Allah and adhering to His divine principles, we achieve true peace and tranquility, free from the false fears and misguidance propagated by capitalist, socialist, and secular ideologies.
