Quranic verse, translation and commentary at iSerat
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Surah An-Nas — Verse 6
مِنَ الْجِنَّةِ وَالنَّاسِ
From among jinn and human beings
The final verse identifies the possible sources of the whisperers: “from among jinn and human beings.” The Quran thus warns us that misleading suggestions do not come only from unseen beings. People, too, can lead others astray.
Here jinnah refers to the jinn, beings recognised in the Quran, while nas refers to human beings. Mentioning both groups does not mean that all jinn or all people are evil. The verse concerns those who try to mislead others through deception or tempting suggestions.
Human whispering can take many forms. Someone may make wrongdoing appear acceptable through pleasant words and an outward show of concern. Another may blend truth with falsehood until the distinction is difficult to see, or repeatedly treat an error as normal until others cease to recognise its seriousness. The suggestion can be especially influential when it comes from a person we trust.
This is why we should not attribute every danger of misguidance to invisible forces. Human speech and behaviour can also lead others towards wrongdoing. But this warning does not authorise suspicion of everyone around us. We should assess the truth and direction of a suggestion, not accuse people of being tempters without evidence.
The verse also reminds us of a responsibility in both directions. Just as we should remain alert to misleading influences from others, we must consider the effect of our own words and actions. Even without intending to, we may sometimes say something that leads another person away from what is right.
Surah An-Nas closes by leaving us with two important questions: Which suggestions do we accept into our lives? And where are we guiding others through our own speech and conduct?
The final verse identifies the possible sources of the whisperers: “from among jinn and human beings.” The Quran thus warns us that misleading suggestions do not come only from unseen beings. People, too, can lead others astray.
Here jinnah refers to the jinn, beings recognised in the Quran, while nas refers to human beings. Mentioning both groups does not mean that all jinn or all people are evil. The verse concerns those who try to mislead others through deception or tempting suggestions.
Human whispering can take many forms. Someone may make wrongdoing appear acceptable through pleasant words and an outward show of concern. Another may blend truth with falsehood until the distinction is difficult to see, or repeatedly treat an error as normal until others cease to recognise its seriousness. The suggestion can be especially influential when it comes from a person we trust.
This is why we should not attribute every danger of misguidance to invisible forces. Human speech and behaviour can also lead others towards wrongdoing. But this warning does not authorise suspicion of everyone around us. We should assess the truth and direction of a suggestion, not accuse people of being tempters without evidence.
The verse also reminds us of a responsibility in both directions. Just as we should remain alert to misleading influences from others, we must consider the effect of our own words and actions. Even without intending to, we may sometimes say something that leads another person away from what is right.
Surah An-Nas closes by leaving us with two important questions: Which suggestions do we accept into our lives? And where are we guiding others through our own speech and conduct?