among humans, jinn, and animals. Thus, one seeks refuge with their Creator from the evil found in them. After this general statement, He specifies particular evils, saying: “And from the evil of the night when it grows dark”—that is, from the evil that occurs at night, when it envelops people and many evil spirits and harmful animals spread abroad; “and from the evil of those who blow upon knots”—that is, sorceresses who employ the blowing upon knots to perform their sorcery; “and from the evil of an envier when he envies.” An envier is someone who wishes for a blessing to be taken away from the person who possesses it. This includes one who casts the evil eye, for the evil eye arises only from a form of envy. Thus, this noble surah contains the seeking of refuge from every evil, both generally and specifically.

Surat al-Nās contains the seeking of refuge with the Lord of mankind, their Sovereign and their God, from the accursed Satan, who is the root and substance of every evil and the basis of its emergence and spread.1

A Muslim should therefore be diligent in reciting these three surahs every night upon retiring to bed, in the manner practiced by the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—so that he may thereby receive Allah’s protection, care, and sufficiency, and sleep with his mind at ease. Success is through Allah.