ما الحكمة من تكرير كلمة (الناس) في سورة الناس؟

Answer:

Indeed, Allah Almighty possesses profound wisdom in the style and repetition within the Qur'an. Some later scholars have explored this repetition through research and study, offering well-reasoned and understandable interpretations.

Regarding His saying, "I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind" (Qur'an 114:1), the word "mankind" (الناس) is repeated five times. Al-Kermani mentioned several reasons for this, including:

1. For their glorification: It was repeated to glorify mankind. 2. Due to the separation of verses: It was repeated because each verse is distinct from the other, lacking a conjunction. 3. Varying meanings of "mankind": The first instance refers to: Children (suitable for "Lord of mankind"). The second instance refers to: Youth (suitable for "Sovereign of mankind"). The third instance refers to: Elders (suitable for "God of mankind"). The fourth instance refers to: The righteous and devout (because Satan tempts them). The fifth instance refers to: The corrupt and wicked (due to its conjunction with those from whom refuge is sought).

As for Ibn Ashour, he clarified the reason for defining "Lord" by its addition to "mankind" (الناس) by stating that the evil from which refuge is sought is directed towards mankind. Therefore, it is appropriate to invoke the One sought for refuge by the title that He is the Lord of those who inflict evil and those upon whom evil is inflicted. Moreover, Allah's attributes are arranged in a progressive order: Lord, then Sovereign, then God. This arrangement signifies the stages of contemplation in knowing Allah Almighty. Furthermore, the repetition of the word "mankind" in "Sovereign of mankind" and "God of mankind," instead of sufficing with its pronoun, is because apposition (bayan) necessitates explicit mention so that the clarified noun stands independently.