خنس

Core meaning

To draw out of sight after showing oneself, only to return: to withdraw.

Uses

1. ٱلْخُنَّس → "that withdraw" : the stars that disappear and reappear.

   • «فَلَآ أُقْسِمُ بِٱلْخُنَّسِ» — "I swear by the withdrawing stars" (81:15)

2. ٱلْخَنَّاس → "who withdraws" : the whisperer who draws out of sight and returns into the chests.

   • «مِن شَرِّ ٱلْوَسْوَاسِ ٱلْخَنَّاسِ» — "from the ill of the whisperer who withdraws" (114:4)

Evidence from the text

Both uses describe a presence that alternates. In 81:15-16 the stars withdraw, run their courses and hide, then reappear: the oath bears on this regular return, as on the departing night and the breathing dawn. In 114:4 the same word qualifies the whisperer: he does not show himself face to face, he withdraws, and he returns to whisper into the chests.

The text does not say that he vanishes: it says that he draws out of sight, like the star that is not extinguished.

Distinctions

• كنس — to hide: the complete disappearance of the star, after it has withdrawn (81:16)

See also

وسوس (to whisper)