The Creation of Adam - Part 3
We stopped last time at the prostration of all the angels to Adam (AS) except Shaytan who refused to prostrate.
Before we start there are some questions:
* Is Shaytan a jinn or an angel?
"And (remember) when We said to the angels: ‘Prostrate yourselves before Adam.’ And they prostrated except Iblîs (Satan)". (TMQ, 2:34) (1).
It might be thought that Shaytan is an angel, but this is not true. The scholars have all agreed on that Shaytan is not an angel. After the creation of earth, the jinn inhabited it [entirely] until the angels drove them away to the islands and seas. Some of the jinn were evil, shedding blood and killing, while others obeyed Allah (SWT). Shaytan was one of those obedient jinn, hence, the angels took him to Heaven where he worshipped Allah (SWT) and he was completely devoted to Him; Shaytan left no place in Heaven where he did not prostrate to Allah (SWT). (Isra’iliyat) (2). However, deep inside him there was something impure, which Allah (SWT) knew well but kept it for a reason that only He knows.
Shaytan is not an angel and this can be proven in the Holy Qur’an, in Surat Al-Kahf (The Cave) through an undisputed verse, that can be translated as, “And (remember) when We said to the angels: "Prostrate yourselves unto Adam." So they prostrated themselves except Iblis (Satan). He was one of the jinn; he disobeyed the Command of his Lord.” (TMQ, 18:50).
* If Shaytan is a jinni, why was he ordered with the angels to prostrate?
Allah (SWT) ordered the angels and not the jinn, so why would Shaytan be punished for not prostrating? In fact, the order was directed to him. It is true that the order was given to the angels, but because he was in the company of the angels for a long time and he was living with them, Shaytan was also included [in this order].
When Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "What prevents you from prostrating yourself to one whom I have created with Both My Hands" (TMQ, 38:75). Shaytan did not reply "O Allah! You did not command me". He rather replied, "I am better than he." Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "What prevented you (O Iblis) that you did not prostrate yourself, when I commanded you?" (TMQ, 7:12), which proves that Allah (SWT) ordered him as well as He ordered the angels.
* Sometimes Allah (SWT) calls the devil "Iblis" and sometimes “Satan” (shaytan). Is he called Iblis or Satan? Or are the two names the same?
His real name is Iblis but the origin of the word "devil" (shaytan) in the Arabic language is (shaytan) that means “deviate or stray from”. Iblis deviated from Allah's (SWT) path; he strayed far from Allah's (SWT) commands, from obeying Him, from repentance and from Paradise (Jannah). This is why he is called "Shaytan". For that reason, the devil is called "Iblis" and is described as the devil "Shaytan". Hence, beware of devilish traits and of going astray from Allah's (SWT) commands, because this might lead you to carry the traits and characteristics of Shaytan.
* What is the difference between the word shayateen (devils, pl. of shaytan) and jinn?
Devils are the disobedient jinn: the disobedient, unbelieving, dissolute jinn are called shayateen. Therefore, every devil is a jinn but not every jinn is a devil.
* Why did Shaytan/Iblis refuse to prostrate to Adam (PBUH)?
His point of view is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, in Surat Al-A'raf (chapter of "The Heights"), can be translated as, "What prevented you (O Iblis) that you did not prostrate yourself, when I commanded you?" Iblis said: "I am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire, and him You created from clay." (Allah) said: "(O Iblis) get down from this (Paradise), it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out, for you are of those humiliated and disgraced." (TMQ, 7:12-13). The reason that Allah (SWT) has mentioned is Pride or Arrogance. In the chapter of Sad, Allah—be He Exalted and Glorified—says what can be translated as, "(Allah) said: "O Iblis! What prevents you from prostrating yourself to one whom I have created with Both My Hands. Are you too proud (to fall prostrate to Adam) or are you one of the high exalted?" (Iblis) said: "I am better than he. You created me from fire, and You created him from clay." (TMQ, 38:75-76). Therefore, whenever you feel that you are excessively proud of yourself, beware of this devilish trait. Arrogance was the first sin committed since Adam's (PBUH) creation; paradise is forbidden for the Arrogant. Allah (SWT) says to Shaytan, the first creature committing that sin, what can be translated as, "get down from this (Paradise), it is not for you to be arrogant here" (TMQ, 7:13). The Prophet (PBUH) says, "He who has in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of pride shall not enter Paradise.” (Muslim)
Following are the types of Arrogance. Try to discern if your heart carries any type of these or not.
The first type of Arrogance is being unjust with people; holding them in contempt, and oppressing them. I am afraid that a person might treat a servant at home this way; the leader or manager might do that with his employees; or the youth with people who are less fortunate or less intelligent. Showing contempt for people and belittling their social level represents a kind of arrogance.
The second type of Arrogance is strutting around [or showing off]. For example, when a woman walks in a way that shows off her beauty, and the one who wears a suit and feels that he is better than everybody. I do not mean we should not wear suits. The Prophet (PBUH) says, "Allah is beautiful and admires beauty" (Muslim). Hence, you can wear whatever you like but do not show off and think that people are lower than you. The Prophet (PBUH) says, "A man strutted around, wearing his long robe, and admiring himself a lot, and Allah caused the earth to sink with him, thus such the man is in torture until the Day of Judgment” (Bukhari, Muslim)
The third type of Arrogance is refusing to accept any advice and refusing to get back to the right path even if you know the way to it. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "And when it is said to him, "Fear Allah", he is led by arrogance to (more) crime. So enough for him is Hell, and worst indeed is that place to rest!" (TMQ, 2:206).
The fourth type of Arrogance is the love of having people humiliated and making them submit. Some husbands treat their wives this way and humiliate them. The Prophet (PBUH) says that such people have their places in Hell.
The fifth type of Arrogance is to stop praying. If one says, "I want to pray but I cannot", this is the major proof of his Pride. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "And your Lord said: "Invoke Me, I will respond to your (invocation). Verily! Those who scorn My worship they will surely enter Hell in humiliation!" (TMQ, 40:60). The person who demands nothing from Allah (SWT), and who stays one week without raising his hands asking Allah (SWT) to grant him what he needs is proud and arrogant.
Let’s go back to Shaytan’s excessive pride, which led him to think ignorantly. He says, addressing Allah (SWT), what can be translated as, "I am not one to prostrate myself to man, whom You did create from sounding clay, from mud molded into shape.” (TMQ, 15:33). His point of view is that fire is stronger and higher in status than clay, so how is it possible that the stronger and higher prostrates to the weaker and the lower? His pride rendered him blind in front of the truth. The nature of fire is burning, while the nature of clay is goodness, blessing and feeding people. The nature of fire is violence and recklessness, while the nature of clay is firmness and stability. Although the fire has some benefits, there is evil inherent within. As for clay; it cannot bear evil since it is full of benefits. Can you see how Allah (SWT) has been so generous in our creation? Sometimes we do exactly as Shaytan did with regard to this point and we misunderstand while making comparisons. For example, we leave boys and girls to mix freely as they want, because if we separate them they will be repressed and they will miss each other. Sometimes we follow the Shaytan and start thinking that we can leave the boys and girls to have free relations with each other so they won’t have any suppression later on. This is the way we think sometimes, right? Nevertheless, you have to avoid this devilish thinking and realize the consequences. Notice what happened in the West, where lust is everywhere and open to everyone, until people started heading into perversions. Limiting the relationships between boys and girls to marriage helps to maintain the pure instinct, which in turn keeps the human desire burning after marriage rather than destroying it before marriage and corrupting man.
Back to Shaytan when he says what can be translated as, "You have created me" (TMQ, 38:76). Here he admitted Allah’s (SWT) creation. In another verse he swears by Allah’s (SWT) glory "by Your glory" as he admits Allah's (SWT) glory and in a third verse that can be translated as, "Give me then respite till the Day they (the dead) will be resurrected" (TMQ, 7:14). Thus, Shaytan did not deny that Allah (SWT) is the Creator but his problem was being disobedient (Allah (SWT) is our God, but has no right to say “do that” and “don’t do that”). He considered that obeying Allah (SWT) and His creation of us are two different issues; that Allah (SWT) has created us but we wander about in the world as we like. This is not true. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "Surely, His is the Creation and Commandment…" (TMQ, 7:54). Thus He who creates, orders as well. Beware of falling into that mistake of separating between creation and obedience. Another verse clarifies what can be translated as, "It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision". (TMQ, 33:36).
Islam is the name of our religion, which means submission to Allah (SWT) and to his orders. Being a Muslim means being submissive to Allah (SWT). Shaytan's problem is that he has not submitted to Allah (SWT), although he is fully aware of Allah’s (SWT) glory and that Allah (SWT) is the only Creator. Is any one suffering from such a problem? The problem is not in disobeying but the problem is in saying “No” to disobedience and rejecting sins.
Has Shaytan stopped at this extent? No, but he declared war on Adam (PBUH). Read Surat Al-Araf (chapter of “The Heights”) verses 11-13, and always remember that Shaytan is your enemy. “And surely, We created you (your father Adam) and then gave you shape (the noble shape of a human being); then We told the angels, "Prostrate yourselves to Adam", and they prostrated themselves, except Iblis (Satan), he refused to be of those who prostrated themselves. Allah) said: "What prevented you (O Iblis) that you did not prostrate yourself, when I commanded you?" Iblis said: "I am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire, and him You created from clay." (Allah) said: "(O Iblis) get down from this (Paradise), it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out, for you are of those humiliated and disgraced." (TMQ, 7:11-13).
Also declare to Allah (SWT) that Shaytan is your archenemy. “Surely, Shaytan is an enemy to you, so take (treat) him as an enemy. He only invites his followers so that they may become the dwellers of the blazing Fire.” (TMQ, 35:6).
The Holy Qur’an displays Shaytan's point of view and gives him the chance to express it freely. But Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "(O Iblis) get down from this (Paradise), it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out, for you are of those humiliated and disgraced." (TMQ, 7:13) The word “humiliated” (saghereen) in the verse is derived from the word “the smallest” (as-ghar) in Arabic, which is the opposite of “the biggest” (akbar) [the root form of the word “arrogant” (takkabar)]. The verse conveys that anyone who behaves arrogantly on earth is doomed to be humiliated and disgraced by Allah (SWT). Thus, if you become proud, you will be humiliated and belittled and will be crushed by people's feet on the Day of Judgment.
The verse following these verses, can be translated as, "Give me then respite till the Day they (the dead) will be resurrected” (TMQ, 7:14), shows that he will stay alive until the Day of Judgment. This means that his enmity and hatred is directed to every human being, not only Adam (PBUH). Can you realize how much he hates the human race? He prayed to Allah (SWT) to keep him alive until the Resurrection Day. Allah (SWT) agreed and responded to his request, "You are of those given respite." (TMQ, 7:15). One of the generation following the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) said, “Don't be deceived with your vices or defects. Allah has responded to the prayers of the most evil creature (Shaytan), so wouldn't He respond to yours and accept them?"
In the next verse, Shaytan says, what can be translated as, "(Iblis) said: "Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path" (TMQ, 7:16). Do you perceive Shaytan’s rudeness in addressing Allah (SWT) when saying that Allah (SWT) has sent him astray? Allah forbid!
Some people do that; they say, “ What can I do? Allah did this to me! If Allah had rightly guided me, I would have been on the right way; I wanted to be good, but Allah has put me with the company bad friends, and so I got lost!” Beware of that impudence with Allah (SWT).
Shaytan says to Allah (SWT) that he won't go to those who always go nightclubs, but I will lie in wait for anyone who walks in Your path and I will spoil it, taking him away from that path. Thus, Shaytan saves all his efforts for the believers and does not care much about the disobedient. The more the number of believers’ increases, the more he becomes tired. Ibn al-‘Abbas said that someone came to him and told him that the Jews had claimed that Shaytan did not whisper evil to them during their prayers. Why would Shaytan whisper evil to them when their prayer is mainly false?
Hence, the more you go along the right path, the more Shaytan lurks there waiting for you. Such is the battle between you and Shaytan, and when it gets fiercer with the depth and power of your belief, he will gather his soldiers against you. Will you give up, get weak and lose the battle?
In the next verse that can be translated as, "Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, and You will not find most of them as thankful ones." (TMQ, 7:17). Shaytan mentions four directions (right-left-back-front) while originally there are 6 directions. He did not mention the direction where the person prostrates to Allah while praying (down below), and the direction that is opened for the prayers and set as an outlet for Allah’s (SWT) mercy to people (from above).
One of the most serious methods of misguidance that Shaytan uses is making us discontent with Allah's (SWT) grace. Allah (SWT) has warned us from this in the Holy Qur’an by saying what can be translated as, “You will not find most of them as thankful ones", because when we feel thankful to Allah (SWT) we will continue worshipping and loving Him. Shaytan tries hard to make us forget Allah's (SWT) blessings. Beware of forgetting Allah's (SWT) blessings and graces. Allah (SWT) has sent the whole chapter of Quraysh in the Holy Qur’an to show the danger of forgetting Allah's (SWT) grace: “(It is a great Grace from Allah) for the protection of the Quraysh, (We cause) the (Quraysh) caravans to set forth safely in winter and in summer, So let them worship (Allah) the Lord of this House (the Ka’ba in Makkah), (He) Who has fed them against hunger, and has made them safe from fear." (TMQ, 106:1-4).
Allah (SWT) says in Surat An-Nisaa (chapter “The Women”) what can be translated as, "Allah cursed him. And he [Shaytan] said: "I will take an appointed portion of your slaves." (TMQ, 4:118). Do you see how Shaytan speaks about us? He wants us to be lost. “Verily, I will mislead them, and surely, I will arouse in them false desires” (TMQ, 4:119). He whispers evil to the youth, and beautifies sins before their eyes, like secret marriage, disobeying parents, ignoring studies, as well as luring girls to take off their Hijab on their wedding days. “…and certainly, I will order them to slit the ears of cattle, and indeed I will order them to change the nature created by Allah." (TMQ, 4:119), like the modern hairstyles and dyes, and guys wearing earrings. “And whoever takes Shaytan as a Wali (protector or helper) instead of Allah, has surely suffered a manifest loss. He (Shaytan) makes promises to them, and arouses in them false desires; and Shaytan’s promises are nothing but deceptions. The dwelling of such (people) is Hell, and they will find no way of escape from it.” (TMQ, 4:119-121).
Allah (SWT) says in Surat Al-Israa (the Night Journey) what can be translated as: "And (remember) when We said to the angels: "Prostrate yourselves unto Adam." They prostrated themselves except Iblis. He said: "Shall I prostrate myself to one whom You created from clay?" (Iblis) said: "See this one whom You have honored above me, if You give me respite (keep me alive) to the Day of Resurrection, I will surely seize and mislead his offspring (by sending them astray) all but a few!" (TMQ, 17:61-62). Can you sense Shaytan’s hatred and rudeness? The Arabic word used (ahtanekan) and translated into “seize”, came from the word (hanak) that means mouth or jaw. This means that he will put the bridle around your mouth, exactly like putting the bridle around the jaw of an animal. Has he succeeded in putting the bridle around your mouth? Have you taken the bridle off? Read the Holy Qur’an with all your heart, "(Allah) said, "Go, and whosoever of them follows you, surely Hell will be the recompense of you (all) - an ample recompense." (TMQ, 17:63). Any one who accepts your bridle deserves to go to hell with the devils.
"And befool them gradually, those whom you can among them, with your voice; make assaults on them with your cavalry and your infantry; share with them wealth and children, and make promises to them." But Satan promises them nothing but deceit." (TMQ, 17:64). This verse shows the battle between Shaytan and us: he starts calling and asking his cavalry, soldiers from mankind or from jinn. It is the same voice he uses when he whispers suggestions of sexual excitement or for seeking ill-gotten gains in your ears. This is besides his sharing in your money by wasting it in useless things. As for youth, he urges them marry corrupted people and bring up devilish children. This is why you have to choose your spouse carefully so that Shaytan gets no share in your children.
Has Shaytan succeeded in carrying out his threats?
1. TMQ=Translation of the Meaning of the Qur'an. This translation is for the realized meaning, so far, of the stated (Surah:Ayah) of the Qur'an. Reading the translated meaning of the Qur'an can never replace reading it in Arabic, the language in which it was revealed.
2. Editor’s note: Often, with the stories of the Biblical Prophets, the scholars have used Isra’iliyat—these are stories or explanations that came to us through Jews and Christians who accepted Islam. These stories are neither found in the Qur’an nor in the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) but may come from the Bible or oral traditions. The Isra’iliyat are only used to add detail to the prophets’ stories if they do not contradict the Qur’an or Sunnah; cited in this text by (Isra’iliyat) or (Isr.)
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Before we start there are some questions:
* Is Shaytan a jinn or an angel?
"And (remember) when We said to the angels: ‘Prostrate yourselves before Adam.’ And they prostrated except Iblîs (Satan)". (TMQ, 2:34) (1).
It might be thought that Shaytan is an angel, but this is not true. The scholars have all agreed on that Shaytan is not an angel. After the creation of earth, the jinn inhabited it [entirely] until the angels drove them away to the islands and seas. Some of the jinn were evil, shedding blood and killing, while others obeyed Allah (SWT). Shaytan was one of those obedient jinn, hence, the angels took him to Heaven where he worshipped Allah (SWT) and he was completely devoted to Him; Shaytan left no place in Heaven where he did not prostrate to Allah (SWT). (Isra’iliyat) (2). However, deep inside him there was something impure, which Allah (SWT) knew well but kept it for a reason that only He knows.
Shaytan is not an angel and this can be proven in the Holy Qur’an, in Surat Al-Kahf (The Cave) through an undisputed verse, that can be translated as, “And (remember) when We said to the angels: "Prostrate yourselves unto Adam." So they prostrated themselves except Iblis (Satan). He was one of the jinn; he disobeyed the Command of his Lord.” (TMQ, 18:50).
* If Shaytan is a jinni, why was he ordered with the angels to prostrate?
Allah (SWT) ordered the angels and not the jinn, so why would Shaytan be punished for not prostrating? In fact, the order was directed to him. It is true that the order was given to the angels, but because he was in the company of the angels for a long time and he was living with them, Shaytan was also included [in this order].
When Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "What prevents you from prostrating yourself to one whom I have created with Both My Hands" (TMQ, 38:75). Shaytan did not reply "O Allah! You did not command me". He rather replied, "I am better than he." Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "What prevented you (O Iblis) that you did not prostrate yourself, when I commanded you?" (TMQ, 7:12), which proves that Allah (SWT) ordered him as well as He ordered the angels.
* Sometimes Allah (SWT) calls the devil "Iblis" and sometimes “Satan” (shaytan). Is he called Iblis or Satan? Or are the two names the same?
His real name is Iblis but the origin of the word "devil" (shaytan) in the Arabic language is (shaytan) that means “deviate or stray from”. Iblis deviated from Allah's (SWT) path; he strayed far from Allah's (SWT) commands, from obeying Him, from repentance and from Paradise (Jannah). This is why he is called "Shaytan". For that reason, the devil is called "Iblis" and is described as the devil "Shaytan". Hence, beware of devilish traits and of going astray from Allah's (SWT) commands, because this might lead you to carry the traits and characteristics of Shaytan.
* What is the difference between the word shayateen (devils, pl. of shaytan) and jinn?
Devils are the disobedient jinn: the disobedient, unbelieving, dissolute jinn are called shayateen. Therefore, every devil is a jinn but not every jinn is a devil.
* Why did Shaytan/Iblis refuse to prostrate to Adam (PBUH)?
His point of view is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, in Surat Al-A'raf (chapter of "The Heights"), can be translated as, "What prevented you (O Iblis) that you did not prostrate yourself, when I commanded you?" Iblis said: "I am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire, and him You created from clay." (Allah) said: "(O Iblis) get down from this (Paradise), it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out, for you are of those humiliated and disgraced." (TMQ, 7:12-13). The reason that Allah (SWT) has mentioned is Pride or Arrogance. In the chapter of Sad, Allah—be He Exalted and Glorified—says what can be translated as, "(Allah) said: "O Iblis! What prevents you from prostrating yourself to one whom I have created with Both My Hands. Are you too proud (to fall prostrate to Adam) or are you one of the high exalted?" (Iblis) said: "I am better than he. You created me from fire, and You created him from clay." (TMQ, 38:75-76). Therefore, whenever you feel that you are excessively proud of yourself, beware of this devilish trait. Arrogance was the first sin committed since Adam's (PBUH) creation; paradise is forbidden for the Arrogant. Allah (SWT) says to Shaytan, the first creature committing that sin, what can be translated as, "get down from this (Paradise), it is not for you to be arrogant here" (TMQ, 7:13). The Prophet (PBUH) says, "He who has in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of pride shall not enter Paradise.” (Muslim)
Following are the types of Arrogance. Try to discern if your heart carries any type of these or not.
The first type of Arrogance is being unjust with people; holding them in contempt, and oppressing them. I am afraid that a person might treat a servant at home this way; the leader or manager might do that with his employees; or the youth with people who are less fortunate or less intelligent. Showing contempt for people and belittling their social level represents a kind of arrogance.
The second type of Arrogance is strutting around [or showing off]. For example, when a woman walks in a way that shows off her beauty, and the one who wears a suit and feels that he is better than everybody. I do not mean we should not wear suits. The Prophet (PBUH) says, "Allah is beautiful and admires beauty" (Muslim). Hence, you can wear whatever you like but do not show off and think that people are lower than you. The Prophet (PBUH) says, "A man strutted around, wearing his long robe, and admiring himself a lot, and Allah caused the earth to sink with him, thus such the man is in torture until the Day of Judgment” (Bukhari, Muslim)
The third type of Arrogance is refusing to accept any advice and refusing to get back to the right path even if you know the way to it. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "And when it is said to him, "Fear Allah", he is led by arrogance to (more) crime. So enough for him is Hell, and worst indeed is that place to rest!" (TMQ, 2:206).
The fourth type of Arrogance is the love of having people humiliated and making them submit. Some husbands treat their wives this way and humiliate them. The Prophet (PBUH) says that such people have their places in Hell.
The fifth type of Arrogance is to stop praying. If one says, "I want to pray but I cannot", this is the major proof of his Pride. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "And your Lord said: "Invoke Me, I will respond to your (invocation). Verily! Those who scorn My worship they will surely enter Hell in humiliation!" (TMQ, 40:60). The person who demands nothing from Allah (SWT), and who stays one week without raising his hands asking Allah (SWT) to grant him what he needs is proud and arrogant.
Let’s go back to Shaytan’s excessive pride, which led him to think ignorantly. He says, addressing Allah (SWT), what can be translated as, "I am not one to prostrate myself to man, whom You did create from sounding clay, from mud molded into shape.” (TMQ, 15:33). His point of view is that fire is stronger and higher in status than clay, so how is it possible that the stronger and higher prostrates to the weaker and the lower? His pride rendered him blind in front of the truth. The nature of fire is burning, while the nature of clay is goodness, blessing and feeding people. The nature of fire is violence and recklessness, while the nature of clay is firmness and stability. Although the fire has some benefits, there is evil inherent within. As for clay; it cannot bear evil since it is full of benefits. Can you see how Allah (SWT) has been so generous in our creation? Sometimes we do exactly as Shaytan did with regard to this point and we misunderstand while making comparisons. For example, we leave boys and girls to mix freely as they want, because if we separate them they will be repressed and they will miss each other. Sometimes we follow the Shaytan and start thinking that we can leave the boys and girls to have free relations with each other so they won’t have any suppression later on. This is the way we think sometimes, right? Nevertheless, you have to avoid this devilish thinking and realize the consequences. Notice what happened in the West, where lust is everywhere and open to everyone, until people started heading into perversions. Limiting the relationships between boys and girls to marriage helps to maintain the pure instinct, which in turn keeps the human desire burning after marriage rather than destroying it before marriage and corrupting man.
Back to Shaytan when he says what can be translated as, "You have created me" (TMQ, 38:76). Here he admitted Allah’s (SWT) creation. In another verse he swears by Allah’s (SWT) glory "by Your glory" as he admits Allah's (SWT) glory and in a third verse that can be translated as, "Give me then respite till the Day they (the dead) will be resurrected" (TMQ, 7:14). Thus, Shaytan did not deny that Allah (SWT) is the Creator but his problem was being disobedient (Allah (SWT) is our God, but has no right to say “do that” and “don’t do that”). He considered that obeying Allah (SWT) and His creation of us are two different issues; that Allah (SWT) has created us but we wander about in the world as we like. This is not true. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "Surely, His is the Creation and Commandment…" (TMQ, 7:54). Thus He who creates, orders as well. Beware of falling into that mistake of separating between creation and obedience. Another verse clarifies what can be translated as, "It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision". (TMQ, 33:36).
Islam is the name of our religion, which means submission to Allah (SWT) and to his orders. Being a Muslim means being submissive to Allah (SWT). Shaytan's problem is that he has not submitted to Allah (SWT), although he is fully aware of Allah’s (SWT) glory and that Allah (SWT) is the only Creator. Is any one suffering from such a problem? The problem is not in disobeying but the problem is in saying “No” to disobedience and rejecting sins.
Has Shaytan stopped at this extent? No, but he declared war on Adam (PBUH). Read Surat Al-Araf (chapter of “The Heights”) verses 11-13, and always remember that Shaytan is your enemy. “And surely, We created you (your father Adam) and then gave you shape (the noble shape of a human being); then We told the angels, "Prostrate yourselves to Adam", and they prostrated themselves, except Iblis (Satan), he refused to be of those who prostrated themselves. Allah) said: "What prevented you (O Iblis) that you did not prostrate yourself, when I commanded you?" Iblis said: "I am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire, and him You created from clay." (Allah) said: "(O Iblis) get down from this (Paradise), it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out, for you are of those humiliated and disgraced." (TMQ, 7:11-13).
Also declare to Allah (SWT) that Shaytan is your archenemy. “Surely, Shaytan is an enemy to you, so take (treat) him as an enemy. He only invites his followers so that they may become the dwellers of the blazing Fire.” (TMQ, 35:6).
The Holy Qur’an displays Shaytan's point of view and gives him the chance to express it freely. But Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "(O Iblis) get down from this (Paradise), it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out, for you are of those humiliated and disgraced." (TMQ, 7:13) The word “humiliated” (saghereen) in the verse is derived from the word “the smallest” (as-ghar) in Arabic, which is the opposite of “the biggest” (akbar) [the root form of the word “arrogant” (takkabar)]. The verse conveys that anyone who behaves arrogantly on earth is doomed to be humiliated and disgraced by Allah (SWT). Thus, if you become proud, you will be humiliated and belittled and will be crushed by people's feet on the Day of Judgment.
The verse following these verses, can be translated as, "Give me then respite till the Day they (the dead) will be resurrected” (TMQ, 7:14), shows that he will stay alive until the Day of Judgment. This means that his enmity and hatred is directed to every human being, not only Adam (PBUH). Can you realize how much he hates the human race? He prayed to Allah (SWT) to keep him alive until the Resurrection Day. Allah (SWT) agreed and responded to his request, "You are of those given respite." (TMQ, 7:15). One of the generation following the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) said, “Don't be deceived with your vices or defects. Allah has responded to the prayers of the most evil creature (Shaytan), so wouldn't He respond to yours and accept them?"
In the next verse, Shaytan says, what can be translated as, "(Iblis) said: "Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path" (TMQ, 7:16). Do you perceive Shaytan’s rudeness in addressing Allah (SWT) when saying that Allah (SWT) has sent him astray? Allah forbid!
Some people do that; they say, “ What can I do? Allah did this to me! If Allah had rightly guided me, I would have been on the right way; I wanted to be good, but Allah has put me with the company bad friends, and so I got lost!” Beware of that impudence with Allah (SWT).
Shaytan says to Allah (SWT) that he won't go to those who always go nightclubs, but I will lie in wait for anyone who walks in Your path and I will spoil it, taking him away from that path. Thus, Shaytan saves all his efforts for the believers and does not care much about the disobedient. The more the number of believers’ increases, the more he becomes tired. Ibn al-‘Abbas said that someone came to him and told him that the Jews had claimed that Shaytan did not whisper evil to them during their prayers. Why would Shaytan whisper evil to them when their prayer is mainly false?
Hence, the more you go along the right path, the more Shaytan lurks there waiting for you. Such is the battle between you and Shaytan, and when it gets fiercer with the depth and power of your belief, he will gather his soldiers against you. Will you give up, get weak and lose the battle?
In the next verse that can be translated as, "Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, and You will not find most of them as thankful ones." (TMQ, 7:17). Shaytan mentions four directions (right-left-back-front) while originally there are 6 directions. He did not mention the direction where the person prostrates to Allah while praying (down below), and the direction that is opened for the prayers and set as an outlet for Allah’s (SWT) mercy to people (from above).
One of the most serious methods of misguidance that Shaytan uses is making us discontent with Allah's (SWT) grace. Allah (SWT) has warned us from this in the Holy Qur’an by saying what can be translated as, “You will not find most of them as thankful ones", because when we feel thankful to Allah (SWT) we will continue worshipping and loving Him. Shaytan tries hard to make us forget Allah's (SWT) blessings. Beware of forgetting Allah's (SWT) blessings and graces. Allah (SWT) has sent the whole chapter of Quraysh in the Holy Qur’an to show the danger of forgetting Allah's (SWT) grace: “(It is a great Grace from Allah) for the protection of the Quraysh, (We cause) the (Quraysh) caravans to set forth safely in winter and in summer, So let them worship (Allah) the Lord of this House (the Ka’ba in Makkah), (He) Who has fed them against hunger, and has made them safe from fear." (TMQ, 106:1-4).
Allah (SWT) says in Surat An-Nisaa (chapter “The Women”) what can be translated as, "Allah cursed him. And he [Shaytan] said: "I will take an appointed portion of your slaves." (TMQ, 4:118). Do you see how Shaytan speaks about us? He wants us to be lost. “Verily, I will mislead them, and surely, I will arouse in them false desires” (TMQ, 4:119). He whispers evil to the youth, and beautifies sins before their eyes, like secret marriage, disobeying parents, ignoring studies, as well as luring girls to take off their Hijab on their wedding days. “…and certainly, I will order them to slit the ears of cattle, and indeed I will order them to change the nature created by Allah." (TMQ, 4:119), like the modern hairstyles and dyes, and guys wearing earrings. “And whoever takes Shaytan as a Wali (protector or helper) instead of Allah, has surely suffered a manifest loss. He (Shaytan) makes promises to them, and arouses in them false desires; and Shaytan’s promises are nothing but deceptions. The dwelling of such (people) is Hell, and they will find no way of escape from it.” (TMQ, 4:119-121).
Allah (SWT) says in Surat Al-Israa (the Night Journey) what can be translated as: "And (remember) when We said to the angels: "Prostrate yourselves unto Adam." They prostrated themselves except Iblis. He said: "Shall I prostrate myself to one whom You created from clay?" (Iblis) said: "See this one whom You have honored above me, if You give me respite (keep me alive) to the Day of Resurrection, I will surely seize and mislead his offspring (by sending them astray) all but a few!" (TMQ, 17:61-62). Can you sense Shaytan’s hatred and rudeness? The Arabic word used (ahtanekan) and translated into “seize”, came from the word (hanak) that means mouth or jaw. This means that he will put the bridle around your mouth, exactly like putting the bridle around the jaw of an animal. Has he succeeded in putting the bridle around your mouth? Have you taken the bridle off? Read the Holy Qur’an with all your heart, "(Allah) said, "Go, and whosoever of them follows you, surely Hell will be the recompense of you (all) - an ample recompense." (TMQ, 17:63). Any one who accepts your bridle deserves to go to hell with the devils.
"And befool them gradually, those whom you can among them, with your voice; make assaults on them with your cavalry and your infantry; share with them wealth and children, and make promises to them." But Satan promises them nothing but deceit." (TMQ, 17:64). This verse shows the battle between Shaytan and us: he starts calling and asking his cavalry, soldiers from mankind or from jinn. It is the same voice he uses when he whispers suggestions of sexual excitement or for seeking ill-gotten gains in your ears. This is besides his sharing in your money by wasting it in useless things. As for youth, he urges them marry corrupted people and bring up devilish children. This is why you have to choose your spouse carefully so that Shaytan gets no share in your children.
Has Shaytan succeeded in carrying out his threats?
1. TMQ=Translation of the Meaning of the Qur'an. This translation is for the realized meaning, so far, of the stated (Surah:Ayah) of the Qur'an. Reading the translated meaning of the Qur'an can never replace reading it in Arabic, the language in which it was revealed.
2. Editor’s note: Often, with the stories of the Biblical Prophets, the scholars have used Isra’iliyat—these are stories or explanations that came to us through Jews and Christians who accepted Islam. These stories are neither found in the Qur’an nor in the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) but may come from the Bible or oral traditions. The Isra’iliyat are only used to add detail to the prophets’ stories if they do not contradict the Qur’an or Sunnah; cited in this text by (Isra’iliyat) or (Isr.)
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