The word “devil” is used mostly in our daily lives to refer to something that is bad or evil. However in Islam, there is a story of how the devil or shaytan (that’s what a devil is termed in Islam) came into a being. Iblees was a Jinn, yes a Jinn, who was alive before human race was made by Allah swt. Jinns are also creation of Allah swt just like humans but humans have been made from clay while jinn were created by smokeless fire. In Quran(55:15) its written
“And the jinn He created from a smokeless flame of fire"
and also in Quran(18:50)
“…Iblees, he was of the jinns..”
When Allah swt created Adam(AS), He ordered all the angels present there to prostrate before Adam. Iblees used to remain with angels as he was staunch worshipper of Allah swt. When Allah swt gave the order of prostration, Iblees refused to prostrate claiming that he is made from fire and fire is above the dust(clay)from which Adam was made. According to some mystical sufi traditions, Iblees was such a perfect lover of Allah swt that he refused to bow down to anyone else except Allah. Allah swt says in the Quran(17:61)
“Behold: We said to the Angels: “bow down to Adam” they bowed down except Iblees: he said “Shall I bow down to one whom Thou didst from clay”
So Allah swt cursed Iblees and threw him out of heaven. Allah swt delayed his punishment till the day of Judgment. At that point Iblees had a conversation with Allah swt.
That is written in Quran(7:16-17)
“[Satan] said, "Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them on Your straight path. Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You]."
then Allah swt said (7:18)
“[ Allah ] said, "Get out of Paradise, reproached and expelled. Whoever follows you among them - I will surely fill Hell with you, all together."
In a later verse Allah swt informs Iblees (17:65)
“Indeed, over My [believing] servants there is for you no authority. And sufficient is your Lord as Disposer of affairs.”
So it was like Iblees told Allah swt that he will try to misguide the human race till the Day of Judgment. Allah allowed him to that however he has no control over human beings. He can only lure them or whisper to them. Allah swt has given clear warnings to human beings regarding shaytaan in Quran.
[35:6] “Indeed, Satan is an enemy to you; so take him as an enemy. He only invites his party to be among the companions of the Blaze.”
[6:142] “…do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.”
Clearly we have been warned by Allah swt Himself of shaytaan’s actions. Indeed Shaytaan has no power over us yet many people fall victim to his ideas and whispers.
However, Iblees himself will admit on the Day of judgment (14:22)
“And Satan will say when the matter has been concluded, "Indeed, Allah had promised you the promise of truth. And I promised you, but I betrayed you. But I had no authority over you except that I invited you, and you responded to me. So do not blame me; but blame yourselves. I cannot be called to your aid, nor can you be called to my aid. Indeed, I deny your association of me [with Allah ] before. Indeed, for the wrongdoers is a painful punishment."
So it is obvious that there is no good in following the ways of Iblees. For our help Allah swt also mentioned some tactics of shaytan in Quran and how Allah swt is always there to help out His slaves
[2:268] “Satan threatens you with poverty and orders you to immorality, while Allah promises you forgiveness from Him and bounty. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.”
[3:175] “That is only Satan who frightens [you] of his supporters. So fear them not, but fear Me, if you are [indeed] believers.”
So in Quran the Shaytaan has been completely exposed. What we must do is that we should follow the advice our Lord and not follow the ways of Satan. May Allah swt make us one of His dutiful servants.
Jahanzaib Jamshed
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