Chapter One: The World of the Jinn and Devils

Chapter One: The World of the Jinn and Devils

Section One: Defining the World of the Jinn

Section Two: The Purpose of the Creation of the Jinn; their Abodes; their Abilities and their Death

Section Three: Satan & the Son of Adam

Section Four: The Enmity between the Human Being & Satan

Section Five: The Underlying Wisdom Behind the Creation of Satan

Section One: Defining the World of the Jinn and Devils

Firstly: the meaning of the word ‘Jinn’: Ibn Manthur –may Allah have mercy upon him– said: “The Arabic verb root form ‘janna yajunnuhu jannann’ means: to conceal.”[495]

In order to clarify the meaning of the word Jinn we can say:

the world of the Jinn is different to that of humans and angels. Like humans, they are endowed with intellect; the ability to reason; a conscience and a free will. However, they differ from humans in some ways such as their origin.

They are called Jinns because of their invisibility, just as Allah described them in His saying:

]إِنَّهُۥ يَرَاكُمۡ هُوَ وَقَبِيلُهُۥ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا تَرَوۡنَهُمۡۗ]

Sura al-A’raf; (7):27

]Meaning: Indeed, he sees you, he and his tribe, from where you do not see them.][496]

Secondly: the origin of the Jinn: Allah –the Exalted and Most High– informs us that the Jinn were created from fire in the following verses:

]وَٱلۡجَآنَّ خَلَقۡنَٰهُ مِن قَبۡلُ مِن نَّارِ ٱلسَّمُومِ]

Sura al-Hijr; (15):27

]Meaning: And the Jinn We created before from scorching fire.]

Similarly, in Chapter 55, Allah says:

]وَخَلَقَ ٱلۡجَآنَّ مِن مَّارِجٖ مِّن نَّارٖ]

Sura ar-Rahman; (55):15

]Meaning: And He created the Jinn from a smokeless flame of fire.]

Ibn ‘Abbas, ‘Ikrimah, Mujahid, al-Hasan and others say regarding Allah’s saying:

]مَّارِجٖ مِّن نَّارٖ]

 ]Meaning: smokeless flame of fire.]

‘The end of a flame’; and in another narration: ‘The best and purest of flames.’[497]

an-Nawawi says in his commentary on Muslim's collection of hadiths:

“The word maarij means a flame mixed with the blackness of the fire.”[498]

In a hadith reported by Muslim Aisha narrates that the Prophet  said:

“The angels were created from light, the Jinn of a smokeless flame and Adam of what was described to you.”[499][500]

 Thirdly:

The creation of the Jinn:

the Jinn were created before human beings as Allah has informed us in His saying:

]وَلَقَدۡ خَلَقۡنَا ٱلۡإِنسَٰنَ مِن صَلۡصَٰلٖ مِّنۡ حَمَإٖ مَّسۡنُونٖ ٢٦ وَٱلۡجَآنَّ خَلَقۡنَٰهُ مِن قَبۡلُ مِن نَّارِ ٱلسَّمُومِ]

Sura al-Hijr; (15):26

]Meaning: And We did certainly create man out of clay from an altered black mud. And the Jinn We created before from scorching fire.]

These verses show that the jinn were created before human beings.[501]

Fourthly:

the meaning of the term ‘Satan (Shaytan)’:

Ibn Manthur –may Allah have mercy upon him– said:

“It is said: ‘Shaytan (Satan) follows the verb form of ‘fay’aal’ from the trilateral [Arabic] verb ‘Sha-ta-na’ i.e. to be far removed. This is if we consider the letter ‘noon’ is part of the root, as the plural ‘Shayatin (devils)’ suggests. The word ‘Shaytan (Satan) is well-known and refers to any arrogant and rebellious being whether it be a Jinn, a human being, or an animal.”[502]

He later adds:

“It is also said: the term ‘Shaytan (Satan)’ follows the verb form of ‘fa’laan’ from the trilateral verb root of ‘Shaa-ta, ya-shee-tu’ i.e. if something were to be destroyed and burnt.

Judge Abu Ya’laa –may Allah have mercy upon him– says about this word:

"The ‘Shayatin’ are the rebellious and evil Jinn. It is also said: ‘marid (rebellious)’ and ‘shaytan (devil)’ can be used interchangeably to designate a demon."[503]

Fifthly: Satan and the Jinn:

Satan whom Allah has informed us of throughout the Quran belongs to the world of the Jinn. He used to worship Allah; he lived in the Heavens with the angels; and he entered Paradise. But when his Lord commanded him to bow down to Adam, he refused to obey due to arrogance and pride. Thus, Allah distanced him from His mercy.

As we have seen, the Arabic word ‘Shaytan’ is used to refer to all rebellious and arrogant beings, and this is exactly how Satan behaved towards his Lord.

Satan has also been called ‘Tâghût (tyrant)’ in the Quran:

]ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ يُقَٰتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِۖ وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ يُقَٰتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱلطَّٰغُوتِ فَقَٰتِلُوٓاْ أَوۡلِيَآءَ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنِۖ إِنَّ كَيۡدَ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنِ كَانَ ضَعِيفًا]

Sura an-Nisa•; (4):76

]Meaning: Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah, and those who disbelieve fight in the cause of the ‘Taghut [tyrant]’. So fight against the allies of Satan. Indeed, the plot of Satan has ever been weak.]

He was called this because he overstepped his limits, rebelled against his Lord, and claimed the status of a deity worthy of worship.

Due to him despairing in Allah's mercy, Allah also called him Satan. In Arabic, the word ‘balas’ refers to the one who does not have any good in him and the verb ‘ublisa’ means to despair and be in a state of bewilderment. A group of scholars from amongst the pious predecessors mention that before his disobedience to Allah, Satan was called ‘Azazil, but Allah alone knows how true this is.[504]

Sixthly: Satan is a created being:

Whoever reads the verses of the Quran and the Prophetic traditions that mention the devil will know that he is indeed a created being that comprehends, understands and moves. The ignorant people believe that he is a metaphor representing the evil, animalistic impulses of humans that distance them from their spiritual ideals.[505]

Seventhly:

the origin of Satan:

Satan belongs to the world of the Jinn as has already been mentioned, although this is a matter that the scholars of the past and present have differed regarding.

They use the following verse as evidence for their opinion:

]وَإِذۡ قُلۡنَا لِلۡمَلَٰٓئِكَةِ ٱسۡجُدُواْ لِأٓدَمَ فَسَجَدُوٓاْ إِلَّآ إِبۡلِيسَ أَبَىٰ وَٱسۡتَكۡبَرَ وَكَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡكَٰفِرِينَ]

Sura al-Baqarah; (2):34

[And mention when We said to the angels: “Prostrate before Adam”; so they prostrated, except for Satan. He refused and was arrogant and became of the disbelievers.]

In the likes of these verses Satan is mentioned as an exception to the angels; and the exception ordinarily belongs to the group from which it is being distinguished.

However, this argument is not convincing as it is possible that it is a disconnected exception in which where both the antecedent and consequent clause are heterogeneous [i.e. not of the same category].

Rather this is indeed the case because Allah explicitly mentions that Satan is from the Jinn in His saying:

]وَإِذۡ قُلۡنَا لِلۡمَلَٰٓئِكَةِ ٱسۡجُدُواْ لِأٓدَمَ فَسَجَدُوٓاْ إِلَّآ إِبۡلِيسَ كَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَفَسَقَ عَنۡ أَمۡرِ رَبِّهِ]

 Sura al-Kahf; (18):50

]Meaning: And mention when We said to the angels: "Prostrate to Adam" and they prostrated, except for Iblees. He was of the Jinn; and he disobeyed the command of his Lord.]

The verifiers from amongst the scholars are of the opinion that Satan is from the Jinn. It is established by way of textual evidence that the Jinn are beings different from angels and mankind.

The Prophet –peace be upon him– said:

“The angels were created from light, the Jinn of a smokeless flame and Adam of what has been described to you.”[506]

al-Hasan al-Basri said:

“Satan has never been an angel even for the blink of an eye.”[507]

Ibn Taymiyyah’s analysis of this matter led him to conclude:

“Satan was the same as the angels in appearance, however he was different to them in origin and did not follow their example.”[508]

Eighthly:

Denying the existence of the world of Jinn and devils and a refutation of those who do so: Some people completely reject the existence of the Jinn, while some polytheists claim that the Jinn are the spirits of stars.

A group of philosophers are of the opinion that the Jinn are in fact evil impulses that occur within the human soul while the angels are representative of good impulses within humans.[509]

For some modernists, Jinn are simply bacteria and microbes discovered by the modern world. There are many other theories on this subject as invalid as the others.

The argument brought by those who deny the existence of the Jinn is that they have no evidence of their existence. However, this is not a valid argument, and it is shameful for a sensible person to reject something for the simple reason that it does not know of it.

It is because of this attitude that Allah reproached the unbelievers in His saying:

]بَلۡ كَذَّبُواْ بِمَا لَمۡ يُحِيطُواْ بِعِلۡمِهِۦ]

 Sura Yunus; (10):39

]Meaning: Rather, they have denied that which they encompass not in knowledge.]

These modern inventions that it is impossible for anyone to reject – would it have been acceptable for a person who lived hundreds of years ago to deny the possibility of them occurring if he were informed of such by someone truthful? Does the fact we cannot hear the waves that fill the air mean they did not exist until the radio was invented and could receive them so that we could hear them?

Could it have been thought a few centuries ago that one day it would be possible to speak to someone while seeing them from the other side of the world?

The truth, then, is that the world of the Jinn is a world different to that of humans or angels, and that the Jinn are beings endowed with intellect and conscience. They are not apparitions or microbes; rather they are responsible beings whom have been commanded with certain matters and forbidden from others.[510]

This is proved by –among other things–:

unanimous agreement of the community of Muhammad. Ibn Taymiyyah –may Allah have mercy upon him– says: "No Muslim sect rejects the existence of the Jinn, nor do they deny that Allah sent Muhammad to them as a Messenger. The majority of the disbelievers also affirm their existence.

As for the People of the Book (i.e. the Jews and Christians), they believe in the existence of the Jinn just as the Muslims do; and even if a small minority do reject this belief, they are comparable in this matter to some of the Jahmites and the Mu’tazilites who claim to be Muslim while rejecting the existence of the Jinn, although most of the followers of these sects and their imams acknowledge this.

This is because the existence of the Jinn was something continuously mentioned and taught by the prophets such that it became essential knowledge. We know they are living beings, endowed with intellect, possessing a free will and that they are commanded with certain matters just as they are prohibited from others. They are not merely representations for human attributes or states as is claimed by some atheists.

Since the existence of the Jinn is something firmly established by the continuous teaching of the prophets throughout the ages, and because it is something known by scholars and laymen alike, then it is not possible for any sect that ascribes themselves to the noble prophets to deny them.”[511]

Ibn Taymiyyah also said:

"All Muslim sects acknowledge the existence of the Jinn as do a large majority of disbelievers, such as: most of the People of the Book (i.e. the Jews and Christians); majority of the Arab and Hamitic polytheists; a large majority of the Canaanites, Greeks and descendants of Japheth. The overwhelming majority of the followers of all religions therefore recognize the existence of the Jinn.”[512]

Moreover, the existence of the Jinn is established by many verses of the Quran.

such as the saying of Allah:

]قُلۡ أُوحِيَ إِلَيَّ أَنَّهُ ٱسۡتَمَعَ نَفَرٞ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ]

Sura al-Jinn; (72):1

]Meaning: Say: "It has been revealed to me that a group of the Jinn listened.”]

And His saying:

]وَأَنَّهُۥ كَانَ رِجَالٞ مِّنَ ٱلۡإِنسِ يَعُوذُونَ بِرِجَالٖ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَزَادُوهُمۡ رَهَقٗا]

Sura al-Jinn; (72):6

]Meaning: And there were men from mankind who sought refuge in men from the Jinn, so they only increased them in burden.]

There is so much textual evidence in this regard that due to its fame and sheer volume spares us their mention.[513]

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(453) See: ‘Jawami` as–Sirah’ of Ibn Hazm (pp. 4–6); ‘ar–Rawd al–Unuf’ (1/23–38) for more detail regarding the lineage of the Prophet –peace be upon him–ﷺ‬, and an explanation of the names mentioned therein. Also see: ‘Hada•iq al–Anwar wa Matali` al–Asrar’ of Ibn ad–Dabi` (1/94); ‘Subul ar–Rashad fi Hady Khayr al–`Ibad’ (1/235–322); ‘Khulasat as–Sirah’ (pp. 11–12); ‘Muhammadun Rasulullah’ of Ahmad Taymur Basha (pp. 28); & ‘Mawsu`at Nadhrat an–Na`im fi Makarim Akhlaq ar–Rasul al–Karim’ (1/192).

(454) See: ‘Khulasat as–Sirah’ (pp. 13–14); & ‘as–Sirah an–Nabawiyyah as–Sahihah’ of Dr. Akram al–`Umari (1/90–91).

(495) ‘Lisanul–Arab’ (13/92). Also see: ‘Ahkamul–Jaan’ of Badr–Ud–Din Ash–Shibli (p. 19).

(496) See: ‘Aalam al–Jinn was–Shayatin’ (p. 11).

(497) ‘al–Bidayah wan–Nihayah’ (1/59).

(498) See: ‘Sahih Muslim’ with an–Nawawi’s explanation (18/123).

(499) See: Sahih Muslim (no. 2996).

(500) See: ‘Ahkam al–Jaan’ (pp. 25–9); & ‘Aalam al–Jinn was–Shayatin’ (p. 11).

(501) See: ‘Aalam al–Junn was–Shayatin’ (p. 12).

(502) See: ‘Lisan al–Arab’ (13/283).

(503) ‘Ahkam al–Jaan’ (p. 21).

(504) See: ‘Aalam al–Jinn was–Shayatin’ (p. 16).

(505) Ibid (p. 17).

(506) Reported by Muslim (no. 2996).

(507) See: ‘al–Bidayah wan–Nihayah’ of Ibn Kathir (1/79).

(508) See: ‘Majmu’ al–Fatawa’ (4/316). Also see: ‘Aalam al–Jinn was–Shayatin’ (pp. 17–8).

(509) See: ‘Majmu’ al–Fatawa’ (24/280, 4/346).

(510) See: ‘Aalam al–Jinn was–Shayatin’ (pp. 12–13).

(511) See: ‘Majmu’ al–Fatawa’ (19/10).

(512) Ibid (19/13).

(513) See: ‘Ahkam al–Jaan’ (pp.17–9); & ‘Aalam al–Jinn was–Shayatin’ (pp. 12–5).

Section Two: The Purpose for the Creation of the Jinn; their Abodes; their Abilities; and their Death
Firstly: The Death of the Devils and their Lifespans:
There is no doubt that the Jinn –including the devils– die; as they enter under the generality of Allah’s saying:
]كُلُّ مَنۡ عَلَيۡهَا فَانٖ ٢٦ وَيَبۡقَىٰ وَجۡهُ رَبِّكَ ذُو ٱلۡجَلَٰلِ وَٱلۡإِكۡرَامِ ٢٧ فَبِأَيِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ]

 Sura ar-Rahman; (55):26-8
]Meaning: Everyone upon it (i.e. the earth) shall perish. And there will remain the Face of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honour. So which of the favours of your Lord would you deny?]

It has been reported by Ibn ‘Abbas –may Allah be pleased with them both– that the Prophet  used to say: “I seek refuge with You through Your Power; there is none worthy of worship except You alone; the One Who never dies, whereas human beings and the Jinn die.”[514]

As for their lifespans, then we do not know except what Allah has informed us regarding Satan – that he shall remain alive until the Hour is established.

Allah –the Exalted and Most High– says regarding him:
]قَالَ أَنظِرۡنِيٓ إِلَىٰ يَوۡمِ يُبۡعَثُونَ ١٤قَالَ إِنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُنظَرِينَ]

Sura al-A’raf; (7):14-5
]Meaning: He said, “Then give me respite until a day when all will be resurrected.” (Allah) said: "You are of those allowed respite.”]

As for other than him, then we do not know their lifespans.[515]

Secondly: the dwelling places of the Jinn:
the Jinn live upon this earth just like us, congregating in ruins, deserted lands, and unclean places such as: toilets; animal pens; dumps; cemeteries and the like of these places – all of which are abodes for devils.[516]

The Prophetic traditions forbid us from praying in toilets; due to the impurities found there and the fact devils reside there. We are also forbidden from praying in cemeteries as it can lead to polytheism.

Jinns also often gather in places where it is easy to cause corruption, such as marketplaces. The Companion of the Prophet Salman al-Farisi advised one of his friends: “Try not to be the first person to enter the marketplace, nor the last one to depart from it, as it is the battlefield of the devils and it is there he raises his banner.”[517]

Devils also spend the night in houses occupied by humans but can be driven out by mentioning Allah’s name; making remembrance of Him; and recital of the Quran, especially Chapter 2 and Ayatul-Kursi (Verse 255 ‘the verse of the Throne’) more specifically. The Messenger of Allah  informed us that the devils come out in number and spread out from the onset of darkness.

The devils flee upon hearing the call to prayer and cannot bear to hear it; and in Ramadan they are fettered.[518]

Thirdly: the abilities of the Jinn:
Allah endowed the Jinn with abilities that He did not give to humans just as He informed us of some of their abilities; such as swift movement and travel. An afreet from among the Jinn promised Prophet Solomon that he would bring the throne of the Queen of Sheba (Yemen) back to Jerusalem before he rose from his seat.

Allah –the Mighty and Majestic– said regarding this:
]قَالَ عِفۡرِيتٞ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ أَنَا۠ ءَاتِيكَ بِهِۦ قَبۡلَ أَن تَقُومَ مِن مَّقَامِكَۖ وَإِنِّي عَلَيۡهِ لَقَوِيٌّ أَمِينٞ ٣٩ قَالَ ٱلَّذِي عِندَهُۥ عِلۡمٞ مِّنَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبِ أَنَا۠ ءَاتِيكَ بِهِۦ قَبۡلَ أَن يَرۡتَدَّ إِلَيۡكَ طَرۡفُكَۚ فَلَمَّا رَءَاهُ مُسۡتَقِرًّا عِندَهُۥ قَالَ هَٰذَا مِن فَضۡلِ رَبِّي...]
Sura an-Naml; (27):39-40
]Meaning: A powerful one from among the Jinn said, "I will bring it to you before you rise from your place, and indeed, I am for this task strong and trustworthy.” One who had knowledge of the Scripture said: "I will bring it to you before your glance returns to you." And when Solomon saw it placed before him he said: “This is from the favour of my Lord.”]

Fourthly: the purpose of the creation of the Jinn:
Allah created Jinn for the same purpose that he created mankind:
]وَمَا خَلَقۡتُ ٱلۡجِنَّ وَٱلۡإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعۡبُدُونِ]

Sura adh-Dhariyat; (51):56
]Meaning: And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me alone.]

Based on this, the Jinn are required to carry out certain commands and refrain from certain prohibitions. If they comply Allah will be pleased with them and enter them into Paradise, and if they disobey and rebel then for them is the Fire – as is indicated by many textual evidences.

On the Day of Resurrection Allah will rebuke and admonish the disbelieving Jinn and humans by saying:
]يَٰمَعۡشَرَ ٱلۡجِنِّ وَٱلۡإِنسِ أَلَمۡ يَأۡتِكُمۡ رُسُلٞ مِّنكُمۡ يَقُصُّونَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ ءَايَٰتِي وَيُنذِرُونَكُمۡ لِقَآءَ يَوۡمِكُمۡ هَٰذَاۚ قَالُواْ شَهِدۡنَا عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِنَاۖ وَغَرَّتۡهُمُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَشَهِدُواْ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمۡ أَنَّهُمۡ كَانُواْ كَٰفِرِينَ]

 Sura al-An’am; (6):130
]Meaning: O you assembly of jinns and mankind! "Did not there come to you Messengers from amongst you, reciting unto you My Verses and warning you of the meeting of this Day of yours?" They will say: "We bear witness against ourselves." It was the life of this world that deceived them. And they will bear witness against themselves that they were disbelievers.]

The aforementioned verses serve as proof that Allah’s Legislation has reached the Jinn, and that they were sent warners and tellers.

The proof that they will be punished in Hellfire is the saying of Allah –the Almighty–:
]قَالَ ٱدۡخُلُواْ فِيٓ أُمَمٖ قَدۡ خَلَتۡ مِن قَبۡلِكُم مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ وَٱلۡإِنسِ فِي ٱلنَّارِۖ]
Sura al-A’raf; (7):38
]Meaning: Allah will say: "Enter you in the company of nations who passed away before you, of men and Jinns, into the Fire.”]

And He said:
]وَلَقَدۡ ذَرَأۡنَا لِجَهَنَّمَ كَثِيرٗا مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ وَٱلۡإِنسِۖ]

Sura al-A’raf; (7):179
]Meaning: And surely, We have created many of the Jinns and mankind for Hell.]

And He said:
]لَأَمۡلَأَنَّ جَهَنَّمَ مِنَ ٱلۡجِنَّةِ وَٱلنَّاسِ أَجۡمَعِينَ]

 Sura as-Sajdah; (32):13
]Meaning: “I will surely fill Hell with Jinn and people altogether.]

The proof that the believing Jinn will enter Paradise is the saying of Allah –the Almighty–:
]وَلِمَنۡ خَافَ مَقَامَ رَبِّهِۦ جَنَّتَانِ ٤٦ فَبِأَيِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ]
Sura ar-Rahman; (55):46-7
]Meaning: But for he who fears the standing before his Lord are two gardens. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (i.e. Jinn and men) deny?]

The address is to the Jinn and mankind alike as the beginning of the chapter addresses them both. Allah will confer the favour of entering the believing Jinn into Paradise, and were it not for the fact they would be granted such then Allah would not have promised them it through His grace.[519]

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(514) Reported by Muslim (no. 2451).

(515) See: ‘Aalam al–Jinn was–Shayatin’ (p. 22).

(516) See: ‘al–Furqan Bayna Awliya ar–Rahman wa Awliya ash–Shaytan’ of Ibn Taymiyyah (pp. 61–3); & ‘Ahkam al–Jaan’ (pp. 40–3).

(517) Reported by Muslim (no. 2451).

(518) See: ‘Aalam al–Jinn was–Shayatin’ (pp. 22–3).

(519) See: ‘Ahkam al–Jaan’ (p. 53); & ‘Aalam al–Jinn was–Shayatin’ (p. 41).

Section Three: Satan & the Son of Adam
Satan can influence the sons of Adam, and the devil associates with some humans that submit themselves to him and obey him in disobedience to Allah.

With others, though, he has conflicting and antagonistic relations. What follows is a mention of some of the matters concerning the relationship between the sons of Adam and Satan.

Firstly: Satan flows through the human body just as blood does:
there occurs a narration in the Sahihayn (the hadith collections of Bukhari and Muslim) on the authority of Anas that he said: the Messenger of Allah –peace be upon him– said: “Satan circulates in the human body like blood.”[520]

There is another narration that also occurs in the two canonical collections of prophetic traditions, Al–Bukhari and Muslim, on the authority of Safiyyah bint Huyayy, the wife of the Prophet –peace be upon him–, that she said: “I came to visit the Prophet –peace be upon him– one night while he was in a state of seclusion inside the mosque. After having talked to him, I got up to return. The Prophet –peace be upon him– also got up with me and accompanied me for part of the way, as she lived in the house of Usama bin Zayd. At that moment two men from the Ansar passed by. When they saw the Prophet –peace be upon him– they quickened their pace.

The Prophet –peace be upon him– said to them:
“Do not hurry. She is Safiyyah, the daughter of Huyayy.” They said: “Allah is free from all imperfections! O Messenger of Allah! [i.e. you are far removed from suspicions]” The Messenger of Allah –peace be upon him– said: “Satan circulates in a person as blood does through the veins. I apprehended lest Satan should place some evil thoughts into your hearts.” Or he said: “Something.”[521]

Secondly: the strengths and weaknesses of Satan:
Satan tries to influence the sons of Adam to lead them astray. This is something Allah has enabled them to do through His wisdom and comprehensive, universal decree.

Despite this, the influence of Satan varies based on the strength of a person’s faith and their vigilance. Thus, if a person had strong faith and was vigilant, the influence of Satan over him would be weak; and vice versa.

We know then, that the devils have strengths and weaknesses just as Allah informed us in His saying:
]إِنَّ كَيۡدَ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنِ كَانَ ضَعِيفًا]

 Sura an–Nisa•; (4):76
]Meaning: Indeed, the plot of Satan has ever been weak.]

Allah –the Exalted– did not give Satan the ability to compel or force people against their will into misguidance and disbelief.

Allah says:
]إِنَّ عِبَادِي لَيۡسَ لَكَ عَلَيۡهِمۡ سُلۡطَٰنٞۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِرَبِّكَ وَكِيلٗا]

 Sura al–Israa; (17):65
]Meaning: Indeed, over My [believing] servants there is for you no authority. And sufficient is your Lord as a guardian.]

And He said:
]وَمَا كَانَ لَهُۥ عَلَيۡهِم مِّن سُلۡطَٰنٍ إِلَّا لِنَعۡلَمَ مَن يُؤۡمِنُ بِٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ مِمَّنۡ هُوَ مِنۡهَا فِي شَكّٖۗ]

  Sura Saba; (31):21
]Meaning: And he had no authority over them, except that We might test him, who believes in the Hereafter from him who is in doubt about it.]

This means that Satan cannot overcome them as he does not possess convincing evidence, nor does he have a power of his own, but rather through deception and the embellishment of sin.

Satan himself is aware of this reality, just as Allah says:
]قَالَ رَبِّ بِمَآ أَغۡوَيۡتَنِي لَأُزَيِّنَنَّ لَهُمۡ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَأُغۡوِيَنَّهُمۡ أَجۡمَعِينَ ٣٩ إِلَّا عِبَادَكَ مِنۡهُمُ ٱلۡمُخۡلَصِينَ]

Sura al–Hijr; (15):39–40
]Meaning: Satan said: "O my Lord! Because you misled me, I shall indeed adorn the path of error for them on the earth, and I shall mislead them all. Except Your chosen, guided slaves among them.]

His influence is thus exercised on those who voluntarily submit to his deception, just as Allah says:
]قَالَ رَبِّ بِمَآ أَغۡوَيۡتَنِي لَأُزَيِّنَنَّ لَهُمۡ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَأُغۡوِيَنَّهُمۡ أَجۡمَعِينَ ٣٩ إِلَّا عِبَادَكَ مِنۡهُمُ ٱلۡمُخۡلَصِينَ]

 Sura al–Hijr; (15):42
]Meaning: Indeed, My servants – no authority will you have over them, except those who follow you of the deviators.]

On the Day of Resurrection Satan will say to His followers whom he led astray to destruction:
]وَمَا كَانَ لِيَ عَلَيۡكُم مِّن سُلۡطَٰنٍ إِلَّآ أَن دَعَوۡتُكُمۡ فَٱسۡتَجَبۡتُمۡ لِيۖ]

Sura Ibrahim; (14):22
]Meaning: But I had no authority over you except that I invited you, and you responded to me.]

In another verse Allah –the Mighty and Majestic– clarifies that the influence of Satan is over those whom ally themselves with him:
]إِنَّمَا سُلۡطَٰنُهُۥ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يَتَوَلَّوۡنَهُۥ وَٱلَّذِينَ هُم بِهِۦ مُشۡرِكُونَ]
Sura an–Nahl; (16):100
]Meaning: His power is only over those who take him as an ally and those who through him associate others with Allah.][522]

The power given to Satan is his ability to deceive, mislead, and influence humans.

He incites them doggedly to disbelief and polytheism, just as Allah –the Almighty- says:
]أَلَمۡ تَرَ أَنَّآ أَرۡسَلۡنَا ٱلشَّيَٰطِينَ عَلَى ٱلۡكَٰفِرِينَ تَؤُزُّهُمۡ أَزّٗا]
 Sura Maryam; (19):83
]Meaning: Do you not see that We have sent the devils upon the disbelievers, inciting them to evil with constant incitement.]

‘Inciting them’ means:
to stir them; to instigate them; to bother them greatly.

It is Satan’s allies who are blameworthy and at fault for answering his call just because it coincides with their passions and desires. They are the ones who help him against themselves and allow their enemy to overpower them by following him and agreeing with him. As a punishment for them, when they surrender themselves to him, he is given a grip over them.

Allah does not let Satan have any power over a servant of His, until they allow him to dominate them by their obedience of him and by committing polytheism. Only then will Allah allow him to control and subdue them.

It is also possible that Satan is able to overcome believers because of their sins. Allah informs us in the Quran about a person whom He showed His signs to until became aware of them. However, he disregarded them, so Allah caused Satan to overcome him, such that he deceived and misled him.

Allah made him into an eternal example and his story is mentioned in the Quran:
]وَٱتۡلُ عَلَيۡهِمۡ نَبَأَ ٱلَّذِيٓ ءَاتَيۡنَٰهُ ءَايَٰتِنَا فَٱنسَلَخَ مِنۡهَا فَأَتۡبَعَهُ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنُ فَكَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡغَاوِينَ ١٧٥ وَلَوۡ شِئۡنَا لَرَفَعۡنَٰهُ بِهَا وَلَٰكِنَّهُۥٓ أَخۡلَدَ إِلَى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَٱتَّبَعَ هَوَىٰهُۚ فَمَثَلُهُۥ كَمَثَلِ ٱلۡكَلۡبِ إِن تَحۡمِلۡ عَلَيۡهِ يَلۡهَثۡ أَوۡ تَتۡرُكۡهُ يَلۡهَثۚ ذَّٰلِكَ مَثَلُ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُواْ بِ‍َٔايَٰتِنَاۚ فَٱقۡصُصِ ٱلۡقَصَصَ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ]

Sura al–A’raf; (7):175–6
]Meaning: And recite to them, the news of him to whom we gave knowledge of Our signs, but he detached himself from them; so Satan pursued him, and he became of the deviators. And if We had willed, we could have elevated him thereby, but he adhered instead to the earth and followed his own desires. So, his example is like that of the dog: if you chase him, he pants, or if you leave him, he still pants. That is the example of the people who denied Our signs. Relate the stories so that perhaps they will give thought.]

It is clear that this parable refers to those who know the truth but reject it, like those who know Muhammad –peace be upon him– was sent by his Lord but they still disbelieve.

This category of people –those who are shown Allah’s signs, yet they disbelieve– are a group of people in grave danger, bearing some resemblance to Satan, as Satan himself disbelieved after knowing the truth.[523]

On the other hand –if a servant is well–grounded in Islam, and faith is rooted in his heart and he adheres to the limits set by Allah– then Satan is fearful of him and flees from him. The Messenger –peace be upon him– said to Umar bin al–Khattab: “Indeed Satan is afraid of you, O Umar!”[524]

In another narration reported by the authentic collection of al–Bukhari, on the authority of Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas –may Allah be pleased with him– that the Messenger of Allah –peace be upon him– said to Umar bin al–Khattab: “By the One in Whose Hand is my soul! Satan does not see you taking a path except that he takes a path other than yours.”[525]

This merit is not something unique to Umar alone. Whoever is strong in faith dominates his devil and humiliates him, as is indicated by a narration referenced by Imam Ahmad: “The believer wears his devil out just as one of you wears his camel out upon a journey.”[526]

Ibn Kathir –may Allah have mercy upon him– said:
‘Wears his devil out’ meaning he weakens and enfeebles it due to his humiliation of it, making it his prisoner under his control and dominance.”[527]

In a variant narration it mentions the term:
‘Seizes his devil’s forelock’ which means: he takes hold of its forelock, overpowering and subduing it – just as is done with a camel when it is recaptured after escaping.[528]

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(520) Reported by al–Bukhari (no. 7171); & Muslim (no. 2175).

(521) Reported by al–Bukhari (no. 3107); & Muslim (no. 2175).

(522) See: ‘Aalam al–Jinn was–Shayatin’ (p. 32).

(523) See: ‘Aalam al–Jinn was–Shayatin’ (pp. 32–3).

(524) Reported by at–Tirmidhi (no. 2913).

(525) Reported by al–Bukhari (no. 3294).

(526) Reported by Ahmad (no. 8927).

(527) ‘al–Bidayah wan–Nihayah’ (1/73).

(528) See: ‘Aalam al–Jinn was–Shayatin’ (pp. 31–5).

Section Four: The Enmity between the Human Being & Satan
Firstly: the origins of this enmity and its history:
The hostility between humans and Satan is old and deep–rooted, going back to the day that Allah formed Adam – before the soul was blown into him. Satan circled him, as is mentioned by the narration that occurs in the authentic collection of Muslim on the authority of Anas that the Messenger of Allah –peace be upon him– said: “When Allah fashioned Adam in Paradise, He left him for as long as He wished to leave him. Then Satan circled him to see what he was. When he saw that he was hollow, he knew that he had been created with a disposition such that he would not have control over himself.”[529]

Then when Allah breathed the soul into Adam, He commanded the angels to prostrate before Adam. Satan was also included in this command as he used to worship Allah along with the angels of the Heavens. However, he was arrogant and haughty, and refused to prostrate to Adam.

Allah says:
]قَالَ أَنَا۠ خَيۡرٞ مِّنۡهُ خَلَقۡتَنِي مِن نَّارٖ وَخَلَقۡتَهُۥ مِن طِينٖ]

 Sura al–A’raf; (7):12
]Meaning: Satan said: "I am better than him; You created me from fire, and him You created from clay.]

Upon opening his eyes, our father Adam found before him the greatest honour; he saw the angels prostrating to him. He also saw a clear enemy who threatened him with destruction and misguidance.

Allah expelled Satan from the Eternal Gardens of Paradise due to his pride and was granted a reprieve until the Day of Resurrection.

Allah says:
]قَالَ أَنظِرۡنِيٓ إِلَىٰ يَوۡمِ يُبۡعَثُونَ ١٤ قَالَ إِنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُنظَرِينَ]

 Sura al–A’raf; (7):14–15
]Meaning: He said: "Allow me respite till the Day they are raised up.” Allah said: "You are of those allowed respite.”]

The accursed then made a commitment to himself to mislead the descendants of Adam, just as Allah informs us in His saying:
]قَالَ فَبِمَآ أَغۡوَيۡتَنِي لَأَقۡعُدَنَّ لَهُمۡ صِرَٰطَكَ ٱلۡمُسۡتَقِيمَ ١٦ ثُمَّ لَأٓتِيَنَّهُم مِّنۢ بَيۡنِ أَيۡدِيهِمۡ وَمِنۡ خَلۡفِهِمۡ وَعَنۡ أَيۡمَٰنِهِمۡ وَعَن شَمَآئِلِهِمۡۖ وَلَا تَجِدُ أَكۡثَرَهُمۡ شَٰكِرِينَ]

 Sura al–A’raf; (7):14–5
]Meaning: Satan said: "Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit in wait against 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.]

These words are indicative of Satan’s diligence in leading the descendants of Adam astray. He comes to him from every direction: from the right and from the left, from in front and from behind; from every angle possible.”[530]

Secondly: The warning given to us by Allah against Satan:
The Quran contains plentiful warnings against Satan due to the greatness of his trial, his proficiency in misguiding, his determination and doggedness in doing so.

Allah –the Mighty and Majestic– said:
]يَٰبَنِيٓ ءَادَمَ لَا يَفۡتِنَنَّكُمُ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنُ]

 Sura al–A’raf; (7):27
]Meaning: O children of Adam! Let not Satan tempt you.]

And He said:
]إِنَّ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنَ لَكُمۡ عَدُوّٞ فَٱتَّخِذُوهُ عَدُوًّاۚ]

 Sura Fatir; (35):6
]Meaning: Indeed, Satan is an enemy to you, so take him as an enemy.]

And His saying:
]وَمَن يَتَّخِذِ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنَ وَلِيّٗا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ فَقَدۡ خَسِرَ خُسۡرَانٗا مُّبِينٗا]
Sura an–Nisa•; (4):119
]Meaning: And whoever takes Satan as an ally instead of Allah has certainly sustained a clear loss.]

Satan’s enmity will not diminish or disappear because he considers Adam to be responsible for his curse, banishment, and expulsion from Paradise. He believes he must therefore take revenge on Adam and his progeny.

Allah says:
]قَالَ أَرَءَيۡتَكَ هَٰذَا ٱلَّذِي كَرَّمۡتَ عَلَيَّ لَئِنۡ أَخَّرۡتَنِ إِلَىٰ يَوۡمِ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِ لَأَحۡتَنِكَنَّ ذُرِّيَّتَهُۥٓ إِلَّا قَلِيلٗا]

  Sura al–Isra; (17):62
]Meaning: Satan said: "Do You see this one whom You have honoured above me? If You give me respite until the Day of Resurrection, I will surely destroy his descendants, except for a few.]

Thirdly: Satan’s ultimate goal:
Satan’s ultimate goal is to cause all of mankind to enter Hellfire and ensure they not enter Paradise.

If he is not able to do so, he tries to achieve what is lesser than that. His goal –in origin– is to cause servants to fall into polytheism and disbelief; but if he does not succeed, he makes them commit sins of lesser severity. Thus, he sows discord among them, dissuades them from obeying Allah, corrupts their acts of obedience, makes them fear poverty and incessantly encourages them to commit reprehensible and wicked acts. Whenever they obey him, he strives to make them commit an even more serious sin. He does not cease from doing so until he gets them to the lowest depths possible.

Fourthly: Satan’s army:
Satan leads the war against humankind and has soldiers from amongst the Jinn. Every person is accompanied by a Jinn who never leaves him, as is indicated by the narration of Aisha reported by Muslim in which she narrates: ‘The Messenger of Allah left her house one night. She said: “I felt jealous.” When the Prophet returned, he saw how I was [i.e. the state I was in]. He said: “What is up with you, O Aisha? Did you feel jealous?” I said: “How can it be that a woman like me should not feel jealous with regards to a husband like you?” He said: “It was your devil who came to you.” I said: “O Messenger of Allah! Is there a devil with me?” He said: “Yes.” I said: “Even with you O Messenger of Allah?!” He said: “Yes, but my Lord helped me against him until he aslam.”[531]

The last word of the narration is subject to interpretation depending on the vowel ending. It is said the ‘aslama’ means: the devil became Muslim, in which case the verb is past tense. Alternatively, it could be read: ‘aslamu’ which means ‘so that I am safe from his evil’. Based on this interpretation the verb would be present tense.[532]

Satan also has human soldiers who follow his path, just as Allah –the Almighty– says:
]وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓاْ أَوۡلِيَآؤُهُمُ ٱلطَّٰغُوتُ يُخۡرِجُونَهُم مِّنَ ٱلنُّورِ إِلَى ٱلظُّلُمَٰتِۗ أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ أَصۡحَٰبُ ٱلنَّارِۖ هُمۡ فِيهَا خَٰلِدُونَ]

 Sura al–Baqarah; (2):257
]Meaning: And those who disbelieve – their allies are the Taghut (Satan and the false deities). They take them out of the light into darkness. Those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein.][533]

Fifthly: Satan’s schemes to mislead mankind:
Satan does not come to a person directly, saying: ‘Forsake good and commit evil so that you are miserable in this life and the next’. If he were that direct, then nobody would obey him.

Rather he uses various means through which he misguides, such as:
embellishing falsehood; giving illicit matters enticing names; playing on the human tendency to either be lax or excessive; discouraging the servants from action; encouraging procrastination and laziness; making false promises and giving people false hopes – all in order that he causes them to fall into misguidance.

Allah says:
]يَعِدُهُمۡ وَيُمَنِّيهِمۡۖ وَمَا يَعِدُهُمُ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنُ إِلَّا غُرُورًا]

 Sura an–Nisa•; (4):110
]Meaning: Satan promises them and arouses desire in them. But Satan promises are merely deceptions.]

In misguiding mankind, Satan has other schemes which he uses, such as:
gradually misleading them; making them forget what is good for them and will lead to their success; and by making them fear his allies. He comes to a person via the things they love, and he exploits their weaknesses, such as sickness, desire, anger; despair; ignorance; heedlessness; stinginess; their love of women; joy; depression; and similar matters.

Sixthly: Satan’s method in reaching the heart of a human being:
Satan uses whispering, by way of which he is able to reach a person’s mind and heart. We do not know the manner in which he does so, but his nature and creation aid him in doing so.

This is known as ‘waswasah (whispering)’; and Allah names him in the Quran:
]ٱلۡوَسۡوَاسِ ٱلۡخَنَّاسِ٤ ٱلَّذِي يُوَسۡوِسُ فِي صُدُورِ ٱلنَّاسِ]

 Sura an–Nas; (114):4–5
]Meaning: The retreating whisperer who whispers into the breasts of mankind.]

Satan watches the heart of the sons of Adam attentively; when he forgets and is heedless then he whispers to him, and when he remembers Allah he withdraws.

It is authentically established in the two authentic collections of hadith that the Messenger –peace be upon him– said: “Satan circulates in the human body like blood flows through veins.”[534]

A person can feel inside themselves the effects of this whispering which lures and tempts them to commit sin while making them forget about the consequences.

Due to this whispering Satan caused Adam to slip up and err by eating from the tree.

Allah –the Mighty and Majestic– says:
]فَوَسۡوَسَ إِلَيۡهِ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنُ قَالَ يَٰٓـَٔادَمُ هَلۡ أَدُلُّكَ عَلَىٰ شَجَرَةِ ٱلۡخُلۡدِ وَمُلۡكٖ لَّا يَبۡلَىٰ]
Ta–Ha; (20):120
]Meaning: Then Satan whispered to him; he said: "O Adam, shall I direct you to the tree of eternity and to a kingdom that will not perish.”[535]

Seventhly: The Believer’s armoury against Satan:
Despite the severe enmity of Satan, his extraordinary plot, and his determination to mislead mankind, he can be repelled and made to withdraw such that he returns to being humiliated and submissive. This is the case when a believer takes the means to protect himself from the accursed devil, for example: being vigilant and taking precaution; adhering to the Quran and the way of the Prophet -peace be upon him-; sincerely seeking refuge in Allah –the Exalted and Most High– from the evil of Satan; constantly making remembrance of Allah; having knowledge of Satan’s schemes and plots; increasing in beneficial knowledge; hastening to repent and seek Allah’s forgiveness; and other than that from the means which help to banish Satan.[536]

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(529) Reported by Muslim (no. 2611).

(530) See: ‘Aalam al–Jinn was–Shayatin’ (p. 53).

(531) Reported by Muslim (no. 2815).

(532) See: ‘Ahkam al–Jaan’ (p. 41).

(533) See: ‘Aalam al–Jinn was–Shayatin’ (pp. 64–5).

(534) Reported by al–Bukhari (no. 3107); & Muslim (no. 2174).

(535) See: ‘Aalam al–Jinn was–Shayatin’ (pp. 67–91).

(536) See: ‘Aalam al–Jinn was–Shayatin’ (pp. 127–49).

Section Five: The Underlying Wisdom Behind the Creation of Satan
Allah –the Mighty and Majestic– created Satan who is the source of the corruption that feeds all the corruption in this world – be it regarding religion, belief, desires or doubts. He is also the cause of the misery of the servants of Allah, and of them carrying out that which angers Allah.

Allah created him due to many great wisdoms, such as:
1. The ability of Allah –the Exalted– to create opposing and conflicting things becomes apparent to His servants:
Allah created this being –Satan– who is the vilest of beings and the reason behind every evil, just as He created the angel Gabriel who is from the most noble and purest of beings; the source of all good. Exalted is He Who created them both, just as he created night and day; hot and cold; water and fire; medicine and disease; life and death; and beauty and ugliness. It is thus that the beauty of all things is made apparent by the contrast of its opposite.

This ability is the best proof of the perfection of His ability, might, dominion and power. He created all these opposites in contrast to each other, making them battle each other. He does with them as He pleases and arranges them as He wishes. If one of these opposites were to disappear altogether from the universe, it would contradict His wisdom and the perfect disposition and arrangement of His kingdom.

2. By way of Satan, Allah perfects the levels of servitude for His allies:
This is due to their striving against Satan and his party; and by angering him through their obedience to Allah; seeking Allah’s refuge from him and turning to Allah in order that He saves them from him and his plot. Thus, they gain benefits in this world and in the Hereafter in ways that would not have been possible otherwise.

Furthermore, loving Allah; turning to Him; relying upon Him; having patience, being content, and other than that are from the most beloved forms of servitude to Allah. We can only achieve these virtues by striving and giving up our souls in the way of Allah, and by giving precedence to the love of Him over all else. The creation of Satan was a cause for the existence of these matters.[537]

3. Tribulation is achieved:
Satan was created to serve as a touchstone for the creation, in order that good and evil are distinguished. Allah created the human race from clay which can either be good or bad, thus He makes the substance of each person known to the rest of them.[538]

4. Allah makes manifest the effects of His Names, their necessary implications, and what is linked to them. From Allah’s names is:
‘ar–Raafi’ (the Uplifter)’; ‘al–Khaafidh (the Abaser)’; ‘al–Mu’izz (the Honourer)’; ‘al–Muthill (the Humiliator); ‘al–Hakam (the Judge); ‘al–Adl (the Just).[539]

These names have implications which make manifest their rulings. Thus, the creation of Satan was a cause for the manifestation of the effects of these Names. If all of creation were obedient and believing, the effects of these names would not be apparent.

5. Exposing the good and evil aspects of human nature:
Human nature is made up of good and evil aspects like a bullet whose dormant fire power is waiting to be released by a simple pull on the trigger. Satan was created to expose the nature of evil people by translating their inclinations into action, just as the messengers were sent to manifest the nature of good people by translating their inclinations into action. Allah, the Most Just of Judges, makes manifest the latent good or evil in an individual in order to give rise to reward or punishment. In this way, Allah’s wisdom is manifested, and His judgement shall be passed as it relates to each of the two groups; just as that which He eternally knew will occur.[540]

6. The manifestation of many of Allah’s signs and miracles:
Many signs and miracles have become apparent due to the presence of evil and disbelief in the souls of the unbelieving, oppressive peoples; such as: the deluge, the wind, the destruction of the nations of Thamud and Lot, the fire which was cool and safe for Abraham, the miracles performed by Moses, and other than that.

If the disbelief of the disbelievers and the denial of the deniers had not been decreed, then all these wonderous miracles – which have and shall continue to be reported for generations – would not have taken place.

As for the fact that Allah gave Satan a respite until the Day of Resurrection, it is not out of honour for him –on the contrary– it is a dishonour so that his sins accumulate and in turn his punishment is greater and more severe. In addition to this, Allah made him a touchstone for good and evil –as has preceded– so until the Day of Resurrection and for as long as mankind and creation remain, mankind’s existence necessitates the existence of Satan, and Allah knows best.[541]

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(537) See: ‘al–Hikmah wat–Ta’lil fi Af’al al–Ibad’ (p. 205).

(538) See: ‘al–Hikmah wat–Ta’lil’ (p. 205); & ‘Aalam al–Jinn was–Shayatin’ of Dr Umar al–Ashqar (p. 190).

(539) See: ‘Madarij as–Salikin’ (2/191); & ‘Aalam al–Jinn was–Shayatin’ (pp. 191).

(540) See: ‘Shifaa al–‘Alil’ (pp. 494–5); & ‘Madarij as–Salikin’ (2/192–3).

(541) See: ‘Madarij as–Salikin’ (2/193).