Author: Abdul Hay Lay'yan
The Divine Education Model in the Family of the Prophets (Part 19)
Lesson Eight: The Danger of Satanic Temptations and Ways to Avoid Them
The acceptance and implementation of Satan’s temptation by Cain to kill his brother Abel shows that Satan constantly tempts man and casts meanings of misguidance into his heart. He never gets tired or bored and does not give up this temptation except by remembrance of Allah Almighty. In this regard, Allah Almighty says: ( قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاس• مَلِكِ النَّاسِ • إِلَـٰهِ النَّاسِ • مِن شَرِّ الْوَسْوَاسِ الْخَنَّاسِ • الَّذِي يُوَسْوِسُ فِي صُدُورِ النَّاسِ ) Translation: “Say: I seek refuge with (Allah), the Lord of mankind, the King of mankind, the God of mankind, from the evil of the whisperer who withdraws—who Temptations in the hearts of mankind.”[1]
Ibn ʿAbbas said: Waswas al-Khannas (the retreating whisperer) is Satan, who sits upon the heart of the son of Adam. Whenever he becomes heedless, Satan Temptations, and whenever he remembers Allah, Satan retreats. [2]
The Nature of Satanic Temptations and Divine Instructions to Resist Them
In the journey of life, every human being faces many internal and external challenges. One of the greatest and most persistent of these is the Tempting of Satan. These Temptations are subtle suggestions planted by Satan—the eternal enemy of mankind—to deviate the heart and mind from the path of truth and goodness.
It is the duty of every Muslim to remain alert and resistant to these hidden attacks, not allowing Satan to gain dominance over the soul. Satan constantly commands evil and indecency, and he urges people to say about Allah what they do not know. He inspires deceptive speech, invites his party to the blazing Fire, promises poverty, and incites to indecency.
For this reason, Allah, Exalted is He, forbids us from following in his footsteps: ( يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ كُلُواْ مِمَّا فِي الأَرْضِ حَلاَلاً طَيِّباً وَلاَ تَتَّبِعُواْ خُطُوَاتِ الشَّيْطَانِ إِنَّهُ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ • إِنَّمَا يَأْمُرُكُم بِالسُّوءِ وَالْفَحْشَاءِ وَأَن تَقُولُواْ عَلَى اللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ ) Translation: “O people! Eat from what is lawful and good in the earth, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is a clear enemy to you. He only commands you to evil and immorality and to say about Allah what you do not know.” [3]
And He says: (وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَا لِكُلِّ نَبِيٍّ عَدُوًّا شَيَاطِينَ الْإِنسِ وَالْجِنِّ يُوحِي بَعْضُهُمْ إِلَىٰ بَعْضٍ زُخْرُفَ الْقَوْلِ غُرُورًا ) Translation: “And in the same way, We made for every prophet an enemy—devils from among mankind and jinn—who inspire each other with fancy words, meant to deceive. [4]
And He also says: (إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ فَاتَّخِذُوهُ عَدُوًّا إِنَّمَا يَدْعُو حِزْبَهُ لِيَكُونُوا مِنْ أَصْحَابِ السَّعِيرِ) Translation: “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 blazing Fire.” [5]
Seeking Refuge in Allah and Remaining Alert to Satan’s Deception
Allah, (SWT), commands us to seek refuge in Him and turn to Him alone against these Temptations, for He promises to accept this seeking of refuge and to protect from this accursed enemy whoever takes shelter in Him. Allah says: ( وَإِمَّا يَنزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ إِنَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ) Translation: “And if an evil suggestion comes to you from Satan, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is Hearing and Knowing.” [6]
Therefore, it is obligatory for every Muslim not to submit to Satan’s Temptations, not to be deceived by him, nor to allow him to take control over the soul. One should not treat Satan as a sincere advisor, nor follow his footsteps, for he never calls to goodness or leads to salvation.
From all the above, it becomes clear that Satan is a being who has sworn to lead mankind astray. He exploits every opportunity and weakness to gain influence. His Temptations are not just evil thoughts; they are like intellectual bombs—calculated, targeted ideas designed to divert a person from the path of truth. These Temptations can take on various forms, such as:
Temptation to sin and disobedience: Satan encourages actions that may appear pleasurable or attractive but are in fact sinful and destructive.
Sowing doubt and skepticism: He seeks to weaken faith and make people question their core beliefs.
Planting hatred and enmity: He sows division among people, and nurtures jealousy, anger, and hatred in their hearts.
Encouraging laziness and apathy: He prevents people from doing good deeds and fulfilling religious obligations, leading them into heedlessness and negligence.
False and deceitful promises: Satan paints a delusional and alluring picture of the future, dragging people into chasing empty dreams.
These Temptations work like slow-acting poisons—if a person surrenders without resistance, they gradually lose control over their soul and become a tool in Satan’s hands.
Conclusion
Fighting Satanic Temptations is a lifelong battle—one that continues until the final moments of life. This struggle requires constant awareness, strong will, and full reliance on Allah. By following divine guidance and seeking refuge in Him, one can overcome this hidden enemy, free the soul from his control, and attain success and salvation in both this world and the Hereafter.
Continues…
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References:
[1] Surah al-Nas: 1–5
[2] Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Azim, vol. 4, p. 574
[3] Surah al-Baqarah: 168–169
[4] Surah al-An‘ām: 112
[5] Surah Fāṭir: 6
[6] Surah al-Aʿrāf: 200
