سُوْرَةُ الْاَعْرَافِ

Surah Al-A'raaf (7) — Ayah 200

The Heights · Meccan · Juz 9 · Page 176

وَإِمَّا يَنزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنِ نَزْغٌ فَٱسْتَعِذْ بِٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ ﴿200﴾
And if an evil whisper comes to you from Shaitân (Satan), then seek refuge with Allâh. Verily, He is All-Hearer, All-Knower.
وَإِمَّا wa-immā And if
يَنزَغَنَّكَ yanzaghannaka an evil suggestion comes to you
مِنَ mina from
ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنِ l-shayṭāni [the] Shaitaan
نَزْغٌۭ nazghun [an evil suggestion]
فَٱسْتَعِذْ fa-is'taʿidh then seek refuge
بِٱللَّهِ ۚ bil-lahi in Allah
إِنَّهُۥ innahu Indeed, He
سَمِيعٌ samīʿun (is) All-Hearing
عَلِيمٌ ʿalīmun All-Knowing

Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

(Ayah 200) {وَ اِمَّا يَنْزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطٰنِ نَزْغٌ … : } In the Quran, at three places, there is a command to enjoin what is right, to forgive, to respond in the best manner, and to turn away from the ignorant. One is in the previous verse, the second is in Surah Al-Mu’minun (96 to 98), and the third is in Ha Mim As-Sajdah (34 to 36). In Ha Mim As-Sajdah, the benefit of this is mentioned: even the enemy, being affected, becomes like a sincere friend. However, showing kindness to Satan does not affect him in any way, because he is an open enemy and incites and provokes man at every opportunity. Facing this satanic attack is not within human capacity, so in all three verses, it is commanded that if it is known that Satan is provoking me, inciting me to anger, then immediately seek refuge with Allah. In front of this refuge, Satan is helpless. In Qamus, the meaning of {’’ نَزْغٌ ‘‘} is written as "to prod, to provoke, and to cast a whisper."

Sulaiman bin Surad Al-Khuza’i (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that two men began to abuse each other; we were sitting with the Prophet (peace be upon him). One of them, in intense anger, was abusing his companion, so the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "I know a word, if he were to say it, his condition would go away; it is {’’ اَعُوْذُ بِاللّٰهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيْمِ‘‘}." The people said to that man: "Do you not hear what the Prophet (peace be upon him) is saying?" He said: "I am not mad." [ بخاری، الأدب، باب الحذر من الغضب … : ۶۱۱۵۔ مسلم : ۲۶۱۰ ] Please also see the footnotes of the three verses referenced above.

Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

20. 1. And at that moment, if Satan tries to provoke you, then seek refuge with Allah.

Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

200. And if ever Satan incites you [198], then seek refuge with Allah. He is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

[198] This is actually the fourth instruction: if at any time you become provoked by the objections of critics or the mischief of opponents, then understand that this is an incitement from Satan, because Satan only desires to create obstacles in the path of the true call through various means. Therefore, at that very moment, you should seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Satan, so that He may protect you from losing control in anger. And since Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing, He will remove such thoughts from your heart.