Characteristics of Satan in the Light of the Qur’an

❖ Introduction​

This article is adapted from the book “Awliya Allah Ki Pehchan” by Abu Hamzah Abdul Khaliq Siddiqi. It outlines the attributes, methods, and dangers of Satan (Shayṭān) based on Qur’anic evidence.

◈ Nature of Shayṭān​

① Iblīs is a Jinn
Iblīs was created from fire and was among the Jinn. He disobeyed Allah’s command and was cast out of Paradise due to his arrogance.

② Shayṭān’s Origin
Shayṭān was created from fire, unlike man who was created from clay. This belief led him to falsely assume superiority over Adam (عليه السلام).

◈ Deceptive Strategies of Shayṭān​

③ Schemes and Deceit
Shayṭān consciously and deliberately deceives people. He beautifies evil deeds and leads humans away from righteousness.

④ Constant Presence
He remains persistently close to humans, whispering evil into their hearts. The Prophet ﷺ said Shayṭān flows through a person like blood.

⑤ Enemy to Humanity
He is the enemy of all mankind, including prophets. He influences with subtle suggestions and false promises.

⑥ Commanding Evil
He incites humans toward immorality, indecency, and rebellion against Allah ﷻ.

◈ Shayṭān's Role in Misguidance​

⑦ Misguides from All Directions
Shayṭān attacks from every angle — front, back, right, and left — to deviate mankind from the straight path.

⑧ Bad Companion
Those who follow Shayṭān become companions of disbelief. The Qur’an calls him an evil associate.

⑨ Beautifies Evil Actions
He makes sinful acts appear attractive, causing people to fall deeper into disobedience.

◈ Historical Impact​

⑩ Deception of Adam (عليه السلام)
Shayṭān caused Adam and Hawwa (عليهما السلام) to be expelled from Paradise by whispering to them deceptive thoughts about the forbidden tree.

⑪ Mankind Warned
The children of Adam are repeatedly warned in the Qur’an not to follow the footsteps of Shayṭān.

◈ Tactics and Goals​

⑫ False Promises
His promises are hollow. He gives false hopes and leads people to despair and ruin.

⑬ Strategic Patience
Shayṭān employs patience and endurance in his mission to corrupt mankind and draw them toward Hell.

⑭ Whispers and Doubts
He injects doubts into hearts and minds, especially regarding divine guidance and religious obligations.

⑮ Commands Immorality and Shamelessness
He instructs people toward evil and indecency and encourages attributing lies to Allah ﷻ.

◈ Protection from Shayṭān​

⑯ No Power Over Sincere Servants
Shayṭān has no authority over sincere believers. Those who are loyal to Allah ﷻ are protected from his deception.

⑰ Only Misguides Those Who Allow It
Shayṭān invites, but has no power to compel. Misguided people are those who respond to his call.

⑱ Responsibility on the Day of Judgment
On the Day of Judgment, Shayṭān will disown those who followed him and admit that he only gave suggestions — they chose to obey.

❖ Qur’anic Guidance and Human Responsibility​

⑲ Divine Warning
Allah ﷻ repeatedly warns about Shayṭān’s plots and urges believers to stay steadfast on the straight path.

⑳ Sincere Supplication and Obedience
Only through consistent remembrance of Allah, sincere worship, and obedience to divine commandments can one safeguard against Shayṭān’s influence.

❖ Conclusion​

Satan is a sworn enemy to humanity. He was expelled from Paradise for arrogance and has vowed to misguide mankind until the Day of Judgment. His path leads to destruction, and only through sincere faith and obedience to Allah ﷻ can one remain protected.

May Allah ﷻ protect us all from the deception and whispers of Shayṭān. Āmīn.