Introduction to Iblis and His Deception

Compiled by: Dr. Raza Abdullah Pasha (Hafizahullah)

Who is Iblis?

Answer:
Allah, the Most Exalted, states in the Quran:

"وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ اسْجُدُوا لِآدَمَ فَسَجَدُوا إِلَّا إِبْلِيسَ كَانَ مِنَ الْجِنِّ فَفَسَقَ عَنْ أَمْرِ رَبِّهِ ۗ أَفَتَتَّخِذُونَهُ وَذُرِّيَّتَهُ أَوْلِيَاءَ مِن دُونِي وَهُمْ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ ۚ بِئْسَ لِلظَّالِمِينَ بَدَلًا"

"And [mention] when We said to the angels, 'Prostrate to Adam,' and they prostrated, except for Iblis. He was of the jinn and departed from the command of his Lord. Then will you take him and his descendants as allies other than Me while they are enemies to you? Wretched it is for the wrongdoers as an exchange." [Al-Kahf: 50]
In this verse, Allah warns the descendants of Adam that Iblis is their sworn enemy, just as he was the enemy of their father, Adam (peace be upon him). Allah reproaches those who follow Satan, disobeying their Creator, Who has provided for them and blessed them with countless favors. Despite Allah's kindness, they draw closer to Iblis and distance themselves from their Sustainer. (May Allah protect us from such behavior!)

Why Did Iblis Refuse to Prostrate?

When Allah commanded all the angels to prostrate to Adam as a gesture of honor and respect, Iblis refused. Regarding this event, Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:

"Iblis was from one of the tribes of angels called Al-Jinn. He was created from the smokeless flame of fire, while other angels were created from light. His original name was Harith, and he was one of the guardians of Paradise."
This narration indicates that, although Iblis lived among the angels, he was inherently different from them in his creation and disposition.

Iblis’ Address to His Followers on the Day of Judgment

Allah, the Almighty, mentions:

"وَقَالَ الشَّيْطَانُ لَمَّا قُضِيَ الْأَمْرُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَعَدَكُمْ وَعْدَ الْحَقِّ وَوَعَدتُّكُمْ فَأَخْلَفْتُكُمْ ۖ وَمَا كَانَ لِيَ عَلَيْكُم مِّن سُلْطَانٍ إِلَّا أَن دَعَوْتُكُمْ فَاسْتَجَبْتُمْ لِي ۖ فَلَا تَلُومُونِي وَلُومُوا أَنفُسَكُم ۖ مَّا أَنَا بِمُصْرِخِكُمْ وَمَا أَنتُم بِمُصْرِخِيَّ ۖ إِنِّي كَفَرْتُ بِمَا أَشْرَكْتُمُونِ مِن قَبْلُ ۗ إِنَّ الظَّالِمِينَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ"

"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.'" [Ibrahim: 22]
This verse depicts Iblis addressing his followers after Allah has judged humanity, granting Paradise to the believers and consigning the disbelievers to Hell. Iblis will mockingly remind his followers of the following truths:
  1. He had no power over them.
    Iblis will declare: "I had no authority over you except that I invited you, and you accepted."
  2. Responsibility lies with them.
    He will say: "So do not blame me but blame yourselves. You rejected the clear proofs brought by the messengers, and instead, you chose to follow me."
  3. His disassociation from their deeds.
    Iblis will disavow any partnership they falsely attributed to him, stating: "I reject what you associated with me before."

Reflection and Lessons

  • Iblis’ enmity towards humanity is eternal, and his ultimate goal is to lead people astray.
  • The responsibility for disobedience lies with individuals themselves. They cannot blame Iblis for their actions.
  • Allah’s guidance, delivered through the messengers, provides clear evidence to counter Iblis’ deception. Rejecting this guidance results in regret and loss.
 
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