Is Forgetting a Deception of Satan?

Compiled by: Dr. Raza Abdullah Pasha (Hafizahullah)

Is Forgetfulness Caused by Satan?

Answer:
Yes, forgetting can be a result of Satan's deception. Allah, the Most Exalted, states in the Quran:

"وَقَالَ لِلَّذِي ظَنَّ أَنَّهُ نَاجٍ مِّنْهُمَا اذْكُرْنِي عِندَ رَبِّكَ فَأَنسَاهُ الشَّيْطَانُ ذِكْرَ رَبِّهِ فَلَبِثَ فِي السِّجْنِ بِضْعَ سِنِينَ"

"And he said to the one whom he knew would go free among the two, 'Mention me before your master.' But Satan made him forget the mention [to] his master, and he remained in prison for several years." [Yusuf: 42]

Explanation of the Verse

  1. Yusuf (AS) and the Cupbearer
    When Prophet Yusuf (AS) interpreted the dreams of two inmates, he understood that one of them (the cupbearer) would be freed. Yusuf (AS) discreetly requested him to mention his case before the king to facilitate his release.

    "اذْكُرْنِي عِندَ رَبِّكَ"
    "Mention me before your master."
    This was a plea for the cupbearer to narrate Yusuf (AS)’s unjust imprisonment to the king.
  2. Satan’s Interference
    Satan caused the cupbearer to forget Yusuf’s request, leaving him in prison for several more years. This is understood as a deliberate ploy of Satan to prolong the Prophet’s ordeal.

    "فَأَنسَاهُ الشَّيْطَانُ ذِكْرَ رَبِّهِ"
    "But Satan made him forget the mention [to] his master."
    The pronoun in this phrase refers to the cupbearer, indicating that Satan made him neglect Yusuf’s matter entirely.
  3. Duration of Yusuf’s Imprisonment
    The Prophet remained in prison for an extended period after this incident.
    • "بِضْعَ سِنِينَ" translates to several years.
    • According to one opinion, this was approximately 12 years, while another view suggests 14 years. However, the 14-year duration is less commonly accepted.

Lessons from This Incident

  1. Satan Exploits Human Forgetfulness
    Forgetfulness, especially when it results in harm or delay in achieving good, can be attributed to Satan's tactics. It serves as a reminder to seek Allah's protection from such influences.
  2. Reliance on Allah Over Human Means
    Yusuf (AS) trusted in Allah but also sought human assistance. This incident illustrates that ultimate reliance should always be on Allah, as human actions are fallible and subject to external influences, such as Satan’s interference.
  3. Patience in Adversity
    Despite this setback, Yusuf (AS) remained patient and steadfast, ultimately emerging victorious by Allah’s decree.

Conclusion

Forgetfulness can indeed be a tactic of Satan to hinder good or prolong suffering, as demonstrated in the story of Yusuf (AS). It is essential to remain vigilant, seek Allah’s help, and place unwavering trust in Him during trials and tribulations.
 
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