The Claim of Satan to Misguide and Its Response
Atheists raise an objection based on the verses of the Qur'an from Sūrah Banī Isrā’īl (17:61–64), suggesting that Allah had already pre-planned a scheme through Satan. The objection asserts: “The descendants of Adam (عليه السلام) did not yet exist, yet Satan claimed he would mislead them — and Allah allowed him to do so.”
This objection can be addressed through two key points:
① The prior disclosure of Adam’s creation to the angels and Iblīs
② The wisdom of Divine decree and trial
The Qur’an clearly states that Allah informed the angels beforehand about the creation of Adam:
"وَإِذْ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ إِنِّي جَاعِلٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ خَلِيفَةً…"
“And when your Lord said to the angels: Verily, I will place a vicegerent on Earth…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 30)
This proves that the mention of humanity’s creation predates the physical formation of Adam (عليه السلام).
Satan (Iblīs), who was among those present in the heavenly assembly, was fully aware of this declaration.
He knew that humans would dwell on Earth, and that among them would be righteous servants who would remain beyond his reach.
✔ Satan had heard the angels speak of Adam’s excellence and vicegerency.
✔ He understood that humans would be given free will to choose between good and evil.
✔ As stated in the Qur'an:
"إِنَّ عِبَادِي لَيْسَ لَكَ عَلَيْهِمْ سُلْطَانٌ…"
“Indeed, My servants — you will have no authority over them…”
(Surah Al-Ḥijr: 42)
➤ Conclusion:
Satan’s claim to lead Adam’s offspring astray — while acknowledging that some will be beyond his influence — is not irrational. It aligns with what was revealed to him and the angels.
✔ Divine Knowledge: Allah’s knowledge encompasses all things — good and evil.
✔ Divine Will (Mashī’ah): Allah’s pleasure lies only in good, not in evil.
Yes, Allah is the Creator of all, including the phenomenon of evil.
However, this does not mean He desires evil. Rather, evil exists as a means to test mankind — to see who chooses righteousness and who inclines toward sin.
✔ Allah has given mankind the freedom to choose between good and evil.
✔ Satan too was granted a form of freedom — to be a tool of trial — but not the authority to forcibly misguide.
The Qur’an clarifies that Satan's power is limited to whispering and temptation, not coercion:
"وَقُلِ الْحَقُّ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ ۖ فَمَنْ شَاءَ فَلْيُؤْمِنْ وَمَنْ شَاءَ فَلْيَكْفُرْ…"
“Say: The truth is from your Lord. So whoever wills — let him believe, and whoever wills — let him disbelieve…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 256)
Allah granted mankind the blessing of speech.
If one chooses to lie or backbite with that gift, the misuse of this freedom is the person’s responsibility, not Allah’s desire.
This world is a test for mankind, and also a trial for Satan.
Allah has clearly revealed the outcomes of both good and evil. Now it is up to man to decide which path he will follow.
If Allah were to force success upon mankind, the concept of trial would become meaningless.
A test necessitates freedom of choice and the accountability that follows.
✔ Allah has granted mankind limited freedom, making him accountable for his choices.
✔ Satan was given freedom too, but only to tempt — not to compel.
✔ The wisdom behind this trial is to distinguish those who choose righteousness and avoid evil.
✔ Satan’s role is a part of this test, and it reinforces mankind’s responsibility — not removes it.
Satan’s Claim to Misguide Adam (عليه السلام) and His Offspring
Summary of the Verse and the Atheist’s Objection
Atheists raise an objection based on the verses of the Qur'an from Sūrah Banī Isrā’īl (17:61–64), suggesting that Allah had already pre-planned a scheme through Satan. The objection asserts: “The descendants of Adam (عليه السلام) did not yet exist, yet Satan claimed he would mislead them — and Allah allowed him to do so.”
Response to the Objection
This objection can be addressed through two key points:
① The prior disclosure of Adam’s creation to the angels and Iblīs
② The wisdom of Divine decree and trial
1. Details Regarding the Creation of Adam (عليه السلام)
Was Satan’s Claim Baseless?
The Qur’an clearly states that Allah informed the angels beforehand about the creation of Adam:
"وَإِذْ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ إِنِّي جَاعِلٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ خَلِيفَةً…"
“And when your Lord said to the angels: Verily, I will place a vicegerent on Earth…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 30)
This proves that the mention of humanity’s creation predates the physical formation of Adam (عليه السلام).
Satan (Iblīs), who was among those present in the heavenly assembly, was fully aware of this declaration.
He knew that humans would dwell on Earth, and that among them would be righteous servants who would remain beyond his reach.
Why Satan’s Claim Was Logically Sound
✔ Satan had heard the angels speak of Adam’s excellence and vicegerency.
✔ He understood that humans would be given free will to choose between good and evil.
✔ As stated in the Qur'an:
"إِنَّ عِبَادِي لَيْسَ لَكَ عَلَيْهِمْ سُلْطَانٌ…"
“Indeed, My servants — you will have no authority over them…”
(Surah Al-Ḥijr: 42)
➤ Conclusion:
Satan’s claim to lead Adam’s offspring astray — while acknowledging that some will be beyond his influence — is not irrational. It aligns with what was revealed to him and the angels.
2. The Philosophy of Divine Decree (Qadar) and Trial
Difference Between Divine Knowledge and Divine Will
✔ Divine Knowledge: Allah’s knowledge encompasses all things — good and evil.
✔ Divine Will (Mashī’ah): Allah’s pleasure lies only in good, not in evil.
Is Allah the Creator of Evil?
Yes, Allah is the Creator of all, including the phenomenon of evil.
However, this does not mean He desires evil. Rather, evil exists as a means to test mankind — to see who chooses righteousness and who inclines toward sin.
Free Will and Responsibility
✔ Allah has given mankind the freedom to choose between good and evil.
✔ Satan too was granted a form of freedom — to be a tool of trial — but not the authority to forcibly misguide.
Satan’s Role According to the Qur'an
The Qur’an clarifies that Satan's power is limited to whispering and temptation, not coercion:
"وَقُلِ الْحَقُّ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ ۖ فَمَنْ شَاءَ فَلْيُؤْمِنْ وَمَنْ شَاءَ فَلْيَكْفُرْ…"
“Say: The truth is from your Lord. So whoever wills — let him believe, and whoever wills — let him disbelieve…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 256)
Example for Understanding
Allah granted mankind the blessing of speech.
If one chooses to lie or backbite with that gift, the misuse of this freedom is the person’s responsibility, not Allah’s desire.
Trial for Man, Trial for Satan
This world is a test for mankind, and also a trial for Satan.
Allah has clearly revealed the outcomes of both good and evil. Now it is up to man to decide which path he will follow.
Why Forced Success Invalidates the Test
If Allah were to force success upon mankind, the concept of trial would become meaningless.
A test necessitates freedom of choice and the accountability that follows.
Final Conclusion
✔ Allah has granted mankind limited freedom, making him accountable for his choices.
✔ Satan was given freedom too, but only to tempt — not to compel.
✔ The wisdom behind this trial is to distinguish those who choose righteousness and avoid evil.
✔ Satan’s role is a part of this test, and it reinforces mankind’s responsibility — not removes it.
