Tafseer: “Those Two Who Led Us Astray Among the Jinn and Humans”

Compiled by: Dr. Raza Abdullah Pasha (Hafizahullah)

Explanation of Allah’s Statement:​

اللَّذَيْنِ أَضَلَّانَا مِنَ الْجِنِّ وَالْإِنسِ
“Those two who led us astray among the jinn and humans.”

Allah mentions in the Quran:

وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا رَبَّنَا أَرِنَا اللَّذَيْنِ أَضَلَّانَا مِنَ الْجِنِّ وَالْإِنسِ نَجْعَلْهُمَا تَحْتَ أَقْدَامِنَا لِيَكُونَا مِنَ الْأَسْفَلِينَ

"And those who disbelieve will say, 'Our Lord, show us those who misled us among the jinn and humans so that we may put them under our feet, that they may be among the lowest (in Hell).'”
(Surah Ha Mim As-Sajdah: 29)

Commentary of Scholars:​

• Sufyan Thawri (رحمه الله) was asked who is referred to by "اللَّذَيْنِ أَضَلَّانَا" (those two who led us astray). He replied that it is Iblis and the son of Adam who killed his brother (Qabil).
  • Iblis invites every polytheist to shirk and misguidance.
  • The son of Adam (Qabil) leads those who commit major sins.
  • Iblis invites to all kinds of evil, particularly shirk, while Qabil is the source of injustice and murder, as he was the first to commit a murder.
  • Any unjust killing on Earth carries a share of its burden on Qabil because he initiated this crime.

Understanding the Verses:​

• نَجْعَلْهُمَا تَحْتَ أَقْدَامِنَا
  "Let them be under our feet.”
  
  • This phrase reflects their desire for severe punishment for those who misled them, symbolizing total humiliation.
• لِيَكُونَا مِنَ الْأَسْفَلِينَ
  "That they may be among the lowest in Hell.”
  
  • This refers to being cast into the deepest pits of Hell, reserved for the worst sinners.

Hadith Explanation on Human and Jinn Devils:​

Sayyiduna Abu Dharr (رضي الله عنه) narrated:

"I came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) while he was in the mosque and sat with him. The Prophet (ﷺ) asked me:

يا أبا ذرا تعوذ بالله من شر شياطين الإنس والجن

'O Abu Dharr, seek refuge with Allah from the evil of the devils among humans and jinn.'
Abu Dharr asked, "Are there devils among humans too?" The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, "Yes."
(Musnad Ahmad 5/179)

Key Teachings from the Hadith:​

1. Prayer (Salah):
   Abu Dharr (رضي الله عنه) asked the Prophet (ﷺ) about Salah, and the Prophet (ﷺ) described it as:
   خير موضوع - The best prescribed act of worship. One may do less or more according to their capability.
2. Fasting (Sawm):
   The Prophet (ﷺ) described it as:
   فرض مجزئ وعند الله مزيد - An obligatory act with abundant reward in the sight of Allah.
3. Charity (Sadaqah):
   Abu Dharr asked about charity, and the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
   أضعاف مضاعفة - It is rewarded many times over.
   
   • The best charity:
     The Prophet (ﷺ) explained that the best charity is:
     جهد من مقل أو سر إلى فقير
     Giving from what little you have or offering help to a poor person in private.
4. First Prophet:
   Abu Dharr asked who the first prophet was, and the Prophet (ﷺ) replied:
   آدم - Adam (عليه السلام).
   
   When asked if Adam was a prophet, the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
   نبي مكلم - Yes, he was a prophet who received communication from Allah.
5. Number of Messengers:
   The Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned:
   ثلاث مائة وبضعة عشر - Three hundred and a bit more (310+) messengers, a large group.

Conclusion:​

• The Quranic verses and Hadith emphasize that both human and jinn devils lead people astray.
• The human devil represents influential individuals who misguide others towards sin and corruption, while the jinn devil invites people to shirk and disobedience.
• Believers are encouraged to seek refuge in Allah from both, as their combined efforts can lead to severe misguidance and punishment.
• The ultimate success lies in obedience to Allah through acts of worship, charity, and justice.

This serves as a reminder to be vigilant against the influences of both human and jinn devils and remain steadfast in faith.