Compiled by: Dr. Raza Abdullah Pasha (Hafizahullah)
Satan is a liar.
It is narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) appointed him as the guardian over charity collections. For two nights, someone came and began taking handfuls from the charity. On the third night, Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) said, “I will certainly take you to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).” The visitor said, “Let me go; I will teach you some words which Allah will benefit you with.” Abu Hurairah asked, “What are those words?” He replied, “When you go to bed, recite Ayat al-Kursi:اللَّـهُ لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ...If you do so, Allah will appoint a protector over you, and no Satan will come near you until morning.”
When the Prophet (ﷺ) heard of this, he said:"He spoke the truth, though he is a habitual liar. That was Satan." [Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 3101]
This incident indicates that Satan is indeed a liar.
Yes!
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:“A donkey, a woman, and a black dog interrupt the prayer.”
The narrator then asked Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) why only the black dog interrupts the prayer and not a red dog. Abu Bakr replied, “O nephew, just as you questioned me, I also asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) the same. He responded:‘The black dog is Satan.’ [Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 59/2]
It is also narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Dhar (رضي الله عنه) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:“The black dog is Satan.”
These Hadith indicate that Satan can take on the form of animals.
In his book Risalat al-Jinn, Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah wrote:“Jinn can take on the forms of humans and animals, such as snakes and scorpions. They can also appear as camels, cows, goats, horses, mules, and donkeys. They may assume the forms of birds and even humans. However, their most preferred form is in black.”
[Risalat al-Jinn, p. 32]
Sayyiduna Salman (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:“If possible, do not be the first to enter the marketplace or the last to leave, as it is the battleground of Satan, where he sets up his banner.” [Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2451]
Another narration mentions:“It is in the marketplaces where Satan lays his eggs and breeds.” [Al-Mu'jam al-Kabir by Tabarani, 6/248; Shu’ab al-Iman, 7/379]
Imam Nawawi, while explaining إنها معركة الشيطان (it is the battlefield of Satan), wrote that the Prophet (ﷺ) likened the role of Satan in marketplaces and his influence over people to that of a battlefield. This is due to the presence of numerous wrongdoings in the marketplace, such as deceit, false oaths, unfair deals, overpricing, and underweighing.
وبها نصب رايته (and there he sets up his banner) indicates that Satan and his followers gather in marketplaces to cause disruption and incite people towards these impermissible acts.
The Prophet (ﷺ) also said:“Whoever, upon entering the marketplace, recites:لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّـهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ...he will have a million good deeds recorded for him, a million sins erased, and a million ranks elevated.” [Al-Kalim al-Tayyib, Hadith No. 172]
[Al-Nisa: 76]
This verse highlights that believers fight for Allah’s cause while disbelievers fight for Satan’s cause. Allah encourages the believers to fight Satan's allies with the statement, إن كيد الشيطان كان ضعيفا (Satan's schemes are indeed weak).
The Prophet (ﷺ) told ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه):“By Him in whose hand is my soul! Satan does not meet you on a road but that he takes a different path.”
[Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 3683]
In the Fath al-Bari, it is mentioned from the Hadith of Sayyida Hafsa (رضي الله عنها):"Since ‘Umar (رضي الله عنه) embraced Islam, Satan falls on his face whenever he encounters him."
Sayyiduna Abu Talha (رضي الله عنه) narrates from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) who said:“The angels do not enter a house that has a dog or an image.” [Explanation of Sahih Muslim by Imam Nawawi, 8/6]
Some scholars and hadith experts have stated that this refers specifically to images that have a shadow, such as depictions of humans, animals, or anything with a soul. It is known that angels and devils cannot be present in the same place. Thus, in places where images are present, angels will not enter, allowing Satan to take up residence. This implies a significant connection between images and Satan’s presence, as these images become a cause for Satan’s entrance.
When there are small children in the house, there is no harm in providing dolls for them to play with, as these are not for reverence but play. Children often handle them roughly, throwing them around. However, keeping such dolls in the house without the presence of children is not permissible.
Sayyiduna Jabir bin Abdullah (رضي الله عنهما) narrates that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:“Cover your vessels, tie the mouth of water skins, extinguish the lamps, and close the doors. For indeed, Satan cannot untie a tied water skin, open a door, or uncover a vessel. If one has nothing to cover a vessel except a stick, he should place it across the vessel and say ‘Bismillah’ (in the name of Allah). Verily, a mouse can set a house on fire for its residents.”
[Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 3280; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2012]
Similarly, Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنهما) narrates that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:“When you sleep, extinguish your lamps, for Satan guides creatures like the mouse to things like beds, where they could burn you.” [Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith No. 5247]
This guidance emphasizes the importance of precautions like covering vessels, extinguishing lamps, and closing doors with the mention of Allah's name to protect oneself from Satan.
Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) narrates that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:“Angels do not accompany a group with a dog or a bell.” [Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2113]
In another narration, Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) reports that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:“The bell is Satan’s flute.” [Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2114]
Some scholars mention that bells resemble a “naqous” or belong to forbidden instruments. The unpleasant sound of bells is seen as a reason they are considered Satan’s flute. Thus, it is advisable to replace bells that produce prohibited sounds, including those on mobile phones, with sounds that bring pleasure to Allah and His Messenger.
Amr ibn Shu’aib narrates from his father, who narrates from his grandfather, that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:“A single rider is accompanied by Satan, two riders are accompanied by two devils, and three make a group.” [Muwatta Imam Malik, Hadith No. 1793; Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 7697; Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith No. 2284; Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 1671]
This emphasizes the need to avoid isolation, as Satan targets those who are alone, just as a wolf preys on isolated sheep. Believers are encouraged to seek the company of pious people who can remind them of Allah. If one must be alone, they should establish a strong connection with Allah.
Yes, donkeys can see Satan.
Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) narrates that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:“When you hear the crowing of roosters, ask Allah for His favor, for they have seen an angel. And when you hear the braying of donkeys, seek refuge with Allah from Satan, for they have seen a devil.” [Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 3303; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2729]
Sayyiduna Abu Tha’labah al-Khushani (رضي الله عنه) narrates that when people (the Companions) would set up camp, they would spread out in the valleys and mountain passes. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:“Why do you scatter in the valleys and mountain passes? This scattering is from Satan.” After this, the Companions would remain close together whenever they set up camp. [Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith No. 2628]
It is advised for travelers to avoid spreading out in valleys, as gathering together provides protection from threats and strengthens them against Satan. When descending into lowlands, one should say “Subhan Allah” and when ascending, “Allahu Akbar.” Upon mounting an animal, it is recommended to recite:
“Subhan Alladhi sakh-khara lana hatha wama kunna lahu muqrinin wa inna ila rabbina lamunqalibun.”
51. Is Satan Honest or a Liar?
Answer:Satan is a liar.
It is narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) appointed him as the guardian over charity collections. For two nights, someone came and began taking handfuls from the charity. On the third night, Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) said, “I will certainly take you to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).” The visitor said, “Let me go; I will teach you some words which Allah will benefit you with.” Abu Hurairah asked, “What are those words?” He replied, “When you go to bed, recite Ayat al-Kursi:اللَّـهُ لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ...If you do so, Allah will appoint a protector over you, and no Satan will come near you until morning.”
When the Prophet (ﷺ) heard of this, he said:"He spoke the truth, though he is a habitual liar. That was Satan." [Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 3101]
This incident indicates that Satan is indeed a liar.
52. Can Satan Take on the Form of an Animal?
Answer:Yes!
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:“A donkey, a woman, and a black dog interrupt the prayer.”
The narrator then asked Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) why only the black dog interrupts the prayer and not a red dog. Abu Bakr replied, “O nephew, just as you questioned me, I also asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) the same. He responded:‘The black dog is Satan.’ [Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 59/2]
It is also narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Dhar (رضي الله عنه) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:“The black dog is Satan.”
These Hadith indicate that Satan can take on the form of animals.
In his book Risalat al-Jinn, Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah wrote:“Jinn can take on the forms of humans and animals, such as snakes and scorpions. They can also appear as camels, cows, goats, horses, mules, and donkeys. They may assume the forms of birds and even humans. However, their most preferred form is in black.”
[Risalat al-Jinn, p. 32]
53. Where is Satan's Battlefield and Banner?
Answer:The marketplace is where Satan’s attacks take place.Sayyiduna Salman (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:“If possible, do not be the first to enter the marketplace or the last to leave, as it is the battleground of Satan, where he sets up his banner.” [Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2451]
Another narration mentions:“It is in the marketplaces where Satan lays his eggs and breeds.” [Al-Mu'jam al-Kabir by Tabarani, 6/248; Shu’ab al-Iman, 7/379]
Imam Nawawi, while explaining إنها معركة الشيطان (it is the battlefield of Satan), wrote that the Prophet (ﷺ) likened the role of Satan in marketplaces and his influence over people to that of a battlefield. This is due to the presence of numerous wrongdoings in the marketplace, such as deceit, false oaths, unfair deals, overpricing, and underweighing.
وبها نصب رايته (and there he sets up his banner) indicates that Satan and his followers gather in marketplaces to cause disruption and incite people towards these impermissible acts.
The Prophet (ﷺ) also said:“Whoever, upon entering the marketplace, recites:لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّـهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ...he will have a million good deeds recorded for him, a million sins erased, and a million ranks elevated.” [Al-Kalim al-Tayyib, Hadith No. 172]
54. How Powerful is Satan?
Answer:Allah Almighty states:"Those who believe fight in the way of Allah, and those who disbelieve fight in the way of Taghut. So fight against the allies of Satan; indeed, the plot of Satan has ever been weak."[Al-Nisa: 76]
This verse highlights that believers fight for Allah’s cause while disbelievers fight for Satan’s cause. Allah encourages the believers to fight Satan's allies with the statement, إن كيد الشيطان كان ضعيفا (Satan's schemes are indeed weak).
The Prophet (ﷺ) told ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه):“By Him in whose hand is my soul! Satan does not meet you on a road but that he takes a different path.”
[Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 3683]
In the Fath al-Bari, it is mentioned from the Hadith of Sayyida Hafsa (رضي الله عنها):"Since ‘Umar (رضي الله عنه) embraced Islam, Satan falls on his face whenever he encounters him."
55. Is There a Connection Between Satan and Images?
Answer:Sayyiduna Abu Talha (رضي الله عنه) narrates from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) who said:“The angels do not enter a house that has a dog or an image.” [Explanation of Sahih Muslim by Imam Nawawi, 8/6]
Some scholars and hadith experts have stated that this refers specifically to images that have a shadow, such as depictions of humans, animals, or anything with a soul. It is known that angels and devils cannot be present in the same place. Thus, in places where images are present, angels will not enter, allowing Satan to take up residence. This implies a significant connection between images and Satan’s presence, as these images become a cause for Satan’s entrance.
When there are small children in the house, there is no harm in providing dolls for them to play with, as these are not for reverence but play. Children often handle them roughly, throwing them around. However, keeping such dolls in the house without the presence of children is not permissible.
56. Can Satan Open Doors?
Answer:Sayyiduna Jabir bin Abdullah (رضي الله عنهما) narrates that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:“Cover your vessels, tie the mouth of water skins, extinguish the lamps, and close the doors. For indeed, Satan cannot untie a tied water skin, open a door, or uncover a vessel. If one has nothing to cover a vessel except a stick, he should place it across the vessel and say ‘Bismillah’ (in the name of Allah). Verily, a mouse can set a house on fire for its residents.”
[Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 3280; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2012]
Similarly, Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنهما) narrates that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:“When you sleep, extinguish your lamps, for Satan guides creatures like the mouse to things like beds, where they could burn you.” [Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith No. 5247]
This guidance emphasizes the importance of precautions like covering vessels, extinguishing lamps, and closing doors with the mention of Allah's name to protect oneself from Satan.
57. Is There a Relationship Between Satan and Bells?
Answer:Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) narrates that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:“Angels do not accompany a group with a dog or a bell.” [Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2113]
In another narration, Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) reports that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:“The bell is Satan’s flute.” [Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2114]
Some scholars mention that bells resemble a “naqous” or belong to forbidden instruments. The unpleasant sound of bells is seen as a reason they are considered Satan’s flute. Thus, it is advisable to replace bells that produce prohibited sounds, including those on mobile phones, with sounds that bring pleasure to Allah and His Messenger.
58. Is Satan Present with One or with a Group?
Answer:Amr ibn Shu’aib narrates from his father, who narrates from his grandfather, that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:“A single rider is accompanied by Satan, two riders are accompanied by two devils, and three make a group.” [Muwatta Imam Malik, Hadith No. 1793; Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 7697; Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith No. 2284; Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 1671]
This emphasizes the need to avoid isolation, as Satan targets those who are alone, just as a wolf preys on isolated sheep. Believers are encouraged to seek the company of pious people who can remind them of Allah. If one must be alone, they should establish a strong connection with Allah.
59. Can Any Creature See Satan?
Answer:Yes, donkeys can see Satan.
Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) narrates that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:“When you hear the crowing of roosters, ask Allah for His favor, for they have seen an angel. And when you hear the braying of donkeys, seek refuge with Allah from Satan, for they have seen a devil.” [Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 3303; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2729]
60. Is Satan Present in Valleys?
Answer:Sayyiduna Abu Tha’labah al-Khushani (رضي الله عنه) narrates that when people (the Companions) would set up camp, they would spread out in the valleys and mountain passes. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:“Why do you scatter in the valleys and mountain passes? This scattering is from Satan.” After this, the Companions would remain close together whenever they set up camp. [Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith No. 2628]
It is advised for travelers to avoid spreading out in valleys, as gathering together provides protection from threats and strengthens them against Satan. When descending into lowlands, one should say “Subhan Allah” and when ascending, “Allahu Akbar.” Upon mounting an animal, it is recommended to recite:
“Subhan Alladhi sakh-khara lana hatha wama kunna lahu muqrinin wa inna ila rabbina lamunqalibun.”