Where Shaytan Intervenes and How to Avoid Following His Steps

Authored by: Dr. Rida Abdullah Pasha (Hafizahullah)

Quranic Warning:​

Allah Almighty says:

"O you who believe! Do not follow the footsteps of Shaytan. And whoever follows the footsteps of Shaytan, indeed he commands indecency and wrongdoing. Had it not been for the grace of Allah upon you and His mercy, none of you would have ever been purified. But Allah purifies whom He wills, and Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing."
[Surah An-Nur (24:21)]
This verse serves as a powerful reminder of Shaytan's tactics and the importance of resisting his influence. Allah warns against following Shaytan's footsteps because they lead to immorality and disobedience.

Key Areas Where Shaytan Intervenes:​

1. Envy and Greed:
   
   • Shaytan incites jealousy, making people dissatisfied with what they have and envious of others.
   • Remedy: Constantly thank Allah for His blessings (shukr) and suppress feelings of envy by praying for the success of others.
2. Overeating:
   
   • Eating excessively dulls the soul and strengthens carnal desires, providing Shaytan an entry point.
   • Remedy: Practice moderation in eating and follow the Sunnah of eating in thirds: one-third food, one-third water, and one-third air.
3. Love of Wealth and Materialism:
   
   • Shaytan exploits the desire for wealth, luxury, and material possessions, leading people to forget Allah’s commands.
   • Remedy: Focus on what is sufficient and remember that true wealth lies in contentment.
4. Chasing Status:
   
   • Shaytan encourages the pursuit of worldly ranks and recognition at the expense of moral and spiritual values.
   • Remedy: Seek humility and remind yourself that true honor comes from being obedient to Allah.
5. Impatience and Haste:
   
   • Rash decisions often lead to mistakes that Shaytan exploits.
   • Remedy: Cultivate patience and deliberate thought before acting.
6. Stinginess and Fear of Poverty:
   
   • Shaytan instills the fear of losing wealth, leading to miserliness and neglect of charity.
   • Remedy: Trust in Allah’s provision and give generously, knowing it purifies wealth.
7. Prejudice and Bias:
   
   • Shaytan fosters animosity based on differences in religion, culture, or personal preferences.
   • Remedy: Practice fairness, empathy, and prioritize truth over personal biases.
8. Focusing on Others’ Faults:
   
   • Shaytan distracts people from their own shortcomings by making them obsessed with criticizing others.
   • Remedy: Engage in self-accountability (muhasaba) and improve your own actions.
9. Anger and Lust:
   
   • These are powerful tools Shaytan uses to cloud judgment and lead people astray.
   • Remedy: Control anger through remembrance of Allah and channel desires within permissible bounds.
10. Suspicion and Mistrust:
    
    • Shaytan encourages negative assumptions about others, leading to discord and misunderstandings.
    • Remedy: Avoid assumptions without evidence and think positively about others.
11. Attachment to Property and Wealth:
    
    • Excessive love for possessions makes one neglectful of Allah and vulnerable to Shaytan.
    • Remedy: Remind yourself that worldly possessions are temporary and prioritize eternal rewards.

Practical Steps to Counter Shaytan’s Influence:​

• Engage in Dhikr: Regular remembrance of Allah keeps Shaytan away and strengthens the soul.
• Seek Knowledge: Understanding the Quran and Sunnah helps identify and resist Shaytan’s tactics.
• Stay in Good Company: Surround yourself with righteous individuals who encourage good deeds.
• Regular Prayer: Salah is a direct connection to Allah and a powerful defense against Shaytan.
• Charity and Generosity: These acts purify the heart and weaken Shaytan’s hold.

Conclusion:​

Shaytan's intervention is subtle yet persistent. By recognizing his tactics and remaining steadfast in faith, believers can protect themselves from his influence. Allah’s guidance and mercy are essential for this struggle, and through regular dhikr, patience, and good deeds, one can stay on the straight path and avoid following the footsteps of Shaytan.