The importance of Shaytan

[Sir Fluffy]

Most Christians believe that Satan is "The god of this world" as it is said in the Bible. Yet they ironically believe god has control over this world and everything is done according to his will, I also have known pastors who claim that Satan does evil deeds because he has permission to do so by god and that all wicked in the world is because Satan wills it and god has given him permission. So Satan rules mankind like a literal god and Christians pray to an absent god while at the same time declaring that everything is god's own will.
Muslims seem not to hold this viewpoint and lower his involvement in mankind's lives as just a whisper who can only tempt people to stray from Islam. He does not preside over mankind in any shape or form and has no power over us but is merely a temper. As it is deemed that Allah has precedence over all of mankind and even the jinn. Satan can do no more then convince others to perform acts of evil at most but he has no will power over mankind.

Are my assumptions correct? If not please state the misconceptions.

 

[Pygoscelis]

Within the Bible narrative, I have never been able to figure out why I should see Satan as evil. What exactly does Satan do that is so bad? God is the one that floods the world, commands genocide of neighboring tribes, demands human sacrifice etc. From what I can tell, all Satan seems to do that is "objectionable" is turn against this God. That makes the character look heroic to me, not villainous.

 

[Hulk]

"O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy."
- Quran Sura Baqarah Verse 168


Shaitan is not seen as the "opposite" of God and neither is he the "Ruler of Hell" or this world. He is however a clear enemy to us. He would look for any possible routes to corrupt us. If you are a righteous person, he will whisper to you that you are a righteous person to fill you with pride. It is said that he will come at us from the front, back, left, right.

Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You]."
- Quran Sura Al-A'raf Verse 16

Some opinions say that he cannot come from above as that is where Revelation is from, and he cannot come from below because he is too arrogant. Prayer then becomes essential to the muslim especially when he is in sajda(prostration) as he is in the most humble physical position(lowest) and he is praying to his Lord(above).

 

[greenhill]

Salaam,

I cannot speak for the Christians, what I know of the story is that his name was Azazil, a jinn. He was the 'ultimate' interms of worship in that time of creation. There was a story related that there was no place in creation that Azazil did not prostrated himself to The All Mighty. All this he did out of his own free will. So much so that his status was elevated, perhaps even above the angels.

However, a flaw in his character was never exposed until the creation of Adam (pbuh), when Allah commanded all to bow (in acknowledgement of His new creation). All did with the exception of Azazil. His pride got the better of him and he could not accept being told what to do. He was made of smokeless fire while Adam (pbuh) was made of clay. Far inferior to him. That pride was his undoing. Because of pride he would go to any lengths to justify his actions. As a result of his refusal, he was stripped of his status and henceforth called Iblis (Satan are his followers, I think) and condemned to hell. He could have repented but his pride prevented him, and since mankind was the causeof this horrendous consequence to what was otherwise a fantastic record, he decided to bring mankind with him to hell. He struck a bargain with Allah.

Yes, Satan merely whispers. He keeps whispering, when someone listens, others will follow. Soon enough, there will be a community of followers. Then it will become a living example clear to see whether or not you hear the whispers anymore.:hmm:

I think you are correct, Sir Fluffy.

 

[Sir Fluffy]

"O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy."
- Quran Sura Baqarah Verse 168


Shaitan is not seen as the "opposite" of God and neither is he the "Ruler of Hell" or this world. He is however a clear enemy to us. He would look for any possible routes to corrupt us. If you are a righteous person, he will whisper to you that you are a righteous person to fill you with pride. It is said that he will come at us from the front, back, left, right.

Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You]."
- Quran Sura Al-A'raf Verse 16

Some opinions say that he cannot come from above as that is where Revelation is from, and he cannot come from below because he is too arrogant. Prayer then becomes essential to the muslim especially when he is in sajda(prostration) as he is in the most humble physical position(lowest) and he is praying to his Lord(above).

Now when you use these terms such as Shaytaan coming fromt he left and right of you I assume you are being metaphorical correct?
Prostration or sujud is protects a Muslim from Shaytaan but surrendering to Allah which I assumed is the purpose of saying Arra'hamnir shatanir rajeem as one of the first things before Salat as well?
Correct me if I am wrong here

 

[Sir Fluffy]

Salaam,

I cannot speak for the Christians, what I know of the story is that his name was Azazil, a jinn. He was the 'ultimate' interms of worship in that time of creation. There was a story related that there was no place in creation that Azazil did not prostrated himself to The All Mighty. All this he did out of his own free will. So much so that his status was elevated, perhaps even above the angels.

However, a flaw in his character was never exposed until the creation of Adam (pbuh), when Allah commanded all to bow (in acknowledgement of His new creation). All did with the exception of Azazil. His pride got the better of him and he could not accept being told what to do. He was made of smokeless fire while Adam (pbuh) was made of clay. Far inferior to him. That pride was his undoing. Because of pride he would go to any lengths to justify his actions. As a result of his refusal, he was stripped of his status and henceforth called Iblis (Satan are his followers, I think) and condemned to hell. He could have repented but his pride prevented him, and since mankind was the causeof this horrendous consequence to what was otherwise a fantastic record, he decided to bring mankind with him to hell. He struck a bargain with Allah.

Yes, Satan merely whispers. He keeps whispering, when someone listens, others will follow. Soon enough, there will be a community of followers. Then it will become a living example clear to see whether or not you hear the whispers anymore.:hmm:

I think you are correct, Sir Fluffy.

This Christian concept of Satan just seems so bizarre and only implies that god is not omnipotent. It almost states that god does not care about his creation if he lets Satan rule over it. Equating Satan to a god is idiotic if you ask me which is why I always found the islamic and Jewish interpretations more accurate.

 

[Insaanah]

Arra'hamnir shatanir rajeem

This translates as the merciful accursed shaytan. We seek Allah's refuge from that.

I think you meant to say, A'oothu billaahi min ash-shaytaan ir-rajeem (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytaan).

And you mixed up some of

"Bismillaahir rahmaanir raheem" (In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, Most Merciful)

in it.

We recite these before Surah al Faatihah, near the beginning of the prayer.

 

[Hulk]

Now when you use these terms such as Shaytaan coming fromt he left and right of you I assume you are being metaphorical correct?
Prostration or sujud is protects a Muslim from Shaytaan but surrendering to Allah which I assumed is the purpose of saying Arra'hamnir shatanir rajeem as one of the first things before Salat as well?
Correct me if I am wrong here

The description is from the Quran so it is not up to me to say whether it is metaphorical or physical however there are two types of verses in the Quran, those that are Muhkamat and those that are Mutashabihat. The clear and the allegorical.

"He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: In it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord, and searching for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord:" and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding."
- Quran Sura 'Ali 'Imran Verse 7

It is enough for me that the Quran says it so I don't worry about whether it could mean physically or metaphorically or both.

I think you are thinking of what this boy in the video is saying before he starts reciting the Quran.

Its translated as "I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan. In the name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful."

The muslim who is prostrating in prayer is in a state of submission to his Lord so it's not something separate at all.

Allahu alam (Allah knows best)

 

[جوري]

shiataan has no importance nor power over us- only people who allow him to- the verses on that are endless...

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Ibrahim (Abraham)[14:22] [RECITE]

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Waqala alshshaytanu lamma qudiya alamru inna Allaha waAAadakum waAAda alhaqqi wawaAAadtukum faakhlaftukum wama kana liya AAalaykum min sultanin illa an daAAawtukum faistajabtum lee fala taloomoonee waloomoo anfusakum ma ana bimusrikhikum wama antum bimusrikhiyya innee kafartu bima ashraktumooni min qablu inna alththalimeena lahum AAathabun aleemun​

14:22 And Satan will say when the matter is decided: "It was Allah Who gave you a promise of Truth: I too promised, but I failed in my promise to you. I had no authority over you except to call you but ye listened to me: then reproach not me, but reproach your own souls. I cannot listen to your cries, nor can ye listen to mine. I reject your former act in associating me with Allah. For wrong-doers there must be a grievous penalty."



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[Sir Fluffy]

This translates as the merciful accursed shaytan. We seek Allah's refuge from that.

I think you meant to say, A'oothu billaahi min ash-shaytaan ir-rajeem (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytaan).

And you mixed up some of

"Bismillaahir rahmaanir raheem" (In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, Most Merciful)

in it.

We recite these before Surah al Faatihah, near the beginning of the prayer.

Just realized my error :embarrass.

 

[Sir Fluffy]

It is enough for me that the Quran says it so I don't worry about whether it could mean physically or metaphorically or both.

I do not mean to judge you on this but I do believe one should know validity of the meaning of a verse because if it is indeed metaphorical it can give bizarre implications to people and I have become prone to this a few times. For example when I read Surat al-Khaf ayat 86, I was questioning whether the Qur'an implied the reflection of the sun in the pool or the literal sun itself. I assume you are familiar with the Mu'tazilla approach to the Qur'an implementing rationalization right?

I think you are thinking of what this boy in the video is saying before he starts reciting the Quran.
]

Its translated as "I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan. In the name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful."

I am not claiming to be no wiz in Arabic but I really stumbled before writing that. Momentary lapse in judgement as they say.

The muslim who is prostrating in prayer is in a state of submission to his Lord so it's not something separate at all.

Allahu alam (Allah knows best)

Very much agreed :statisfie

 

[Ahmad H]

Now when you use these terms such as Shaytaan coming fromt he left and right of you I assume you are being metaphorical correct?

You deserve a proper explanation of verse 7:17. It is quoted above, so I will give you the explanations provided with it. There are various meanings:

Tafsir Al-Jalalayn:
Then I shall come upon them from before them and from behind them and from their right and from their left, that is to say, from every side, and prevent them from following it [that path]. Ibn ‘Abbās said, ‘However, he cannot come upon them from above, lest he come between the servant and the mercy of God, exalted be He’. And You will not find most of them thankful’, believing.

Tanwir al-Miqbas min Tafsir ibn Abbas:
(Then I shall come upon them from before them) with regard to the Hereafter that there is no hell, Paradise, resurrection or reckoning (and from behind them) that the life of this world is everlasting and I shall bid them to amass and withhold out of stinginess and I will order them to commit corruption (and from their right hands) vis-à-vis the religion: I shall confuse those who are guided until they leave the guidance, and I shall make it seem fair to those who are misguided such that they remain misguided (and from their left hands) as regard pleasures and delights, (and Thou wilt not find most of them) all of them (beholden (unto Thee)) believers in You.

Tafsir Ibn Kathir:
(Then I will come to them from before them) Raising doubts in them concerning their Hereafter,
(and (from) behind them), making them more eager for this life,
(from their right), causing them confusion in the religion,
(and from their left) luring them to commit sins.'' This is meant to cover all paths of good and evil. Shaytan discourages the people from the path of good and lures them to the path of evil. Al-Hakam bin Abban said that `Ikrimah narrated from Ibn `Abbas concerning the Ayah,
(Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left,) "He did not say that he will come from above them, because the mercy descends from above.'' `Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that Ibn `Abbas said,
(and You will not find most of them to be thankful.) "means, those who single Him out ﴿in worship﴾.'' When Shaytan said this, it was a guess and an assumption on his part. Yet, the truth turned out to be the same, for Allah said,
(And indeed Iblis (Shaytan) did prove true his thought about them, and they followed him, all except a group of true believers. And he had no authority over them, except that We might test him who believes in the Hereafter, from him who is in doubt about it. And your Lord is Watchful over everything.) ﴿34:20-21﴾. tThis is why there is a Hadith that encourages seeking refuge with Allah from the lures of Shaytan from all directions. Imam Ahmad narrated that `Abdullah bin `Umar said, "The Messenger of Allah used to often recite this supplication in the morning and when the night falls,
(O Allah! I ask You for well-being in this life and the Hereafter. O Allah! I ask You for pardon and well-being in my religion, life, family and wealth. O Allah! Cover my errors and reassure me in times of difficulty. O Allah! Protect me from before me, from behind me, from my right, from my left and from above me. I seek refuge with Your greatness from being killed from below me.)'' Waki` commented (about being killed from below), "This refers to earthquakes.'' Abu Dawud, An-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah, Ibn Hibban and Al-Hakim collected this Hadith, and Al-Hakim said, "Its chain is Sahih. ''

Those are the explanations which are given for this verse from a few Tafsirs. Unfortunately, not all great classical Tafsirs are translated into English. Otherwise, I would have quoted them all here.

 

[Hulk]

I do not mean to judge you on this but I do believe one should know validity of the meaning of a verse because if it is indeed metaphorical it can give bizarre implications to people and I have become prone to this a few times. For example when I read Surat al-Khaf ayat 86, I was questioning whether the Qur'an implied the reflection of the sun in the pool or the literal sun itself. I assume you are familiar with the Mu'tazilla approach to the Qur'an implementing rationalization right?

Any "bizarre implications" would be based on the individual's own misunderstanding. Any muslim would agree that the best person to relay the message of the Quran is our Prophet(pbuh) and with that in mind we wouldn't claim to have full knowledge of the Quran. I am in no place to be providing interpretations especially not based on my own lack of knowledge.