Satan and his attempts to extinguish Islam
Javed Ahmad
Islam is the last and final religion for mankind selected and completed by the Creator and Lord of the universe. Not mankind, but the Satan (Iblis) is the main opponent of Islam as this religion reminds mankind who they are and what is expected of them. Satan does not want mankind to accept Islam as their religion as a result he seeks to misguide people by attracting toward worldly matters drifting from the focus on the after life. This is how it began -
“It is We Who created you and gave you shape; then We bade the angels bow down to Adam, and they bowed down; not so Iblis; He refused to be of those who bow down. (God) said: "What prevented thee from bowing down when I commanded thee?" He said: "I am better than he: Thou didst create me from fire, and him from clay." (God) said: "Get thee down from this: it is not for thee to be arrogant here: get out, for thou art of the meanest (of creatures)." He said: "Give me respite till the day they are raised up." (God) said: "Be thou among those who have respite." He said: "Because thou hast thrown me out of the way, lo! I will lie in wait for them on thy straight way: "Then will I assault them from before them and behind them, from their right and their left: Nor wilt thou find, in most of them, gratitude (for thy mercies)." (God) said: "Get out from this, disgraced and expelled. If any of them follow thee,- Hell will I fill with you all. "O Adam! dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden, and enjoy (its good things) as ye wish: but approach not this tree, or ye run into harm and transgression." Then began Satan to whisper suggestions to them, bringing openly before their minds all their shame that was hidden from them (before): he said: "Your Lord only forbade you this tree, lest ye should become angels or such beings as live for ever." And he swore to them both, that he was their sincere adviser. So by deceit he brought about their fall: when they tasted of the tree, their shame became manifest to them, and they began to sew together the leaves of the garden over their bodies. And their Lord called unto them: "Did I not forbid you that tree, and tell you that Satan was an avowed enemy unto you?" They said: "Our Lord! We have wronged our own souls: If thou forgive us not and bestow not upon us Thy Mercy, we shall certainly be lost." (God) said: "Get ye down. With enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood,- for a time." He said: "Therein shall ye live, and therein shall ye die; but from it shall ye be taken out (at last)." O ye Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover your shame, as well as to be an adornment to you. But the raiment of righteousness,- that is the best. Such are among the Signs of God, that they may receive admonition! O ye Children of Adam! Let not Satan seduce you, in the same manner as He got your parents out of the Garden, stripping them of their raiment, to expose their shame: for he and his tribe watch you from a position where ye cannot see them: We made the evil ones friends (only) to those without faith.” (7:11-27).
Satan with his special capacity to manipulate people manages to misguide some and bring them on his side. These people in turn oppose Islam and seek to create obstacle in following it by other faithful people. This is an ongoing battle since the day when the first human being Prophet Adam (AS) was created. It was Satan who caused the human couples to fall from grace that resulted in a time being spent on earth. Since then he managed to get many on his side to work for him.
This duel between the believers and disbelievers will last till dooms day. Fortunately though, Allah Himself has taken the responsibility to protecting this religion. Therefore, no matter how hard they try to extinguish Islam it would not be possible.
Fain would they extinguish God's light with their mouths, but God will not allow but that His light should be perfected, even though the Unbelievers may detest (it). It is He Who hath sent His Apostle with guidance and the Religion of Truth, to proclaim it over all religion, even though the Pagans may detest (it).” (9:32-33).
“Their intention is to extinguish God's Light (by blowing) with their mouths: But God will complete (the revelation of) His Light, even though the Unbelievers may detest (it). It is He Who has sent His Apostle with Guidance and the Religion of Truth, that he may proclaim it over all religion, even though the Pagans may detest (it).” (61:8-9).
To tackle the situation, the believers have been asked to move forward with their Islamic zeal no matter how much the disbelievers dislikes it –
“Call ye, then, upon God with sincere devotion to Him, even though the Unbelievers may detest it.” (40:14).
From what we have reviewed so far we can draw the following table:
|
Sl. # |
Human |
Satan |
|
1 |
Made of clay |
Made of fire (A Jinn) |
|
2 |
Bestowed with knowledge |
Not so knowledgeable |
|
3 |
All angels bowed Adam (AS) |
Refused to bow |
|
4 |
Was quick in seeking forgiveness when realized his mistake |
Did not seek forgiveness from Allah |
|
5 |
No pride |
Too proud |
|
6 |
No hate |
Hateful |
|
7 |
Does not do harm |
Ready to do harm |
|
8 |
Accepted enmity |
Declared enmity |
|
9 |
Expelled from heaven for a time |
Expelled forever |
|
10 |
Will continue life after the Day of Judgment |
Will perish on the Day of Judgment |
|
11 |
Capable of sound reasoning |
Incapable of sound reasoning |
|
12 |
Unable to confront Satan without faith |
Able to confront human anytime |
|
13 |
Believes in Allah through reasoning and faith |
Believes in Allah through witnessing |
|
14 |
Honorable |
Dishonorable |
|
15 |
Representing Allah on earth |
Totally engaged in trying to seek to destroy mankind |
|
16 |
No jealousy |
Too jealous |
|
17 |
Obedient to Allah |
Rebel against Allah |
|
18 |
Submissive |
Mean |
One may like to argue in reference to the table information above on the ground that pride, hate, enmity, jealousy etc are also seen among humans then why have I not listed them under the ‘human’ column? The answer to this question is, if the human beings were left to live alone without the influence of Satan this is what they were supposed to be. It is the Satan who installs those behaviors in humans. Because, humans are inherently good and it is the Satan who influences us to commit crime and sins. Therefore, it is very important for us to understand the nature of Satan who is after us all the time seeking to strip us from entering heaven and end up in hell. After all, this is the challenge he has taken with Allah.
Among all his attempts to destroy the human race, extinguishing Islam is one of his main focuses. Because he figured, if Islam is destroyed, the whole mankind will be in loss automatically as it is Islam that reminds us who we are and what we should do. Thus, the attempt continues through out the ages and generations.
Except Islam, all other earlier religions have been corrupted by Satan. This is the only religion he will not be able to corrupt as Allah himself have now taken the responsibility to protect it in its original form till the end of days.
“We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption).” (15:9).
More than 1400 years have already passed away since the inception of Islam, and despite absence of Khilafah, Islam continues to survive as it is. Especially the Qur’an has remained as it was originally. And no one will be able to make a slightest change in it.
So what hope does Satan have against this odd battle with Allah? In order to find the answer to this question we could conclude the followings:
There are many followers of Satan and they call themselves Satanists. If one search for such groups or organization in Google one will find their existence mostly in the so called developed countries. And their number is growing across the globe. A common symbol of Satanism is pretty much seen in open media regularly. Some links are given below under references. Majority of those links are of “Christian” blocks simply because they are ones who have noticed it before the Muslims. Besides, it is inherently a European problem; however, now spreading in other parts of the world due to the New World Order movement. Many named and famed Bangladeshis too show off the satanic symbols knowingly or unknowingly probably think it is pop culture to do so.
If Satan did not cause out first father Prophet Adam (AS) to disobey Allah’s command then all of us would be living an eternal life in the heaven today.
“We said: "O Adam! dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden; and eat of the bountiful things therein as (where and when) ye will; but approach not this tree, or ye run into harm and transgression." Then did Satan make them slip from the (garden), and get them out of the state (of felicity) in which they had been. We said: "Get ye down, all (ye people), with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood - for a time."” (2:35-36).
Considering this point alone, how can a human being follow and worship Satan? Satan is an avowed enemy of mankind!
“Satan makes them promises, and creates in them false desires; but satan's promises are nothing but deception.” (4:120).
“Of the cattle are some for burden and some for meat: eat what God hath provided for you, and follow not the footsteps of Satan: for he is to you and avowed enemy.” (6:142).
Well, here is a clue. Satan is promising many things to his followers, but in the end they will be deprived.
“Satan's plan is (but) to excite enmity and hatred between you, with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah, and from prayer: will ye not then abstain? Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and beware (of evil): if ye do turn back, know ye that it is Our Messenger.s duty to proclaim (the message) in the clearest manner.” (5:91-92).
All the societal ills and war among us that we see in this world are all planned and setup by Satan. That is why Allah is calling mankind to Islam for protection. How do we protect ourselves from the whispers and deception of Satan? Here is a way –
“If a suggestion from Satan assail thy (mind), seek refuge with God; for He heareth and knoweth (all things). Those who fear God, when a thought of evil from Satan assaults them, bring God to remembrance, when lo! they see (aright)!” (7:200).
Therefore, remembrance of Allah is a way to safeguard oneself from Satan, which a Muslim does five times a day through their prayers. Satan becomes powerless when Allah’s help is sought by a believer.
On the Day of Judgment when all shall be called in front of Allah to assemble, Satan will deny any promises he made to his followers and leave them in the cold –
“They will all be marshalled before God together: then will the weak say to those who were arrogant, "For us, we but followed you; can ye then avail us to all against the wrath of God?" They will reply, "If we had received the Guidance of God, we should have given it to you: to us it makes no difference (now) whether we rage, or bear (these torments) with patience: for ourselves there is no way of escape." And Satan will say when the matter is decided: "It was God 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 God. For wrong-doers there must be a grievous penalty."” (14:21-22).
Fortunately, the believers are protected from the whispers and deception of Satan –
“When thou dost read the Qur'an, seek God's protection from Satan the rejected one. No authority has he over those who believe and put their trust in their Lord. His authority is over those only, who take him as patron and who join partners with God.” (16:98-100).
So, what was deal that was between Allah and Satan?
“Behold! We said to the angels: "Bow down unto Adam": They bowed down except Iblis: He said, "Shall I bow down to one whom Thou didst create from clay?" He said: "Seest Thou? this is the one whom Thou hast honoured above me! If Thou wilt but respite me to the Day of Judgment, I will surely bring his descendants under my sway - all but a few!" (God) said: "Go thy way; if any of them follow thee, verily Hell will be the recompense of you (all)- an ample recompense. "Lead to destruction those whom thou canst among them, with thy (seductive) voice; make assaults on them with thy cavalry and thy infantry; mutually share with them wealth and children; and make promises to them." But Satan promises them nothing but deceit. "As for My servants, no authority shalt thou have over them:" Enough is thy Lord for a Disposer of affairs.” (17:61-65).
From the above quoted verses we can clearly see that only ability Satan have over us to whisper, suggest and make false promises – that’s all. Therefore, if we are sound in Islamic knowledge he would hardly have a chance over us. Very few Muslims actually falls victim to his tricks. Majority of his followers are either disbelievers or hypocrites, simply because they are empty in Islamic knowledge nor do they believe in Allah to seek protection from.
“Verily Satan is an enemy to you: so treat him as an enemy. He only invites his adherents, that they may become Companions of the Blazing Fire.” (35:6).
In reality, we are always alert of our enemies. We should see Satan as one such enemy who is seeking to misguide us at an opportunate moment.
Is it possible to ward off evils of Satan by following a religion other than Islam? The answer is “no”. Simply because on other religion is accepted of Allah other than the religion Islam –
“If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to God), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of those who have lost (All spiritual good).” (3:85).
Why did Allah pick Islam for us among all other religions? Because Islam is a culmination of all earlier religions and has reached a final stage of perfection;
“…This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion…” (5:3).
Therefore, in order for us to have a proper count of our good efforts in the after life, we need to submit completely in Islam and die in Islam –
“O ye who believe! Fear God as He should be feared, and die not except in a state of Islam.” (3:102).
To conclude this long discussion we can understand that this world is nothing but a test and trial place for all of us – believers and disbelievers alike. And Satan is there to destroy us by taking us away from Allah’s way. He blames us for his own mistake; the mistake he could have corrected simply by asking for forgiveness from Allah as Adam (AS) did immediately upon realizing of his wrong doing. This is the difference between us (humans) and Satan. We are quick in seeking mercy where as Satan is too proud to do so. He does not want to acknowledge that he too is a mere creation of Allah and Allah by His grace has kept him alive for a fixed time wanting to test the believers in this world. There will be no Satan after the Day of Judgment or Resurrection to whisper or deceive mankind in the after life. He will be destroyed after the day of accounts.
References:
U.S. Presidents and Satanism: http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Wicca%20&%20Witchcraft/us_presidents_and_satanism.htm
THE DEVILS HANDSIGN ~ A PRIMER: http://snippits-and-slappits.blogspot.com/2009/01/this-is-well-known-greeting-of-one.html
Architectural hints to the New World Order, (and third day reflections): http://doingmypart.wordpress.com/2008/01/10/44/
The Satanic Hand Sign - Zero Doubt: http://www.rense.com/general85/satn.htm
The Peace Sign and Satanism: http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Wicca%20&%20Witchcraft/peace_sign.htm
Horrific Satanist Music & Cause of rapid spread of Satanism: http://babylonzombie.blogspot.com/2008/07/horrific-satanist-music-cause-of-rapid.html
Satanism: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satanism
Church of Satan: http://www.churchofsatan.com/
Satanism (UK): http://www.dpjs.co.uk/
Signs of Satan!: http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Wicca%20&%20Witchcraft/signs_of_satan.htm
JOY OF SATAN: http://www.joyofsatan.org/
The Rick A. Ross Institute- About Satanism: http://www.rickross.com/groups/satanism.html
Exposing Satanism and witchcraft as prescribed by GOD: http://www.exposingsatanism.org/
When religion is just a label: https://javedahmad.tripod.com/islam/label.htm
Rise of social ills in absence of Islam: http://www.bangladesh-web.com/view.php?hidDate=2010-05-19&hidType=OPT&hidRecord=0000000000000000318635
Greed and its consequences: http://bangladesh-web.com/view.php?hidRecord=317574
Faith. Logic and the Truth: http://www.bangladesh-web.com/view.php?hidRecord=310287