The Devil in Islam
Definition and Origins
In Islam, the Devil is believed to have descended from Jānn, the progenitor of the evil genii, possessing authority over both the animal and spirit kingdoms. According to Islamic tradition, the Devil was named ʿAzazīl before his fall, and he was a noteworthy figure among the spirit beings.
When God created Adam and commanded all beings to prostrate before him, ʿAzazīl (Iblīs) refused, an act of disobedience that led to his expulsion from Eden. His defiance marked the beginning of his role as the primary antagonist in Islamic theology. God sentenced Iblīs to death, but granted him a respite until the Day of Judgment, at which point he will be destroyed.
Etymology
The term for the Devil in Islam derives from two key Arabic words used in the Qur’an:
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Shaitān (شيطان): An Arabic word derived from shat̤n, which means “opposition,” signifying “one who opposes.” This term appears fifty-two times in the Qur’an.
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Iblīs (ابليس): Rooted in balas, meaning “a wicked or profligate person,” hence “the wicked one.” This term appears nine times in the Qur’an.
The word Shaitān metaphorically denotes one who is far from the truth, while Iblīs signifies one who is without hope—cementing their association with misguidance and despair.
Qur’anic References
In the Qur’an, Iblīs explains his rationale for refusing to bow to Adam, asserting his superiority as a being created from fire compared to Adam, who was created from clay (Sūrah vii. 13). Despite his rebellion, Iblīs sought and was granted a temporary reprieve by God.
Prophetic Narratives (Hadith)
Numerous traditions (hadiths) from the Prophet Muhammad provide additional insights into the Devil’s nature and influence:
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Intrusion into Humans: The Prophet stated that the Devil enters into humans as blood enters their bodies, influencing thoughts and actions. However, an angel is also appointed over each individual, guiding them towards truth and goodness.
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Devil’s Mission: The Devil’s purpose is to sow discord and lead humanity astray. He rests his throne on the waters and repeatedly sends his armies to stir strife among mankind, notably praising those who create division, especially between spouses.
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Spiritual Warfare: Muslims are encouraged to take refuge in God to combat the Devil’s whispers. The Prophet Muhammad advised his followers to seek God’s protection and utilize spiritual practices like spitting over the left shoulder thrice to dispel demonic whisperings during prayers.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Devil and Satanic Laws in Islam” by Abdullah Saeed - Comprehensive exploration of the Devil’s roles and the theological implications in Islam.
- “The Temptations of Satan: A Qur’anic Exegesis” by Mahmoud Ayoub - Detailed exegesis focusing on Satan’s temptations as described in the Qur’an.
- “Islamic Demonology: The Politics of “Nahnu, Hum and Intercessors” by Yousuf Saleem Chishti - An academic study on demonic influences and their socio-political significance in Islamic thought.
Takeaways and Conclusion
The figure of the Devil in Islam represents the quintessential embodiment of opposition and misguidance. Derived from terms meaning opposition and wickedness, the Devil’s character is deeply engraved in Islamic theology as a reminder of the inherent spiritual struggle humanity faces.
Understanding the Devil’s machinations and the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings on dealing with such evil can offer profound insights into the nature of sin, temptation, and redemption in Islam.
This dictionary entry provides a detailed overview of the Devil in Islam, drawing from both Qur’anic and Hadith sources, and guiding further scholarly inquiry with recommended readings.
