Shaitan in Islam: Understanding His Tricks and How to Stay Safe

Who Is Shaitan in Islam?

Shaitan in Islam is a creation of Allah (SWT), but he is not a human or an angel. He is a jinn, a creation made of smokeless fire. Before his rebellion, Iblis was known for his devout worship of Allah (SWT).

However, when Allah (SWT) created Hazrat Adam (AS), the first human, shaytan refused Allah’s command to bow to him. His pride and disobedience led to his downfall, resulting in Allah (SWT) removing him from paradise. Filled with resentment, Shaytan vowed to mislead humanity away from the path of righteousness until the Day of Judgment. His mission is to divert people from worshipping Allah (SWT) by tempting them with evil and sinful actions.

Names of Shaitan in Islam​

In Islam, Shaytan (Satan) is known by many names and titles, each reflecting different aspects of his nature and role in leading people astray. While Iblis is the most prominent name for Satan, other terms are used in Islamic texts to describe his evil characteristics or the nature of his followers. Here’s a breakdown of some key names and titles of Shaitan in Islam:

1. Iblis

Iblis is the personal name of Satan, mentioned in the Quran. Shaytan refused to bow to Adam when Allah (SWT) commanded him because of his arrogance and pride. After this act of disobedience, Allah (SWT) cast Iblis out of heaven, and he became the leader of all evil forces, determined to mislead humans.

Quranic Reference:

2. Shaytan

Shaytan is a general term used for Satan in the Quran and Hadith, meaning “the one who goes astray” or “the rebellious one.” This term can refer to Iblis and other evil forces that follow his path, including jinn and humans. In this sense, many shayateen (plural of Shaytan) can refer to different evil beings who mislead others.

Quranic Reference

3. Al-Waswas

Al-Waswas means “the whisperer,” referring to satan’s method of leading people astray by planting doubts, evil thoughts, and sinful desires in their hearts and minds. This title highlights how Shaytan often operates subtly through constant, unseen suggestions.

Quranic Reference

4. Al-Khannas

Al-Khannas means “the one who retreats or hides.” This term is related to how Iblis flees or withdraws when a person engages in the remembrance of Allah (dhikr) (SWT). Shaytan flees when people mention Allah’s (SWT) name. This title describes his direction to disappear or reduce “his influence” when a person strengthens his faith.

Quranic Reference

From the evil of the lurking whisperer. (Surah An-Naas 4)

5. Al-Rajim

Al-Rajim means “the accursed” or “the one cast out.” This title highlights Shaytan’s expulsion from Allah’s favor due to his disobedience and defiance. In seeking protection from Shaytan’s influence, Muslims often recite the phrase, “A’udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim” (I seek refuge with Allah (SWT) from the accursed Shaytan).

Quranic Reference:

Stay mindful of Shaytan’s many names and strategies, and equip yourself with knowledge and faith to protect your heart from his whispers.

How Shaitan Traps Muslims

In Islam, Shaitan (Satan) is viewed as humanity’s enemy, dedicated to leading people away from the path of Allah (SWT). His ultimate aim is to distance as many individuals as possible from worshipping Allah (SWT). Shaytan uses various tricks and strategies to weaken faith and entice people into sin. By understanding these traps, we can stay vigilant and protect ourselves from his influence. Here are some of the primary traps that Iblis employs to misguide Muslims:

1. Whispers (Waswasah)

One of Shaytan’s most common tricks is the use of whispers, known in Arabic as waswasah. He subtly plants doubts and negative thoughts in people’s hearts, often targeting their faith, prayers, and daily actions. These whispers can range from creating confusion during worship to causing someone to question their self-worth or even doubt Allah’s (SWT) mercy.

Example: A person may start doubting whether their wudu (ablution) was valid or if they performed their prayer correctly, leading them to repeat actions unnecessarily and feel frustrated. Shaytan uses these doubts to create anxiety and distract believers from sincere worship.

2. Procrastination in Good Deeds

Shaitan in Islam often encourages people to delay or postpone good deeds, especially acts of worship, by making them feel that they have plenty of time to do them later. This tactic frequently leads to neglecting those deeds altogether.

Example: A person may feel inspired to pray or give charity but decides to delay, thinking they’ll get to it later. Shaytan capitalizes on this, knowing that putting off good deeds can eventually result in abandoning them entirely.

Looking for more ways to strengthen your faith? Explore Good Deeds in Islam and discover acts that bring you closer to Allah (SWT).

3. Encouraging Sin by Beautifying It

Shaytan often makes sinful actions appear appealing or harmless, convincing people that engaging in certain behaviors is acceptable or enjoyable. By beautifying these actions, he leads people to overlook their spiritual harm and consequences.

Example: People might be drawn to gossip, backbiting, or lying, thinking, “It’s just harmless fun.” Shaytan downplays the seriousness of these actions, making it easy to ignore their damaging effects on the soul.

4. Creating Pride and Arrogance

One of Shaitan’s failures was his arrogance. He refused to acknowledge Adam when Allah (SWT) commanded him to. He now tries to instill the same pride in humans; encouraging them to feel superior to others can lead to a lack of humility, compassion, and faith.

Example: A person may start to believe they are better than others because of their Shaytan’s knowledge or status. This arrogance creates distance between them and Allah (SWT) and between them and other people.

Shaitan fell due to arrogance—learn how to protect yourself from the same fate. Explore Pride in Islam.

5. Distracting from Prayer (Salah)

Salah, or prayer, is the most important act of worship in Islam, and Shaitan tries hard to distract us from performing it properly. He does this by:

• Making people forget certain parts of their lives or lose concentration.
• Encouraging them to rush through the prayer without sincerity.
• Creating laziness” in performing prayers on time, making it seem like a burden.

Example: During prayer, Shaytan might cause a person to think about mundane matters, like what they need to do after the prayer, instead of focusing on the act of worship.

6. Fear of Poverty or Loss

Shaytan instills fear in people’s hearts about their wealth, making them anxious about poverty if they give to charity or help others. He convinces them that holding onto their wealth is safer and more beneficial than spending it in the way of Allah (SWT).

Example: A person may hesitate to give zakat (charitable giving) or sadaqah (voluntary charity) because shaitan makes them, which will reduce their wealth, even though Islam teaches that charity increases blessings.

7. Breaking Ties of Kinship

Shaitan loves to divide family members and friends. He whispers lies and encourages misunderstandings, leading to arguments, resentment, and long-term rivalries. Islam places great importance on maintaining good family relationships, and Shaytan works hard to disrupt them.

Example: Shaytan may stir up jealousy, anger, or suspicion between siblings, spouses, or parents and children, leading to conflicts that weaken family bonds.

8. Lust and Desires

Satan manipulates human desires, particularly in areas related to sexuality and relationships. He tries to lead people into committing zina (fornication or adultery) by making these acts seem pleasurable and normal. He also encourages immodesty and the objectification of others.

Example: Shaytan tempts people into engaging in inappropriate relationships or viewing harmful content, slowly normalizing these sinful behaviors.

9. Excessive Attachment to the Dunya (Worldly Life)

Satan diverts people’s focus from the hereafter by making them overly attached to the dunya (this world). He encourages the pursuit of wealth, fame, power, and material pleasures at the expense of faith and spirituality.

Example: A person may become so focused on their career, status, or luxury lifestyle that they neglect their obligations to all people, such as prayer, fasting during Ramadan, and charity.

10. Doubt in Allah’s Wisdom and Decree

Shaitan sows seeds of doubt about Allah’s (SWT) wisdom, justice, and plan for humanity. He makes people question why certain things happen in their lives, leading to impatience, anger, or even disbelief in Allah’s (SWT).

Example: When faced with a hardship, a person might think, “Why is Allah (SWT) Allah’shis to me?” Shaytan encourages these thoughts to strengthen trust in Allah’s (SWT) decree.

11. Envy and Jealousy

Shaytan encourages feelings of envy and jealousy, leading people to wish for the downfall of others and feel dissatisfied with the blessings Allah (SWT) has given them. This can foster bitterness, resentment, and even hatred.

Example: A person may envy a friend’s success or wealth and start harboring ill feelings, forgetting that everything is a test from Allah (SWT) and that envy is a destructive emotion.

Discover how jealousy can harm your soul and relationships. Learn more about Jealousy (Hasad) in Islam and ways to overcome it.

Shaytan’s Weaknesses

It’s important to remember that Iblis is not all-powerful; he has many weaknesses, and certain actions can reduce his influence:

• Shaytan Cannot Control Faithful Believers: Allah (SWT) tells us in the Quran that Shaytan has no authority over those who believe and trust in Him. Shaytan’s power over us decreases if we remain firm in our belief.
• He Flees from the Name of Allah (SWT): Satan cannot bear the mention of Allah’s (SWT) name. Saying “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah) before eating, entering the house, or doing any important task can drive him away.
• He Fears Unity and Brotherhood: Shaytan tries to divide people because he knows unity strengthens people. Maintaining good relations with others and fostering a sense of community weaken Shaytan’s attempts to isolate and mislead us.

Q1. Will Iblis Appear on Judgement Day in Islam

Iblis (Shaytan) will appear on the Day of Judgment. According to Islamic teachings, Iblis, who is also referred to as Shaytan, will face ultimate accountability and punishment on this day for his rebellion against Allah (SWT) and his continued efforts to lead humanity astray.

Q2. What Happens to Iblis on the Day of Judgment?

Iblis is not excused from Allah’s (SWT) justice. He and his followers (both jinn and humans who chose to follow his path) will be held responsible for their actions. The Quran and hadiths mention that Iblis will be punished severely in Hellfire for his arrogance, disobedience, and the evil he spread among humanity. The Quran emphasizes that both Iblis and those who follow him will be sent to Jahannam (Hellfire):

“I will surely fill up Hell with you and whoever follows you from among them.” (Surah Sad 85)

On the Day of Judgment, Iblis cannot defend or help those he misguided. He will distance himself from the people who followed his path and make it clear that they chose to disobey Allah (SWT) of their own free will. His regret and helplessness will be apparent, but it will be too late for him and his followers to repent.

Conclusion: Stay Vigilant Against Shaytan

In Islam, shaitan is a clear enemy who uses deception, pride, and false promises to lead people away from the path of righteousness. However, Allah (SWT) has given us many tools to protect ourselves from his evil influence. We can keep Shaytan at bay by seeking refuge in Allah (SWT), praying regularly, reading the Quran, and remembering Allah (SWT).

Looking for practical steps to combat Shaytan’s influence? Check out these 15 Ways to Defeat Shaytan and stay on the right path.

Stay alert to Shaytan’s traps and equip yourself with the teachings of Islam to protect your heart and mind. Share this knowledge with others so they can stay vigilant. If you found this beneficial, share it with family and friends to help them stay strong against Shaytan’s influence.

Last Updated on December 19, 2024 by Jamshed Anwer