Page 24 - Zeal and Enthusiasm in the Qur'an

THE EFFORTS OF SATAN TO BREAK

THE ENTHUSIASM OF BELIEVERS

In the preceding pages it was stated that the believer’s enthu-
siasm never abates and always remains fresh and strong and that

the source of continuity and steadfastness of a believer’s zeal is
sincere faith. Therefore, satan exerts an all-out struggle to weaken
believers’ determination and shake their zeal and enthusiasm. The
goal of satan in this world is to deceive people and lead them to
destruction by whispering suggestions. The evil mission of satan is
related in the Qur’an in his own words:
"And I will mislead them, and I will arouse in them [sinful]
desires." 14

Satan approaches believers in various ways, as he does with
all people, and tries to make good things appear to be wrong.
Portraying some issues as insolvable, satan aims to turn men back
and prevent them from completing their beneficial works. He tries
to instill hopelessness in them by presenting their tasks as difficult,
and he tempts them into negligence, encourages them to procras-
tinate and wants them to show weak will. However, in the Qur’an

Allah stresses that all the efforts of satan and his schemes are
weak:
"He [i.e., satan] promises them and arouses [sinful] desire

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