Page 27 - The Alliance of the Good

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Who Are The Real Good and The Real Evil?

righteous deeds as somewhat difficult to follow or even
wicked, and thus prevent him from engaging in acts of
goodness. At times, Satan makes one abandon one's best
friends in their most difficult times, so that his own interests

are not effected. In such a case, a person faces a dilemma
from which he has difficulty finding a way out. Attempting
to be conscientious, he feels he has to help his friend through
a difficult time. On the other hand, he cannot free himself
from the grip of personal financial concerns or other
difficulties he would face if he decided to offer his help.
When considering a course of action, a person usually
assumes he is merely in the process of making certain
decisions and evaluating certain options. However, the
dilemma he experiences does not result merely from
conflicting ideas, but rather, it is a struggle between the voice
of his conscience and that of Satan.
In brief, either by directly whispering to the mind or by
way of certain people, Satan infuses man with negative
inspirations, hinders him from conforming to God's way and
following his own conscience, from engaging in good deeds,
and talking graciously or making sacrifices. Those following
in the footsteps of Satan, either deliberately or
unintentionally, naturally take sides with him and

throughout their lives remain among the evil. In the Qur'an,
God explains the influence of Satan on man as follows:
You who believe! Do not follow in the footsteps of
Satan. Anyone who follows in Satan's footsteps should
know that he commands indecency and wrongdoing.
Were it not for God's favour to you and His mercy, not
one of you would ever have been purified. But God