Page 16 - Satan: The Sworn Enemy of Mankind

SATAN: THE SWORN ENEMY OF MANKIND
among the deceived." He said, "Go out from here as enemies
to each other! You will live on Earth and have enjoyment for
a time." He said, "On it you will live, and on it die, and from
it you will be brought forth." (Surat al-A`raf, 19-25)
The Prophet Adam (as) had repented to Allah and was forgiven
by Him. Nevertheless, Iblis continued with his war on humanity. As
is revealed in the Qur'an, in Surat al-Ma´ida, Satan also deceived
one of the Prophet Adam's (as) two sons, causing him to kill his
brother. (Surat al-Ma´ida, 27)
From that time onward, Iblis has deceived a great many people,
luring them into his ranks. He has also many supporters from
among jinn. The jinn who followed him have also set out, as he, to
insinuate themselves among humans, in order to lead them astray
and to cause doubt in their hearts (Surat an-Nas, 4). These jinns, as
well as the human beings who also follow Iblis, have given him the
title "Satan." (The root of the Arabic word "Shaytan" means, "to be
far removed," and is a title for every impetuous and rebellious crea-
ture who has been expelled from the presence of Allah.)
For that reason, "Satan," mankind's worst enemy, is rather a le-
gion of jinns and human beings, under the leadership of Iblis. These
jinns and human beings seek to cause humanity to stray onto that
path they themselves have strayed onto, the path of Iblis. Because
the jinns among the satans are invisible, they can approach humans
without their being aware of it, and place thoughts in their minds
that may cause them to turn from the path of truth. Human satans,
on the other hand, move about openly among the people, fomenting
suggestions with the intent of leading them into error. Moreover, as
such a person may be one regarded as a close personal friend, he
may also be a "man of ideas," widely respected in society. Believers
are taught the following prayer in the Qur'an, to protect them from

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