Page 32 - Satan: The Sworn Enemy of Mankind

SATAN: THE SWORN ENEMY OF MANKIND
Essentially, the believer possesses a light with which to identify
whether this voice be from his heart or from Satan. After perceiving
that approach of Satan, he follows what has been commanded in the
Qur'an, by seeking shelter in Allah. As we are told in the Qur'an, the
temptations of Satan exercise no effect upon a believer when he re-
members Allah. Allah reveals this important secret as follows:
If an evil impulse from Satan provokes you, seek refuge in
Allah. He is All-Hearing, All-Seeing. As for those who
guard against evil, when they are bothered by visitors from
Satan, they remember and immediately see clearly. (Surat
al-A`raf, 200-201)
Because this world is a stage of trial, one may encounter a great
number of varying situations and circumstances. No matter what
the conditions may be though, Satan is always waiting in ambush.
The slightest weakness shown on the part of a believer is an oppor-
tunity for Satan. And, Satan exploits every opportunity.
If a believer harbors thoughts he considers disturbing, or is
bothered by the situation he finds himself in,—such perceptions
usually representing the warnings of his conscience—he must desist
immediately and reconsider his predicament. The simplest way to
do so is for him or her to try to analyze the situation objectively. In
this manner, he may assess it according the following criteria:
• Is what he is thinking at that moment compatible with the
teachings of the Qur'an?
• Is he being lax in remembering Allah?
• Is he being too flexible when it comes to keeping within the
bounds of the Qur'an and observing its stipulations?
• Do his plans have any other aim than Allah's good pleasure?
• Are his personal interests at that moment more important
than those of other believers?

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