Page 48 - Satan: The Sworn Enemy of Mankind

SATAN: THE SWORN ENEMY OF MANKIND
For example, when such a person finds himself somewhere
where there are a lot of unbelievers, and where there is plenty in the
way of material benefits, though he attempts to fulfill his obligation
of relating the morality of the true religion, he interprets the manner
in which he ought to do so according to his own desires. While it
may be perfectly legitimate at times to enjoy certain material bless-
ings, his manner of doing so is improper. In his case, an action he
had initiated for the benefit of Islam, deviates from its original aim,
and instead it is these material blessings that become the objects of
his desires.
He may appear outwardly to be acting within the bounds set
by Allah, but in his heart is a desire to satisfy his base passions, not
pleasing Allah. In this case, not only will he receive no reward for
his deeds, but his faith will weaken (Allah knows best). In our ex-
ample, Satan has approached the person by making reference to
Allah, and caused him to lose the Hereafter by tempting him instead
with the deceptive allurements of this world:
Mankind! Allah's promise is true. Do not let the life of this
world delude you and do not let the Deluder delude you
about Allah. Satan is your enemy so treat him as an enemy.
He summons his party so they will be among the people of
the Searing Blaze. (Surah Fatir, 5-6)
Such people, whose faith is weakened by their seeking after the
mundane and transient pleasures of this world, and who, in addi-
tion, hide behind the name of Allah, that they may disguise their de-
viant intentions, fall into the category of hypocrites, as mentioned in
the Qur'an:
They [hypocrites] will call out to them [believers], "Were
we not with you?" They will reply, "Indeed you were. But
you made trouble for yourselves and lagged behind the

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