Page 83 - Satan: The Sworn Enemy of Mankind

Those Unaware of the Influence of Satan: Societies of the Ignorant
Satan Descends on Every Evil Liar
"Satan" refers to all those on whom Satan descends and who he
brings under his influence. The defining characteristic of such peo-
ple has been revealed to be their propensity towards sin and deceit.
Whether consciously or not, they hearken to Satan, and act in com-
pliance to his commands. The Qur'an conveys the following on the
subject:
Shall I tell you upon whom the satans descend? They de-
scend on every evil liar. They give them a hearing and most
of them are liars. (Surat ash-Shu`ara´, 221-223)
It is important to note that, immediately after these verses, ref-
erence was made to the poets from the period of the revelation of the
Qur'an:
And as for poets, it is the misled who follow them. Do you
not see how they ramble on in every style and say things
which they do not do. (Surat ash-Shu`ara´, 224-226)
In Mecca, during the period of our Prophet (saas), poets were
those charged with the task of directing and influencing society, as
well as formulating agendas. Since the verses they wrote were
passed on orally, they served as a kind of source of traditional lore.
Most of these poets, however, employed their talents against Islam,
and sought to turn people from the true path.
It would appear from these verses that one of the methods they
used to deceive the public was to make empty promises.
Remembering that making empty promises is one of the primary
methods employed by Satan (Surat an-Nisa´, 120, Surah Ibrahim,
22), the link between these poets and Satan is again elucidated.
Despite the passage of years, there has been no change in this
situation, apart from a few minor details. The poets have been re-
placed by centers of power against religion. Methods such as empty

81