Page 46 - The Arrogance of Satan

44
THE ARROGANCE OF SATAN

invalid. He argued that he was created from fire, while man is
created from clay, claiming that fire is superior to clay. In other
words, the only basis for his arrogance is simply the difference
between the physical make-up of these two substances.

However, regardless of their nature,-whether clay or fire-both
Iblis and man are beings created by Allah. Disobedience to one'
s Creator, on account of such an argument is entirely senseless
and the mark of great ingratitude.
Furthermore, an examination into the basis of Iblis' claim
would clearly reveal the erroneous nature of his assumption.
Fire may well be brighter and more dazzling to the eye. All
the same, clay is abundant in minerals and other substances.
It abounds with all forms of precious materials and gems.
Unless Allah wills, soil does not decay or disintegrate easily.
But, this does not hold true for fire; it can be put out instantly.
In addition, earth holds another superior quality over fire; it
extinguishes it.
In any case, whatever the reason may be, no one should
ever dare to question Allah' s command. Yet, the
overwhelming arrogance of Iblis hindered him from
employing his wisdom and grasping the might of Allah, the
Creator of all beings. Thus, he failed to measure Allah
adequately. Consequently, an insignificant physical

difference has proved sufficient grounds to mislead him. This
delusion that arose from his arrogance led him to rebel
against his own Creator, although he was in Allah' s
presence, and was someone fully cognizant of the beauty of
Paradise and the torment of Hell:
When We said to the angels, "Prostrate yourselves to
Adam!" they prostrated, except for Iblis. He said "What!