By Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya

III. The Qur’ân: Not Inspired by Satan

If you are objective and rational, you will find the Qur’ân as, indeed, the Book of Allâh. From the beginning to the end you find Allâh’s clear enlightenment. To reiterate, it is only in the Qur’ân that Allâh enjoins us to seek His refuge from the influence of Satan before reading it. This alone proves that Satan, the Evil One, has no place in the Qur’ân. Allâh commands:

 “When you read the Qur’ân, seek Allâh’s protection from Satan the Rejected One. No authority has he over those who believe and put their trust in their Rabb. His authority is over those only, who take him as patron and who join partners with Allâh.”  (16:98-100)

For our own benefit we have to believe that the Qur’ân comes from Allâh alone. Allâh stresses that it was not brought down nor inspired by Satan. No one can produce like it, nor falsehood can approach it. After reading the following verses, would you then say that the Qur’ân comes from Satan or from Allâh the Almighty?

 “The Satan did not bring it down. It not meet for them, nor is it in their power.”  (26:210-211)

 “No falsehood can approach it from before or behind it. It is sent down by One Full of Wisdom, Worthy of all Praise.” (41:42)

“Nor is it the word of an evil spirit accursed.” (81:25)

Furthermore, Allâh directs us away from evil thoughts and deeds. He reminds us not to let Satan seduce us to follow his way for he is an avowed enemy to us. Allâh says:

“O mankind!  Eat of what is on earth, lawful and good; and do not follow the footsteps of Satan, for he is to you an avowed enemy. He commands you what is evil and shameful, and that you should say of Allâh that of which you have no knowledge.” (2:168-169)

 “O you children of Adam! Let not Satan seduce you, in the same manner as he got your parents out of the garden, stripping them of their raiment, to expose their shame, for he and his tribe see you from a position where you cannot see them. We made the Satan’s friends (only) to those who believe not. (7:27)

 “…For Satan is to man an avowed enemy!” (12:5)

O you who believe! Follow not Satan’s footsteps. If any will follow the footsteps of Satan, he will (but) command what is shameful and wrong.  And were it not for the grace and mercy of Allâh on you, not one of you would ever have been pure.  But Allâh does purify whom He pleases, and Allâh is One Who hears and knows (all things).  (24: 21)

 “Verily, Satan is an enemy to you, so treat him as an enemy. He only invites his adherents, that they may become companions of the Blazing Fire.” (35: 6)

 “Did I not enjoin on you O children of Adam, that you should not worship Satan; for that he was to you an enemy avowed? And that you should worship Me, for that this was the Straight Way? But he did lead astray a great multitude of you. Did you not, then, understand?” (36:60-62)

The Qur’ân makes it clear that Allâh is our Guardian Rabb (2:21-22) and Protector (2:257).  It guides us to seek Allâh’s protection from the influence of Satan. The following Ayât guide us to be God-fearing:

 “If a suggestion from Satan assails your (mind), seek refuge with Allâh; for He hears and knows (all things). Those who fear Allâh, when a thought of evil from Satan assaults them, bring Allâh to remembrance, when verily, they see (aright)!” (7: 200-201)

 “And if (at any time) an incitement to discord is made to you by the Satan, seek refuge in Allâh. He is the One Who hears and knows all things.” (41:36)

We have to avoid Satan by all means. Allâh reminds us that Satan makes promises only to deceive us. Satan only wants us to go astray. He does nothing but harms us. Those who take Satan as a friend will surely dwell in Hell. Allâh tells us:

 “Satan threatens you with poverty and orders you to conduct unseemly. Allâh promises you His forgiveness and bounties. And Allâh cares for all and He knows all things.” (2:268)

 “…Whoever forsaking Allâh, takes Satan for a friend, has surely suffered a loss that is manifest.  Satan makes promises for them, and arouses in them false desires; but Satan's promises are nothing but deception. They (his dupes) will have their dwelling in Hell, and from it they will find no way of escape.” (4:119-121)

 “And (remember) when Satan made their (sinful) acts seem alluring to them, and said: ‘No one among men can overcome you this day, while I am near to you.’ But when the two forces came in sight of each other, he turned on his heels and said, ‘Verily, I am clear of you! Verily, I see what you see not. Verily, I fear Allâh, for Allâh is strict in punishment.’” (8:48)

We should, therefore, seek Allâh's help and guidance and turn to Him as our Guardian Rabb and Protector. If we believe in His Book, we will surely attain righteousness that will lead us to Paradise (19:60-63). This we should believe because Allâh's promise is true and sure (10:4). His promise is the truth; no one's word can be truer than His word (4:122).

We should believe and accept that the Qur’ân is the Truth from Allâh (22:54). Satan, the evil one, has no place in it. As a Book of Divine Guidance, the Qur’ân stresses that it is a Message for people who would truly worship Allâh (21:106). It enjoins us to worship no one but Allâh. True prayer is due to Him alone (13:14). The Qur’ân starts and ends with the glorification and prayer to Allâh that He will protect us from Evil (1:1-7). Allâh guides us to seek His protection from any influence of the Evil or of Satan that may come from the Jinn (invisible evil spirits) and among human beings. Allâh says in the last two chapters of His Book:

 “Say: ‘I seek refuge with the Rabb of the Dawn from the mischief of created things; from the mischief of Darkness as it over spreads, from the mischief of those who blow on knots; and from the mischief of the envious one as he practices envy.’” (113:1-5)

 “Say: ‘I seek refuge with the Rabb and Cherisher of mankind, the King (or Ruler) of mankind, the God (or Judge) of mankind ¾  from the mischief of the Whisperer (of Evil), who withdraws (after his whisper) (the same) who whispers into the hearts of mankind ¾  among Jinn and among men.’”  (114:1-6)