In Islamic theology, Iblis and Shaytaan represent figures of evil, but their roles, origins, and significance are distinct and deeply rooted in Islamic scripture and tradition.
Understanding these figures requires delving into the Quran, Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad), and the interpretations of Islamic scholars throughout history.
The term “Iblis” is believed to be derived from the Arabic root “b-l-s,” which implies despair or hopelessness. Iblis is often described as a jinn who refused to bow to Adam and was subsequently cast out of heaven.
There were some false narrations that say he was among the noble Angels who did not obey ALLAH.
Al-Hasan al-Basri said: Iblis was not one of the angels, not even for a single moment.
He is the father of the jinn, just as Adam (peace be upon him) is the father of mankind. This was narrated by al-Tabari with a sahih isnad (authentic chain).
His story is central to the narrative of disobedience and the eternal struggle between good and evil.
Understanding distinctions between Satan, Iblis, and Jinn.
Let’s define who Iblis, Satan, and Jinns are, their roles in Islamic belief, their existence and how they influence the lives of Muslims.
Iblis: A specific Jinn who refused to bow to Adam and was cast out of heaven. He is the leader of the Shayateen and represents the epitome of disobedience and pride.
Iblis is a specific entity in Islamic theology. He is often equated with the concept of Lucifer in Christianity.
He was originally a devout worshiper of ALLAH but was cast out due to his refusal to bow to Adam, displaying arrogance and pride.
Iblis is considered the leader of all Shayateen (devils) and the chief instigator of evil and temptation.
Quranic Verses about Iblis.
وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةِ ٱسْجُدُوا۟ لِـَٔادَمَ فَسَجَدُوٓا۟ إِلَّآ إِبْلِيسَ أَبَىٰ وَٱسْتَكْبَرَ وَكَانَ مِنَ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ ٣٤
And ˹remember˺ when We said to the angels, “Prostrate before Adam,” so they all did—but not Iblîs, who refused and acted arrogantly, becoming unfaithful.
قَالَ مَا مَنَعَكَ أَلَّا تَسْجُدَ إِذْ أَمَرْتُكَ ۖ قَالَ أَنَا۠ خَيْرٌۭ مِّنْهُ خَلَقْتَنِى مِن نَّارٍۢ وَخَلَقْتَهُۥ مِن طِينٍۢ ١٢
ALLAH asked, “What prevented you from prostrating when I commanded you?” He replied, “I am better than he is: You created me from fire and him from clay.”
Let’s now see what ALLAH said to him.
We seek refuge with ALLAH ; the fact that He created Iblees does not indicate His approval of what Iblees does.
Rather, this was the Lord of the Worlds’ decree. ALLAH does not accept any kind of Sin and kufr.
Following his rebellious and arrogant and reluctance to bow down to Adam, Iblees disobeyed his creator.
ALLAH Said, “Then exit Paradise, for you are genuinely condemned, You are undoubtedly under My wrath till the Day of Judgment.”
“My Lord!” Satan pleaded. Submit my death till the Day of their Resurrection, then.
“You will be delayed until the appointed Day,” said Allah.
“By Your Glory!” said Satan. With the exception of Your designated servants, I shall undoubtedly deceive everyone.
ALLAH said in closing “The truth is—and I \only˺ say the truth—: I will surely fill Hell with you and whoever follows you from among them, all together,”. sad/71-85
Iblees gained nothing from his conviction in Allah’s existence, recognition of His Might, or his oath taken under such circumstances.
His pride, stubbornness, and proud manner in front of ALLAH when he disobeyed His orders invalidated his belief in Allah.
Iblees was created by Allah, may He be praised and exalted, for purposes known to Him, as well as to serve as a test and a trial for humanity.
The person who obeys ALLAH and disobeys Iblees will go to Paradise; the one who disobeys ALLAH and obeys Iblees will go to Hell.
إِن تَكْفُرُوا۟ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَنِىٌّ عَنكُمْ ۖ وَلَا يَرْضَىٰ لِعِبَادِهِ ٱلْكُفْرَ ۖ وَإِن تَشْكُرُوا۟ يَرْضَهُ لَكُمْ ۗ وَلَا تَزِرُ وَازِرَةٌۭ وِزْرَ أُخْرَىٰ ۗ ثُمَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكُم مَّرْجِعُكُمْ فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ عَلِيمٌۢ بِذَاتِ ٱلصُّدُورِ ٧
If you disbelieve, then ˹know that˺ ALLAH is truly not in need of you, nor does He approve of disbelief from His servants. But if you become grateful ˹through faith˺, He will appreciate that from you. No soul burdened with sin will bear the burden of another. Then to your Lord is your return, and He will inform you of what you used to do. He certainly knows best what is ˹hidden˺ in the heart.
https://quran.com/en/az-zumar/7
Shaytaan: A term that encompasses any being (human or Jinn) that acts to incite evil and lead others astray. Iblis is the chief Shaytaan, but there are many Shayateen.
Shaytaan (plural: Shayateen) is a broader term used in Islam to refer to devils or evil beings that incite humans and jinn to sin. While Iblis is considered the chief of the Shayateen, not all Shayateen are Iblis.
The term “Shaytaan” comes from the Arabic root “sh-t-n,” meaning to be distant or astray, reflecting their role in leading believers away from the path of righteousness.
Jinn: A creation made from smokeless fire, possessing free will and existing in a parallel world to humans. They can be believers or disbelievers and have their own societies and religions.
Among the jinn are both Muslims and non-Muslims. Surah al-Jinn states (meaning interpretation):
قُلْ أُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ أَنَّهُ ٱسْتَمَعَ نَفَرٌۭ مِّنَ ٱلْجِنِّ فَقَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّا سَمِعْنَا قُرْءَانًا عَجَبًۭا١
Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “It has been revealed to me that a group of jinn listened ˹to the Quran,˺ and said ˹to their fellow jinn˺: ‘Indeed, we have heard a wondrous recitation.
يَهْدِىٓ إِلَى ٱلرُّشْدِ فَـَٔامَنَّا بِهِۦ ۖ وَلَن نُّشْرِكَ بِرَبِّنَآ أَحَدًۭا ٢
It leads to Right Guidance so we believed in it, and we will never associate anyone with our Lord ˹in worship.
Origins and Identity of Iblis
Creation and Rebellion
Iblis is a central figure in Islamic eschatology, often identified with the devil or Satan in other religious traditions.
The Qur’an narrates that Iblis was created from smokeless fire, making him a jinn, a being with free will, similar to humans but made from different elements.
His story is primarily detailed in several Surahs (chapters) of the Qur’an, such as Al-Baqarah (2:34), Al-A’raf (7:11-18), Al-Hijr (15:26-42), and Sad (38:71-85).
According to Islamic teachings, when ALLAH created Adam from clay and breathed His spirit into him, He commanded the angels and Iblis to bow to Adam.
This act was meant to honor the creation of humans and acknowledge Adam’s unique status. While the angels, being obedient servants of Allah, complied, Iblis refused.
His refusal stemmed from pride and arrogance; he considered himself superior to Adam because he was made of fire, whereas Adam was made of clay.
Iblis’s disobedience led to his expulsion from paradise and his transformation into a cursed being.
Iblis’s Role and Mission
Iblis and his army constantly whisper to us 24/7/365, every second, every minute, every hour, every day , all the time continuously – to do bad things that displease and anger ALLAH.
The biggest enemy of ALLAH is satan (devil), the biggest and oldest satan is known as Iblis (Lucifer).
The Quran informs us that Iblis disobeyed the order of ALLAH, he (Iblis) told ALLAH that he will mislead people away from the teachings of Islam and and take them all to the hellfire.
After his expulsion, Iblis was granted a reprieve until the Day of Judgment, during which he vowed to mislead and tempt humans away from the path of righteousness.
This mission is central to his identity and role in Islamic theology. Iblis seeks to exploit human weaknesses, inciting them to sin and stray from ALLAH’s guidance.
Despite his malevolent intentions, his actions serve as a test for humans, who possess free will and the capacity to choose between good and evil.
Iblees is one of the things Allah uses to test us (may Allah condemn him).
He is among those to whom Allah has granted rest, obstructing the path of virtue and ordering evil, prohibiting virtue and encouraging evil.
Many of the sons of Adam obey him; he deceives himself and misleads others; there are others who believe him. Iblees swore to carry that out.
The Concept of Shaytaan
Etymology and Usage
In Arabic linguistics it means “adversary” or “distant.” It is derived from the root “sh-t-n,” which conveys the idea of being far from righteousness or from the divine path.
In Islamic context, “Shaytaan” refers to any being, whether human or jinn, who actively opposes or leads others away from Allah’s guidance.
All the evil things we do (stealing, harming others, drugs, drinking, fornication, killing, etc) is something that is encouraged to us by satan; that’s his full time job to make sure we do these things and worship other than ALLAH.
Shaytaan as a Generic Term
While Iblis is a specific being, the term Shaytaan is more general and can refer to any entity that embodies the qualities of enmity and misguidance.
This includes not only jinn but also humans who engage in sinful behavior and lead others astray.
The Qur’an uses the term Shaytaan to describe various manifestations of evil influence, emphasizing that the struggle against such influences is a continuous part of a believer’s life.
What he will say in the day of judgment
The Shaytaan will acknowledge his transgressions and say, in front of the entire universe, that ALLAH is the only one who speaks the truth and that he is a liar on the Day of Resurrection, the Day of truth and justice.
He will claim that those who followed him are to blame and that he is not at fault.
Everyone who followed him will then regret it, but regret won’t help at that point:
And Satan will say ˹to his followers˺ after the judgment has been passed, “Indeed, ALLAH has made you a true promise. I too made you a promise, but I failed you. I did not have any authority over you. I only called you, and you responded to me. So do not blame me; blame yourselves. I cannot save you, nor can you save me. Indeed, I denounce your previous association of me with ALLAH ˹in loyalty˺. Surely the wrongdoers will suffer a painful punishment.”
Conclusion
The figures of Iblis and Shaytaan in Islam represent more than just characters in religious texts; they embody the eternal struggle between good and evil, obedience and rebellion, humility and pride.
Understanding their roles and significance provides profound insights into Islamic theology, morality, and the human condition.
Through the teachings about Iblis and Shaytaan, Muslims are reminded of the importance of vigilance, the power of faith, and the ever-present need for divine guidance and protection.