Devil (Islam)
In Islamic theology, the figure of the Devil is primarily embodied by Iblis, who is often referred to as Shaytan or Satan. Iblis, the first jinn created from fire, was once held in high regard alongside angels but fell from grace due to his arrogance and refusal to bow to Adam, whom Allah created from clay. This act of defiance led to Iblis's expulsion from paradise, where he was granted the role of tempting humans until the Day of Judgment. The term "devil" in Islam extends beyond Iblis to include any jinn who follows him or acts as a deceiver against the teachings of Allah.
Islamic beliefs about Iblis vary; while most view him as an embodiment of evil, some sects, particularly Sufism, interpret his actions as a form of divine testing, positing that Iblis remained loyal to Allah's command. The devil is also utilized metaphorically in modern discourse, particularly by extremist groups to frame their adversaries as embodiments of evil. Ultimately, Iblis's influence is seen as significant in the narrative of the end times, culminating in a final confrontation with Isa (Jesus), who is prophesied to defeat the deceiver before the Day of Judgment.
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Devil (Islam)
The devil is present in the Quran. The devil is also known as Iblis, Satan, Shaytan, Shaitan, and Azazel. However, Shaytan and its derivative spellings are also used in Islam to indicate any jinn who is also a follower of Iblis. Iblis was the first jinn and is known as the father of the jinn, in much the same way that Adam is the father of humankind. Iblis was once considered on par with the angels under Allah, but Iblis’s extreme pride caused his fall from grace. Iblis was cast out of paradise, and now tempts mortal men until Judgment Day. As used in Islam and by Muslims, the term devil, as well as its derivatives, have an additional meaning beyond the term for Satan. Devil may also refer to any jinn, deceiver, or disbeliever.
Background
According to the Quran, Allah originally created three intelligent species: angels, jinn, and humans. Angels lacked the base desires of humans and jinn, as well as free will. Jinn and humans have free will, and therefore the ability to do good or evil. Iblis, as well as all other jinn, was created from fire, while Adam, the first human, was created from clay. When Allah ordered all angels and jinn to bow to Adam to show respect, Iblis refused. Iblis believed that he was superior to Adam because he was made of fire instead of clay. In addition, Iblis tempted Adam to eat from the forbidden tree, causing Adam and Eve to be cast out of paradise, also known as Jannah. Adam and Eve were forced to live on Earth. As a result of his actions, Iblis was also cast out of paradise. Allah sought to punish Iblis, but Iblis pleaded with Allah to allow him to roam the earth until the Day of Judgment, which Allah granted. In addition to being expelled from paradise, Iblis had his named changed to Shaytan, or Satan, to reflect his fall from grace. As a condition of his expulsion from paradise, Iblis would be able to tempt mortals, but would have no power over those loyal and faithful to Allah.
Since Shaytan’s expulsion from paradise, he has been responsible for a vast number of disasters and catastrophes on Earth. Shaytan’s primary duty is to incite individuals to commit evil and go against the word of Allah. As an example, Shaytan committed adultery with women on Earth, and taught men magic and war. As a result of these actions, the Great Flood occurred. Shaytan met with Jesus, Isa in Islam, and attempted to have Jesus denounce Allah in exchange for earthly pleasure. Shaytan tries to tempt Isa with political power, authority or control over Allah, and food. Isa rebukes Shaytan, telling him that Allah alone is worthy of worship.
Shaytans’s next major milestone will be at the Day of Judgment. At this point in time, his actions will be judged, and Shaytan will receive the fate determined by Allah. Under the Sufi Islam view of Shaytan, his actions to refuse to bow to Adam were correct. This is because Shaytan had the directive to bow only to Allah. Sufism contends that Shaytan was being tested, and that his refusal to bow to Adam shows the correctness of his actions. As a result, Shaytan will be rewarded on the Day of Judgment and will no longer reside anywhere aside from heaven.
Overview
The Muslim world does not have a universal view of the devil. While most Muslims believe that Iblis is considered evil, there are sects of Islam that do not. Additionally, the term for the devil is used as a rhetorical device, as well as the common naming convention.
There are divided perspectives on Iblis’s role in Islam, and whether or not his actions are permissible. The majority of Muslims hold that Shaytan is akin to the devil, and that his actions were wrong. In contrast, those of Sufism Islam hold that Shaytan’s actions were correct. Under Sufism, Shaytan is portrayed as speaking to Moses. The exchange between Moses and Shaytan shows that Shaytan viewed Allah as testing him, and that Shaytan stayed true to his faith and worthiness to Allah.
Radical extremists of Islam use the devil as a metaphor for their current enemy. The purpose is to instill a viewpoint in laypeople that the enemy of a jihad is akin to the devil. This is done to incite vulnerable groups who are easily manipulated by those in power. In the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, radical extremists have called Western influence and Western cultures the Great Satan.
The term devil has other applications in Islam aside from the naming convention for Iblis or Shaytan. The devil can also refer to any jinn who has disobeyed Allah or pledged to follow Iblis. As a result, devil in Islam is a much more widely constructed term than in Christianity, Judaism, or other faiths.
In Islam, the devil will play a role in the end times. Preceding the Day of Judgment, Iblis will serve as the great deceiver, attempting to sway righteous Muslims from the course of Allah. Isa, Jesus in the Christian faith, will battle Masih ad-Dajjal, also known as the deceiver. Many scholars believe the deceiver to be Iblis. Isa will defeat Masih ad-Dajjal. This will be the end of days, and all will live with Allah in paradise.
Bibliography
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