Currently, for most of us, when we mention the term Satan, it undoubtedly refers to a figure that is evil, terrifying, and supernatural as depicted in various movie scenes. As Muslims, we are aware from our education and knowledge since childhood that the satan, as mentioned by Islamic scholars, is an enemy of humanity since humans were created by Allah. Is the devil referred to in the Quran the same as the one feared by people today? Therefore, we must study together about this unseen realm created by Allah, so that we can understand Islam more easily and without doubts about the conflicts within it.
In the Quran, the story of the scenario where Iblis (Devil) defied Allah is familiar to us. Allah created human beings, namely Prophet Adam, along with Iblis and the angels, and at that time commanded them to prostrate before Adam as a sign of respect. The angels obediently prostrated, except for Iblis, who refused to do so out of a sense of superiority over humans. As a result, Iblis was expelled from heaven by Allah and vowed to tempt and mislead Adam and his descendants to divert them from the path to Allah. The subsequent scenario is that Satan fulfilled his oath by tempting Adam and Eve until they were deceived and descended to Earth by Allah.
In Surah Al-A'raf:27, it is explained: "O children of Adam, do not let Satan tempt you as he removed your parents from Paradise, stripping them of their clothing to show them their private parts. Indeed, he sees you, he and his tribe, from where you do not see them. Indeed, We have made the devils allies to those who do not believe."
In Surah Al-Baqarah:168-169, it is mentioned: "O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy. He only orders you to evil and immorality and to say about Allah what you do not know."
As we commonly hear, the devil is indeed a real enemy to human beings, guiding them to commit evil, wickedness, and sins while enticing them. Therefore, do not forget to seek protection from temptations and sinful actions through seeking refuge (ta'awudz), prayers, recitation of Ayat al-Kursi, Al-Ma'thurat, and recitation of the Qur'an.
Returning to our main topic, how do we understand the differences between Jinn, Iblis, and Satan? Are they distinct or not?
JINN, IBLIS, AND SATAN
Through the study of the Quran and Hadith, it is known that Allah created existential beings in three forms: angels, jinn, and humans. "Angels were created from light, jinn were created from the blazing fire, and Adam was created from what you describe (earth)." (Narrated by Muslim)
Jinn and Iblis
According to Asy Syibli, the term "jinn" linguistically means hidden, obstructed, or covered. Therefore, they are called jinn because these creatures are hidden and cannot be seen by ordinary humans. The term "jinn" shares the same root as the words for a fetus in the womb and a mad person. A fetus in the womb cannot be seen by the naked eye, hence called "janin." Similarly, a mad person is called "majnun" (from the root word "jann") because their sound mind is obstructed or hidden.
On the other hand, "iblis" comes from the word "ablasa," which means despair and confusion. It is called "iblis". It is mentioned that jinn was created from fire, and in fact, Iblis and satan are among the jinn. Among the jinn, some are righteous, and those who are disobedient to Allah.
"And among us are righteous, and among us are [others] not so; we were [of] divided ways." (Quran, Surah Al-Jinn: 11)
"And among us are righteous, and among us [are] [others] not so; we were [of] divided ways. And whoever has responded to the guidance - they are the one who have achieved righteousness. But as for those who have deviated - they are only fuel for Hellfire." (Quran, Surah Al-Jinn: 14-15)
Therefore, it is clear that Iblis is a member of the jinn but one who disobeyed the command of Allah. Iblis, in his arrogance, refused to prostrate to Adam, who was created from a substance considered inferior to him.
"And [mention] when We said to the angels, 'Prostrate before Adam'; so they prostrated, except for Iblis. He was of the jinn and departed from the command of his Lord. Then will you take him and his descendants as allies other than Me while they are enemies to you? Wretched it is for the wrongdoers as an exchange." (Quran, Surah Al-Kahf: 50)
Iblis' arrogance and his perception of being superior led to his wrath from Allah. However, what we must remember and reflect upon is that honor in the sight of Allah does not come from status, wealth, beauty, or greatness, but from our piety and gratitude to the One who has bestowed everything upon us, Allah.
Satan and Iblis
The term "satan" in Arabic comes from the word "syathana," which means to distance oneself. It refers to a creature that constantly tries to distance humans from truth and guidance.
Regarding the explanation of satan, it is mentioned in Surah Al-A'raaf, verses 16-17:
"[Iblis] said, 'Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them on Your straight path. Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You]."
Iblis, in his efforts to tempt and mislead humans, is referred to as satan. Satan is a creature that seeks to distance humans from remembering Allah, as explained in the above definition.
From its definition, it means that satan is an evil character or attribute that is inherent in Iblis. However, Iblis is also a member of the jinn. Based on the definition of distancing, satan is not only associated with jinn but can also be attributed to humans. Humans can also tempt and distance others from the truth.
Human
To further clarify that satan is attributed to both jinn and humans, it is mentioned in the explanations in the Quran:
"And thus We have made for every prophet an enemy - devils from mankind and jinn, inspiring to one another decorative speech in delusion. But if your Lord had willed, they would not have done it, so leave them and that which they invent." (Quran, Surah Al-An'am: 112)
And in the well-known Surah:
"Say, 'I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind, the Sovereign of mankind, the God of mankind, from the evil of the retreating whisperer - who whispers [evil] into the breasts of mankind - from among the jinn and mankind." (Quran, Surah An-Nas: 1–6)
The above surahs explain that satan can originate from the Jinn and also from humans. Setan is truly an evil character that can be attached to anyone. We are born into this world accompanied by a satan whose task is to mislead us when our faith is weak. Additionally, we are accompanied by two angels who record our deeds in this world, both good and bad.
That concludes the brief explanation of things that we may not have understood before. Further discussions can be provided to enhance our knowledge of the character of satan, enabling us to strive to avoid its influence.
References:
The Holy Quran
Hadiths
Book: "Catatan Harian Setan: Mengungkap Strategi Rahasia Setan Menggoda Manusia dan Senjata Ampuh untuk Melumpuhkannya" by Muhammad Syafi'ie (2011)
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