In the Quran, Allah warns us about Satan’s misguidance and his desire to mislead us:
“Indeed, the plot of Satan is weak.” 4:76
“Indeed, Satan is an enemy to you, so treat him as an enemy.” 35:6
That’s why it’s important that we understand how he does this:
- Evil looks good
Through deception eg giving pleasing names to something forbidden, what is falsehood may appear as truth thus leading to evil deeds.
Examples: Showing “tree of immortality” in paradise to Adam (as), defining Interest as profit and calling music art.
- Extremes in religion
Whatever Allah orders us to do, Satan aims to make us choose the road to excesses eg not doing exactly as per instructions – doing too little or too much.
Examples: Reinterpreting commands/apply them incorrectly thinking that it’s better – rules for ablution, fast, prayers.
- Procrastination/Laziness
This is delaying the performance of a good deed while hoping to do it later.
Examples: Not waking up for prayers, ending up being unprepared for the hereafter at time of death.
- In the form of sincere advice
A bad idea is presented as the best way to act in a particular situation.
Examples: Deceiving Adam(as) in paradise, prompting a pious worshipper of the tribe of Israel to kill a woman and her baby while trying to assist her.
- Step by step approach
Each time someone is pleased following a sin, he is taken to a higher level of disobedience until he completely deviates from the right path.
Example: Causing the pious worshipper of the tribe of Israel to commit a crime after a series of events.
We must know that Satan is able to reach the thoughts/hearts of people and this is called a “whisper”. He can also take the shape of humans to talk or give orders.
Reference: The World of the Jinn and Devils by Dr U S Al Ashqar