The Noble Quran, akin to a boundless ocean, delineates the relationship between human and Satan through profound and systematic verses within a psychological and existential framework. Verses 35 to 38 of Surah Al-Baqarah present a profound narrative of the interaction between Adam and Iblis, which is not merely historical but also an existential paradigm for understanding the satanic influences on human psyche and behaviour. This treatise, relying on the content of the lecture and scientific analyses, investigates the existential complexities of man, the infiltration of Satan, and the imperative of vigilance against it. The objective is to provide a systematic and academic framework, furnishing researchers in religious sciences and psychology with a rich and practical resource.
The verses in question narrate the story of Adam's abode in Paradise, his lapse through Satan, and his return to God:
Verse: وَقُلْنَا يَا آدَمُ اسْكُنْ أَنْتَ وَزَوْجُكَ الْجَنَّةَ وَكُلَا مِنْهَا رَغَدًا حَيْثُ شِئْتُمَا وَلَا تَقْرَبَا هَٰذِهِ الشَّجَرَةَ فَتَكُونَا مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
Translation: And We said: O Adam, dwell you and your spouse in the Paradise and eat therein abundantly wherever you desire, but do not approach this tree lest you become of the wrongdoers. (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:35)
Verse: فَأَزَلَّهُمَا الشَّيْطَانُ عَنْهَا فَأَخْرَجَهُمَا مِمَّا كَانَا فِيهِ وَقُلْنَا اهْبِطُوا بَعْضُكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ وَلَكُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ مُسْتَقَرٌّ وَمَتَاعٌ إِلَىٰ حِينٍ
Translation: Then Satan caused them to slip from it and brought them out from that wherein they had been. And We said: Descend, being to one another enemies, and for you on the earth is a settlement and enjoyment for a time. (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:36)
Verse: فَتَلَقَّىٰ آدَمُ مِنْ رَبِّهِ كَلِمَاتٍ فَتَابَ عَلَيْهِ ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ
Translation: Then Adam received from his Lord words, and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, it is He who is the Accepting of Repentance, the Merciful. (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:37)
Verse: قُلْنَا اهْبِطُوا مِنْهَا جَمِيعًا ۖ فَإِمَّا يَأْتِيَنَّكُمْ مِنِّي هُدًى فَمَنْ تَبِعَ هُدَايَ فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ
Translation: We said: Descend from it all. And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance, there shall be no fear concerning them, nor shall they grieve. (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:38)
These verses narrate the story of Adam and Iblis as an existential paradigm for understanding the interaction between humans and the forces of good and evil. Satan, as the instigator of Adams slip, plays a pivotal role in this narrative.
Verses 35 to 38 of Surah Al-Baqarah, through the narration of Adams residence in Paradise, his lapse via Satan, and his return to God, elucidate the status of man in the cosmic system. These verses provide a profound framework for understanding the relationship between man and Satan, necessitating psychological and existential analysis.
Man is a complex being endowed with multiple spiritual and psychological faculties (imagination, will, emotions, self) whose intricacy renders him vulnerable to satanic infiltration.
The Commanding Self, as one of mans internal faculties, serves as a conduit for Satans penetration:
Verse: إِنَّ النَّفْسَ لَأَمَّارَةٌ بِالسُّوءِ
Translation: Indeed, the self is ever urging to evil. (Surah Yusuf, 12:53)
This self, through rationalisation and adornment, steers man toward misguidance.
Satan affects the human psyche via internal gateways (the Commanding Self) and external ones (whispering), inducing slip and fall.
Contrary to the caution exercised against material dangers, many Muslims exhibit no fear of Satan and do not take his threat seriously.
Phrases such as Adhu Billhi min ash-Shayn ir-Rajm have become mere verbal formulas among some Muslims, lacking practical efficacy.
The existential complexity of man, through faculties such as the Commanding Self, exposes him to Satans infiltration. The absence of fear and superficiality in seeking refuge exacerbate this vulnerability. The Noble Quran, by elucidating these gateways, invites man to vigilance and strengthening of faith.
Satans slipping causes man to fall from his exalted status, as referenced in verse 36 of Surah Al-Baqarah.
The steps of Satan represent gradual pathways of misguidance:
Verse: يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَتَّبِعُوا خُطُوَاتِ الشَّيْطَانِ
Translation: O you who have believed, do not follow the footsteps of Satan. (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:208)
These steps progressively distance man from the truth.
Satans promises are deceitful and prideful:
Verse: وَمَا يَعِدُهُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ إِلَّا غُرُورًا
Translation: Satan only promises them delusion. (Surah An-Nis, 4:120)
These promises mislead man with false hopes.
Satan intends to lead man into deep misguidance:
Verse: يُرِيدُ الشَّيْطَانُ أَنْ يُضِلَّهُمْ ضَلَالًا بَعِيدًا
Translation: Satan wants to lead them far astray. (Surah An-Nis, 4:60)
This misguidance entails complete departure from truth.
Satanic possession is the most intense form of his influence, leading to psychological or spiritual disorders:
Verse: يَتَخَبَّطُهُ الشَّيْطَانُ مِنَ الْمَسِّ
Translation: Satan strikes him with possession. (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:275)
This condition occurs in individuals with mental illness or grave sins.
In some cases, Satan becomes a constant companion, establishing a dwelling in the persons existence:
Verse: وَمَنْ يَكُنِ الشَّيْطَانُ لَهُ قَرِينًا
Translation: And whoever is an associate of Satan. (Surah Az-Zukhruf, 43:36
