of Nokounam (may Allah sanctify his soul), Session (735)
Verse 268 of Surah Al-Baqarah, like a brilliant light in the sky of Quranic knowledge, unveils the hidden secrets of human behaviours and reveals the extraordinary role of Satan in inciting humans towards poverty and immorality. This verse, with profound and wise expression, refers to the confrontation between two opposing forces in the realm of existence: the whispers of Satan that lead towards destitution and depravity, and Gods promise that speaks of forgiveness and boundless grace. This treatise, relying on Quranic texts and in-depth analyses, endeavours to explore the dimensions of this verse and, through a scientific and systematic approach, attempts to elucidate the interrelations between demonology, theology, and self-knowledge for erudite audiences. The structure of this research, with organised sections and detailed analyses, is designed to illuminate not only the apparent meanings of the verse but also its deeper layers for specialists in Quranic sciences, psychology, sociology, and Islamic philosophy.
الشَّيْطَانُ يَعِدُكُمُ الْفَقْرَ وَيَأْمُرُكُمْ بِالْفَحْشَاءِ ۖ وَاللَّهُ يَعِدُكُمْ مَغْفِرَةً مِنْهُ وَفَضْلًا ۗ وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ
Translation: Satan threatens you with poverty and commands you to immorality, while God promises you forgiveness from Himself and bounty. And God is all-Encompassing and All-Knowing.
This verse, with a rhetorical and profound semantic structure, points to the confrontation between two opposing forces in the realm of existence: Satan, who by his insinuations directs humans towards destitution and deviation, and God, who with the promise of forgiveness and grace opens the path to salvation. This confrontation encompasses the most fundamental axes of demonology and theology and warns humans to seek refuge in divine promises against Satans whispers.
Verse 268 of Surah Al-Baqarah, through an Ali and logical methodology, moves from the practical causes of almsgiving to its principal cause, namely Satans incitement. This structure demonstrates the deep connection between social behaviours and spiritual stimuli. Satan, as an agent who drives humans towards poverty and immorality, stands opposite the divine promise of forgiveness and grace. This methodology, consistent with Ibn Ashours analyses in At-Tahrir wa At-Tanwir, shows how the Holy Quran, with wise ordering, moves from consequences to causes.
Satan, as the main axis of the verse, plays a pivotal role in inciting humans towards poverty and immorality. Demonology, as an essential science, enables a more precise understanding of social and spiritual challenges. Neglecting this science, according to religious scholars, forms a major obstacle to the knowledge of God and the self. This view aligns with Al-Tabarsis opinions in the exegesis Majma al-Bayan, which emphasises Satans role in human deviations.
Poverty, as a universal phenomenon, is not only recognised and comprehended by all, but also widely accepted in public belief. Even those who live in comfort and abundance, through prior experience or observation, know poverty. This global recognition, consistent with the views of religious scholars on social justice, introduces poverty as an undeniable reality.
Contrary to poverty, immorality, although prevalent in societies, often sees its manifestations (such as withholding, grudging, and ostentation) denied. This denial stems from cultural differences and lack of religious awareness. According to religious scholars, precise understanding of immorality requires a Quranic perspective that elucidates its manifestations from an ethical viewpoint.
The verse identifies the manifestations of immorality in withholding (stinginess in almsgiving), grudging (bestowing with reluctance), and ostentation (showing off in deeds). These behaviours, leading to moral corruption, require profound understanding of Quranic ethics. Religious scholars such as Al-Qurtubi analyse these manifestations as indicators of ethical deviation.
The contemporary world, in many cases, denies the manifestations of immorality and even presents values such as chastity and hijab as deviations and corruption. This cultural deviation, consistent with religious scholars views on moral corruption, indicates the need for reconsideration of social values.
The world denies the existence of Satan, and even within Islamic societies, despite theoretical belief in Satan, practical attention to him is insufficient. This neglect, according to religious scholars, leads to ignorance of God and behavioural deviations. Demonology, as a prerequisite for self-knowledge and theology, is an undeniable necessity.
Knowledge of Satan, according to religious scholars, is a pathway towards self-knowledge and ultimately knowledge of God. This epistemological principle, rooted in the hadith Whoever knows himself knows his Lord, is premise that understanding Satans effects on the soul guides one towards divine knowledge.
The lack of demonology in societies has led to the spread of ignorance regarding God. This neglect, manifested in human behaviour and actions, stems from disregarding Satans influence on the soul. Religious scholars such as Ibn al-Qayyim emphasise that understanding Satan is a prerequisite for divine knowledge.
Humans, while benefiting from divine sustenance, sometimes turn to obey Satan. This contradiction, rooted in ignorance about the nature of Satan, requires spiritual and epistemological reform. Religious scholars regard this contradiction as a sign of weakness in understanding the self and Satan.
The Holy Quran, in approximately one hundred verses (89 mentions of Satan and 11 of Iblis), refers to Satans activities, of which 63 specifically detail his deeds. These activities, from misguidance (dalal) to humiliation (idhlal), indicate the diversity and depth of Satans influence on humans.
Satan employs two principal tools misguidance (leading astray) and humiliation (degradation) to divert humans from the path of truth. Sometimes through harshness and sometimes through false affection, he leads humans to deviation. These tactics, consistent with religious scholars analyses, demonstrate Satans power in psychological manipulation.
Satan induces psychological disorders such as fear, obsession, and lustfulness in weak souls
