The concept of enmity in the Holy Quran constitutes one of the fundamental notions that is addressed in numerous verses as the focal point of interactions among God, humanity, and Satan. This concept functions not only as a theological attribute but also as an ethical and social reality, playing a prominent role in elucidating the relations among the creatures of the cosmos. Enmity serves as a mirror reflecting the conflicts between truth and falsehood, faith and disbelief, and affection and hostility. In the present treatise, relying upon Quranic verses and exegetical analyses, an in-depth exploration of the various dimensions of enmity is undertaken so as to examine this notion in three primary domains: divine, satanic, and human. The objective is to provide a comprehensive portrayal of this concept through a profound and methodical lens, furnishing both a theoretical framework and a basis for reforming social behaviours.
In the Holy Quran, divine enmity appears in a rare and restricted manner, explicitly mentioned in only one instance. Contrary to common perceptions, this enmity is not born out of boundless wrath but is regarded from the perspective of divine justice and wisdom. Owing to His immense grandeur and infinite power, God has no need for widespread hostility; His enmity is solely directed against disbelievers who consciously and deliberately stand against the truth.
Indeed, Allah is an enemy to the disbelievers. (Srah al-Baqarah, 2:98)
This verse confines divine enmity to hostile disbelievers and does not encompass believers or non-hostile disbelievers, such as the oppressed. This limitation, akin to a ray of divine wisdoms light, signifies that God, the Merciful and Compassionate Creator, manifests enmity exclusively towards those who knowingly rebel against His signs. This enmity arises not from rancour but from the necessity to preserve cosmic order and administer justice.
Divine enmity, like a double-edged sword, on one hand manifests Gods justice and on the other hand calls humanity to repentance and return to the truth. The limitation inherent in this enmity indicates the predominance of divine mercy over His wrath. Despite His limitless power, God does not adopt enmity as a dominant attribute; rather, He opens the way for human reformation and guidance. This principle summons humans to reflect upon their conduct and return to their Lord.
Key Point: Divine enmity is confined to hostile disbelievers and reflects Gods justice and wisdom, enacted solely in response to conscious rebellion, rather than being an inherent or predominant attribute of the Divine Essence.
Divine enmity in the Holy Quran, as an embodiment of justice and wisdom, is applied exclusively against hostile disbelievers and is neither extensive nor absolute. This restriction not only reveals Gods grandeur and self-sufficiency but also invites humanity to introspect and seek divine mercy. This principle serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path of human guidance.
In the Holy Quran, Satan is introduced as a manifest and misleading enemy. Unlike divine enmity, satanic hostility is extensive, malicious, and continuous, with the aim of leading humanity astray and causing destruction. Multiple Quranic verses, numbering approximately thirty-five instances where the term enemy (aduw) appears, refer to Satans enmity against humankind.
Indeed, Satan is for you a clear enemy. (Srah al-Arf, 7:22)
The attribute clear (mubn) in this verse denotes the evident nature of Satans enmity, whereby he exploits every opportunity to misguide humans. Moreover, the description clear misleader (muill mubn) in other verses intensifies the perception of Satans malevolence, showing that he is not merely an enemy but actively directs humans towards deviation.
Satanic enmity, like a dark shadow, extends over all aspects of human life. This hostility stems from envy and malice, aiming to divert humanity from the path of truth and righteousness. Through his whisperings, Satan urges humans towards selfishness, ignorance, and violence. Unlike divine enmity, which is limited and conditional, satanic hostility is broad and persistent, calling humans to vigilance and resistance against temptations.
Key Point: Satan, as a manifest and misleading enemy, through continuous malice and temptations, draws humanity towards misguidance. Vigilance against him constitutes an ethical and theological necessity.
Satanic enmity invites humans to self-examination and avoidance of following his temptations. The Holy Quran, by emphasising Satans evident enmity, exhorts humanity to piety and alertness to evade his snares. This principle acts as a protective shield, preserving humans from deviation and ruin.
Satanic enmity, as a principal axis of the concept of enmity in the Holy Quran, through its malice and expansiveness, leads humans toward misguidance and destruction. This enmity, extensively highlighted in various verses, summons humanity to vigilance and steadfastness against Satanic whisperings. It serves as guidance to protect humans from Satans traps and to proceed towards truth and salvation.
Human enmity in the Holy Quran is divided into two types: natural and satanic. Natural enmity, arising from competition for interests, is part of human nature and is not considered a defect so long as it does not result in aggression and violence. Satanic enmity, however, deriving from malice and excess, culminates in destruction and violence and is influenced by satanic temptations.
And We said, Descend, [all of you], being enemies to one another. (Srah al-Baqarah,
