What is Satan?

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Satan, often referred to as 'Iblis' in Islamic tradition, is a significant figure in various religious texts and belief systems. Many believe Satan to be a 'fallen angel' who rebelled against God, embodying the essence of evil and temptation. In the Islamic context, 'Iblis' was originally a devout worshipper of God, created from smokeless fire, who refused to bow to Adam, the first human. This act of defiance led to his expulsion from grace, marking him as the adversary of humanity. 'Iblis' or satan is often seen as a symbol of pride and disobedience, representing the struggle between good and evil. His role is not merely as an antagonist but as a complex character that embodies the challenges individuals face in their moral and spiritual journeys.

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Why is belief in the existence of Satan important?

 

​Belief in the existence of Satan serves several crucial functions within various religious and philosophical frameworks. Firstly, it provides a narrative for understanding the presence of evil and suffering in the world. By attributing malevolent actions and temptations to a distinct entity, believers can make sense of their struggles and the moral dilemmas they encounter. This belief reinforces the concept of free will, as individuals are seen as having the choice to resist temptation and choose righteousness over sin. Furthermore, acknowledging the existence of Satan can encourage believers to cultivate virtues such as resilience, vigilance, and faith. It serves as a reminder of the constant battle between good and evil, urging individuals to remain steadfast in their beliefs and moral convictions.

 

How can Satan help us?

 

​While it may seem counterintuitive, the figure of Satan can play a role in personal growth and self-awareness. By presenting challenges and temptations, Iblis can inadvertently lead individuals to confront their weaknesses and flaws. This confrontation can foster resilience, encouraging people to develop stronger moral compasses and deeper spiritual insights. The struggle against temptation often leads to greater self-discipline and a clearer understanding of one's values. Additionally, the concept of Satan can serve as a catalyst for community and solidarity among believers. When individuals face similar temptations and challenges, they may come together to support one another, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. In this way, the presence of evil can enhance the appreciation of good, prompting individuals to strive for higher ethical standards and a more profound connection with their faith.

 

How can Satan cause us harm?

​The potential harm caused by Satan, or Iblis, is often framed within the context of temptation and moral failure. Iblis is seen as a master manipulator, skilled in exploiting human weaknesses and desires. His influence can lead individuals to make poor choices, stray from their moral paths, and engage in harmful behaviors. This can manifest in various forms, including addiction, deceit, and interpersonal conflicts. Furthermore, the psychological impact of believing in an omnipresent evil can lead to fear, anxiety, and a sense of helplessness in the face of adversity. The narrative of Satan can also foster a divisive mindset, where individuals may project their struggles onto others, leading to scapegoating and conflict within communities. Ultimately, the harm caused by Iblis is not just personal but can extend to societal levels, fostering environments of distrust and discord. Recognising these dangers is essential in developing strategies to resist temptation and promote healing and understanding within oneself and among others.

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How can Satan affect our Well-Being?

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Satan is perceived as a source of evil and temptation, impacting various facets of human life, including physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being:

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Physical Well-Being

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Satan's influence can lead to physical ailments such as illness and fatigue, often linked to stress or spiritual oppression. Individuals may experience unexplained health issues, particularly during spiritual attacks, creating a cycle of distress.

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Psychological Well-Being

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Psychologically, Satan can induce confusion, doubt, and despair. Negative thoughts and feelings of inadequacy may arise from temptation or self-doubt, diverting focus from positive affirmations and spiritual truths.

 

Emotional Well-Being

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Emotionally, Satan's presence can disrupt relationships, fostering anger, resentment, and jealousy. Such disturbances can lead to misunderstandings and isolation, undermining connections with others and with God.

 

Spiritual Well-Being

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Spiritually, Satan can tempt individuals away from their faith and practices, weakening their commitment to spiritual disciplines. This erosion of spiritual health can result in feelings of disconnection from one’s divine purpose.

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How can Satan impact our Relationships?​

 

Satan's influence on relationships can be subtle yet damaging:

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Conflict and Misunderstanding

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Temptation and deceit often lie at the heart of relational conflicts, leading to jealousy and envy. Such feelings can erode trust and compromise genuine connections.

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Breakdown of Communication

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Misunderstandings can escalate into major conflicts when individuals lack love and forgiveness, fostering bitterness and resentment that alienate them from each other.

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Gossip and Slander

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The urge to gossip can disrupt relationships, harming trust and respect within communities. This negativity perpetuates conflict and replaces love with suspicion.

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Spiritual Dimension

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Satan's influence can hinder individuals from maintaining Christ-like attitudes, affecting their ability to forgive and engage in acts of service essential for healthy relationships. Counteracting these influences with love and understanding is vital for nurturing fulfilling relationships.

 

What does Abrahamic Scripture teach about Satan?​

 

Jewish Scripture, particularly the Hebrew Bible, presents a multifaceted view of Satan, often referred to as "the adversary" or "the accuser." In the Book of Job, for instance, Satan appears as a member of the divine council, tasked with testing the faithfulness of humans. This portrayal emphasizes a role that is not purely evil but rather one of challenge and examination, suggesting that Satan operates under God's authority to test the righteousness of individuals.

 

In the Hebrew Bible, the term "satan" is used generically to refer to any adversary or opponent, which indicates that the concept of Satan is not limited to a singular malevolent being but encompasses various forces that oppose God's will. The evolution of the figure of Satan in Jewish thought has led to a more nuanced understanding, where he represents the internal struggles and moral dilemmas faced by individuals, illustrating the complexity of human nature and the challenges of faith.​

 

In the teachings of Christ, Satan is depicted as a tempter and a deceiver, embodying the ultimate opposition to God and His purposes. Jesus refers to Satan as a liar and the father of lies, emphasising the deceptive nature of evil. In the Gospels, we see instances where Jesus confronts demonic forces, illustrating His authority over them, which signifies a cosmic battle between good and evil.

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Christ teaches about the reality of spiritual warfare, urging His followers to remain vigilant and to pray for strength against temptation. The narrative of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness serves as a profound example of resisting Satan's enticements, showcasing the importance of scripture and divine reliance. Jesus' teachings also highlight the eventual defeat of Satan, promising that through death and resurrection, believers can overcome sin and evil, reinforcing the hope of redemption and eternal life in the face of spiritual adversities.​

 

The Quran provides a distinct perspective on Satan, known as Iblis, who is portrayed as a jinn who refused to bow to Adam, thereby rebelling against God's command. This act of defiance is foundational to the Islamic understanding of Satan, who is seen as a tempter and a source of evil, actively seeking to lead humans astray from the path of righteousness.

 

The Quran warns believers about the deceptive nature of Iblis, who whispers evil suggestions into the hearts of people, attempting to divert them from their faith and obedience to God. Verses in the Quran emphasise the importance of seeking refuge in God from the influence of Satan, illustrating a proactive approach to spiritual warfare.

 

The Quran teaches that while Iblis has been granted respite until the Day of Judgment to tempt humanity, ultimately, God's mercy and guidance are always accessible to those who sincerely seek it. This duality of the struggle against evil and the assurance of Divine Support forms a central theme in Islamic theology, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and invoke God's protection against malevolent forces.

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How can we overcome or transform Satan?

 

From an Abrahamic perspective, overcoming or transforming Satan involves a combination of faith, spiritual practices, and moral living. Here are some practical steps:

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1. Strengthen Your Faith

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• Prayer: Regular prayer is essential for building a strong connection with God. It helps to seek guidance and strength against evil influences.

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• Study Sacred Texts: Engaging with the Bible, Torah, or Quran can provide wisdom and insight into resisting temptation and understanding the nature of evil.

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2. Practice Righteousness

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• Live a Moral Life: Adhering to ethical principles the Ways of Peace and performing good deeds can create a barrier against negative influences.

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• Seek Forgiveness: Regularly seeking forgiveness for sins and shortcomings can cleanse the soul and strengthen resolve against temptation.

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3. Cultivate Community

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• Engage with Fellow Believers: Being part of a faith community provides support and encouragement in resisting temptation.

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• Participate in Group Worship: Collective worship can enhance spiritual strength and provide a sense of belonging.

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4. Use Spiritual Tools

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• Recite Protective Verses: Many Abrahamic traditions have specific verses or prayers believed to offer protection against evil.

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• Fast and Meditate: Fasting and meditation can help purify the mind and body, making it easier to resist temptation.

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5. Acknowledge and Resist Temptation

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• Recognise Triggers: Identify situations or thoughts that lead to temptation and work to avoid them.

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• Practice Self-Control: Develop self-discipline through small daily practices that build resilience against larger temptations.

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6. Seek Divine Assistance

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• Ask for Help: Regularly ask God for strength and guidance in overcoming challenges posed by Satan.

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• Trust in Divine Plan: Maintain faith that God has a plan and will provide the necessary support to overcome evil.

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7. Embrace Forgiveness and Love

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• Forgive Others: Holding onto grudges can lead to negative feelings that may open the door to evil influences.

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• Show Love and Compassion: Acting with kindness and empathy can transform negative energy and reduce the power of evil.

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• Repay evil with Good: if someone says or does something to harm you without knowledge, show patience and choose Mercy whenever possible instead of retaliation or revenge- this will turn enemies into allies and bring unity rather than division. Pray for those who persecute and oppress you ( forgive them for they do not know), show mercy and mercy will be shown to you for your imperfections and mistakes. That is Justice.

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By following these practical steps, individuals can work towards overcoming, defeating, or transforming the influence of Satan in their lives, fostering a deeper connection with the divine and a more righteous path.

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Some Scripture verses about 'Satan' or 'Iblis'

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Deuteronomy 6:4-5- "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." 

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Genesis 3:1 - "Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, 'Has God indeed said, "You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?"

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Genesis 22:1 - "Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, 'Abraham!' And he said, 'Here I am.'

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Exodus 17:7 - "And he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the contention of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the Lord, saying, 'Is the Lord among us or not?'

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Numbers 21:5 - "And the people spoke against God and against Moses: 'Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and our soul loathes this worthless bread.'

 

Job 1:6-12 - "Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. And the Lord said to Satan, 'From where do you come?' So Satan answered the Lord and said, 'From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.' Then the Lord said to Satan, 'Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?' So Satan answered the Lord and said, 'Does Job fear God for nothing?'"

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Zechariah 3:1-2 - "Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. And the Lord said to Satan, 'The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?'

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Psalms 109:6 - "Set a wicked man over him, and let an accuser stand at his right hand."

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1 Chronicles 21:1 - "Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel."

 

2 Samuel 24:1 - "Again the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel, and He moved David against them to say, 'Go, number Israel and Judah.'"

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1 Kings 22:19-23 - "Then Micaiah said, 'Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by Him on His right hand and on His left. And the Lord said, "Who will persuade Ahab to go up, that he may fall at Ramoth Gilead?" So one spoke in this manner, and another spoke in that manner. Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord, and said, "I will persuade him." The Lord said to him, "In what way?" So he said, "I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets." The Lord said, "You shall persuade him and also prevail. Go out and do so."'

 

Job 2:1-6 - "Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the Lord. And the Lord said to Satan, 'From where do you come?' So Satan answered the Lord and said, 'From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.' Then the Lord said to Satan, 'Have you considered My servant Job? There is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil. And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.'"

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Isaiah 14:12-15 - "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.' Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit."

 

Matthew 4:1-11

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

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Matthew 7:15-20

 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognise them by their fruits."

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Matthew 12:22-30

Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.” Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”

 

Matthew 16:23

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

 

Luke 10:18

He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”

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John 8:44

You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

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John 10:10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

 

John 12:31

Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.

 

John 14:30

I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me.

 

John 16:11

And about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

 

Revelation 20:10

And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

 

Psalms 109:6-7: "Appoint a wicked man against him; let an accuser stand at his right hand. When he is tried, let him go out guilty; let his prayer be counted as sin."

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Psalms 37:12-13: "The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming."

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Proverbs 4:14-15: "Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on."

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Proverbs 16:18: "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall."

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Quran 7:200- "And if an evil whisper comes to you from Satan, then seek refuge in God. Indeed, He is Hearing and Knowing." 

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Quran 2:255- "God! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence." ​

 

Quran 114:1-3- "Say, 'I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind, the Sovereign of mankind. The God of mankind.'" 

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Quran 42:30- "And whatever strikes you of disaster - it is for what your own hands have earned; and He overlooks many faults." 

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Quran Surah 2 (Al-Baqarah), Verse 34: "And (mention) when We said to the angels, 'Prostrate to Adam,' and they prostrated, except for Iblis. He refused and was arrogant and became of the disbelievers."

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Quran Surah 2 (Al-Baqarah), Verse 168: "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 manifest enemy."  

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Quran Surah Al-Imran (3:55:)- "And (remember) when you (the believers) were fleeing (for your lives) and did not even turn around to look at anyone, while the Messenger was calling you from behind. So God gave you one distress after another, that you might not grieve for what has escaped you or for what has befallen you. And God is All-Aware of what you do."

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Quran Surah Al-Ma'idah ( 5:90)- "O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than God], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful."

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Quran Surah Al-Anfal (8:48)- "And (remember) when Satan made their deeds appear good to them and said, 'No one can overcome you today from among the people, and indeed, I am your protector.' But when the two armies sighted one another, he turned on his heels and said, 'Indeed, I am disassociated from you. Indeed, I see what you do not see; indeed, I fear God. And God is severe in punishment.'

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Quran Surah Al-Isra (17:61)- "And (remember) when We said to the angels, 'Prostrate to Adam,' and they prostrated, except for Iblis. He said, 'Should I prostrate to one You created from clay?'"

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Quran Surah Al-Kahf (18-50)-  "And (mention) when We said to the angels, 'Prostrate to Adam,' and 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."

 

Quran Surah Maryam (19:44)-  "When she withdrew from her family to a place toward the east. And she took in seclusion from them. Then We sent to her Our Angel, and he represented himself to her as a well-proportioned man."

 

Quran Surah Al-Hijr (15:39): "He said, 'My Lord, because You have put me in error, I will surely make disobedience attractive to them on earth, and I will mislead them all.'

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Quran Surah Al-Saffat (37:7)- "Indeed, We have adorned the nearest heaven with stars and have made (from) them what is thrown at the devils and have prepared for them the punishment of the Blaze."

 

Quran Surah Al-Fussilat (41:36)- "And if an evil whisper comes to you from Satan, then seek refuge in God. Indeed, He is Hearing and Knowing."

 

Quran Surah Al-Mujadila ( 58:19)- "Satan has overtaken them and made them forget the remembrance of God. Those are the party of Satan. Unquestionably, the party of Satan - they will be the losers."

 

Quran Surah Al-Hashr (59:16)- "Their example is like that of Satan when he says to man, 'Disbelieve.' But when he disbelieves, he says, 'Indeed, I am disassociated from you. Indeed, I fear God, Lord of the worlds.'

 

Quran Surah Al-Nas (114:4)-  "From the evil of the whisperer who withdraws (from his whispering in one's breast)."

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Quran Surah Al-Baqarah (2:36)- "Then Satan caused them to slip out of it and removed them from that in which they had been. And We said, 'Descend, being enemies to one another. And for you is upon the earth a place of settlement and enjoyment for a time.'

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Quran Surah Al-A'raf (7:22)-  "So he caused them to fall by deception. And when they tasted of the tree, their private parts became apparent to them, and they began to cover themselves with leaves from the garden. And their Lord called to them, 'Did I not enjoin upon you that tree and tell you, 'Indeed, Satan is to you a manifest enemy?'

 

Quran Surah Al-A'raf (7:27)- "O children of Adam, let not Satan tempt you as he removed your parents from Paradise and caused them to be removed from that in which they had been. We said, 'Descend, being enemies to one another. And for you is upon the earth a place of settlement and enjoyment for a time.'

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Quran Surah Al-Anfal (8:28)- "And know that your properties and your children are but a trial and that God has with Him a great reward. And do not let your wealth and your children distract you from the remembrance of God. And whoever does that, then those are the losers."

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Quran Surah Al-Baqarah (2: 268): "Satan threatens you with poverty and orders you to immorality, while God promises you forgiveness from Him and bounty. And God is All-Encompassing and Knowing."

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Quran Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:1)- "O you who have believed, do not take My enemies and your enemies as allies, extending to them affection while they have disbelieved in what has come to you of the truth. They have driven out the Messenger and yourselves because you believe in God, your Lord. If you have come out for jihad in My cause and seeking My pleasure, then do not take them as allies."

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Quran Surah Al-Furqan (25:9)-"And he (Satan) had certainly led astray a great multitude of you. Did you not use to reason?"

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Quran Surah Al-Baqarah (2:14): "And when they meet those who believe, they say, 'We have believed.' But when they are alone with one another, they say, 'Do you talk to them about what God has disclosed to you so they can argue with you about it before your Lord?' Then will you not reason?"

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Quran Surah Fussilat (41:34): "And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel by that which is best; then, indeed, the one between whom and you is enmity will become as though he was a devoted friend."

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Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153): "Indeed, God is with the patient."

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Surah Al-Nur (24:22): "And let not those of virtue among you and wealth swear not to give [anything] to their relatives and the needy and the migrants for the cause of God. And let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that God should forgive you? And God is Forgiving and Merciful."

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Quran Surah Al-Baqarah (2:30) - "And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels, 'Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority.' They said, 'Will You place therein one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?'God said, 'Indeed, I know that which you do not know.'"

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Quran Surah Al-A'raf (7:16-17) - "He said, 'Because You have sent me astray, 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.'"

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Quran Surah Al-Imran (3:30) - "On the Day when every soul will be confronted with all that it has brought [of good and evil], and they will be compensated in full for what they did, and they will not be wronged."

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