Allaah, out of His Wisdom, has given an enemy of man the ability to influence him; an enemy who knows the means of man’s destruction, and what triggers a man to fall into evil! Shaytaan, the enemy, has mastered this skill; he is experienced and enthusiastic about doing it. He neither loses sight nor sleeps. Therefore, the mention of this enemy, his affairs, his army, and his tricks is mentioned profusely in the Qur’an – since, it is required for us to know our enemy, his ways, his warfare, and his potential.

Allaah (Ta’ala) says:

“Surely, Shaytaan is an enemy to you, so take (treat) him as an enemy.” [Surat Faatir (35:6)]

“The order to consider Shaytaan an enemy is a warning to make oneself ready to fight and struggle against him because he is an enemy who does not fall short in fighting the slaves (of Allaah) as much as he can.”^[1]

Allaah (Ta’ala) has related to us, the enmity of Shaytaan with our father Adam (‘Alayhis-salaam) – which contains great lessons for us. Allaah explains how through his lies and deception, Shaytaan tempted Adam to eat from the (forbidden) tree and be expelled from Paradise, and how he caused him to fall into violation of the Orders of Allaah and commit the prohibition. After mentioning this, Allaah (Ta’ala) says:

“O Children of Adam! Let not Shaytaan deceive you, as he got your parents out of Paradise, stripping them of their raiment to show their private parts. Verily, he and his soldiers/tribe see you from where you cannot see them.” [Surat Al-A’raaf (7:27)]

and He (Ta’ala) says:

“O you who believe! Follow not the footsteps of Shaytaan. And whosoever follows the footsteps of Shaytaan, then, verily Shaytaan commands Al-Fahsha (i.e., to commit indecency like illegal sexual intercourse, etc.) and Al-Munkar (disbelief, polytheism, and evil deeds).” [Surat An-Nur (24:21)]

– i.e., do not take the paths to which Shaytaan calls towards^[2]; because he calls towards ‘al-Fahsha’ – i.e., the greatest sins – and he calls towards ”al-Munkar’ – i.e., all sins apart from al-Fahsha’.

Hence, every sin is from the footsteps of Shaytaan; irrespective of whether that sin is ‘committing the prohibited’ or ‘abandoning the prescribed.’^[3]

A believer is required to turn his footsteps hurriedly towards the path of Nur (Light – i.e., towards Allaah) whenever he realizes that his next step is about to follow the footsteps of Shaytaan. He should abstain from every act of Shaytaan just like ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said when the following verse was recited unto him,

“Shaytaan wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants (alcoholic drinks) and gambling, and to hinder you from the remembrance of Allaah and from the prayer. So, will you not then abstain?” [Surat Al-Ma’idah (5:91)]

‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) remarked: “We have abstained! We have abstained!”

Allaah (Ta’ala) says:

“Follow not the footsteps of Shaytaan. Verily, he is to you an open enemy. He commands you only what is evil and al-Fahsha, and that you should say against Allaah what you know not.” [Surat Al-Baqarah (2:168-169)]

Allaah prohibited them from following the footsteps of Shaytaan towards which he calls – i.e., all sins. Allaah reminded them that Shaytaan is an open enemy to them who encourages evil deeds – and the most abominable of them are al-Fahsha’ (i.e., the greatest) sins such as Zina (adultery), drinking intoxicants, killing, slandering, miserliness. And one of the greatest sins is talking about Allaah without knowledge.

Hence, whosoever attributes to Allaah what neither Allaah has attributed to Himself, nor His Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) attributed it to Him, and whosoever denies what He has affirmed for Himself – like those who deny the Uluww (Rising) of Allaah over the Arsh (Throne) – then he has spoken about Allaah without knowledge.

Whosoever says that Allaah has made such and such Halal (lawful) or such and such Haraam (unlawful), and He has ordered such and such, and He has prohibited such and such – without insight, then He has spoken about Allaah without knowledge.

From the greatest of sayings without knowledge about Allaah, is making Ta’weel (figurative interpretation – i.e., changing the meaning of the words and interpreting them in a way that does not conform to their literal meaning) of the Speech of Allaah or misinterpreting the sayings of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), like those who make Ta’weel of the Hadeeth of Nuzool (Descent of Allaah). They say: ‘Allaah is free from Nuzool, hence that which descends is His Order, His Mercy or one of His Angels.’

Speaking about Allaah without knowledge is one of the major prohibitions and one of the main paths of Shaytaan towards which he calls.^[4]

Allaah (Ta’ala) says:

“Say [O Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)], ‘(But) the things that my Lord has indeed forbidden are al-Fawahish (the great sins) whether committed openly or secretly, sins, unrighteous oppression, joining partners with Allaah for which He has given no authority, and saying things about Allaah of which you have no knowledge.” [Surat Al-A’raaf (7:33)]

Talking about Allaah without knowledge is the greatest of prohibitions and the most sinful, for it constitutes lying about Allaah, attributing to Him that which does not suit Him, changing and altering His Deen (Religion), and denying that which He affirms, and affirming that which He denies, and attributing to Him that which does not suit His Noble Self, His Attributes, His Sayings or His Actions.

There is no greater or serious prohibition than this with Allaah, for this is the basis of Shirk and Kufr, and upon this is Bid’ah founded (innovation) and misguidance; every Bid’ah is a misguidance in the Deen and its basis is saying about Allaah without knowledge.

Allaah has rejected him who attributes a Halal or Haraam to the Deen without a Burhan (proof) from Allaah.

“Say not concerning that which your tongues put forth falsely, ‘This is lawful and this is forbidden,’ so as to invent lies against Allaah. Verily, those who invent lies against Allaah will never prosper.” [Surat An-Nahl (16:116)]

So how about someone who attributes to Him that which He has not attributed to Himself? Or he denies that which He has affirmed for Himself.^[5]

Warning against the Evils of Shaytaan

Know that the evils of Shaytaan are numerous and various. So heed with your heart.

1. Shaytaan orders Miserliness and Prohibits Spending, and he orders al-Fawahish

Allaah (Ta’ala) says: “Shaytaan threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit al-Fahsha’; whereas Allaah promises you Forgiveness from Himself and Bounty, and Allaah is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower.” [Surat Al-Baqarah (2:268)]

– i.e., Shaytaan scares you with poverty and neediness when you spend (in charity). “This is the predominant factor upon man when he intends to give in Sadaqah (charity) and makes an effort towards it; he finds in himself someone saying, ‘If you spend it, you will need it. You will need it after you have given it away. Holding onto it is better for you, so you will not be like the poor person, your being wealthy is better for you than the other person being wealthy’ – so, when Shaytaan paints this picture for him, he orders him with al-Fahsha’ – i.e., miserliness, which is one of the ugliest Fawahish (plural of al-Fahsha’).”^[6]

“Shaytaan’s promise of poverty is neither out of kindness towards man, nor is it advice like the advice that one gives his brother. Man’s staying wealthy is not beloved to Shaytaan either! Rather, nothing is more beloved to Shaytaan than man’s poverty and neediness – yet, Shaytaan promises poverty to man and orders miserliness – this is for the purpose of instilling in him bad thoughts about His Lord. As a result, man abandons that which Allaah Loves i.e., spending for the Pleasure of Allaah – and thus, he is deprived (of Allaah’s Blessings).

Whereas Allaah has promised forgiveness of sins for His slave in addition to bestowing upon him more than what he spends, manifolds – either in this world alone or in this world and the Hereafter as well.

So, this is the Promise of Allaah, and that is the promise of Shaytaan; so let the miser and the one who spends look at which of the two promises is more trustworthy? In which of the two does his heart find peace? Allaah guides whomsoever He wills and disgraces whomsoever He wills, and He is All-Knowing.”^[7]

Allaah (Ta’ala) says: “Whatsoever you spend of anything (in Allaah’s Cause), He will replace it. And He is the Best of providers.” [Surat Saba (34:39)]

O slaves of Allaah, Trust that your Lord will replace it and compensate you, and do not follow the Shaytaan who promises you poverty and ruin.

2. Shaytaan’s Whispering (Waswasah)

‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Indeed, the Shaytaan has an effect (inspiration) on the son of Adam, and the Angel has an effect (inspiration) too. As for the Shaytaan, it is by threatening evil repercussions and rejecting the truth. As for the effect of the Angel, it is by his promise of a good end and believing in the truth. Whoever finds that, let him know that it is from Allaah, and let him praise Allaah for it. Whoever finds the other, let him seek refuge with Allaah from the Shaytaan.” Then he recited,

“Shaytaan threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit Fahsha.” [Surat Al-Baqarah (2:268)]”^[8]

So Waswasah (whispering) is one of the major characteristics of Shaytaan, and is the evilest/vicious, most effective, and most commonly used for corruption – it is the origin of every sin and calamity.

A man came to the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and said: “O Messenger of Allaah! One of us has thoughts of such nature that he would rather be reduced to ashes than speak about them.” He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) replied: “Allaahu Akbar! Allaah is Most Great…(thrice). Praise be to Allaah, Who has reduced all his (Shaytaan’s) plots to mere whispers.”^[9]

Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “Some people from amongst the Companions of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) came to him and inquired, ‘Verily, we perceive in our minds that which every one of us considers it too grave to express.’ ‘Do you really perceive it?’ asked the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). ‘Yes’ they replied. Upon this, he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) remarked: “That is Sareeh (pure/clear) faith.”^[10]

The outcome of this Waswaas– provided great despise for it and expelling it from the heart – is Sareeh (pure and clear) faith. This is like someone struggling against an enemy, someone who is faced with the enemy, and he fights him until he overcomes the enemy; this is the greatest struggle.

Sareeh means ‘pure’ like ‘pure milk’. The Eeman becomes pure when he hates those whispers of Shaytaan and expels it, as a result of which, his Eeman is purified and it becomes Sareeh. All Praise is for Allaah, Who reduced the plots of Shaytaan to mere whispers.

3. Stealing the Wealth of Man

Every food and drink upon which the Name of Allaah is not mentioned, Shaytaan takes a share of it by stealing. Hudhaifah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “Shaytaan considers that food lawful for himself on which the Name of Allaah is not mentioned.”^[11]

4. Corruption amongst the believers in every manner and with every Trick

Jabir (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “I heard Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saying: ‘Verily, the Shaytaan has lost all hope that the worshippers would ever worship (him) in the Arabian Peninsula, but he (is hopeful) that he would Tahreesh (sow the seed of dissension amongst them).’”^[12]

Tahreesh: to allure and cause corruption. “It means that he will strive to corrupt their relationships in order to cause resentment between them,”^[13] and division (cutting the relation) and changing the heart.

Jabir (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Iblees sets his throne on the water, then sends forth his detachments to tempt mankind. The one who is nearest to him in station is the one who can cause the severest temptation. One of them comes and says: ‘I have done such and such,’ but he replies: ‘You have done nothing.’ Then one of them comes and says: ‘I did not leave him till I separated him from his wife.’ He then brings him near to himself saying: ‘Yes, you!’^[14]

His saying, “Yes you!” is praise. So the Shaytaan praises him because of his admiration for him because he has perfectly accomplished what the Shaytaan desired.^[15]

5. Being close to the slave when he goes out for that which displeases Allaah

Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘No one leaves (his house) – except that there are two banners/flags at his door; one in the hand of an Angel and the other in the hand of a Shaytaan. So if he leaves for that which Allaah loves, the Angel follows him with his flag – and he stays under the flag of the Angel until he returns back home. And if he leaves for that which displeases Allaah, the Shaytaan follows him with his flag, and he stays under the flag of Shaytaan until he returns back home.”^[16]

So be careful that your leaving the house is for the established truth with Allaah, and that Allaah will be pleased with it; like seeking knowledge, maintaining ties of kinship, visiting the sick, visiting a brother in faith and meeting his need, following a Janazah (funeral), attending a congregation.

Ka’b ibn Ujrah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “A man passed by the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and his Companions were impressed with how strong and energetic he appeared. They commented, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, if only this was in the way of Allaah!’

The Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘If he is going out to earn a living for his young children, then he is going out in way of Allaah. If he is going out to earn a living for his aged parents, then he is going out in the way of Allaah. If he is going out to earn a living so he can keep himself from begging from others, then he is going out in way of Allaah – but if he is going out to boast and show off, then he is in the way of Shaytaan. ‘“^[17]

6. Stubborn Persistence in following man in every situation/state

Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Shaytaan said: ‘By Your Might O Lord, I will continue to mislead the children of Adam as long as their souls are in their bodies.’ The Lord replied: ‘By My Might and Majesty, I will continue to forgive them as long as they seek My forgiveness. ‘”^[18]

This saying of Shaytaan demonstrates his extreme persistence, and it depicts for us the amount of effort that he puts into misguiding the children of Adam in all situations and actions, and in each one of them; he exerts effort to ruin his Deen (Religion), and he has a long experience in the field of misguiding and corrupting. Hence he is confident in his plans, tricks, traps, and deceptions, and he exploits every possibility and employs every means and utilizes every skill to trap man and put him down.

7. Shaytaan welcomes the newborn with a poke on his side

When a newborn is born, Shaytaan welcomes him with a poke in his side out of jealousy and anger and greets him with the enmity that has persisted since the time of his grandparents (i.e., Adam and Hawwa), and it is an intimation of the beginning of his battle with the newborn.

Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “No child is born except that Shaytaan touches it when it is born whereupon the child starts crying loudly because of being touched by Shaytaan except Maryam and her son.” Then he (Abu Hurairah) said: “Recite, if you wish, ‘I seek Refuge with You (Allaah) for her and her offspring from Shaytaan, the outcast.’ [Surat Aal-‘Imran (3:36)]”^[19]

8. Shaytaan shows scary dreams with the intention of causing Pain and Depression

Nothing is dearer to Shaytaan than causing sadness to the believer. Awf ibn Malik (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Dreams are of three types: Some dreams are terrifying from Shaytaan aimed at causing grief to the son of Adam; some of these dreams are those issues that a person is concerned about when he is awake, so he sees them in his dreams, and some dreams are a part of the forty-six parts of prophecy.“^[20]

Jabir (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reported that a person came to Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and said: “O Allaah’s Messenger, I have seen in the state of sleep as if my head had been cut off.” Thereupon Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) laughed and said: “When Shaytaan plays with any one of you in the state of sleep, do not mention it to the people.“^[21]

9. Shaytaan’s keenness to make the slave forget that which is good and beneficial for him

‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “There are two qualities or characteristics which will not be maintained by any Muslim without his entering Paradise. Although these characteristics are easy, those who act upon them are few. One should say, ‘Glory be to Allaah (Subhaan Allaah)’ ten times after every (obligatory) prayer, ‘Praise be to Allaah (Alhamdulillaah)’ ten times and ‘Allaah is Most Great (Allaahu Akbar)’ ten times. That is a hundred and fifty on the tongue, but one thousand and five hundred on the scale. When he goes to bed, he should say, ‘Allaah is Most Great (Allaahu Akbar)’ thirty-four times, ‘Praise be to Allaah (Alhamdulillaah)’ thirty-three times, and ‘Glory be to Allaah (Subhaan Allaah)’ thirty-three times, for that is a hundred on the tongue and a thousand on the scale.” (The narrator said), “I saw the Messenger of Allaah counting them on his hand.” The people asked: “O Messenger of Allaah! How is it that while they are easy, those who act upon them are few?” He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) replied: “The Shaytaan comes to one of you when he goes to bed and he makes him sleep before he utters them, and he comes to him while he is engaged in prayer and calls a need to his mind before he utters them.“^[22]

10. Shaytaan’s coming to man when he intends to do something good in order to ruin his intention, sayings, and actions.

Jabir (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reported: “I heard Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saying: ‘The Shaytaan is present with every one of you in everything he does; he is present even when one of you eats food; so if any one of you drops a mouthful, he should remove away anything filthy on it and eat it and not leave it for the Shaytaan; and when he finishes (food), he should lick his fingers, for he does not know in what portion of his food the blessing lies.'”^[23]

Qais ibn Abi Gharazah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “The Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) came to us, and we used to be called ‘brokers.’ He said: ‘O people of trade! Indeed the Shaytaan and sin are present in the sale, so mix your sales with charity.‘”^[24]

11. Shaytaan’s sitting for the children of Adam on every path of good

From the evil of Shaytaan is that he sits like a bandit for the children of Adam on the path of Haqq (Truth) and on the path that leads to Jannah.

Allaah (Ta’ala) says: “(Shaytaan said) Surely, I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path. Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, and You will not find most of them as thankful ones (i.e., they will not be dutiful to You).” [Surat Al-A’raaf (7:16-17)]

So Shaytaan is like a bandit; whenever the slave intends to take the way to Allaah, he (Shaytaan) wants to interject.^[25]

So whichever path man takes, “he finds Shaytaan monitoring it; if he walks on the path of obedience, man will find Shaytaan discouraging him, disheartening him, hindering him and interrupting him, and if he takes a path to sin, he finds Shaytaan encouraging him, helping and supporting him and prompting false hopes.”^[26]

It was narrated that Sabrah ibn Abi Fakih (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said that he heard the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) say: “Shaytaan sits on the paths of the son of Adam; he sits waiting for him on the path to Islam and says: ‘Will you accept Islam and leave your religion, and the religion of your forefathers?’ But man disobeys him and accepts Islam. Then Shaytaan sits waiting for him on the path to emigration, and says: ‘Will you emigrate and leave behind your land and sky?’ The one who emigrates is like a horse tethered to a peg. But he disobeys him and emigrates. Then he sits, waiting for him on the path to struggling in the Way of Allaah, and he says: ‘Will you struggle although it will cost you your life and your wealth? You will struggle and be killed, and your wife will remarry, and your wealth will be divided.’ But he disobeys him and struggles…“^[27]

How many people resolve to be diligent, and he (Shaytaan) makes them procrastinate? And how many people intend a virtue and Shaytaan makes them lag behind? He remains endearing laziness and delaying the good deeds by ascribing the matter to long hopes.

So whenever the act is beneficial for the slave and beloved to Allaah, the Shaytaan interrupts and obstructs it.

Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When the call for the prayer is pronounced, Shaytaan takes to his heels, passing wind with noise, and when the call for the prayer is finished, he comes back. When the Iqamah is pronounced, he again takes to his heels, and after its completion, he returns back to interfere between the (praying) person and his heart, saying to him, ‘Remember this or that thing,’ till the person forgets whether he has offered three or four Rak’ah; so if one forgets whether he has prayed three or four units, he should perform two prostrations of Sahw (i.e. forgetfulness).”^[28]

When the slave stands up for Salaat, the Shaytaan is jealous of him, because he has stood in the greatest of places and is closest to Allaah. That is most despised to Shaytaan and the most difficult on him, and so he is keen, and he makes every effort to come between him and his heart; he reminds man during Salaat that which he did not remember before entering Salaat and might have even forgotten about the thing and the need, and he might have despaired of it – but Shaytaan reminds him of that during Salaat in order to occupy his heart with it and take him away from Allaah.

Therefore, when ‘Aishah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) asked the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) about looking here and there (i.e., distractions) during Salaat, he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) replied: “It is what Shaytaan steals from the prayer of any one of you.“^[29] – i.e., it is like he has snatched something, and he has gained victory through it.^[30]

12. Shaytaan’s entering the slave when he yawns without placing his hand over his mouth

Abu Sa’eed (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When one of you yawns, he should hold his hand over his mouth, for the devil enters.“^[31]

Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Yawning is from Shaytaan and if anyone of you yawns, he should suppress his yawning as much as possible, for if anyone of you (during the act of yawning) should say, ‘Ha’, Shaytaan will laugh at him.“^[32]

13. Shaytaan’s drinking with the slave when he drinks standing

Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reported that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saw a man drinking while standing up, so Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to him, “Vomit it out.” The man asked: “Why?” He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Would it please you that a cat drank along with you?” The man answered: “No.” The Messenger said: “For indeed, someone eviler than a cat drank along with you! Shaytaan!“^[33]

14. Shaytaan ties three knots on the head of the slave when he sleeps

When the slave sleeps, Shaytaan ties knots on his head to prevent him from doing good like Qiyam (i.e., prayers at night), Tilawah (recitation of Qur’an), and Dhikr (remembrance of Allaah) and Istighfaar (seeking forgiveness from Allaah).

Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Shaytaan puts three knots at the back of the head of any of you when he is asleep. On every knot, he reads and exhales the following words, ‘The night is long, so stay asleep.’ When one wakes up and remembers Allaah, one knot is undone; and when one performs ablution, the second knot is undone, and when one prays, the third knot is undone – and one gets up energetic with a good heart in the morning; otherwise, one gets up lazy and with a mischievous heart.”^[34]

The apparent meaning of the Hadeeth is that whosoever does not perform the three acts – i.e., Dhikr, Wudu’, and Salaat – then he is amongst those who get up lazy and with a mischievous heart^[35], and the Shaytaan has urinated in his ears.

‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reported: “A mention was made before the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) of a man who slept throughout the night till morning. The Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) remarked: ‘He is a man in whose ears (or ear) Shaytaan urinated.'”^[36]

What greater insult could there be than this? One is made a washroom to dispose of filth! We ask Allaah for safety!^[37]

15. Shaytaan spends the night inside the slave’s nostrils

Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When one of you wakes up from his sleep, he must wash his nose by putting water in it and then blowing it out thrice because the Shaytaan has stayed in his Khayasheem all the night.”^[38]

Khayasheem: the upper part of the nose/ nostrils.

16. Shaytaan flows through the son of Adam like blood

Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Shaytaan circulates (flows) in the body of Adam’s offspring like his blood circulates in it.“^[39]

So, the circulation of Shaytaan inside man is like the circulation of blood in man; Shaytaan does not separate from man just like blood does not separate from him – so they are the same in terms of intense association and lack of separation.

17. Blowing in the Nostrils of the slave when he sings

As-Saaib ibn Yazeed (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that a woman came to the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and he said: “O ‘Aishah, do you know her?” “No, O Prophet of Allaah!” she replied. He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “This is Qaynatu (singer) from the tribe of so-and-so. Would you like her to sing for you?” “Yes” she replied. “Give her a plate.” He said to her. She sang and the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Shaytaan has blown into her Mankhirairaha.’“^[40]

Al-Mankhiraan: sing. Mankhir – i.e., opening of the nostril.

18. Turning the slave away from his Deen (Religion) by making the prohibited Halal (lawful) and inviting to Shirk and Bid’ah

Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) narrated from His Lord: “I have created My servants as one having a natural inclination to the worship of Allaah but it is Shaytaan who turns them away from the right religion and he makes unlawful what has been declared lawful for them and he commands them to ascribe partnership with Me for which I have given no authority.”^[41]

This Majestic Hadeeth “includes two major purposes of the Deen (Religion):

1. Worship of Allaah Alone without any partners
2. Allaah be worshipped with that which He has prescribed and loves and has ordered.

These two principles are the two purposes for which Allaah has created the creation. The opposite of this is Shirk and Bid’ah (innovation). A Mushrik is the one who worships others besides Allaah. Someone who follows Bid’ah is he who tries to come close to Allaah with that which Allaah has not ordered nor prescribed and He does not love.”^[42]

Bid’ah (innovation) can either be in terms of belief which is contrary to the Truth or in terms of worship which Allaah has not permitted. Bid’ah is dearer to Iblees than sinning because the slave may repent from sinning, but he never repents from Bid’ah.

Bid’ah is dearer to Shaytaan than sinning because “a Mubtadi (one who follows Bid’ah) takes as Deen (Religion) that which is neither prescribed by Allaah, nor by His Messenger. His evil act has been beautified for him and he sees this act as good, and hence, he does not repent from it as long as he considers it as good.^[43]

Ibn ‘Abbaas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) narrated: “When the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) conquered Makkah, Iblees shouted and he gathered his army and said: ‘Do not hope to return the Ummah of Muhammad to Shirk after this day, rather cause Fitnah (corruption) in their Deen and spread amongst them Nawh (lamenting)'”^[44]

19. Shaytaan causes the slave to underestimate (and belittle) Minor Sins

Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Verily, Shaytaan has lost hope to be worshipped in this land of yours, but he is pleased with that which you consider insignificant.“^[45]

Do you know what insignificant sins are? They are the sins that the slave considers trivial and does not care about them, and he falls into them without consideration, and Shaytaan causes him to take these lightly until the slave persists in them.

45 Reported by Ahmad (2/368) (8796) with a Saheeh Isnad in accordance with the conditions of the two Shaikhs.

Source:

Qutoof Daaniyah by Shaikh ‘Abdul-Haadi Wahbi

1. Zaad al-Ma’ad (6/3) ↑
2. Sharhus-Sunnah (14/404) by Al-Baghawi (Rahimahullaah) ↑
3. Tafseer Surat Al-Baqarah (3/7-8) by Al-Allamah Ibn ‘Uthaimeen (Rahimahullaah) ↑
4. Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahman, p. 81. Published by Ar-Risalah Organization. ↑
5. Refer to Tahzeeb Madarij As-Salikeen, pgs. 333-334. ↑
6. Tareeq Al-Hijratain, pgs. 653-654 ↑
7. Tareeq Al-Hijratain, p. 654 ↑
8. Reported by At-Tirmidhi (2988) and authenticated by Al-Albani (Rahimahullaah) in Saheeh Sunan At-Tirmidhi (3/200) ↑
9. Reported by Abu Dawoud (5112) and authenticated by Al-Albani (Rahimahullaah) in Saheeh Sunan Abu Dawoud (4264) ↑
10. Reported by Muslim (132) ↑
11. Saheeh Muslim (2017) ↑
12. Reported by Muslim (2812) ↑
13. Kash Al-Mushakkal min Hadeeth As-Saheehain (3/113) ↑
14. Reported by Muslim (2813) ↑
15. Saheeh Muslim bi-Sharh An-Nawawi (17/157) ↑
16. Reported by Ahmad in Al-Musnad (2/323) (8269) with an authentic Isnad. ↑
17. Reported by At-Tabarani (19/ no. 282). Declared Saheeh lighairihi by Al-Albani (Rahimahullaah) in Saheeh At-Targheeb wat-Tarheeb (692) ↑
18. Reported by Al-Hakim (4/261). Declared Hasan by al-Muhaddith Al-Albani (Rahimahullaah) in Saheeh Al-Jami’e (1650) ↑
19. Reported by Al-Bukhaari (4548) ↑
20. Reported by Ibn Maajah (3907) and authenticated by Al-Albani (Rahimahullaah) in Saheeh Sunan Ibn Maajah (3155) ↑
21. Reported by Muslim (2268) ↑
22. Reported by Abu Dawoud (5065). Authenticated by Al-Albani (Rahimahullaah) in Saheeh Sunan Abu Dawoud (4233) ↑
23. Reported by Muslim (2033) ↑
24. Reported by At-Tirmidhi (1208) and authenticated by Al-Albani (Rahimahullaah) in Saheeh Sunan At-Tirmidhi (6/2) ↑
25. Majmoo Al-Fatawa (22/608) ↑
26. Mawarid Al-Aman (pgs. 174-175) ↑
27. Reported by An-Nasaa’i (3136) and authenticated by Al-Albani (Rahimahullaah) in Saheeh Sunan An-Nasaa’i (2937) ↑
28. Reported by Al-Bukhaari (608, 1222, 1231, 3285) and Muslim (389) ↑
29. Saheeh Al-Bukhaari (751 and 3291) ↑
30. At-Tawdeeh li-Sharh al-Jami’e As-Saheeh (19/214) ↑
31. Reported by Muslim (2995) ↑
32. Reported by Al-Bukhaari (3289, 6223, and 6226) ↑
33. Reported by Ahmad (2/301 no. 7990). Authenticated by Al-Albani (Rahimahullaah) in as-Saheehah under Hadeeth 175 ↑
34. Reported by Al-Bukhaari (1132 and 3269) and Muslim (776) ↑
35. Saheeh Muslim bi-Sharh An-Nawawi (6/67) ↑
36. Reported by Al-Bukhaari (1133 and 3270) and Muslim (774) ↑
37. At-Tawdeeh li-Sharh Al-Jami’e As-Saheeh (9/95) ↑
38. Reported by Al-Bukhaari (3295) and Muslim (238) and the wording is of Muslim. ↑
39. Reported by Al-Bukhaari (2038) and Muslim (2175) ↑
40. Reported by Ahmad (3/449) (15762) with a Saheeh Isnad. ↑
41. Part of a long Hadeeth reported by Muslim (2865) ↑
42. Shifa Al-Aleel (2/864) ↑
43. Majmoo Al-Fatawa (9/10) ↑
44. Reported by At-Tabarani (12318) and also from the same Tareeq, Ad-Diya in Al-Mukhtaarah (10/105 no. 101). Al-Albani declared them strong in As-Saheeha (3467). ↑
45. ↑