Shayṭān/ devil in the Qur'an and Hadith: Description and Functions

 The description shaytan and their functions in Quran and Hadith

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Shayṭān in the Qur'an and Hadith: Description and Functions

1. Definition of Shayṭān
The term Shayṭān (Arabic: شَيْطَان) refers to a rebellious being, often associated with Iblīs (Satan), who disobeyed Allah and seeks to misguide humans. In the Qur'an and Hadith, Shayāṭīn (plural) can refer to both jinn and human devils who spread corruption.

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Shayṭān in the Qur'an

The Qur'an frequently describes Shayṭān's nature, origin, and mission. Below are key aspects:

A. Creation and Rebellion

• Shayṭān (specifically Iblīs) was originally among the jinn:

  "And [mention] when We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate to Adam,’ and they prostrated, except for Iblīs. He was of the jinn and departed from the command of his Lord."
  (Surah Al-Kahf 18:50)

• He refused to bow to Adam (AS) due to arrogance:

  "(Iblīs) said, ‘I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay.’"
  (Surah Al-A‘raf 7:12)

B. Role and Functions of Shayṭān

1. Misguiding Humans

   • Shayṭān seeks to lead people away from Allah’s path:

     "Indeed, Shayṭān is an enemy to you, so take him as an enemy. He only invites his party to be among the companions of the Blaze."
     (Surah Fatir 35:6)

2. Whispering and Deception (Waswasa)

   • He whispers evil into people's hearts:

     "Then Shayṭān whispered to them to make apparent to them that which was concealed of their private parts."
     (Surah Al-A‘raf 7:20)

   • The Qur'an also warns about Shayṭān's whispering in Surah An-Nas (114).

3. Creating Doubt and Arrogance

   • He manipulates thoughts to cause pride and disbelief:

     "He promises them and arouses desire in them. But Shayṭān does not promise them except delusion."
     (Surah An-Nisa 4:120)

4. Encouraging Sin and Immorality

   • He commands evil actions:

     "Shayṭān threatens you with poverty and orders you to immorality, while Allah promises you forgiveness from Him and bounty."
     (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:268)

5. Causing Enmity and Division

   • Shayṭān sows hatred and discord:

     "Indeed, Shayṭān seeks to cause enmity and hatred between you through intoxicants and gambling."
     (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:91)

6. Leading People to Hellfire

   • He promises falsehood to lead people astray:

     "And Shayṭān will say when the matter has been decided, ‘Indeed, Allah had promised you the promise of truth. And I promised you, but I betrayed you.'"
     (Surah Ibrahim 14:22)

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Shayṭān in Hadith

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ elaborated on Shayṭān’s actions and how believers can protect themselves.

A. Shayṭān’s Influence on Daily Life

1. Interfering with Prayer

   • The Prophet ﷺ said:

     "When the call to prayer is pronounced, Shayṭān takes to his heels, passing wind with noise. When the Adhān is finished, he returns..."
     (Sahih al-Bukhari 608, Muslim 389)

2. Disturbing Sleep

   • The Prophet ﷺ said:

     "Shayṭān ties three knots at the back of the head of any one of you when he goes to sleep, and he blows over each knot saying: ‘You have a long night, so sleep.’"
     (Sahih al-Bukhari 1142, Muslim 776)

3. Eating and Drinking Etiquette

   • He eats with people who do not mention Allah:

     "When any one of you eats, let him mention the name of Allah. If he forgets, let him say: 'Bismillah fi awwalihi wa akhirihi (In the name of Allah at its beginning and end).’"
     (Sunan Abi Dawood 3767)

B. Shayṭān’s Role in Sins

1. Causing Anger

   • The Prophet ﷺ said:

     "Anger is from Shayṭān, and Shayṭān was created from fire, so if one of you gets angry, let him perform ablution."
     (Sunan Abi Dawood 4784)

2. Interfering in Marital Relationships

   • Shayṭān seeks to destroy families:

     "Iblīs sets his throne on water and sends out his troops. The nearest to him in rank are those who cause the most trouble. One of them comes and says: ‘I did such and such,’ but Iblīs says: ‘You have done nothing.’ Then another comes and says: ‘I did not leave him until I separated him from his wife.’ Iblīs draws him near and says: ‘You have done well!’"
     (Sahih Muslim 2813)

3. Causing Forgetfulness in Worship

   • The Prophet ﷺ said:

     "Shayṭān comes to one of you while praying and says: ‘Remember this, remember that,’ until the person forgets how many Rak‘ahs he has prayed."
     (Sahih al-Bukhari 608, Muslim 389)

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Protection from Shayṭān

The Qur'an and Hadith provide guidance on protection from Shayṭān:

1. Seeking Refuge in Allah

   • "And if an evil whisper comes to you from Shayṭān, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing."
     (Surah Al-A‘raf 7:200)

2. Reciting Qur'an

   • Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayat al-Kursi (2:255), and the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah (2:285-286) are highly effective.

3. Regular Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)

   • The Prophet ﷺ said:

     "Whoever recites ‘La ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lahu...’ 100 times in a day, it will be a protection for him against Shayṭān that day till evening."
     (Sahih al-Bukhari 3293, Muslim 2691)

4. Saying Bismillah Before Actions

   • Before eating, entering the house, or doing anything, mentioning Allah’s name prevents Shayṭān from participating.

5. Performing Wudu (Ablution) and Salah

   • The Prophet ﷺ recommended wudu when feeling angry or disturbed, as Shayṭān dislikes purity.

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Conclusion

Shayṭān is a powerful enemy whose goal is to lead humans astray. He operates through whispering, deception, creating enmity, and influencing daily actions. However, Allah has given believers many tools to resist him, including seeking refuge in Allah, reciting Qur'an, engaging in dhikr, and maintaining purity. By following these guidelines, a Muslim can safeguard themselves from the influence of Shayṭān and stay on the straight path.