When the mentor of the angels...

When the mentor of the angels, Iblīs, was sent out of the Heaven because of his pride and jealousy, how can ordinary mortals like you dream of entering the Heaven if they practice these undesirable traits.” Satan was busy supplicating to Allah (S.w.T.) for long years but for one act of pride he earned the displeasure of Allah (S.w.T.) to be banished from the Heaven for all time. It must be remembered, therefore, that pride and greatness is only for Allah (S.w.T.)!

Allah (S.w.T.) says, ‘Magnificence and Greatness only suit Me! You humans! What use your bragging? Conceit and pride are not your raiment. Talking big doesn’t suit you. All men in the eyes of Allah (S.w.T.) are beggars and needy. Allah (S.w.T.) says, ‘Worship Me that there is no god other than Me!’ If man becomes proud and conceited, he will become a partner of Satan!

The Wish of Iblis Fulfilled It is narrated that when Satan was ordered out of the Heaven, he submitted to Allah (S.w.T.) in the following manner: ‘O Allah (S.w.T.)! What has happened to my supplications offered over a long span of seven thousand years?’ Allah (S.w.T.) replied, ‘We shall reward you what you ask for as a compensation for your prayers.’ Satan said, ‘O Allah (S.w.T.)!

Give me respite till the Day of Judgment.’ Allah (S.w.T.) replied, ‘You are given the respite!’ Satan said, ‘My second wish is that I am given the faculty to create doubts and fears in the hearts of the human beings.’ This wish of Satan too was also granted. In granting this wish Allah (S.w.T.) had a strategy in view. Hadrat Adam (a.s.) beseeched Allah (S.w.T.) thus, ‘O Creator!

You have not only provided respite to this formidable enemy of my progeny till the Day of Judgment, you have also given him faculty to cause fears and temptations in the hearts of poor progeny! They will be helpless at the mercy of Satan! Allah (S.w.T.) said, ‘O Adam (a.s.)! Don’t be disturbed! With every Satan there will be an angel created by us.

These angels will help your progeny to guard against the trap set by Satan.’ Angels too have Power of Inspiration (Ilhām) Whenever Satan creates doubts in the hearts of men, the angels inspire virtue in their heart. Satan says, ‘Don’t go to the mosque!’ The angel encourages the person to go there. Satan encourages the person to commit certain sins that he can make reparation later on. The angel says that the person might die before he expresses his repentance for the sins.