‘Shaytan’ is an Arabic word, which means ‘the one who is far away’ in a literal context.
In the Holy Qurán, the usage of the word ‘Shaytan’ signifies an evil spirit (jinn) or people who lead others away from the path of faith and light.
Shaytan can also be referred to as a nefarious soul distanced from Allah and the truth of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The Holy Book uses the word to denote a harmful being - one who has embarked upon a mission of creating division, discord, and corruption.
Here’s what the Holy Qurán says about Shaytan in different instances in multiple Surahs:
Surah Al-Baqarah: 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 clear enemy.”
Surah Al-Ma'ida: 91
“Satan only wants to cause between you animosity and hatred through intoxicants and gambling and to avert you from the remembrance of Allāh and from prayer. So will you not desist?”
Surah Al-Imran: 175
“That is only Satan who frightens [you] of his supporters. So fear them not, but fear Me, if you are [indeed] believers.”
Surah An-Nisa: 38
“And [also] those who spend of their wealth to be seen by the people and believe not in Allāh nor in the Last Day. And he to whom Satan is a companion - then evil is he as a companion.”
Surah An-Nahl: 63
“By Allāh, We did certainly send [messengers] to nations before you, but Satan made their deeds attractive to them. And he is their [i.e., the disbelievers] ally today [as well], and they will have a painful punishment.”
Surah Fatir: 6
“Indeed, Satan is an enemy to you; so take him as an enemy. He only invites his party to be among the companions of the Blaze.”
These few verses from the Qurán are enough to let a believer know that Shaytan is, indeed, the ultimate enemy of humanity. So, let’s not the evil spirit take over our beliefs and keep praying to Allah (SWT) to keep us rooted on the right path.
