Sufi Interpretation of Satan

By
Dr. Mohd Haris Bin Mansoor
-

Unlike the traditional concepts which are part of the orthodox Muslim community’s creed, the Muslim Sufi (mystics) scholars perceived Satan in a different way. They project Satan as a tragic figure. They assert that the tragic situation of Satan was predestined and it was the eternal will of God. Further, the ceaseless and exclusive commitment of Satan to God has also been praised and lauded by them.

Why Satan refused to bow before Adam while the command was given by God himself? This is the primary question and because of this reason some Sufi scholars are of the view that Satan’s defiance of God’s decree was the wish of God. The eternal will of God is that He should be worshipped solely and nobody else should ever be associated with him. So, despite God’s explicit order, Satan refused to bow down before anyone else.

Also, some Sufi masters hold that; in the absence of Satan’s disobedience to God’s commandment, the show of life would not have been possible. In a Hadith Qudsi (sacred tradition), God says: “I was a hidden treasure; I loved to be known. Hence, I created the world so that I would be known”. Therefore, God granted Free Will to two of his creations, jinn and men and showed them the pre-requisites of entering His paradise. They are asked to do good deeds otherwise their final destination would be Hellfire.

However, the question is still there, what will be the parameter to perceive goodness and what actually shall be the meaning of good and bad? The answer is that the things are known through opposites. A protagonist cannot be appreciated without the presence of an antagonist. Similarly, the blackness of black cannot be known without white. This idea has the basis in the verse of the Quran “All praise is due for Allah alone, who created the heavens and the earth, and brought into being light and darkness” (The Quran 5:1). Therefore, God talks about two opposites, light and darkness, indicating that both are necessary for each other. God’s universe, thus, has a fundamental system and he balances it through alternate extremes. Whatsoever is created is indeed the creation of God and all have been accomplishing their designated tasks. Similar was the case of Satan when he was in Paradise playing the role of the teacher of angels and showed them virtues. Now he tempts mankind to vices in the world. For anyone to know the virtues, it is equally important to get acquainted with vices. Similarly, in order to recognize good, its counterpart, that is evil, becomes an important element. Through this context, the role of Satan becomes clear.

Annemarie Schimmel says that, the first attempt of rehabilitation of Satan was made by the Sufi master Husain bin Mansur Hallaj (d 922). Owing to his work, many writers were later inspired to express their sympathy for the plight and predicament of Satan. Hallaj highlights the terrible situation of Satan that he was in a dilemma whether he should obey the order of God or His eternal will. His situation was: “He was thrown into water, with his hands tied to his back, and God told him: “Beware lest you become wet”. Satan chose God over himself.

According to Imam Jafar Sadiq (d 765); sometimes God gives a command which He does not wish to be obeyed, and sometimes He wants that which He has forbidden. He asked Satan to prostrate before Adam, although, he did not want him to do so. For if he had willed, Satan would have done so. Later, he commanded Adam to keep away from the forbidden tree while desiring him to do so. Had he not desired, Adam would not have eaten.

Abul Majd Sanai (d 1131) another Sufi Scholar illustrates the predestined condition of Satan and shows grief over him: “God put the hidden snare into my way; Adam was the grain in the ring of this snare. He wanted to give me the mark of curse; He did what He wanted­-the earthen Adam was but an excuse.”

Farid ud Din Attar (d 1220) discusses the issue of Satan’s destiny: “My story has nothing to do with God, but the color of my destiny is black. Since no one wants my obedience, they place the burden of sin on my back. To whom else has such a thing ever happened? No one had a story like mine.”

The Sufi masters hold that both Adam and Satan had committed a sin. Adam was commanded by God: “Do not approach the tree” but he disobeyed the command of God and ate the fruit. On the other hand, God asked Satan: “Prostrate” but Satan refused. They both challenged the decree of God. However, God accepted Adam and rejected Satan. It, therefore, denotes that the matter of acceptance and rejection was not based on their actions, rather it was predestined. For Adam, God allowed repentance and issued the order of forgiveness for his sin saying: “Most certainly We had given Adam a command before, but he forgot. We found him lacking in firmness of resolution” (The Quran 20:115). Nonetheless, in case of Satan, the expulsion and failure was fated and God said: “He refused, gloried his arrogance and became one of the defiers” (The Quran 2:34). God placed a collar around the neck of Satan’s fate. It emerges that the divine orders are not to be questioned and destiny is not to be challenged.

Satan’s Love

From the Sufi point of view, love does not expect anything in return and everything is acceptable from the beloved. The biggest triumph for any lover would be his condemnation and degradation, and such curses are considered as the symbols of true love. The separation between the lover and the beloved brings him nearer to the beloved, and through the subsequent separation the lover builds his love and at the same time transcends time and space. The closeness to God, as explained by such scholars, is achieved in the state of pain and sufferings.

This idea of love is used by some Sufi scholars to define the love of Satan for God. Despite being a true lover of God, he accepted God’s wrath and curse, without question and objection. Thus, the highest act of love, according to them, was his acceptance and readiness to be rejected and dismissed from the court of God.

Ahmad Ghazali (d 1126) maintains that one who does not learn monotheism from Satan is an infidel. Mansur Hallaj says that amongst the people of the spirit, there is no one adherent of divine unity like Satan. Some Sufi Scholars believe that God possesses both grace and wrath. Prophet Muhammad is the recipient of divine grace and Satan divine wrath. Even in this case, Satan was not unhappy or distressed, instead he loved God’s wrath as well. He was happy by the word “my” as mentioned in the verse “My curse shall remain upon you till the Day of Resurrection” (The Quran 38:78) Since the curse came from God and whatever comes from Him is enthusiastically welcomed by Satan.

Jalal Uddin Rumi (d 1273) expresses in the words of Satan: “How strange! He is in love with God’s opposites to the fullest extent”. Farid ad-Din Attar repeats the same point that even if both worlds were to curse Satan; his love for God would remain unchanged.

According to Hallaj, everything was given to Satan by God, hence he did not care much whether it was good or bad, he accepted whatever he was given, as both were from his beloved. Anyone who differentiates between the two is still unripe in love. From the hand of the beloved it does not matter what comes whether it is honey or poison, sweet or sour, grace or wrath. One who exclusively loves grace is actually in love with himself, not with the beloved. When the King bestows his own special cloak and cap on the lover, nothing else matters to him. The same idea of love has been shared by Attar, as he explains: “If anybody distinguishes between a gem and a stone received from the king, he is not a true lover. If he is pleased only with the gem and not with the stone, then in reality, he is not in love with the king. The only thing that matters is that both are from God.”

Conclusion

A group of Sufi masters rehabilitates Satan that the role of Satan is pre-destined and he is a true lover of God. They firmly believed that everything in this world is predestined and works according to the wish of God. Nothing can go against the wish of God. Satan on his own did nothing but worked on his pre-arranged task. It is the problem of his destiny, if he is the recipient of God’s curse, and therefore, it is not his own act. He, out of his undivided love for God, defied the order of God. He is making the show of life possible because if he is not there, the world will be without any test or trial. Therefore, he is only fulfilling the wish of God Who created the world for a particular purpose.

 

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

177 COMMENTS

  2. Hey there just wanted to give you a quick
    heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading correctly.
    I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it
    in two different internet browsers and both show the same
    results.

    my blog post; vpn code 2024

  12. Hey! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group?
    There’s a lot of people that I think would really appreciate your content.
    Please let me know. Thanks

  14. Hey there! I’m Charles. If you’re stuck in a monetary Groundhog Day, duplicating the same struggles, let’s break the cycle. The 1K a Day System is your escape, leading you to new mornings of success and potential. Get up to something fantastic!

  16. Hey there! I’m Charles. If you’re stuck in a financial Groundhog Day, repeating the same struggles, let’s break the cycle. The 1K a Day System is your escape, leading you to new mornings of success and potential. Wake up to something wonderful!

  17. Hey there! Just felt like saying hello to inform you how greatly I appreciate your blog. Your expertise on making money online are genuinely noteworthy. Making money from home has never been more achievable thanks to affiliate marketing. It’s all about discovering the ideal products to promote and nurturing relationships with your audience. Your blog is a goldmine trove of information for emerging affiliate marketers. Keep up the great work!

  18. Hey, stumbled upon your amazing blog! Your advice into affiliate marketing are really valuable. Making money from home has never been more convenient with affiliate promotion. It’s a fantastic opportunity to earn additional income by promoting products or services. With commitment and the proper approaches, anyone can thrive in this profitable field. Keep up the fantastic work! Visitors, make sure to check out this amazing blog for more insightful tips and tricks on affiliate marketing. You won’t be disappointed!

  19. Hey there! Just swinging by to give a shoutout to your fantastic blog. Your insights on affiliate marketing are genuinely tremendous. Earning an income from home has never been more accessible with affiliate promotion. It’s a great way to build passive income by promoting products you believe in. Your blog is a goldmine of information for aspiring affiliate marketers. Keep up the good work!

  20. Finding Sugar Defender has actually been a game-changer for me,
    as I have actually constantly been vigilant concerning handling my blood glucose levels.
    I now feel equipped and confident in my capacity to maintain healthy degrees, and my newest medical examination have reflected this progression. Having a reliable supplement to match my a massive source
    of comfort, and I’m truly appreciative for the substantial difference Sugar Defender has made in my overall health.

  21. For many years, I’ve battled uncertain blood sugar level swings
    that left me feeling drained and tired. But considering that
    integrating Sugar Defender into my regular, I have actually noticed a considerable enhancement in my overall power and stability.
    The dreadful mid-day thing of the past, and I appreciate that
    this all-natural treatment accomplishes these outcomes with no unpleasant or adverse reactions.
    honestly been a transformative discovery for me.

  22. I blog frequently and I genuinely appreciate your content. This article has truly peaked my interest. I will take a note of your website and keep checking for new details about once a week. I subscribed to your RSS feed too.

  26. Aw, this was an incredibly nice post. Taking the time and actual effort to make a superb article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.

  28. Hey there! Just popping in to commend your fantastic blog. Your expertise on making money online are genuinely priceless. Making money from home has never been more accessible with affiliate marketing. It’s a fantastic way to generate additional income by promoting goods you trust. Your blog is a goldmine of information for emerging affiliate marketers. Keep up the fantastic work!

  41. After looking into a handful of the blog posts on your web page, I honestly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I saved it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Take a look at my website as well and let me know your opinion.

  43. Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through a few of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m definitely pleased I came across it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back frequently!

  46. Hello there! This blog post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He continually kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a great read. Thank you for sharing!

  50. I blog often and I really appreciate your content. The article has really peaked my interest. I’m going to bookmark your blog and keep checking for new information about once per week. I subscribed to your Feed too.

  53. Right here is the right blog for anyone who wants to find out about this topic. You know a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally would want to…HaHa). You certainly put a fresh spin on a topic that has been discussed for ages. Great stuff, just wonderful.

  57. I really love your website.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you develop this site yourself? Please reply back as I’m wanting to create my very own website and would like to learn where you got this from or what the theme is called. Many thanks!

  61. Having read this I believed it was extremely enlightening. I appreciate you spending some time and effort to put this information together. I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!

  62. An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact bought me dinner due to the fact that I found it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending time to discuss this topic here on your website.

  63. Right here is the perfect webpage for everyone who wishes to understand this topic. You know a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a subject which has been written about for years. Wonderful stuff, just wonderful.

  66. Hi, I do believe this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I’m going to come back once again since I saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.

  67. Hello, I think your site may be having browser compatibility problems. When I look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in Internet Explorer, it’s got some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to give you a quick heads up! Aside from that, excellent blog!

  69. Hello there! This blog post couldn’t be written much better! Reading through this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching about this. I will send this post to him. Pretty sure he’s going to have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!

  71. Hello there, I do think your site might be having web browser compatibility issues. Whenever I take a look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in I.E., it’s got some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Besides that, excellent blog.

  72. Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thanks, However I am going through troubles with your RSS. I don’t know why I am unable to join it. Is there anybody getting the same RSS problems? Anyone that knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanks!

  77. Good post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It’s always helpful to read content from other writers and use a little something from their websites.

  81. I’m amazed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s both educative and engaging, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is an issue that not enough folks are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy I came across this in my hunt for something regarding this.

  89. I’m impressed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and interesting, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The issue is something too few men and women are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I came across this during my hunt for something concerning this.

  92. An intriguing discussion is worth comment. There’s no doubt that that you ought to publish more about this issue, it may not be a taboo matter but usually people do not speak about these issues. To the next! Kind regards.

  94. This is the right webpage for anyone who would like to find out about this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a topic which has been written about for ages. Wonderful stuff, just great.

  99. Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after going through many of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Regardless, I’m certainly pleased I stumbled upon it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back regularly.

  100. Hi, I do think this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I’m going to come back once again since i have book-marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.

  102. You’re so awesome! I do not suppose I’ve truly read anything like that before. So great to discover someone with a few genuine thoughts on this issue. Seriously.. many thanks for starting this up. This web site is something that is needed on the web, someone with some originality.

  104. Hello there! This post could not be written much better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept talking about this. I will send this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a great read. Many thanks for sharing!

  105. After I originally commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on each time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the exact same comment. Is there an easy method you can remove me from that service? Appreciate it.

  108. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after looking at a few of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m certainly delighted I came across it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back regularly!

  114. You have made some decent points there. I checked on the internet for more info about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this website.

  116. I blog frequently and I truly thank you for your content. This great article has truly peaked my interest. I am going to bookmark your website and keep checking for new details about once a week. I subscribed to your RSS feed too.

  120. Hello there, I think your website could be having internet browser compatibility issues. When I look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in Internet Explorer, it’s got some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Aside from that, great site!

  125. I really love your site.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you develop this amazing site yourself? Please reply back as I’m trying to create my own site and would like to find out where you got this from or just what the theme is called. Cheers!

  128. Everything is very open with a really clear clarification of the challenges. It was definitely informative. Your website is very helpful. Many thanks for sharing.

  130. Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve visited this web site before but after looking at a few of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely pleased I discovered it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back frequently.

  131. An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you need to write more on this subject matter, it may not be a taboo subject but generally people do not speak about these issues. To the next! Best wishes!

  132. Good post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday. It’s always interesting to read through content from other writers and use something from their websites.

  136. I was extremely pleased to uncover this page. I want to to thank you for your time for this fantastic read!! I definitely liked every part of it and i also have you saved as a favorite to look at new information in your web site.

  138. I blog frequently and I seriously appreciate your content. This great article has truly peaked my interest. I am going to book mark your website and keep checking for new details about once per week. I opted in for your RSS feed as well.

  139. Hi, I do think this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may come back yet again since I saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.

  140. You’re so awesome! I do not think I have read through a single thing like that before. So great to find somebody with genuine thoughts on this issue. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This web site is one thing that is needed on the internet, someone with a bit of originality.

  143. I’m more than happy to uncover this web site. I wanted to thank you for ones time for this fantastic read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to look at new things on your website.

  144. Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It will always be interesting to read articles from other authors and use something from their web sites.

  148. Hello there! I just want to offer you a big thumbs up for the excellent information you have got here on this post. I am coming back to your blog for more soon.

  150. After I initially commented I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the exact same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you can remove me from that service? Appreciate it.

  158. I’m amazed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s both equally educative and amusing, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The problem is something which not enough folks are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I found this during my search for something regarding this.

  164. Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thank you so much, However I am experiencing problems with your RSS. I don’t understand the reason why I cannot subscribe to it. Is there anybody else having similar RSS problems? Anybody who knows the solution can you kindly respond? Thanx!!

  168. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through a few of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m certainly happy I discovered it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back regularly.

  169. Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Many thanks, However I am going through difficulties with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why I can’t join it. Is there anybody having identical RSS problems? Anybody who knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanx!

  171. Hello there! I simply would like to offer you a huge thumbs up for the excellent information you’ve got right here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.

  172. An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a co-worker who had been conducting a little homework on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch because I discovered it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to talk about this issue here on your website.

  177. After looking at a number of the articles on your website, I seriously appreciate your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back in the near future. Take a look at my website as well and let me know how you feel.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here