Tools of the Devil

The Devil (Satan, Shaytan or Iblis) is man’s most ardent enemy on earth. The Quran mentions this fact many times (2:168, 208; 6:142; 7:22; 12:5; 17:53; 20:117; 28:15; 35:6; 36:60; 43:62). Humans must do all possible to avoid the Devil and his companions. The Devil uses many tools to try and divert humans from the true worship of One God. Belief in One God alone is not enough because the Devil also believes in God (8:48) and he fears God (59:16). The Devil uses tools to try and win supporters on his side. As a result of their own choice, all of the Devil’s supporters will end up in Hell along with the Devil and his companions. Below is a summary of the tools mentioned in the Quran that the Devil uses to encourage humans to stray from God’s path:

• Idol worship (2:14; 4:60, 117; 5:90; 6:71)
• Witchcraft (2:102)
• Usury (2:275)
• Fear of anything or anyone except God (3:175)
• Giving to charity to show off (4:38)
• Tyranny (4:76)
• Rumors/lies (4:83)
• To forbid foods that are not forbidden by God (4:119)
• Intoxicants (5:90, 91)
• Gambling/games of chance (5:90, 91)
• Mocking God’s revelations (6:68)
• Following religious laws other than those decreed by God (6:112; 22:52)
• Eating food which God’s name has not been mentioned upon (6:121)
• Plotting/scheming/conspiring (12:5; 58:10)
• Seeking other than God’s help (form of idol worship) (12:42)
• Driving hatred between people (12:100; 17:53)
• Breaking promises (14:22)
• Extravagance (17:27)
• Arguing about God without knowledge (22:3)
• Following our parents blindly about religion (31:21)

May God forgive us all and help us to stay away from the tools of the Devil. All praise is to God alone.

Michael S