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a privilege to perform. I remember one brother talking about his mother falling asleep in prostration during the night prayer because there were so many extra rakats. It can become too difficult so that some people will drop out—exactly what Satan wants. The same is true for ablution (5:6). God gave us four simple steps as a ritual to perform before we pray, I think to get us in a good frame of mind for prayer. But tradition demands a lengthy process that many people cannot do, so they may simply quit doing Salat altogether. God doesn’t want worship to be difficult.
Satan has perpetrated a general idea, across many religions, that hell is only for a few days (3:24), or it’s only for the really really bad people. He also makes it seem as if sinners are having more fun. There’s an idea that hell will be full of fun-loving criminals having a grand old time. And he makes people feel that God’s prohibitions are only to deprive us of fun or profitable things. God tells us to avoid usury (2:275). Yes, it might bring wealth but at the expense of others and to the detriment of our soul.
Satan tells us that rumors and innuendo are just harmless fun, but God lets us know it’s from the devil (4:83). It might seem amusing to make fun of someone, and as long as they don’t hear, what’s the harm? God tells us that it can damage our soul. (49:6, 24:11). In 49:11 God calls it evil and wickedness.
Satan convinces most people that casually taking God’s name in conversation or laughing at a good joke that mocks God is innocuous. But it can lead you astray or cause someone listening to be turned off. This is what Satan is hoping for. [6:68] If you see those who mock our revelations, you shall avoid them until they delve into another subject. If the devil causes you to forget, then, as soon as you remember, do not sit with such evil people.
Satan works hard convincing people that alcohol and gambling are harmless pastimes. Everyone drinks. It makes you feel good. Gambling is fun. All the glitz and glitter of a casino, the lure of a lottery card. The devil blinds people to the problems these vices cause. [5:90] O you who believe, intoxicants, and gambling, and the altars of idols, and the games of chance are abominations of the devil; you shall avoid them, that you may succeed. [5:91] The devil wants to provoke animosity and hatred among you through intoxicants and gambling, and to distract you from remembering GOD, and from observing the Contact Prayers (Salat). Will you then refrain?
Satan is always whispering to us. He has a connection to us through our jinn companion, a direct line. Satan works hard to keep us from doing those things that will grow our soul, like doing our prayers or reading the Quran. We are told to seek refuge in God from Satan the rejected (16:98, 23:97-98). [7:200] When the devil whispers to you any whisper, seek refuge in GOD; He is Hearer, Omniscient.
We can all be caught by these whispers, they are insidious. Even the prophets were not immune. Abraham believed the dream (37:102); Joseph forgot to implore God alone (12:42); Moses was enticed to commit manslaughter (28:15); and the Queen of Sheba and her people were seduced into worshiping the sun (27:24).
Whispers come in all shapes and sizes, with all kinds of sweet enticements. But if we are steadfast and implore God: [7:201] Those who are righteous, whenever the devil approaches them with an idea, they remember, whereupon they become seers.
In the end, of course, our only salvation is God. Our only protection from all of these tricks of Satan. We know that Satan is false and everything he promises is a lie.
[14:22] And the devil will say, after the judgment had been issued, “GOD has promised you the truthful promise, and I promised you, but I broke my promise. I had no power over you; I simply invited you, and you accepted my invitation.
Therefore, do not blame me, and blame only yourselves. My complaining cannot help you, nor can your complaining help me. I have disbelieved in your idolizing me. The transgressors have incurred a painful retribution.”
[2:268] The devil promises you poverty and commands you to commit evil, while GOD promises you forgiveness from Him and grace. GOD is Bounteous, Omniscient.
[35:6] The devil is your enemy, so treat him as an enemy. He only invites his party to be the dwellers of Hell.
We certainly don’t want to be in hell. No matter how Satan tries to spin it, hell is awful. [21:39] If only those who disbelieve could envision themselves when they try to ward off the fire; off their faces and their backs! No one will help them then.
Of all these many tricks of Satan—intercession, idolatry, prohibitions, good times—surely the quote at the beginning of this article encompasses them all. He has convinced the world that he doesn’t exist. Therefore, he poses no threat; there’s no reason to be concerned or take him seriously. So his whispers slip into our unconscious and without realizing it, we’re seduced. [58:19] The devil has possessed them, and has caused them to disregard GOD’s message. These are the party of the devil. Absolutely, the party of the devil are the losers.
But we know we can fight that, by recognizing Satan for what he is—our most ardent enemy.
[36:60] Did I not covenant with you, O Children of Adam, that you shall not worship the devil? That he is your most ardent enemy?
[43:62] Let not the devil repel you; he is your most ardent enemy.
We must seek refuge in God. That’s our protection, our salvation.
[41:36] When the devil whispers an idea to you, you shall seek refuge in GOD. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient.
Lydia