Satan's Speech on the Day of Judgment!

A person should not only recognize God but also recognize their enemy to successfully walk the path of happiness and perfection, as the Quran states that Satan is the external enemy of humans: "Did we not make a covenant with you that you would not obey Satan, for he is a clear enemy to you?"

“Indeed, Satan is a clear enemy to man.” (Al-Isra: 53)

Satan is an evil and misleading being who enters the heart of man, tempting and misleading him. He is a vile companion who encourages humans to commit evil deeds, making them appear beautiful to prevent successful repentance. Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said: "There is no enemy more vicious than Satan in the war against man." The Quran clearly mentions that Satan should be considered the enemy.

The Importance and Necessity of Enemy Recognition

"Whoever forgets his enemy will not be forgotten by them." (Nahj al-Balagha, Book 26)

The concept of enemy recognition in Islam holds significant importance, and for this reason, the terms 'enemy' and 'enemies' are mentioned repeatedly in the Quran. Numerous verses depict the enemies of Islam and provide strategies for countering their methods of infiltration. These Quranic teachings not only identify our enemies but also teach us how to combat them.

A narration from Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) states: "If someone possesses five characteristics—sincere intention, frequent remembrance of Allah, patience in adversity, contentment with God's will, and desiring for others what they desire for themselves—Satan will never be able to overpower them or lead them astray."

Forget Complaining About Satan!

Humans cannot complain about Satan, as Satan himself declared that he was sent to mislead and condemn them to hell. In his speech on the Day of Judgment, he will say to mankind: "Do not blame me; blame yourselves. I merely invited you, and Allah showed you the way and invited you as well. It was you who chose to follow me."

Ways to Escape Satan

A narration from Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) mentions: "If someone possesses five characteristics—sincere intention, frequent remembrance of Allah, patience in adversity, contentment with God's will, and desiring for others what they desire for themselves—Satan will never be able to overpower them or lead them astray."

Covering Faults with the Garment of Piety

"O children of Adam, we have sent down upon you clothing to cover your nakedness and as adornment. But the clothing of piety is better. That is from the signs of Allah so that they may remember." (7:26)

Just as Satan stripped Adam of his clothing to expose his faults, he seeks to strip us, the children of Adam, of the garment of piety. The garment of piety is the best covering for our spiritual shortcomings, and we should not be content only with the garment that covers our bodies: "The garment of piety is better than any other garment." This refers to garments that cover the body, although attention must also be paid to those. Thus, the body's need for clothing is not as significant as the soul's need for the garment of piety.

Detoxify the Body!

Satan’s work involves administering "poison" into humans. If someone wants to kill another with poison, but simply places it in their pocket, it will have no effect. Or if the poison is ingested but thrown up, it still has no effect. The digestive system must absorb the poison for it to enter the bloodstream and cause harm.

Temptations are similar: the desires, lust, and cravings that, in their lightest form, are seen in youth, and in their heaviest form, manifest as the love of status and power in the elderly, are the result of poison's influence.

If someone enjoys the compliments or titles given to them, it shows that poison has affected them. The noble Amir al-Mu'minin, peace be upon him, in his letter to Malik al-Ashtar, said: "Satan is always scheming. When someone praises you, be careful, for you are now in the frontline of Satan’s fire."