The Whisper of Iblis and the Strength of Routine: Reflections on Surah Al-A‘raf

In a recent Tafsir session, Ustadh Farhan explored one of the most profound and unsettling conversations in the Qur’an: the dialogue between Allah and Iblis following the creation of Adam عليه السلام. Focusing on Surah Al-A‘raf verses 16–17, the lesson unpacked the methods through which Iblis seeks to mislead humanity and how believers can protect themselves from spiritual decline through faith, responsibility, and routine worship.  

At the heart of the discussion was the declaration of Iblis:

“Then I will come to them from in front of them, from behind them, from their right, and from their left…”

Ustadh Farhan described this passage as one of the most disturbing moments in the story of Adam and Iblis because it reveals the devil’s mission openly and unapologetically. Iblis does not hide his intention. He explicitly vows to mislead Adam and his progeny and to prevent them from following the straight path.  

The session explored why Iblis requested respite until the Day of Judgment. According to the discussion, his desire to live until the final hour was driven by a single objective: to complete his plan of leading humanity astray. Yet despite his arrogance and rebellion, Iblis ultimately seeks to prove something—that humanity is unworthy of the honour Allah granted Adam عليه السلام.  

Understanding the Four Directions of Temptation

Drawing from the explanations of Abdullah ibn Abbas رضي الله عنهما and other classical mufassirun, Ustadh Farhan explained that each “direction” mentioned in the verse represents a different form of temptation and spiritual corruption.  

According to Ibn Abbas:

• Coming “from in front” refers to causing doubt in the Hereafter.

• Coming “from behind” refers to encouraging obsession with worldly pursuits.

• Coming “from the right” refers to confusion in matters of religion and faith.

• Coming “from the left” refers to making sins appear attractive and desirable.

The lecture emphasised how remarkably relevant these interpretations remain today. Modern society is saturated with distractions that pull people away from remembrance of the Hereafter. Endless entertainment, consumerism, fame culture, and social validation all feed the illusion that worldly success is the ultimate goal.

Ustadh Farhan reflected deeply on how even good deeds are increasingly stripped of sincerity. Acts of kindness are often transformed into opportunities for attention, branding, profit, or validation. He remarked that genuine altruism feels increasingly rare in a culture where almost every action is monetised or publicised.  

The lesson was not merely theoretical; it was a mirror held up to contemporary life.

The Greatest Lie of the Devil

Another powerful moment in the session came when discussing the interpretation of Mujahid and Qatadah regarding Iblis’s strategy. Ustadh Farhan highlighted how one of the devil’s greatest victories is convincing people to doubt the unseen altogether: no resurrection, no paradise, no hellfire, no accountability.  

This idea echoes the famous expression often attributed in Western culture: “The greatest trick the devil ever played was convincing people he didn’t exist.”

When belief in the Hereafter weakens, morality itself begins to unravel. Actions are no longer measured by eternal consequence but by immediate gratification and personal gain. This is precisely the environment in which temptation flourishes most effectively.

Yet despite all of this, the session repeatedly returned to one essential truth: the whispers of Iblis can never overpower the mercy of Allah.

Ustadh Farhan reminded students that no matter how persistent the temptations of Shaytan may be, they can never stand between a believer and the mercy of Allah. Allah’s mercy is wider, greater, and more far-reaching than the plotting of the devil.  

Gratitude and the Meaning of Kufr

The discussion then shifted toward gratitude and the Arabic concept of kufrān al-ni‘mah—ingratitude toward blessings. Ustadh Farhan explored the linguistic roots of the word kafara, explaining that it fundamentally means “to conceal” or “to reject.”  

A farmer in Arabic can linguistically be referred to as a kafir because he hides the seed beneath the soil. Similarly, a disbeliever is described as someone who conceals or rejects truth after recognising it.

This linguistic reflection opened a profound spiritual discussion: ingratitude is not simply forgetting to say “thank you.” True ingratitude is the rejection of Allah’s blessings—especially the blessing of guidance itself.  

The lesson challenged listeners to reflect on how easily people complain despite living surrounded by blessings. Gratitude is not merely a feeling; it is recognition, humility, and obedience.

Iblis Has No Power Over You

One of the most empowering themes of the session came through the discussion of Surah As-Saba verses 20–21. These verses clarify that although many people follow the whispers of Iblis, he possesses no actual authority to force anyone into sin.  

Ustadh Farhan compared Iblis to the mythical “sirens” of Greek mythology—creatures who merely call out to sailors but cannot physically pull them toward destruction. In the same way, shaytan only invites. He whispers. He decorates falsehood. But the decision remains with the individual.  

This led to a deeply important reminder about accountability. Humans often blame external forces for their failures—society, culture, politics, shaytan, or other people. Yet the Qur’an repeatedly calls people back to personal responsibility.

On the Day of Judgment, Iblis himself will declare:

“Do not blame me; blame yourselves.”

Ustadh Farhan stressed that while shaytan deserves blame for whispering evil, individuals must still take responsibility for responding to those whispers.  

This balance between recognising spiritual threats and accepting personal accountability is essential for genuine spiritual growth.

The Power of Daily Routine

The lecture concluded with a surprisingly practical but deeply spiritual discussion about routine. Ustadh Farhan reflected on how modern life constantly disrupts consistency through overwork, excessive travel, exhaustion, and lack of structure.  

He argued that one of the greatest protections against temptation is not dramatic spiritual experiences, but simple consistency in worship.

Routine prayers. Morning adhkar. Stable sleep. Consistent worship.

These ordinary acts create spiritual resilience.

Ustadh Farhan observed that some of the greatest scholars he had known were distinguished not by extraordinary public displays, but by unwavering consistency. They never missed prayer in congregation. They built their lives around worship rather than fitting worship around their lifestyles.  

In a culture that often glorifies spontaneity and constant movement, the session offered a refreshing reminder: routine is not imprisonment—it is stability. Breaking routines may feel like freedom, but often leads to spiritual chaos, fatigue, and disconnection.  

The believer thrives through disciplined rhythms of worship, remembrance, and rest.

A Final Reflection

This Tafsir session offered far more than a commentary on verses. It was a profound reflection on the spiritual condition of modern humanity. The Qur’anic description of Iblis’s strategy remains strikingly relevant: doubt the Hereafter, glorify worldly life, distort faith, and beautify sin.

Yet alongside this warning came hope.

Iblis has no power over those who sincerely turn to Allah. The believer is never abandoned to temptation. Allah’s mercy remains greater than every whisper, every doubt, and every sin.

And perhaps one of the greatest protections Allah has given believers is the simplest of all: a life built upon sincere, consistent worship.