02 Sep We can defeat our enemy (shaitan)
Who is our enemy number one? Allah Ta’ala mentioned in the Holy Quran that Shaitan (Satan) is our great enemy. He said,
“Surely, Shaitan (Satan) is an enemy to you, so take (treat) him as an enemy. He only invites his Hizb (followers) that they may become the dwellers of the blazing fire.” (Qur’an, 35:6)
The ways Shaitan deceives the mankind
Shaitan has different ways and means to deceive the mankind. The pious people will get Allah’s protection; and Iblis and his forces will never harm them. Allah Ta’la said,
“Iblis said: ‘Because You have sent me astray, surely, I will lie in wait against them (human beings) on Your straight path. Then, I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, and You will not find most of them as thankful ones (i.e they will not be dutiful to You” (Qur’an, 7:17)
He diverts the people from the right path in the following ways:
a. By creating enmity among themselves: destructive criticisms or errant behaviour followed by physical fighting. Allah (SWT) says, “Shaitan (Satan) wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants (alcoholic drinks) and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah and from As-Salat (the prayer). So, will you not then abstain”? (Qur’an, 5:91)
b. Putting doubts in the hearts of the people: Always we should seek Allah Protection from Shaitan. Allah Said, “Say, “I seek refuge with (Allah) the Lord of mankind, The Kind of mankind, The Ilah (God) of mankind, From the evil of the whisperer (devil who whispers evil in the hearts of men) who withdraws (from his whispering in one’s heart after one remembers Allah). “Who whispers in the breast of mankind. “Of Jinn and men”. (Quran, 114:1-6).
c. Putting fear of poverty in the hearts of some people. Allah Ta’ala is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs. He says, “Shaitan (Satan) threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit Fahsha (evil deeds, illegal sexual intercourse, sins); whereas Allah promises you forgiveness from Himself and bounty, and Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower” (Qur’an, 2:268).
Ways to defeat Shaitan
a. Observing Piety (Taqwa): Allah Ta’ala will make smooth for us the path of ease if we keep our duties to Him, “As for him who gives (in charity) and keeps his duty to Allah and fears Him; and believes in Al-Husna, we will make smooth for him the path of ease (goodness).” (Quran, 92:5-7)
b. Praying Salaah on Time: Salaah prevents us from great sins. Allah Ta’ala said, “Recite (O Muhammad –SAW) what has been revealed to you of the Book (the Qur’an), and perform As-Salat. Verily, As-Salat (the prayer) prevents from Al-Fahsha (i.e. great sins of every kind, unlawful sexual intercourse) and Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism, and every kind of evil wicked deed).” (Qur’an, 29:45).
c. Joining to the masjid activities: participating in masjid activities makes the emaan of the believer stronger. Allah Ta’ala said, “The mosques of Allah shall be maintained only by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day; perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and give Zakat and fear none but Allah. It is they who are on true guidance.” (Qur’an, 9:18)
d. Acquiring True Islamic Knowledge: Knowledgeable people, in Islam, can differentiate between right and wrong; and it is not easy for Shaitan to deceive them. Allah Ta’ala says, “It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah” (Qur’an, (35:28)
e. Reciting the Holy Quran at home: Narrated Abu Hurairah (RA): That the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Do not turn your houses into graves. Indeed, Shaitan does not enter the house in which Surah Al-Baqarah is recited”. (Hadith: Jami At-Tirmidhi).
My advice to everyone: To recite the following Du’as:
· Innovation for anger “I seek refuge in Allah from Satan the outcast”. (Al-Bukhari)
· The expiation of Assembly “Glory is to You, O Allah, and praise is to You. I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but You. I seek Your forgiveness and repent to You”. (Abu Dawud)
· Repentance and seeking forgiveness “I seek the forgiveness of Allah the Mighty, Whom there is none worthy of worship except Him, the Living, the Eternal, and I repent to Him.” (Abu Dawud)
May Allah (SWT) guide us to the right path and make us successful in this life and life hereafter
Shaykh Mohamed Abdulle
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The Prophet (Pbuh) has taught us the best of deeds are those that done consistently, even if they are small.