Have you ever wondered what the Islamic perspective on the devil is? The devil is known as Shaytaan or Iblees.

Iblees is a Jinn. Jinn are a different species of creation. They are made out of fire-energy (and man is created out of clay).

Because of this Jinn are able to move through solids and even enter and take control of human minds.

How did Iblees end up the condemned and hated creature that he is today?

Before the creation of Adam, Iblees lived in Heaven with the Angels. He was very pious and there was no place on Earth where he had not prostrated to Allah Talah.

Almighty Allah then created Adam and asked Angels and Iblis to prostrate before him. (Showing mankind’s superiority over all other creation, including Jinn.) All the Angels bowed to Adam but Iblees refused, saying that he was made of fire, whilst Adam was only made of clay.

His arrogance and pride angered Allah Ta’alah who banished him from Jannah. But Iblees was not content to leave alone. He was determined to destroy Adam, whom he blamed for his fall.

Iblees asked Allah to extend his life until the day of Qiyamah and then vowed to try and mislead as many of Adam’s progeny as he could. Iblees was determined that was not going to burn in the fire of Hell alone. Iblees then became known as Shaytaan which means devil.

Almighty Allah agreed to Shaytaan’s request, but also told him that He would grant forgiveness to anyone who sincerely asked for it.

Shaytaan is always waiting to mislead mankind and lead him astray and far away from the love and mercy of Allah. As Muslims, we should always be aware of, and on the look-out for Shaytaan’s deception because he is truly the master of deception.

Here are 2 Ahadith (sayings of the Holy Prophet -Peace Be Upon Him) about Shaytaan.

Abu Huraira (R.A) has narrated that The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said, "During your sleep, Satan knots three knots at the back of the head of each of you, and he breathes the following words at each knot, 'The night is, long, so keep on sleeping,' If that person wakes up and celebrates the praises of Allah, then one knot is undone, and when he performs ablution the second knot is undone, and when he prays, all the knots are undone.” Sahih Bukhari

Another hadith narrated Jabir (R.A) in which The Prophet said, "When nightfalls, then keep your children close to you, for the devil spread out then. An hour later you can let them free; and close the gates of your house (at night), and mention Allah's Name thereupon, and cover your utensils, and mention Allah's Name thereupon, (and if you don't have something to cover your utensil) you may put across it something (e.g. a piece of wood etc.)."