وَإِذْ زَيَّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ أَعْمَـٰلَهُمْ وَقَالَ لَا غَالِبَ لَكُمُ ٱلْيَوْمَ مِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَإِنِّى جَارٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ فَلَمَّا تَرَآءَتِ ٱلْفِئَتَانِ نَكَصَ عَلَىٰ عَقِبَيْهِ وَقَالَ إِنِّى بَرِىٓءٌ مِّنكُمْ إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰ مَا لَا تَرَوْنَ إِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ ٱللَّهَ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ شَدِيدُ ٱلْعِقَابِ 48
Translations
And [remember] when Satan made their deeds pleasing to them and said, "No one can overcome you today from among the people, and indeed, I am your protector." But when the two armies sighted each other, he turned on his heels and said, "Indeed, I am disassociated from you. Indeed, I see what you do not see; indeed, I fear Allāh. And Allāh is severe in penalty."
Transliteration
Wa idh zayyana lahumu ash-shaytanu a'malahum wa qala la ghaliба lakum al-yawma mina an-nas wa inni jarun lakum fa-lamma tara'at al-fi'atan nakasa 'ala 'aqibayhi wa qala inni bari'un minkum inni ara ma la tarawun inni akhafu Allah wa Allah shadidu al-'iqab
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how Satan embellished the deeds of the Quraysh polytheists before the Battle of Badr, promising them victory and claiming to be their protector. However, when the two armies faced each other and Satan witnessed the angels descending to aid the Muslims, he immediately disowned the disbelievers, revealing his cowardice and fear of Allah's punishment. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note that this demonstrates Satan's true nature: he beautifies sin for humans but abandons them in times of real trial, and his entire promise of support is illusory.
Revelation Context
This ayah is revealed in the context of the Battle of Badr (2 AH), the first major military encounter between the Muslims and the Quraysh. The surah discusses the events surrounding this battle and was revealed in Madinah after the battle occurred, reflecting on how Satan had deceived the polytheists into believing they would achieve victory, only to flee when divine assistance became evident.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim reports that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The Shaitan has despaired of ever being worshipped in your land, but he is pleased to be obeyed in matters you deem insignificant.' This illustrates Satan's strategy of deception mentioned in 8:48. Additionally, Tirmidhi records that the Prophet warned against following Satan's whispers, which relates to how Satan adorned the polytheists' actions.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that Satan's promises of success and protection are hollow deceptions that crumble when faced with genuine trials and divine truth. Believers should recognize that true reliance is only upon Allah, and that Satan will abandon those who follow him at their moment of greatest need.