قَالَ ٱهْبِطُوا۟ بَعْضُكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ ۖ وَلَكُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مُسْتَقَرٌّ وَمَتَـٰعٌ إِلَىٰ حِينٍ 24
Translations
[Allāh] said, "Descend, being to one another enemies. And for you on the earth is a place of settlement and enjoyment [i.e., provision] for a time."
Transliteration
Qala ahabitu ba'dukum liba'din 'aduwwun wa lakum fil-ardi mustaqarrun wa mata'un ila hinin
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah commanded Adam, Eve, and Iblis to descend from Paradise to the earth, stating that they would be enemies to one another. This ayah establishes that humanity and Satan are mutual adversaries, and that the earth is appointed as a place of settlement and sustenance for mankind until an appointed time (the Day of Judgment). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this marks the beginning of human trial and responsibility on earth, with the promise of provision balanced against the reality of satanic enmity.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Adam's expulsion from Paradise (Surah Al-A'raf: 11-25), following his disobedience and consumption of the forbidden tree. The surah was revealed in Mecca during the early Meccan period and addresses the consequences of transgression while establishing the foundational relationship between humanity, Satan, and earthly life.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Iblis said: By Your Might, O Lord, I will not cease leading Your servants astray as long as their souls are in their bodies.' Allah replied: 'Then by My Might, I will keep filling Hell with you and with those who follow you among them' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Also related: 'Satan circulates in the son of Adam like blood' (Sahih al-Bukhari 3175).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that worldly life is a test and temporary journey where we face spiritual opposition from Satan, yet we are provided with sustenance and means by Allah. Understanding Satan as an enemy helps believers maintain vigilance against harmful influences while relying on God's guidance and mercy throughout their earthly sojourn.
Related Ayahs
وَٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا وَٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ عَنْهَآ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَـٰلِدُونَ
But the ones who deny Our verses and are arrogant toward them - those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.
ٱتَّبِعُوا۟ مَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكُم مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا۟ مِن دُونِهِۦٓ أَوْلِيَآءَ ۗ قَلِيلًا مَّا تَذَكَّرُونَ
Follow, [O mankind], what has been revealed to you from your Lord and do not follow other than Him any allies. Little do you remember.
قَالَ إِنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلْمُنظَرِينَ
[Allāh] said, "Indeed, you are of those reprieved."
يَسْـَٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلسَّاعَةِ أَيَّانَ مُرْسَىٰهَا ۖ قُلْ إِنَّمَا عِلْمُهَا عِندَ رَبِّى ۖ لَا يُجَلِّيهَا لِوَقْتِهَآ إِلَّا هُوَ ۚ ثَقُلَتْ فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ لَا تَأْتِيكُمْ إِلَّا بَغْتَةً ۗ يَسْـَٔلُونَكَ كَأَنَّكَ حَفِىٌّ عَنْهَا ۖ قُلْ إِنَّمَا عِلْمُهَا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
They ask you, [O Muḥammad], about the Hour: when is its arrival? Say, "Its knowledge is only with my Lord. None will reveal its time except Him. It lays heavily upon the heavens and the earth. It will not come upon you except unexpectedly." They ask you as if you are familiar with it. Say, "Its knowledge is only with Allāh, but most of the people do not know."