كُتِبَ عَلَيْهِ أَنَّهُۥ مَن تَوَلَّاهُ فَأَنَّهُۥ يُضِلُّهُۥ وَيَهْدِيهِ إِلَىٰ عَذَابِ ٱلسَّعِيرِ 4
Translations
It has been decreed for him [i.e., every devil] that whoever turns to him - he will misguide him and will lead him to the punishment of the Blaze.
Transliteration
Kutiba alayhi annahu man tawallahu fa-annahu yudilluhu wa-yahdih ilá adhabi as-saír
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to Satan (Iblis), stating that it is decreed upon him that whoever takes him as a protector and ally, he will lead them astray and guide them toward the punishment of the Hellfire. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain this as Allah's declaration of Satan's role and fate—he is bound by divine decree to mislead those who willingly follow him, demonstrating the consequences of rejecting divine guidance. The ayah emphasizes personal choice and responsibility: those who ally with Satan do so knowingly, and they will face the inevitable result of their choice.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Hajj, a Medinan surah addressing believers about pilgrimage and faith. The broader context (verses 1-5) discusses the Day of Judgment and the contrast between believers and disbelievers. This particular ayah specifically addresses Satan's role and his influence over those who reject faith, fitting within the surah's theme of warning against misguidance.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Satan despairs of being worshipped in your land, but he will be obeyed in matters you deem insignificant' (Sunan At-Tirmidhi). Also relevant: 'When Allah intends good for a person, He grants him understanding of the religion' (Sahih Bukhari), which contrasts with Satan's misguidence.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that Satan's power over us is contingent upon our willing submission to him; by consciously choosing to follow Allah's guidance and reject temptation, we protect ourselves from this deception. It serves as a powerful warning that our choices have eternal consequences, and we must be vigilant in our commitment to faith and obedience to Allah.
Related Ayahs
ذَٰلِكَ وَمَن يُعَظِّمْ حُرُمَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّهُۥ عِندَ رَبِّهِۦ ۗ وَأُحِلَّتْ لَكُمُ ٱلْأَنْعَـٰمُ إِلَّا مَا يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْكُمْ ۖ فَٱجْتَنِبُوا۟ ٱلرِّجْسَ مِنَ ٱلْأَوْثَـٰنِ وَٱجْتَنِبُوا۟ قَوْلَ ٱلزُّورِ
That [has been commanded], and whoever honors the sacred ordinances of Allāh - it is best for him in the sight of his Lord. And permitted to you are the grazing livestock, except what is recited to you. So avoid the uncleanliness of idols and avoid false statement,
أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَسْجُدُ لَهُۥ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَن فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱلشَّمْسُ وَٱلْقَمَرُ وَٱلنُّجُومُ وَٱلْجِبَالُ وَٱلشَّجَرُ وَٱلدَّوَآبُّ وَكَثِيرٌ مِّنَ ٱلنَّاسِ ۖ وَكَثِيرٌ حَقَّ عَلَيْهِ ٱلْعَذَابُ ۗ وَمَن يُهِنِ ٱللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُۥ مِن مُّكْرِمٍ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَفْعَلُ مَا يَشَآءُ ۩
Do you not see [i.e., know] that to Allāh prostrates whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth and the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the trees, the moving creatures and many of the people? But upon many the punishment has been justified. And he whom Allāh humiliates - for him there is no bestower of honor. Indeed, Allāh does what He wills.
فَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةٌ وَرِزْقٌ كَرِيمٌ
And those who have believed and done righteous deeds - for them is forgiveness and noble provision.
۞ هَـٰذَانِ خَصْمَانِ ٱخْتَصَمُوا۟ فِى رَبِّهِمْ ۖ فَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ قُطِّعَتْ لَهُمْ ثِيَابٌ مِّن نَّارٍ يُصَبُّ مِن فَوْقِ رُءُوسِهِمُ ٱلْحَمِيمُ
These are two adversaries who have disputed over their Lord. But those who disbelieved will have cut out for them garments of fire. Poured upon their heads will be scalding water