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
لِّيَجْعَلَ مَا يُلْقِى ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ فِتْنَةً لِّلَّذِينَ فِى قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ وَٱلْقَاسِيَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ ۗ وَإِنَّ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ لَفِى شِقَاقٍۭ بَعِيدٍ
[That is] so He may make what Satan throws in [i.e., asserts] a trial for those within whose hearts is disease and those hard of heart. And indeed, the wrongdoers are in extreme dissension.
يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ ۗ وَإِلَى ٱللَّهِ تُرْجَعُ ٱلْأُمُورُ
He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them. And to Allāh will be returned [all] matters.
وَقَوْمُ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَقَوْمُ لُوطٍ
And the people of Abraham and the people of Lot.
وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ مِن رَّسُولٍ وَلَا نَبِىٍّ إِلَّآ إِذَا تَمَنَّىٰٓ أَلْقَى ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ فِىٓ أُمْنِيَّتِهِۦ فَيَنسَخُ ٱللَّهُ مَا يُلْقِى ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ ثُمَّ يُحْكِمُ ٱللَّهُ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ
And We did not send before you any messenger or prophet except that when he spoke [or recited], Satan threw into it [some misunderstanding]. But Allāh abolishes that which Satan throws in; then Allāh makes precise His verses. And Allāh is Knowing and Wise.