قَالَ رَبِّ بِمَآ أَغْوَيْتَنِى لَأُزَيِّنَنَّ لَهُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَأُغْوِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ 39
Translations
[Iblees] said, "My Lord, because You have put me in error, I will surely make [disobedience] attractive to them [i.e., mankind] on earth, and I will mislead them all
Transliteration
Qala Rabbi bima aghwaitani lauzayyinanna lahum fil-ardi wa-laaghwiyannahum ajmain
Tafsir (Explanation)
Iblis responds to Allah's decree of his respite until the Day of Judgment by vowing to lead humanity astray through beautifying worldly temptations and embellishment of evil deeds. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that Iblis's statement reflects his arrogance and his determination to prove humanity unworthy of Allah's favor, while the phrase 'bima aghwaitani' (because You have led me astray) represents Iblis's rejection of personal accountability, blaming Allah rather than accepting his own choice to disobey.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within Surah Al-Hijr's narrative account of Iblis's expulsion from mercy after his refusal to prostrate to Adam. The broader context establishes the eternal conflict between Iblis and humanity, serving as an explanation for the spiritual struggle believers face in resisting temptation and worldly distractions throughout their lives.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The Shaitan flows through the son of Adam like blood' (Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim), illustrating how pervasive Iblis's influence is. Additionally, the Quran in Surah An-Nisa (4:117) warns that Iblis calls his followers to become companions of the Blazing Fire, reinforcing the severe consequences of following his whispers.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that while external temptations and worldly embellishments will persistently challenge our faith, we retain ultimate responsibility for our choices, as Iblis cannot compel us to sin—only whisper and suggest. Recognizing this balance empowers Muslims to actively seek Allah's guidance and protection through remembrance, righteous deeds, and conscious resistance to spiritual deception.