وَٱسْتَفْزِزْ مَنِ ٱسْتَطَعْتَ مِنْهُم بِصَوْتِكَ وَأَجْلِبْ عَلَيْهِم بِخَيْلِكَ وَرَجِلِكَ وَشَارِكْهُمْ فِى ٱلْأَمْوَٰلِ وَٱلْأَوْلَـٰدِ وَعِدْهُمْ ۚ وَمَا يَعِدُهُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ إِلَّا غُرُورًا 64
Translations
And incite [to senselessness] whoever you can among them with your voice and assault them with your horses and foot soldiers and become a partner in their wealth and their children and promise them." But Satan does not promise them except delusion.
Transliteration
Wastafziz mani istataAAta minuhum biswatika wa ajlib AAalayhim bikhaylika wa rajilika wa sharik-hum fi al-amwali wa al-awladi wa AAiduhum wa ma yAAiduhumu ash-shaytanu illa ghururan
Tafsir (Explanation)
In this ayah, Allah reports Satan's boastful declaration to Allah about his methods of leading humans astray—through seduction, intimidation (with his 'cavalry and infantry'), incitement to covet wealth and children, and making false promises. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note that Satan's 'voice' refers to all forms of evil suggestion and temptation, while his 'cavalry and horse' metaphorically represent the various forces and strategies he employs. The ayah emphasizes that all Satan's promises are mere deception and falsehood, and his only true power lies in suggestion, not compulsion, as humans retain their free will to resist.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Isra's discussion of Satan's nature and his enmity toward humanity. It follows the story of Satan's refusal to prostrate to Adam and his request for respite until the Day of Judgment. The ayah reflects the Meccan period's emphasis on spiritual struggle and the reality of Satan's schemes against believers, serving to warn the Muslim community of the subtlety and persistence of evil temptation.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Satan runs through the son of Adam like blood runs through his veins' (Sahih Bukhari 3174). Additionally, the Qur'an states: 'Indeed, he has no authority over those who have believed and rely upon their Lord' (16:99), emphasizing that Satan's power is limited to suggestion only.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to be vigilant against Satan's multifaceted strategies of temptation—whether through sensory appeal, intimidation, or the lure of worldly desires—while reminding us that his promises are ultimately hollow. Understanding Satan's methods empowers Muslims to strengthen their faith, seek refuge in Allah, and make conscious choices that align with Divine guidance rather than succumbing to deception.