Tafsir & Commentary
The Letter "Saad" (ص) · Meccan
قَالَ فَبِعِزَّتِكَ لَأُغْوِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ82
38:82
Translation — Sahih International
[Iblees] said, "By Your might, I will surely mislead them all.
Transliteration
Qala fa-bi-izzatika la-ughawiyannahum ajmain
Tafsir (Explanation)
Iblis (Satan) swears by Allah's might and honor that he will lead all of mankind astray, except the sincere servants of Allah. This statement represents Satan's defiant boast and challenge to Allah's authority, demonstrating his arrogance and malice toward humanity. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note that despite Satan's oath, Allah's will ultimately prevails—those who sincerely seek guidance and worship Allah remain protected from complete misguidance, as referenced in verse 38:83.
Revelation Context (Asbab al-Nuzul)
This ayah is part of the dialogue between Allah and Iblis (Satan) in Surah Sad, which describes the events surrounding Satan's expulsion from Allah's mercy. The context follows Iblis's request for respite until the Day of Judgment (38:80-81), and his subsequent oath reflects his rebellion and determination to prove his superiority through humanity's corruption. This thematic section illustrates the spiritual struggle between guidance and misguidance that defines human existence.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The Devil circulates in the human being like blood circulates in the body' (Sahih Muslim 2174). Additionally, the Quran itself responds to Satan's boast: 'Except among Your servants those of them who are sincere' (38:83), which is reinforced by various hadiths about the protection Allah grants to the righteous.
Themes
Key Lessons
While Satan continuously plots against mankind and exploits human weaknesses, sincere devotion to Allah and righteous conduct serve as impenetrable shields against his deception. Believers should recognize their vulnerability to temptation while trusting in Allah's protection for those who genuinely seek His guidance and worship.