۞ أَلَمْ أَعْهَدْ إِلَيْكُمْ يَـٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ أَن لَّا تَعْبُدُوا۟ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنَ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ 60
Translations
Did I not enjoin upon you, O children of Adam, that you not worship Satan - [for] indeed, he is to you a clear enemy -
Transliteration
Alam a'had ilaykum ya bani Adam an la ta'budu ash-shaytan, innahu lakum aduwwun mubin
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah reminds the children of Adam of His covenant with them not to worship Satan, emphasizing that Satan is their clear and manifest enemy. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain this as a reference to the primordial covenant (al-'ahd al-qadim) made with humanity on the Day of Alast (Yawm al-Alast), where Allah asked all souls 'Am I not your Lord?' (7:172), and warns against following Satan's whispers and temptations. The phrase 'aduwwun mubin' (manifest enemy) underscores Satan's open enmity toward mankind, which should compel believers to reject his influence entirely.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Ya-Sin, a Meccan surah, during a passage describing the Day of Judgment when Satan himself will testify to his enmity toward humanity (36:60-64). The broader context emphasizes the reality of Satan's deception and his role in leading people astray, serving as a warning to the Meccan audience about the dangers of following desires and false gods rather than Allah's guidance.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Verily, Satan sits on the path of the son of Adam and whispers to him' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, 'The strongest of you in faith is he who has the best character' relates to resisting Satan's influence through righteousness (Tirmidhi).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that Satan is an open enemy whose sole purpose is to lead humanity away from righteousness, and that we must consciously reject his whispers through remembrance of Allah, obedience to His commands, and awareness of his deceptive nature. It emphasizes personal responsibility in choosing between guidance and misguidance.