The Shaytan is man’s greatest enemy. His name comes from the Arabic root of شطن which means ‘to become distant’. In essence, it indicates rebellion from Allah’s command.

He is a jinn made of smokeless fire and was thrown out of Paradise after refusing to bow down to Adam (as).

This was a command from Allah and the prostration was one of respect, but he refused out of arrogance.

Abu Sa’ud (ra) actually mentions 3 reasons as to his banishment:

i) Arrogance
ii) Disobeying a command of Allah
iii) Abandoning the congregation (as he didn’t follow the angels)

Since then, he has been misleading mankind. Allah says:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَتَّبِعُوا خُطُوَاتِ الشَّيْطَانِ

O you who have believed, do not follow the footsteps of Satan (24:21)

It’s worth noting Allah uses the word ‘footsteps’. The scholars say that Shaytan does not immediately call to committing major sins. Instead, he will start with smaller ‘steps’ and incite the believer to commit small sins, slowly working up to the major ones.

However, his effect is weak. He can only whisper to do evil deeds, but can’t force you to do anything. Therefore, one shouldn’t get too obsessed with his whisperings.

Four things one can do to counter the Shaytan’s attempts:

1) Take him as an enemy. Armour yourself with good – prayers, dhikr and virtuous deeds. It is said that the Shaytan cries when one prostrates during prayer (Sahih Muslim).

2) Seek refuge with Allah. Recite the isti’aadha or ‘A’udhu billah’ regularly (أعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم)

3) Do a self-audit of sins you may regularly commit. Strive to reduce them as you would do with any bad habits.

4) Finally, seek Allah’s help and repent to him. The greatest thing the Shaytan will try to do is make you despair of Allah’s mercy. But with sincere repentance, Allah’s mercy has no limits for his slaves.