ثُمَّ لَـَٔاتِيَنَّهُم مِّنۢ بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ وَعَنْ أَيْمَـٰنِهِمْ وَعَن شَمَآئِلِهِمْ ۖ وَلَا تَجِدُ أَكْثَرَهُمْ شَـٰكِرِينَ 17
Translations
Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You]."
Transliteration
Thumma la-ātiyannahu min bayni aydīhim wa min khalfihim wa 'an aymānihim wa 'an shamā'ilihim wa lā tajidu akthara-hum shākirīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah is Iblis's declaration to Allah that he will approach humans from all directions—front, behind, right, and left—to lead them astray, except those sincere servants of Allah. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as Satan's promise to attack humanity through all avenues of temptation and deception, utilizing every opportunity and approach. The phrase 'you will not find most of them grateful' emphasizes that due to human susceptibility to these whispers, the majority will not recognize Allah's blessings and will fall into ingratitude and disobedience.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Iblis's expulsion from Allah's mercy (7:12-18). After Iblis refused to prostrate to Adam and was cast out, he requested respite until the Day of Judgment, which Allah granted. Iblis then arrogantly vowed to prove human unworthiness, declaring his multi-directional assault on mankind. This passage establishes the theological reality of Satan's enmity toward humans and provides context for the ongoing spiritual struggle between guidance and misguidance.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'Iblis places his throne upon the water and sends forth his soldiers to tempt people; the greatest of them in rank are those who cause the greatest fitnah (trials).' (Sahih Muslim 2813). Additionally, 'The Shaitan circulates in the son of Adam like blood' (Sahih Bukhari 3282) illustrates Satan's pervasive influence through all aspects of human life.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that while Satan is a real and relentless adversary employing multifaceted strategies to lead us astray, awareness of his tactics and steadfast gratitude to Allah are our strongest defenses. Modern believers should recognize that temptation comes from multiple directions and maintain constant vigilance through remembrance of Allah, sincere repentance, and recognition of His blessings.