لَّعَنَهُ ٱللَّهُ ۘ وَقَالَ لَأَتَّخِذَنَّ مِنْ عِبَادِكَ نَصِيبًا مَّفْرُوضًا 118
Translations
Whom Allāh has cursed. For he had said, "I will surely take from among Your servants a specific portion.
Transliteration
La'anahu Allah. Wa qala la-attakhidhanna min 'ibadika nasiban mafrudan.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah records Allah's curse upon Iblis (Satan) and Satan's defiant declaration that he will take a fixed portion of Allah's servants to lead them astray. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as Satan's arrogant vow to mislead humanity, establishing a relationship of enmity between Satan and mankind. The phrase 'nasiban mafrudan' (a fixed portion) indicates Satan's determination to corrupt a significant number of people, though Allah's knowledge encompasses all outcomes and His guidance remains available to the sincere.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the broader Medinan context of Surah An-Nisa, which addresses social and spiritual matters of the Muslim community. It comes within a passage (4:117-121) discussing those who associate partners with Allah and Satan's influence over them, providing theological explanation for human susceptibility to evil and the reality of Satan's enmity toward humanity.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Satan circulates in the human body like blood' (Sahih Muslim 2174). Additionally, the Quran states elsewhere: 'Indeed, Satan is an enemy to you, so take him as an enemy' (35:6), which reinforces the adversarial relationship described in 4:118.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that while Satan actively works to lead them astray, his power is limited—he cannot compel anyone to sin, only invite and suggest. Understanding Satan's declared enmity should inspire Muslims to seek refuge in Allah, strengthen their faith, and remain vigilant against temptation.