يَعِدُهُمْ وَيُمَنِّيهِمْ ۖ وَمَا يَعِدُهُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ إِلَّا غُرُورًا 120
Translations
He [i.e., Satan] promises them and arouses desire in them. But Satan does not promise them except delusion.
Transliteration
Ya'iduhum wa yumanni hum wa ma ya'iduhumu ash-shaytan illa ghruran
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how Satan makes promises and inducements to people, yet all his promises are nothing but deception and delusion. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that Satan's whispers may seem attractive and feasible in the moment, but they inevitably lead to destruction and regret. The ayah warns believers to recognize the illusory nature of Satan's temptations, which contradict the true promises of Allah that are always fulfilled with wisdom and benefit.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah An-Nisa's discussion of those who reject faith and the deceptions they fall prey to. It follows verses addressing hypocrites and those who have turned away from Allah's guidance, illustrating how Satan exploits human desires and weaknesses to lead them astray. The broader Medinan context addresses societal challenges where false promises and worldly temptations competed with divine guidance.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The greatest deception is that Satan makes sin appear beautiful to you.' (Referenced in various hadith collections) Additionally, in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet warned: 'Satan despairs of ever being worshipped in your lands, but he is pleased with anything short of that which will lead to disobedience.'
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers must remain vigilant and discerning, recognizing that attractive worldly promises lacking divine foundation are inherently deceptive and temporary. True security and fulfillment come only through trusting Allah's promises and resisting Satan's seductive whispers, no matter how appealing they may initially appear.