وَلَقَدْ صَدَّقَ عَلَيْهِمْ إِبْلِيسُ ظَنَّهُۥ فَٱتَّبَعُوهُ إِلَّا فَرِيقًا مِّنَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ 20
Translations
And Iblees had already confirmed through them his assumption, so they followed him, except for a party of believers.
Transliteration
Wa-laqad saddaqa 'alayhim Iblis zannahu fa-ttaba'uh illa fariqan min al-mu'minin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah states that Iblis (Satan) confirmed his assumption/suspicion about humanity by leading them astray, and they followed him except for a group of believers. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that Iblis's 'zann' (assumption) refers to his belief that most humans would disobey Allah and follow him, which was subsequently proven true by the actions of those who rejected guidance. The exception of the believers demonstrates Allah's mercy in preserving a group steadfast in faith despite Satan's relentless efforts.
Revelation Context
Surah Saba is a Meccan chapter addressing the disbelievers of Mecca. This ayah contextualizes the broader struggle between guidance and misguidance, emphasizing how Satan's claims about human weakness are validated in those who reject the message, while the believers remain protected by their adherence to faith.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Iblis places his throne on water and sends out his troops; the closest to him in rank are those who cause the most fitnah (discord)' (Sahih Muslim 2813). Also relevant is the hadith about the covenant taken from the children of Adam regarding tawhid (Islamic Monotheism) (Surah 7:172), illustrating humanity's innate capacity to resist Satan's deception.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers must recognize that Satan's influence is real and his temptations effective on those who are heedless, yet faith in Allah and adherence to His guidance provides genuine protection. The existence of steadfast believers in every generation proves that Satan's dominion is limited and that resistance to evil is always possible through sincere faith.