The Entrances of Shaitan into the Human Heart – Part 2

By

Rana Rais Khan – Editor-in-Chief – Hiba Magazine

Ibrahim at Tawejri, a scholar of Madinah, has guided us how our human heart works. The thoughts and ideas that we own are really not ours. They are instilled into our heart and influence our intellect and choices in life. 

Allah (swt) has granted access to angels and the devils to our heart. One guides us and the other misguides us. We decide as per our free will which way to go. This might come as a surprise to us but its very much predetermined and a significant part of Allah’s (swt) creation plan. 

Tawejri’s noteworthy research and compilation is firmly anchored in the Quran and Sunnah with clear evidences.

The scholar explains that Allah (swt) questions the believers in the Quran: “Did I not enjoin upon you, O children of Adam, that you not worship Satan – [for] indeed, he is to you a clear enemy – and that you worship [only] Me? This is a straight path. And he had already led astray from among you much of creation, so did you not use reason?” (Yasin 36:60-62)

Allah (swt) has meticulously and continuously arranged the source of guidance for human hearts. Armies of angels and devils battle each other until the human heart opens up to one of them who stands victorious. 

This depends on what the human opts for – guidance or misguidance. When one army enters and overpowers the human heart, the other is reduced to just a passing visitor with hardly any influence. 

This is an unseen realty that we are informed about through the Prophet’s (sa) various Ahadeeth too. 

The influence depends upon the state of the human heart

Our human heart is in either of the following states:

Taqwa – This is a state of vigilance about our own heart. It enables us to track our thoughts, desires and actions very closely in light of the Quran and Sunnah.

Ghaflah – This is a state of heedlessness of our heart. When we think about something, we believe that these are our own thoughts and ideas, however they are simply good or bad influences by angels or devils.

How can the Shaitan’s influence be eliminated?

1. Ingratitude

The antidote to this disease is to mindfully practice gratitude. Be grateful to Allah (swt) firstly for His bounties you never asked for such as life, health, protection, the presence of angelic inspirations to do good, inside your heart, etc.

Be thankful for what did not happen and come your way as per Allah’s (swt) divine care and wisdom, though you longed for it. On tough days, count from morning till night, what went right and feel blessed. Write a journal with happy thoughts countering the sad ones. Share your bounties with the less privileged as it humbles you and releases a burst of happiness. Believe that every loss and pain is compensated by Allah (swt) with a much better outcome, if you stay patient and convinced.

2. Desires 

Patience removes every disturbing and destructive desire. It is like forcing yourself to obey Allah (swt) instead of bowing before Shaitan. Whether its worship, or obeying Allah (swt) or staying away from His disobedience, every act requires humans to be patient. 

This endears you to Allah (swt) as only He Ash Shakoor, The Most Grateful, knows the value of your efforts and sacrifices made for Him. Soon Allah (swt) eases your way to obedience, draws you closer and you begin to taste the sweetness of Iman (faith) longing to please Allah (swt) more. Evil desires become hateful and unacceptable to you.  

3. Whispers

When Shaitan plants negative thoughts about someone or some incident, verify it as per the Quranic law. Hold yourself responsible to never form an opinion or pass a judgement against someone without clear evidence. Ask yourself what good would a negative thought about someone do to you? Will it add any value? Better to forsake it immediately.

Remember that Shaitan likes you to brew evil thoughts, like a pot simmering at the back burner. He keeps luring you to think negatively so you can ultimately behave negatively. Start counter thinking about that person and situation. Eliminate bad ideas with good ones as they keep occurring. 

What evil suggestions Shaitan pours into the heart? 

The aim is to recognize them and catch yourself before you become his bait. 

1. Show prejudice

Fanaticism is a door through which Shaitan enters. The Quran quotes Shaitan’s prejudice against Adam (as): “I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay.” (Saad 38:76)

Are you prejudiced? Ask yourself. 

2. Find faults

This habit resembles that of wild beasts. Just as they tear apart another animal, picking on others and gossiping about them is likewise. Slandering is very common and none of us is absolved of it.

Do you enjoy picking faults in others? Assess yourself.

3. Assume negatively

Some people can only see darkness and believe in it too. They concoct negative narratives about others and simple situations. Conversely it effects their relationships, the capacity to be happy, corrupts their heart and refuses to accept Allah’s (swt) divine decree, blaming others. 

Do you see the worst in every situation? Pause and think.

4. Waste 

Some people waste their intellect by indulging in pursuing corrupt ideas. Others waste their wealth, resources and power in futile competitions. Time is wasted in seeking non-beneficial past times. The entire life becomes a waste bin that contains no Khair (goodness).

Do you hold yourself accountable for Allah’s (swt) bounties? 

The most pertinent question is to ask yourself – Who influences your heart more? Who are you allowing space into your heart – the angels or the devils? Who is controlling your thoughts and leading you to behave or misbehave?  

Allah (swt) warns in the Quran: “And Iblees had already confirmed through them his assumption, so they followed him, except for a party of believers.” (Saba 34:20)

After gaining divine knowledge, one must block all entrances of Shiatan into the human heart. Read up more on the subject in our next blog of the series.   

Adapted from a course taught by Sister Safiya Khan “Fiqh ul Quloob.”