The Entrances of Shaitan into the Human Heart – Part 3

By

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

Ibrahim at Tawejri, a scholar of Madinah, has guided us how the human heart operates. The devils and angels by Allah’s (swt) permission contest for space into the heart to influence it. The human as per his divine knowledge of the Quran and Sunnah, decides what to follow. This Ilm becomes the foundation of protection and guidance for humans from the devil’s influence.

Allah’s (swt) warning to Adam (as) and his children (all mankind)

As per the creation plan Allah (swt) warned humanity in the Quran: “So, We said: ‘O Adam, indeed this is an enemy to you and to your wife. Then let him not remove you from paradise so you would suffer.’” (Taha 20:117)

However Shaitan misguided Prophet Adam (as) and Hawwa (as) as per Allah’s (swt) divine knowledge and permission. Allah (swt) allowed it to happen so humans understand the true nature of Shaitan, their own weakness and take up spiritual defense against his nefarious schemes.

Allah (swt) also sent divine help and guidance repeatedly in the form of prophets, books and angels – Malaika in the past. And we have access to that knowledge even today and support of Malaika in the form of angelic inspirations to pursue good.  

The two unseen influencers invading the human heart

Imagine that Shaitan and the Malaika are constantly knocking at the door of your heart. When Shaitan repeatedly invites you towards impermissible desires, the Maliaka prevent you from following those desires. Simultaneously, when the Malaika invite you to good influences, Shaitan leaves no stone unturned to prevent you from obeying Allah (swt).

Sometimes Malaika also invite you towards two good deeds at the same time, confusing you. Conversely Shaitan also influences you towards two bad deeds at the same time and overwhelms you. Ultimately you choose what you want to do.

This tug of war continues lifelong between both influencers with their own motives. But the choice you make decides your end – Jannah or Jahannum. Allah (swt) wants you to deliberately understand this game plan and decide consciously for yourself to succeed.  

Allah (swt) states in the Quran: “Those are upon right guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the successful.” (Al Baqarah 2:5)

The three types of hearts

1. The heart with Taqwa

This is the most awakened state of the human heart.

When a choice is presented to this type of heart, it does not follow its desire blindly. Instead the heart investigates the matter in light of the Quran and Sunnah. If the matter is compatible with the divine Ilm, the heart follows Amal e Sualeh. Otherwise it instantly rejects it firmly.

This heart is steadfast upon Allah’s (swt) obedience. It not only side steps evil but also fears Allah (swt) feeling accountable for its decisions. This heart flourishes with goodness and pursues it naturally. It doesn’t have to struggle for ideas or motivation to please its Lord, as servitude becomes its second nature.

This heart welcomes the angelic aspirations with open arms and shuts all doors close to the devil. The heart not only follows guidance with focus, but invites others too. 

2. The heart that is rejected

This is the most forsaken state of the human heart.

When a choice is presented to this heart, it leaps towards it. It has no filters placed or divine protection from Allah (swt) due to its repeated disobedience and transgression. It dwells upon unchecked evil impulses.

The heart is full of filth such as envy, rancor, enmity, hatred, deception, arrogance, etc. It is only receptive to false ideas and ideologies. The heart has blocked angelic inspirations and divine protection from Allah (swt) by choice.

It is a misguided heart that becomes a source of misguidance for others too. It treads the path of displeasure of Allah (swt) and invites other to it as well with no remorse or shame.

3. The heart pulled between evil and goodness

Try to imagine that you are at a market. It is run by multiple vendors selling you something or the other. They are pre-dominantly divided between the Shaitan and the Malaika.

When Shaitan instills corrupt desires in you, the heart is pulled towards it because your Nafs becomes weak and begins to follow it. Our Nafs is naturally inclined towards comfort, convenience, luxury, etc. So you have to battle against the external Shaitan and internal Nafs Ammara.

Now Malaika instill in you the ideas of goodness. Your Aqal (intellect) intervenes and scolds you by showing reasons why not to pursue evil. It associates evil with ignorance and beastly impulses. Again you have two agents pulling you towards goodness and preventing you from falling into sin.

Allah (swt) has been very fair to humans. He has granted free will with absolute facilitation. Now it’s entirely up to you to choose which way to go.

Allah (swt) states in the Quran: “Do the people think that they will be left to say: ‘We believe’ and they will not be tried? But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars.” (Al Ankabut 29:2-3)

 The influences by the Shaitan and Maliaka are not some abstract ideas. They are real and active invitations by the second forming into human thoughts and resulting into human behaviour.

Root cause of sin

Every sin is grounded in Waswasa (whispers). It is a thought or idea that is subtly put into the human heart. It is so hidden that man assumes that it is his own.

Allah (swt) states in the Quran: “Say, ‘I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind, the Sovereign of mankind, the God of mankind, from the evil of the retreating whisperer – Who whispers (evil) into the breasts of mankind – from among the Jinn and mankind.’” (An Nas 114:1-6)

Hence there are two kinds of whispers (Waswasa). One placed by Shaitan using Jinns to place inside the human’s breast and the second placed by Shaitans using humans to influence other human’s hearts.

Allah (swt) warns in the Quran: “And thus We have made for every prophet an enemy – devils from mankind and Jinn, inspiring to one another decorative speech in delusion. But if your Lord had willed, they would not have done it, so leave them and that which they invent.” (Al Anaam 6:112)

Imagine if Shaitan can build narratives against the prophets and pious predecessors, what an easy prey unguarded humans (ignorant about the divine scripture) must be. Read up more on the subject in our series of four blogs titled “The Entrances of the Human Heart.”

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