Surah Al-Isra (The Night Journey ) 17 : 64

Explanatory Note

“Entice with your voice such of them as you can. Muster against them all your cavalry and your infantry.” (Verse 64) This description seeks to magnify the means employed by Satan to encompass people and impose his power over their hearts and minds. We are looking here at a battle in which loud voices are heard, and horses and soldiers employed. A loud outcry irritates opponents and brings them out of their fortifications. They may thus fall into a trap, or find themselves facing a surprise attack.

“And share with them wealth and offspring.” (Verse 64) This partnership is seen in certain false beliefs. The pagans used to assign a portion of their property to their false gods, or in effect to Satan himself, and they would also assign some of their offspring as a dedication to their deities. These were indeed dedicated to Satan by virtue of their being offered to idols. The same partnership is seen in every kind of illegitimate earning, and any money spent illegally, to buy what is forbidden. It is also manifested in every child born in sin. The statement describes a partnership between Satan and his followers that includes wealth and offspring, the two main elements in this life.

Iblīs is given leave to employ all his devices, including tempting promises: “And promise them [what you will] — indeed, whatever Satan promises them is nothing but a means of deception.” (Verse 64) Such promises include Satan’s assertions to man that he will escape God’s punishment and the promise of acquiring wealth or power through easy or dirty means.

Perhaps the most tempting promise Satan makes is that of God’s forgiveness of sins. It is the point which Satan uses to attack those who will not respond to his temptation of open defiance of God’s orders. With such people he employs a softer attitude trying to paint sin as very tempting, and promising people that they will be forgiven by God whose mercy is greater than all sin.

• Heart hears صوت of Shaytan [confirmation?]