Overview (Verses 41 - 44)

Satan knows that this condition which he himself has stated is one which he cannot change because it is part of the laws governing human nature. Hence, the reply to Satan’s words: “Said He: This is, with Me, a straight way. You shall have no power over My servants, except for those who, having fallen into error, choose to follow you.’“ (Verses 41-42) This is the way established by the will of God as a final arbiter with regard to guidance and going astray. “You shall have no power over My servants.” (Verse 42) They are immune to your devices and schemes, as they close all entry points to their minds and hearts. They always look to God for guidance, and they know what pleases Him by their nature which they purge of all sin. Satan has power only over ‘those who choose to follow’ him, as they have been in error, going far astray. Those who dedicate themselves to God will not be left without guidance.

The eternal battle between Satan and man on this earth is one in which Satan tries his best to lead man away from what submission to God alone entails in accepting His faith, concepts, worship, systems and laws. Human beings who submit to God alone, which means they worship Him only, are the ones over whom Satan has no power whatsoever. It is God who says to Satan, as related in this story of creation: “This is, with Me, a straight way. You shall have no power over My servants, except for those who, having fallen into error, choose to follow you.” (Verses 41-42)

The point which separates those who follow the road to heaven, promised to the righteous, and those who follow the path leading to hell, which is the abode of evildoers, is that of submission to God. This is always referred to in the Qur’ān as worship. The alternative is to follow what Satan paints as fair and thus not submit to God. It should be pointed out here that Satan himself did not deny God’s existence or His attributes. So, he did not disbelieve in Him, so to speak. What he did was to refuse to submit to Him. That is the point at issue which sends Satan and his followers to hell.

The outcome is also clear. It is stated right at the beginning: “For all such, hell is the promised destiny. It has seven gates, with each gate having its allotted share of them.” (Verses 43-44) For those who go astray are of different categories. Each gate to hell will have its portion from among them, according to the nature of their deeds.