How to Disarm Satan?
Temptation and deception are the means used by Satan to lead mankind astray. According to the Quran, Satan’s enmity with mankind began when man was created. “Believers, submit yourselves to the will of God as a whole. Do not follow the footsteps of Satan; he is your sworn enemy.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 208)
While Satan has no dominance over man, he can lead him astray through means like temptation, deception, etc. But is man fully defenseless in the face of Satan?
The Holy Quran, after introducing Satan and ways he uses to infiltrate man’s heart, offers ways to counter the threat of Satan.
The first step in order to confront Satan and purify one’s soul from impurities caused by Satan’s temptations is Tawbah (repentance). The first wrong step taken by man was rectified by Tawbah: “Then Adam received Words from his Lord, and his Lord relented towards him. He is the Receiver of Repentance, the Merciful.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 37)
The importance of Tawbah is such that if one succeeds in making repentance and does good deeds afterward, God will not only forgive his sin but also turn his bad deeds into good ones: “But only those who repent and believe and act righteously will have their sins replaced by virtue; God is All-forgiving and All-merciful.” (Surah AL-Furqan, verse 70)
Another step is wholeheartedly remembering God. This is a need of the soul and foils Satan’s attempts at tempting man. “O you who believe! remember Allah, remembering frequently.” (Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 41)
Seeking refuge with Allah from Satan, having Taqwa (God-fearing), staying away from sin, and Tawakkul (putting one’s trust in God) are other ways to defeat Satan and avoid going astray. “Satan has certainly no authority over the believers who have trust in their Lord.” (Surah An-Nahl, verse 99)
