Reflection No. 71 on Q 35:6 -Awareness of an enemy

إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ فَاتَّخِذُوهُ عَدُوًّا

Surely the Shaytan is your enemy, so treat him as an enemy
Sura al-Fatir, verse 6

Awareness of an enemy means being on the alert. There is no time to be complacent. Especially when the enemy is hidden, when it can enter into your mind and thoughts, and whisper into your ears. Such an enemy who can permeate the human being needs to be repulsed strongly.

The biggest enemies of the human being are his Nafs Lawwamah, the soul which invites towards evil, and the Shaytan who has vowed to turn astray as many human beings as he can. It is the Shaytan who plants evil thoughts of disobedience and sins in our minds, who incites negativity and disharmony, and fans the flames of conflict among people. It is the Shaytan who laughs when we succumb to his plots, and cries when we defend ourselves and refuse to be pulled over to his side.

We are only vulnerable against Shaytan when we lay down our defenses. If we are alert, and aware that Shaytan is an ever present enemy, we will reject his whispers. Every thought that is negative, every emotion that is inappropriate and unworthy, all must be rejected firmly. Plant a strong fence around the garden of your mind, and refuse to let him in. He has no authority over you except that which you give him.

Recite this verse each time your inner voice starts negative conversations with you. Recognize the whispers of Shaytan for what they are – arrows thrown at you by the enemy. Throw them back at him and prove your strength. Wear the armor of faith and carry the shield of Taqwa. You can win this battle and be from those whom Shaytan gives up on.