Satan in Islam Compared to Satan in Christianity

The Devil (Shaytan, Shaitan, Iblis) From an Islamic Perspective

Oct 3, 2009

Shaytan in Islam is the equivalent of Satan in Christianity. What do Muslims believe about the Devil? How does this differ from Christian beliefs?

Christian and Islamic theology both hold that the Devil is a being who tries to lead people into sin and ultimately, into the hell fire. Christians refer to the Devil as Satan or Lucifer, while Muslims refer to him as Shaytan (also spelled Shaitan) or Iblis.

Is Satan a Fallen Angel?

Most Christians believe that the Devil, or Satan, is a fallen angel. In Christianity, a fallen angel is an angel who has been banished from heaven for rebellious or disobedient behavior. Henceforth, they are known as arch-angels, satans, or devils. Satan is believed to be the most powerful among them.

While the Bible does make reference to the fact that Satan was cast out from heaven, there is no verse in the Bible which specifically labels him either an angel or a fallen angel.

Satan Is a Jinn and Not an Angel

Islamic teaching holds that there is no such thing as a fallen angel, because angels don't possess free will and are incapable of disobedience to their creator. Although Iblis was originally in Heaven in the company of angels, he was a jinn – a different kind of being than angels.

Angels are created from light, while jinn are created from smokeless fire. Unlike angels, jinn do have free will and can commit sins.

Satan (Iblis) in the Qur'an

The Bible offers no account of why Satan (Iblis, Shaytan) was thrown out of heaven, but the Qur'an explains that his fall from grace is due to his refusal to obey Allah and prostrate to Adam.

According to the Qur'an, "(Allah) said: 'What prevented you (O Iblis) that you did not prostrate yourself when I commanded you?' (Iblis) said: 'I am better than him (Adam). You created me from fire, and him You created from clay.' (Allah) said: '(O Iblis) get down from this (Paradise), it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out, for you are of those humiliated and disgraced.'" (Qur'an 7: 12-13)

Satan Will Misguide Man Until the Day of Judgment

Muslims believe that for his punishment, Allah sentenced Satan to eternity in Hell. However, at Satan's request, Allah permitted him to roam the earth and misguide man until the Day of Judgment.

According to the Qur'an, "(Iblis) said: 'Allow me respite till the Day they are raised up (i.e. the Day of Resurrection).' (Allah) said: 'You are one of those respited.' (Iblis) said: 'Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path. Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, and You will not find most them as thankful ones (i.e. they will not be dutiful to You).' (Allah) said (to Iblis): 'Get out from this (Paradise), disgraced and expelled. Whoever of them (mankind) will follow you, then surely I will fill Hell with you all.'" (Qur'an 7: 14-18)

Christianity shares the belief with Islam that Satan will attempt to lead men astray. Despite the different natures of Satan in Islam and Satan in Christianity, both theologies agree that the Devil is a powerful entity who was disobedient to God and wishes mankind to be sinful as well.

Sources: New World Encyclopedia website , Answering Christianity website, The Noble Qur'an: English Translation and the Meanings and Commentary.

The copyright of the article Satan in Islam Compared to Satan in Christianity in Islamic Beliefs is owned by Christine Benlafquih. Permission to republish Satan in Islam Compared to Satan in Christianity in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.