In Islam, negative behaviors such as adultery, watching pornography, neglecting cleanliness, and immodesty are condemned, but because Allah has already confirmed them as forbidden. These actions are harmful to individuals and society, and following them means aligning with what Satan promotes, not what Allah commands. This does not mean that every person engaging in such acts is literally Satan, but rather that they are following a path that leads away from God’s guidance. The Quran and Hadith repeatedly warn against these behaviors, as they corrupt morality and distance people from righteousness. However, this applies only to those who knowingly persist in or promote such sinful acts. If someone believes that pornography, adultery, or immodesty are good, they are directly opposing what Allah has already declared wrong. The term “Satan” metaphorically applies to those whose actions lead others away from God, not to those who strive to follow the right path.

📖Sahih Muslim 2813:
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Indeed, Iblis places his throne upon the water, then he sends forth his troops. The nearest to him in rank are those who are most notorious in causing trials. One of them comes and says, ‘I did such and such,’ and Iblis says, ‘You have done nothing.’ Then another comes and says, ‘I did not leave so-and-so until I separated him from his wife.’ So Iblis brings him near and says, ‘Yes, you have done well.’”

Meaning & Context:

1. A man who causes divorce or marital problems is praised by Satan (Iblis) because he spreads mischief.
2. This means that any man who intentionally destroys families is doing Satan’s work.

📖Quran 2:102
And they learned from them how to separate a man from his wife. But they do not harm anyone except by Allah’s permission.

This verse talks about sorcery and evil influences that cause divorce and family destruction, which pleases Satan, Anyone (man or woman) who tries to break a marriage is doing Satan’s work.

📖Sahih Muslim 2020
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“When one of you eats, let him eat with his right hand, and when he drinks, let him drink with his right hand, for Satan eats and drinks with his left hand.

This hadith does not mean that the real Satan physically eats and drinks with his left hand. Instead, it refers to human beings who use their left hand for eating and drinking, as the left hand is often used for unclean activities. By warning against this habit, the Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized cleanliness and discipline in daily actions. The hadith links eating with the left hand to bad manners and impurity, encouraging Muslims to maintain proper etiquette in their daily lives.

Scientific and Practical Reasons

In modern hygiene practices, the left hand is often linked to unclean tasks, while the right hand is preferred for cleaner activities. This is due to practical reasons, not just religious teachings.

1. Hand Washing & Hygiene: Studies show that many people do not wash their hands properly after using the toilet. Since the left hand is commonly used for wiping and cleaning, it carries more bacteria if not washed properly.
2. Medical Guidelines: Doctors and nurses are trained to use their dominant hand (usually the right) for sterile procedures. The non-dominant hand (often the left) is used for tasks involving waste, disposal, and cleaning.
3. Cultural Practices Worldwide: In many cultures (not just Islamic), the right hand is preferred for eating, greeting, and giving objects. The left hand is reserved for unclean tasks, like handling garbage or personal hygiene.
4. Food Safety and Etiquette: In restaurants and food industries, workers are trained to handle food with clean hands (usually the right) and avoid touching food with the same hand they use for cleaning.

Does This Mean the Left Hand is “Evil”?

• No, the left hand is not evil, but Islamic etiquette teaches that it is best to use it for tasks related to cleanliness and impurity, while reserving the right hand for honorable actions. This practice encourages hygiene, discipline, and good manners in daily life.

📖Mishkat al-Masabih 3910
‘Amr b. Shu’aib, on his father’s authority, told that his grandfather reported God’s Messenger as saying, “A single rider is a devil and a pair of riders are a pair of devils, but three are a company of riders.”

• As we can read the hadith says, “A single rider is a devil,” it does not mean the person becomes an actual devil. Rather, it highlights that solitary travel can lead to recklessness, arrogance, or vulnerability to bad influences, which are traits associated with the devil. This metaphorical use of Shayṭān serves as a warning against behavior that resembles that of devils, encouraging people to act wisely and travel in groups for safety and righteousness.

📖Sahih Muslim 1403 a
Jabir reported that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) saw a woman, and so he came to his wife, Zainab, as she was tanning a leather and had sexual intercourse with her. He then went to his Companions and told them:

1. This hadith does not mean that a woman is literally a devil, nor does it refer to all women in general. Instead, it highlights how human actions and influences can resemble the work of Shayṭān (devil). Just as a lone traveler is called a devil in another hadith due to the recklessness and danger of traveling alone, this hadith describes how a woman’s appearance can unintentionally provoke desire in a man, which Shayṭān may use to lead him toward sinful thoughts or actions. The hadith does not say that all women are devils, but rather that a woman *in the shape of a devil* refers to someone whose actions or appearance lead others toward sinful desires. This aligns with the Prophet’s (ﷺ) response—after seeing the woman, he immediately turned to his wife instead of allowing desire to linger or lead to sin. This proves that the hadith warns against situations or behaviors that provoke sexual temptation, not that it condemns women themselves. In today’s context, this can include things like immodest dressing or suggestive behavior, which can stir desires and make it easier for Shayṭān to tempt people into wrongdoing. Islam encourages modesty and self-control to prevent such situations. So, this hadith does not literally refer to all women, but to those whose actions lead people toward sinful acts—just as a traveler’s actions can lead him toward reckless or dangerous behavior, earning him the metaphorical title of devil, whether he is a man or a woman.
2. Some might question why the Prophet (ﷺ) engaged in intercourse? The answer is clear in this hadith: if the Prophet (ﷺ) had engaged in intercourse with his wife purely based on personal desire, he would not have mentioned it to his companions at all. If he had only acted on his desire and kept it private, there would have been no lesson for the ummah. However, he did everything before telling his followers, proving that his actions were not just personal but a direct lesson in guidance. If he had only advised his companions without first practicing it himself, people could have questioned, The Prophet (ﷺ) only told us what to do, but he did not do it himself.” But by first demonstrating the correct way and then explaining it, he left no room for doubt—his guidance was not just theoretical but practical, lived wisdom. This shows that his teachings were not merely words; they were actions meant to serve as a perfect example for his followers to implement in their own lives.

This hadith directly refers to the woman because she knew a person was there claiming to be a prophet of God. She came there to disrespect or change minds in a negative way, even though Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was already guided. He saw her behavior, which was trying to lead him and others away from God. But he set a rule for humanity: when someone does these things, we should not follow them or think negatively. Rather, we should engage with our own wives instead of following someone who is trying to lead us into sin. And who are these people? They are those who are not following God or any morality.

📖Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2165
Behold! A man is not alone with a woman but the third of them is Ash-Shaitan.

1. If a man flirts, engages in inappropriate relationships, or tempts a woman into sin, he is acting in a way similar to Shayṭān. This means men, like women, can take the shape of a devil through their actions.
2. If he uses sweet words, flirting, or deception to convince a woman to commit sin, then his behavior resembles that of Shayṭān, who misguides people.
3. If a man persists in being alone with a woman despite knowing the risk, he is opening the door for Shayṭān’s whispers and thus behaving in a devilish way.
4. Just as women are warned against immodest dress that may provoke temptation, men are also responsible for their actions. If a man dresses or behaves in a way that leads women toward sinful thoughts or actions, he too is acting like Shayṭān.
5. If a woman deliberately puts herself in a private situation with a man to tempt him, she is also engaging in Shayṭān’s work.
6. If she dresses or behaves provocatively to attract the man’s attention in seclusion, she is leading him toward sin, much like Shayṭān does.

These hadiths do not mean that a man or a woman is automatically a devil, but they warn that Shayṭān will be present in such situations, whispering and influencing them toward sin. In the Qur’an, Shayṭān is described as influencing people through whispers, leading them to commit sinful acts. When a person follows these whispers and engages in temptation or immoral behavior, they are participating in Shayṭān’s work. While they are not literally Shayṭān, their actions resemble his influence, making them metaphorically Shayṭānic, This is why it is necessary to seek refuge in Allah, resist Shayṭān’s whispers, and follow the guidance of the Prophet (ﷺ). Islam provides clear instructions on avoiding situations where Shayṭān can have influence, such as avoiding unnecessary seclusion with the opposite gender. By obeying Allah and following the Prophet’s teachings, one can protect oneself from falling into Shayṭān’s trap and maintain righteousness.

Sahih Muslim 162
Anas ibn Malik reported that Angel Gabriel took the Prophet (PBUH) while he was playing, split open his chest, removed a small black clot, and said, “This was Satan’s portion in you.

In Islam, negative emotions like anger, toxic thoughts, and bad behavior are often seen as influences from Satan. These emotions, which lead to harmful actions and suffering, are viewed as negative forces that disrupt the purity of the heart. Satan’s role is seen as promoting feelings of hatred, envy, anger, and arrogance, all of which damage a person’s spiritual and emotional well-being, For example, the Prophet Muhammad’s heart was purified by God through a divine act, ensuring that he did not feel or act upon these negative emotions. This was a divine intervention to protect him from the harmful influences of Satan and ensure that his heart remained pure and focused on righteousness, However, it is important to clarify that this does not mean an actual devil was physically inside his heart. The Hadith itself clarifies that when Satan is mentioned in such contexts, it refers to negative inclinations, whispers, and influences that push humans toward wrong actions. In Islam, Satan is known to mislead and tempt people, but this does not mean he physically resides within them. Instead, he affects the mind and heart through external influences and inner whispers, From a modern psychological perspective, we know that negative emotions have a direct impact on physical health, especially the heart. Anger, stress, and other negative emotions contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other physical ailments. The process of emotional healing, often described in psychology as cleansing negative emotions, is similar to the spiritual purification of the heart in Islam. Practices like meditation and mindfulness have been shown to help individuals clear their minds of negative emotions and achieve inner peace. Similarly, in Islam, prayer (Salah), remembrance of God, and seeking forgiveness are seen as ways to cleanse the heart from negative influences and keep it pure.

📖Quran 2:268
Satan threatens you with poverty and commands you to immorality, while Allah promises you forgiveness from Him and bounty. And Allah is All-Encompassing and Knowing

The context of the verses is, Satan “command” refers to his whispers and psychological influence, rather than a direct, forceful command like a ruler giving orders.

📖Quran 114:1–6
Say, “I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind, The Sovereign of mankind, The God of mankind, From the evil of the retreating whisperer -Who whispers [evil] into the breasts of mankind -From among the jinn and mankind.

This verse calls for seeking refuge in Allah, the Lord, Sovereign, and God of mankind, from the evil whispers of Satan (Iblis). The “retreating whisperer” refers to Iblis, who whispers evil thoughts into people’s hearts, leading them astray. However, he has no power over true believers—as Allah says in Quran 16:99, “Indeed, he [Satan] has no authority over those who have believed and rely upon their Lord.” Only those who willingly follow him fall into his deception. The final part, “From among the jinn and mankind,” shows that Iblis misleads both humans and jinn, making some among them spread his evil. Therefore, we must seek Allah’s protection from such influences.

Additional Information

When we consider the various hadiths and Qur’anic references related to Satan’s influence and misguidance, it becomes clear that they do not apply to true believers or morally upright individuals. These warnings specifically address those who knowingly disobey God or violate the moral laws set forth by society. This includes individuals who consciously choose to engage in harmful actions such as adultery, pornography, lying, cheating, stealing, drinking alcohol, gambling, or spreading corruption. Additionally, those who deceive or manipulate others for selfish gain fall into the category of individuals who are warned against in these texts, It is important to note that these hadiths and teachings do not apply to those who may be unaware of Islamic principles or moral values due to ignorance or circumstance. These teachings serve as guidance specifically for those who knowingly choose the wrong path and persist in actions that oppose God’s commandments and the moral framework set for humanity. As for those who may not have had access to proper Islamic teachings, or those who uphold ethical values in their lives despite not following Islam, the warnings about Satan’s influence are not directed at them, When we look at the example of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we see that he was chosen by God and his heart was purified from all negative influences. From childhood, God guided him in a way that shielded him from bad behavior and misguidance, preparing him to be the perfect role model for humanity. This divine guidance served as a means of protection from the negative influences of Satan. While we are not chosen prophets, we too have the guidance of God through the Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ). It is through following these divine guidelines that we can shield ourselves from the paths that lead us astray, paths that Satan tempts us to follow in opposition to God’s will, Ultimately, these teachings remind us of the importance of striving to align our actions with God’s will, using the guidance provided in the Qur’an and the Sunnah to protect ourselves from the deceptions of Satan. By following the righteous path, we can avoid the corruption that comes from knowingly choosing wrongdoing, and instead, embrace a life of moral integrity and faithfulness to God.