In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Most Merciful
by Kidr Amari
WIP (Work in Progress)
A brief research from what I have come to know about Iblis.
Ibless is one of the jinn. I honestly believe Iblis was not an angel for a single day, not even for an instant. The angels were created noble; they never disobey Allaah when Allah commands them to do something and they do what they are commanded. This is clearly stated in the Qur’aanic ayats which indicate that Iblis is one of the jinn and not one of the angels. Example:Allah says,
“And (remember) when We said to the angels:
“Prostrate yourselves unto Adam.” So they prostrated themselves except Iblis. He was one of the jinn; he disobeyed the Command of his Lord. Will you then take him (Iblis) and his offspring as protectors and helpers rather than Me while they are enemies to you? What an evil is the exchange for the Zaalimoon (polytheists, and wrongdoers, etc).” [al-Kahf 18:50]
Allah stated that He created the jinn from 'nāri' (fire) as He says:
“And the jinn, We created aforetime 'min' (from) 'nāri' (fire) 'l-samūmi' (scorching). Surah 15:27
“And the jinn 'min' (from) 'mārijin' (a smokeless flame) 'min' (of) 'nārin' (fire). Surah 55:15
One of the attributes of the angels is that they were created having 'wings':
"Praise be to God who created the heavens and the earth, who made the angels messengers with 'ulī' 'ajniḥatin' having wings in two or three or four [pairs]. (35:1)
Now what is 'ajniḥatin?' The Arabic word for 'ajniḥatin' is Janaha.
This Arabic word means:
1) To incline
2) be at hand (night)
3) bend
4) lean forward
5) stoop
Janah plu Ajnihatun means:
1) Wing
2) Power
3) Arm
4) Hand
5) Arm-pit
6) Wing of an army
7) Side8) Assistant
9) Shelter
10) Protection
Janahu means:
1) They inclined, bend
Ijnah means:
1) Incline
Janahun means:
1) Wing
Janahayn means:
1) Two wings. Both wings
Ajnihatun means:
1) Wings
Junahun means:
1) Sin
2) Blame
Allah says,
"Praise be to God who created the heavens and the earth, who made the angels messengers with 'ulī' 'ajniḥatin' having wings in two or three or four [pairs]. (35:1)
The Arabic word used is Ajnihah which means ‘forelimbs’. When used for humans it can be translated as ‘arms’ since the forelimbs of humans are called arms, and when used for birds it can be translated as ‘wings’, since their forelimbs are called wings. The word is used in both these senses in the Qur’an.
"Now draw thy hand close tojanāḥika' (your side): It shall come forth white (and shining), without harm (or stain),- as another Sign,-" Surah 20:22
"There is not an animal (that lives) on the earth, nor a being that flies bijanāḥayhi' (with its wings), but (forms part of) communities like you. Nothing have we omitted from the Book, and they (all) shall be gathered to their Lord in the end." Surah 6:38
Allah haven't provided us with clear knowledge of the actual physical structure of the Angels, so it cannot be said what the form of their forelimbs is but we know wthout a doubt that Angels have'ajniḥatin' having wings in two or three or four [pairs].
Again, Angels have wings Allah doesn't say anything about Jinns having wings. There is a distinction between the Angels and the Jinn. Hence, the jinn were created from 'mārijin' (a smokeless flame) 'min' (of) 'nārin' (fire).
“And the jinn, We created aforetime 'min' (from) 'nāri' (fire) 'l-samūmi' (scorching). Surah 15:27
“And the jinn 'min' (from) 'mārijin' (a smokeless flame) 'min' (of) 'nārin' (fire). Surah 55:15
And compare this to what Iblis says about himself when Allaa, may He be glorified and exalted, asked Iblis the reason for his refusal to prostrate to Adam when Allah commanded him to do so.
Iblis said:
“ 'anā' (I am) 'khayrun' (better) 'min'hu' (than him). 'khalaqtanī' (You created me) 'min' (from) 'nārin' (fire)..." Surah 7:12
"qāla' (He said), 'anā' (I am) 'khayrun' (better) 'min'hu' (than him). 'khalaqtanī' (You created me) 'min' (from) 'nārin' (fire)..." Surah 38:76
This is two irrefutable facts presented about the Jinn and Iblis:
1) The Jinn was created 'mārijin' (a smokeless flame) 'min' (of) 'nārin' (fire).
2) Iblis was created 'min' (from) 'nārin' (fire)
This fact alone indicates that Iblis was one of the jinn.
Allaah has described the Angels in His Book, where He says:
“O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, over which are (appointed) Angels stern (and) severe, who 'lā' (not) 'yaʿṣūna' (they disobey) from executing the Commands they receive from Allâh, but do that which 'yu'marūna' (they are commanded)” Surah 66:6
“ And they say: 'ittakhadha' (Has taken) raised to Most Gracious has begotten offspring." Glory to Him! they are (but) muk'ramūna' (honored). by His Command." SurahThey speak not before He speaks, and they 21:26-27
“And to Allaah prostrate all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, of the moving (living) creatures 'wal-malāikatu' (and the Angels), and they are not proud . They fear their Lord above them, and they do what 'yu'marūna' (they are commanded). Surah 16:49-50
Allah says, 'lan' (Never) 'yastankifa' (will disdain) 'l-masīḥu' (the Messiah) 'an' (to) 'yakūna' (be) ʿabdan' (a slave) 'lillahi' (of Allah) 'walā' (and not) 'l-malāikatu' (the Angels) 'l-muqarabūna' (the ones who are near to Allah). Surah 4:172
"Almost might the heavens above be rent asunder 'wal-malāikatu' (and the Angels) hymn the praise of their Lord and ask forgiveness for those on the earth. Lo! Allah, He is the Forgiver, the Merciful." Surah 42:5
"The thunder hymneth His praise 'wal-malāikatu' (and the Angels) for awe of Him. He launcheth the thunderbolts and smiteth with them whom He will while they dispute (in doubt) concerning Allah, and He is mighty in wrath.
Surah 13:13
So this to me indicates that Iblis for one was not of the الْمُقَرَّبُونَ 'l-muqarabūna' (the ones who are near to Allah) in which we hear a lot from conjecture that Iblis, the devil, or Shaytan was very close to Allah.
The Arabic word الْمُقَرَّبُونَ 'l-muqarabūna' derives from Qariba/Qaruba which means:
1) To be near to
2) approach
3) offer
4) be near in relationship or rank
5) be at hand
6) draw near
Muqarrabuna/Muqarrabina means:
1) Those who are nearst to Allah...
لَّن lan means:
A negative particle governs the aorist in the subject case and with a future signification which indicates:
(he, she, it)
1) will not
2) by no means
So even in the future those Servants of Allah rather they be 'l-malāikatu' (the Angels) or Prophetswill never disdain from serving Allah. I notice Jinns or Insi (mankind) aren't in the equation.
So it is not possbile for the 'l-malāikatu' (the Angels) or Prophets to disobey their Lord, because they are protected from sin and they are naturally inclined to obey Allaah.
The fact that Iblis is not one of the 'l-malāikatu' (the Angels) means that he is not compelled to obey Allaah. He has freedom of will just as we humans do. 'l-malāikatu' (the Angels) would never by no means disobey their Lord.
Allaah says:
“Verily, We showed him the way, whether he be grateful or ungrateful” Surah 76:3
There are also Muslims and kaafirs among the jinn.
Surah 72:11 "There are 'minnā' (among us) 'l-ṣāliḥūna' (are the RIGHTEOUS) and some the contrary: we follow divergent paths."
So if there are among the Jinns -ṣāliḥūna' (are the RIGHTEOUS) then why aren't they Angels again? And if Angels have free will are there disbelieving Angels who aren't Jinn because if disbelieving Angels become Jinns as people believe are fallen Angels then how can their be 'l-ṣāliḥūna' (are the RIGHTEOUS) Jinn.
“Say: ‘It has been revealed to me that a group (from three to ten in number) of jinn listened (to this Qur’aan). They said: ‘Verily, we have heard a wonderful Recitation (this Qur’aan)! It guides to the Right Path, and we have believed therein, and we shall never join (in worship) anything with our Lord (Allaah).’” [al-Jinn 72;1-2]
Again, the same Surah 72 states that the jinn said:
“‘And indeed when we heard the Guidance (this Qur’aan), we believed therein, and whosoever believes in his Lord shall have no fear, either of a decrease in the reward of his good deeds or an increase in the punishment for his sins.
And of us some are 'l-mus'limūna' (are Muslims) and of us some are 'l-qāsiṭūna' (are unjust, disbelievers)…” Surah 72:13-14
I don't believe Iblis was not one of the angels, not even for a single moment or second. He is the father of the jinn, just as Adam is the father of mankind.
There are some scholars who believe that Iblis was one of the angels, that he was the peacock of the angels, that he was the one among the angels who strove the hardest in worship… and other reports, most of which come from the Israa’eeliyyaat (stories and reports from Jewish sources), and some of which contradict the clear texts of the Qur’an.
The confusion of the ayats, as Muslims we need to remember that taking one ayat in isolation from the Qur'an might not give us the full complete picture. The Qur'an is not like an ordinary book, such that most other books discuss a specific topic at one place and have their subjects compiled and bifurcated within specific chapters. Unlike this, the Book of Allah has its topics spread out throughout itself within various Surahs.
Now if we were to ascertain as to what Allah's Book says about the topic of divorce we find ayats dealing with the subject of divorce in Surah Al-Baqara, Surah Al Nisa the fourth Chapte , then in Surah Al Ahzaab the thirty third chapter and further in Sura At Tal'aaq which is the sixty fifth chapter of the Qur'an.
By compiling all the ayats about the topic of divorce as discussed in all the locations of the Qur'an we come to know what the Book of Allah has to say about this subject and topic. And we observe that each ayat clarifies and explains the other on a consistent basis. It is by this manner that Allah Himself has dealt with different subjects in His Book, i.e. by repeating topics in various chapters throughout the Qur'an.
The manner of exegesis is or recurrence and repetition of subjects within the Qur’anic verses, and it is by this method that the Book of Allah deals with various topics and provides its own explanation.
We are reminded:
"See how We repeat the verses that they may understand." (6:65)
"And certainly We have repeated for mankind in this Quran, every kind of similitude, but the majority of mankind do not consent to aught but denying." (17:89)
So we have to look at the information as a whole. Therefore, when the Qur'an says
"And when We said to the angels: ‘Prostrate before Adam’, they all bowed down, except Iblis...",
Any one would think that Iblis was one of the angels, and anyone would be confused, because angels cannot disobey Allah. However, when you read the next part:
"-- he was a jinn and he haughtily disobeyed his Lord.", we would get a bigger picture or idea of what is actually being said in this ayat. Now, the question we would have to ask is what was a Jinn doing in the company of the angels.
We read Allah saying all of the Angels bowed to Adam "save Iblis; he was one of the jinn, and committed ungodliness against his Lord's command" makes it seem to me that the category of jinn is something that can be applied to angels also, but in particular, those angels that turn away from the will or way of God. So that jinn can be former angels, taking on the status of fallen; that they can be yet don't have to - they can start out as demons angels of the fallen. However, regular angels cannot be jinn. I'm sure we have heard of the rules such as the concept of locusts - all locusts are grasshoppers but not all grasshoppers are locusts.
We don't know why Iblis was among the company of the Angels but we do know that Iblis was amongst them. We can infer that Iblis, was elevated in statutus to be in the company of the Angels due to whatever was the reason maybe in the beginning it was his righteousness but I don't believe he was the ONLY Jinn in the company. In the spiritual world of the unseen before the fall of Iblis, Jinn and mankind we were all celestial beings, Angelic in the sense of being spirits:
Allah says,
"No knowledge have I of the Chiefs on high, when theyyakhtaṣimūna' (they were disputing)..." Surah 38:69
So a dispute took place among the Chief on high between the Angels this is a fact. Allah doesn't tell us who sided with who but we do know for sure that there are believing Jinns and disbelieving Jinns and we don't know who many other Jinns were a part of this dispute between the Angels. We don't know how many Jinns took the side of Iblis later on.
In the Qur'an the Jinn race which Iblis was one of because both Jinn and Iblis was created from fre, and was created before Adam and the creation process of the Jinn involved a scorching wind. the Jinn were not made from fire but from an intense heat:
“And the jinn, We created aforetime 'min' (from) 'nāri' (fire) 'l-samūmi' (scorching). Surah 15:27
“And the jinn 'min' (from) 'mārijin' (a smokeless flame) 'min' (of) 'nārin' (fire). Surah 55:15
Malaika (Angels) clear cut definition:
The Arabic word for Malaika is Malaka which means:
1) To possess
2) become the owner of
3) conquer
4) have control
5) rule
6) take a wife
7) have power
8) reign
9) be capable of
10) able to obtain
11) can do
12) can avail
13) have authority
14) hold
The Malaika (Angels) play a vital role in our world to show that Allah's universal laws of physicality which governs our mortal plane of existence makes no exception regardless of our order.
Al Hijra – The Valley 15:8 We do not send down angels except for a genuine purpose, at which time none will be given any further respite.
Al Nahl – The Bee 16:2 He sends the angels with revelation by His command, to any of His creatures as He please, (saying): "Warn that there is no god but I, so fear Me."
Al Hajj – The Pilgrimage 22:75 Allah chooseth from the angels messengers, and (also) from mankind. Lo! Allah is Hearer, Seer.
Malaika (Angels) are entities whom Allah has empowered to exercise His authority, commands, rules and laws in the universe OR entities who possess power, given to them by Allah, to execute or put into effect His Laws, Plans, programmes and schemes in the universe.
Malaika are the servants of (Almighty,) the Beneficent who obey Him with humility and submissiveness (43:19) and never disobey Him in what He commands them, and do as they are commanded (66:6).
Various verses of the Quran indicate multifarious role of Malaika in this universe.
Malaika (Angels) are servants of Allah
Surah 43:19 And they make the Malaika-- them who are the servants of the Beneficent Allah-- female (divinities). What! did they witness their creation? Their evidence shall be written down and they shall be questioned.
Malaika do what they are commanded
Surah 66:6 O you who believe! save yourselves and your families from a fire whose fuel are the commoners and the crafty ones alike; over it are Malaika stern and strong, they do not disobey Allah in what He commands them, and do as they are commanded.
Malaika's obeisance to Allah
Surah 16:49 And whatever creature that is in the heavens and that is in the earth makes obeisance to Allah (only), and Malaika(too) and they do not show pride.
Malaika as Messengers of Allah
Surah 22:75 Allah chooses messengers from among the Malaika and from among the men; surely Allah is Hearing, Seeing.
Surah 35:1 All Praise is due to Allah, the Originator of all Highs and their Lows, Who appoints His Malaika as message-bearers having wings two, three and four.
Surah 3:42 And when the Malaika said: O Marium! surely Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of of the world.
Surah 3:39 Then the Malaika called to him as he stood praying in the sanctuary: That Allah gives you the good news of Yahya verifying a Word from Allah, and honourable and chaste and a prophet from among the good ones.
Surah 3:45 When the Malaika said: O Marium, surely Allah gives you good news with a Word from Him (of one) whose name is the '.Messiah, Isa son of Marium, worthy of regard in this world and the hereafter and of those who are made near (to Allah).
Surah 16:2 He sends down Malaika with the inspiration by His commandment on whom He pleases of His servants, saying: Give the warning that there is no god but Me, therefore be careful (of your duty) to Me.
Surah 17:95 Say: Had there been in the earth Malaika walking about as settlers, We would certainly have sent down to them from the heaven an angel as a messenger.
Malaika strive to establish the glory of Allah and seek protection for those on earth
Surah 13:13 And the thunder strives to establish His glory , and Malaika too, for awe of Him;
Surah 42:5 The heavens may almost rend asunder from above them and Malaika strive to establish the glory of their Lord and seek protection for those on earth; now surely Allah is the Forgiving, the Merciful.
Malaika cause to die
Surah 16:28 Those whom Malaika cause to die while they are unjust to themselves. Then would they offer submission: We used not to do any evil. Aye! surely Allah knows what you did.
Surah 47:27 But how will it be when Malaika cause them to die smiting their backs.
Surah 4:97 Surely (as for) those whom Malaika cause to die while they are unjust to their souls, they shall say: In what state were you? They shall say: We were weak in the earth. They shall say: Was not Allah's earth spacious, so that you should have migrated therein? So these it is whose abode is hell, and it is an evil resort
Surah 8:50 And had you seen when Malaika will cause to die those who disbelieve, smiting their faces and their backs, and (saying): Taste the punishment of burning.
Surah 16:32 Those whom Malaika cause to die in a good state, saying: Peace be on you: enter the garden for what you did.
Malaika in the Hereafter
Surah 21:103 The great fearful event shall not grieve them, and Malaika shall meet them: This is your day which you were promised.
Surah 25:22 On the day when they shall see Malaika, there shall be no joy on that day for the guilty, and they shall say: Itis a forbidden thing totally prohibited.
Surah 39:75 And Malaika will be surrounding Allah’s seat of authority and will be active in making His system of Rabubiyyatworthy of all Hamd and appreciation. At that time all human affairs will be decided with (perfect) justice and Allah'suniversal order of Rabubiyyat will come into force in such an outstanding manner that everyone will spontaneously cry out, "Most certainly all 'Hamd' is for Allah the Almighty, Who is the sustainer and Rabb of all the worlds!"
Descending of Malaika upon the believers
Surah 41:30 (As for) those who say: Our Lord is Allah, then continue in the right way, Malaika descend upon them, saying: Fear not, nor be grieved, and receive good news of the garden which you were promised.
Malaika's help to the believers in this world
Surah 3:124 When you said to the believers: Does it not suffice you that your Lord should assist you with three thousand of Malaika sent down?
Surah 3:125 Yea! if you remain patient and are on your guard, and they come upon you in a headlong manner, your Lord will assist you with five thousand of the havoc-making Malaika.
Surah 8:9 When you sought aid from your Lord, so He answered you: I will assist you with a thousand of Malaika following one another.
Surah 8:12 When your Lord revealed to Malaika: I am with you, therefore make firm those who believe. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them.
Deprivation of (the help) of Malaika
Surah 2:161 Surely those who disbelieve and die while they are disbelievers, these it is who will be deprived of the beneficence of Allah and the support of Malaika and men all;
Surah 3:87 (As for) these, their recompense is that they will be deprived of the grace of Allah and the support of Malaika and of men, all together.
Malaika (Angels) as keepers of the fire
Surah 74:31 And We have not made the keepers of the fire others than Malaika,
I believe it could be fair to say that it seems like Iblis was one of the Malaika (Angels) in the since of his role, his authority, his power because being an Angel entails duties. Maybe a Jinn is a type of angel because as the above information dictates Malaika (Angels) have many duties.
A Jinn is a being of 'smokeless fire'
The Jinn and Iblis are made of 'mārijin' (a smokeless flame) 'min' (of) 'nārin' (fire)and the Qur'an does not describe the Angels as origin neithing does the Qur'an describe the Angels being made out of light, and yet Angels may obey Allah, but that doesn't mean they don't have free will.
"And to Allah prostate all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, of the live moving creatures and the angels, and they are not proud. They fear their Lord above them, and they do what they are commanded." Surah 16:49-50
The Malaika (Angels) do as they are commanded, so do the believers, does that mean the believers don't have free will? No. In terms of the angels once Angels disobey Allah they are technically no longer Angels of Allah because being an Angel is an honor, status, promotion, and to be given authority.
The story of Adam and Iblis is mentioned in the Qur’an in various places in which Allah says,
"We said to the angels bow down to Adam: and they bowed down: not so Iblis".
This is mentioned in:
Surah 2:43
Surah 7: 17
Surah 15:28-31
Surah 17:61
Surah 20:116
Surah 38:71-74
But in Surah 18:50 the Qur’an says:
"Behold! We said to the angels, "Bow down to Adam." they bowed down except Iblis He was one of the Jinns." [Al-Qur’an 18:50]
I don't believe just because Allah mentions 'Angel' with the negative 'except' Iblis that this infers that Iblis was an Angel. Honestly, did Allah have to say to Iblis your not a Angel you don't have to bow because your a Jinn? Is this the consistency of the Qur'an? Is this the consistency of the Qur'an just because Angels are mention and Iblis is mention with the exception of following Allah's Command that he must be an Angel? Did Allah have to address Iblis as a Jinn?
Allah says
"Lo! In the creation of the heavens and the earth and (in) the difference of night and day are tokens (of His Sovereignty) for men of understanding," Surah 3:190
Allah says only the 'men' of understanding does this not include the women?
Surah 51:56 "I have only created Jinns and men, that they may serve Me."
Now we have Allah only mentioning 'Jinns' and 'Men' in this ayat does this not include everything else that has been created for His worship including the Angels?
Surah 2:177 “ The righteous one is he who believes in God and the last day, and His mala’ika and His books and His **prophets/nabiyyeen**.”
Does this not include believing in Allah's 'Messengers?
Surah 2:285 “The messenger believes in what has been sent dawn to him from His Lord and so do the faithful. They all believe in God and His malai’ka , His books and **His messengers**/rusulihi, we make no
distinction among any of His messengers/rusulihi.”
Does this not include believing in His 'Prophets?'
In Surah 3:144, Allah says: “ wa ma muhamadun ila rasoolun qad khalat min qablihir rusul”
“Muhammad is but a messenger many messengers have passed away before him…”
So, according to this ayat, Muhammad is only a messenger and not a prophet????
"He it is Who hath revealed unto thee the Scripture wherein are clear revelations - they are the substance of the Book - and others (which are) allegorical. But those in whose hearts is doubt pursue, forsooth, that which is allegorical seeking (to cause) dissension by seeking to explain it. None knoweth its explanation save Allah. And those who are of sound instruction say: We believe therein; the whole is from our Lord; but only men of understanding really heed." Surah 3:7
My point I'm trying to make is that in all of the Surahs/ayats Allah mentions:
1) For men of understanding (women aren't mention)
2) To believe in His Prophets (messengers aren't mention)
3) To believe in His Messengers (prophets aren't mention)
4) Muhammad is only a messenger (prophet isn't mention)
5) Only men of understanding (women aren't mention)
Can we honestly believe that Allah isn't mentioning women also as understanding the ayats and to believe in His Prophets and His Messengers or to believe in His Messengers and not His Prophets? Can we believe that Muhammad was only a Messenger and not a Prophet?
If your saying Allah had to literally mention Iblis as a Jinn to get him to obey His instructions although Allah gave it specifically to the Angels this isn't consistent with the Sunnah of Allah.
Allah addressed the Angels, yes and He addressed the Jinn and of the Jinn was Iblis.
Now there are others who believe literally that Iblis became a Jinn after disobeying Allah. Again, the Jinn and Iblis was created from fire:
“And the jinn, We created aforetime 'min' (from) 'nāri' (fire) 'l-samūmi' (scorching). Surah 15:27
“And the jinn 'min' (from) 'mārijin' (a smokeless flame) 'min' (of) 'nārin' (fire). Surah 55:15
And compare this to what Iblis says about himself when Allaa, may He be glorified and exalted, asked Iblis the reason for his refusal to prostrate to Adam when Allah commanded him to do so.
Iblis said:
“ 'anā' (I am) 'khayrun' (better) 'min'hu' (than him). 'khalaqtanī' (You created me) 'min' (from) 'nārin' (fire)..." Surah 7:12
" 'qāla' (He said), 'anā' (I am) 'khayrun' (better) 'min'hu' (than him). 'khalaqtanī' (You created me) 'min' (from) 'nārin' (fire)..." Surah 38:76
So if Iblis in the beginning was an Angel origin, essence as given Angels are given wings:
"Praise be to God who created the heavens and the earth, who made the angels messengers with 'ulī' 'ajniḥatin' having wings in two or three or four [pairs]. (35:1)
So it's fair to say that Angels are created (from) 'nārin' (fire). No where in the Qur'an does Allah say Jinns 'ulī' 'ajniḥatin' having wings in two or three or four [pairs] and no where in the Qur'an does it say that Malaika (Angels) are created from 'nārin' (fire).
So in my humble conclusion thus far as this is WIP (Work in Progress) Allah says:
"And (remember) when We said to the angels; "Prostrate to Adam." So they prostrated except Iblis (Satan). He was one of the jinns; he disobeyed the Command of his Lord. Will you then take him (Iblis) and his offspring as protectors and helpers rather than Me while they are enemies to you? What an evil is the exchange for the Zalimun." Surah 18:50
Hence, this either means that:
1) Iblis an angel and therefore not a jinn.
2) Or Iblis is a jinn and therefore not an angel, which makes Allah unjust for blaming him for not obeying a command given to the angels and not to the jinn.
This would seem to be a huge dilemma that Muslims try to come up with some convenient and/or intriguing explanations and rather distoring the Surah 18:50 in order to make it say that Iblis became a jinn, not that he was a jinn:
"We said to the angels, "Fall prostrate before Adam." They fell prostrate, except Satan. He became a jinn, for he disobeyed the order of His Lord. Will you choose him and his descendants as lords instead of Me, even though they are your enemies? What a miserable substitute!" Rashad Khalifa
Reference: http://submission.org/suras/sura18.htm
Rashad Khalifa’s rendering presupposes that Iblis was an angel first before becoming a jinn, an understanding which, as I stated above, poses additional problems.
Khalifa’s followers provide the reasons why he translated the text in this manner:
"The Arabic in verse Surah 18:50 could be translated as he was a jinn or it could be translated as he became a jinn. The following translation of the Arabic ayat Surah 18:50 stating that Iblis became a jinn, however, is the correct understanding for reasons stated....It can be understood that Satan became disobedient and therefore no longer an angel through looking at other verses as well as this one rather than coming to a conclusion using only this verse. We should not take the scripture partially…"
First, God spoke specifically to the angels, not the angels and the jinns…
Second, God issued the command to fall prostrate to the angels; and the angels fell prostrate, all of them, except Satan. Some Islamic "scholars" argue about the use of the Arabic word "illah" (except), but it is just a distraction from the fact that God is clearly speaking to and giving the command to angels… Third, There is no mistaking that Satan has fallen, God tells us Satan is in his act of rebellion, which is followed by his banishment…"
The similarity between Angels and Jinns is like the similarity between humans and animals. Can a dog transform into a cat or cat into a dog? I mean we are dealing with the origin of the Angels, Jinn and Mankind and I don't see the evolution of Iblis being transformed from an Angel with having 'wings' to a Jinn being created from a smokeless fire being sent down to earth.
I believe from the Qur'anic ayats that Iblis was a Jinn and not an angel. They are made of two different things:
1) the Malaika (Angels) 'ulī' 'ajniḥatin' having wings in two or three or four [pairs].
2) the jinn, We created aforetime 'min' (from) 'nāri' (fire) 'l-samūmi' (scorching)
3) Iblis said “ 'anā' (I am) 'khayrun' (better) 'min'hu' (than him). 'khalaqtanī' (You created me) 'min' (from) 'nārin' (fire)..."
"Behold! We said to the angels, "Bow down to Adam." they bowed down except Iblis He was one of the Jinns." [Al-Qur’an 18:50] I believe that Iblis was a jinn among a group of Malaika (Angels) in Arabic by referring to the group as Malaika (Angels) it applies to everyone among that group even if they arent.
Remember in the beginning before Adam and his wife fell from grace after Allah warned them both not to follow Iblis then Iblis whispered to them and got them to see what was hidden from the of their:
"Then Shaitan whispered to them that he might manifest unto them that which was hidden from them then he said: "Your Lord forbade you from this tree only lest ye should become 'malakayni' (Angels) or become of the 'l-khālidīna' (immortals)." Surah 7:12
So before Adam and his wife fall from grace Shaitan tried to say to them both that Allah forbade a particular tree only that they wouldn't become 'malakayni' (Angels) or 'l-khālidīna' (immortals).
"He said: O Iblis! What hindereth thee from falling prostrate before that which I have created with both My hands? Art thou too proud or art thou of the high exalted?" Surah 38:75
It's obvious that rank and position was definitely a Sunnah of Allah and because of this position of Adam given by Allah that entailed the Angels and the Jinn having to obey Allah's Command made Iblis proud and arrogant which does not have the charasteristics of an Angel but does have the charasteristics of the Jinn and Insi (mankind).
Yet, Shaitan made it seem that becoming 'malakayni' (Angels) was a higher rank than the actual status that Adam and his wife represented because before this incident the 'malakayni' (Angels)weer already told to bow to Adam including Iblis and the 'malakayni' (Angels) and all of them did this:
“And to Allaah prostrate all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, of the moving (living) creatures 'wal-malāikatu' (and the Angels), and they are not proud. They fear their Lord above them, and they do what 'yu'marūna' (they are commanded). Surah 16:49-50
Allah says, 'lan' (Never) 'yastankifa' (will disdain) 'l-masīḥu' (the Messiah) 'an' (to) 'yakūna' (be) ʿabdan' (a slave) 'lillahi' (of Allah) 'walā' (and not) 'l-malāikatu' (the Angels) 'l-muqarabūna' (the ones who are near to Allah). Surah 4:172
The reason why I believe Iblis, Shaitan was not any of the 'l-malāikatu' (the Angels) because the characteristics of the 'l-malāikatu' (the Angels) is clear:
1) they do what 'yu'marūna' (they are commanded) (Surah 4:172)
2) they hymn Thy praise and sanctify Thee?
3) The thunder hymneth His praise and (so do) the Angels for awe of Him. (13:13)
4) So the Angels fell prostrate, all of them together (15:30)
5) And unto Allah maketh prostration whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth of living creatures, and the Angels (also) and they are not proud. (16:49)
6) Praise be to Allah, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, Who appointeth the Angels messengers having wings two, three and four. (35:1)
7) The Angels fell down prostrate, every one, (38:73)
8) Almost might the heavens above be rent asunder while the Angels hymn the praise of their Lord and ask forgiveness for those on the earth. (42:5)
9) And they make the Angels, who are the slaves of the Beneficent, females. (43:19)
10) Lo! those who are with thy Lord are not too proud to do Him service, but they praise Him and prostrate before Him. (7:206)
11) But if they are too proud - still those who are with thy Lord glorify Him night and day, and tire not. (4:38)
Iblis was not an Angel because these characteristics:
1) they fell prostrate, all save Iblis. He demurred through pride, and so became a disbeliever.(2:34)
2) then told the Angels: Fall ye prostrate before Adam! And they fell prostrate, all save Iblis, who was not of those who make prostration. (7:11)
3) And when We said unto the Angels: Fall down prostrate before Adam and they fell prostrate all save Iblis, (17:61)
4) And (remember) when We said unto the Angels: Fall prostrate before Adam, and they fell prostrate, all save Iblis. He was of the jinn, (18:50)
5) And when We said unto the Angels: Fall prostrate before Adam, they fell prostrate (all) save Iblis; he refused. (20:116)
6) I am better than him. Thou createdst me of fire while him Thou didst create of mud. (7:12)
7) Save Iblis. He refused to be among the prostrate. (15:31)
8) And when We said unto the angels: Fall prostrate before Adam, they fell prostrate (all) save Iblis; he refused. (20:116)
9) Saving Iblis; he was scornful and became one of the disbelievers. (38:74)
10) He said: O Iblis! What hindereth thee from falling prostrate before that which I have created with both My hands? Art thou too proud or art thou of the high exalted? (38:75)
Allah always addresses the Jinn and Mankind together but never the Angels:1) In the day when He will gather them together (He will say): O ye assembly of the Jinn! Many of humankind did ye seduce.... (6:128)
2) O ye assembly of the Jinn and humankind! Came there not unto you messengers of your own who recounted unto you My tokens and warned you of the meeting of this your Day? (6:130)
3) Say: Verily, though mankind and the Jinn should assemble to produce the like of this Qur'an, (17:88)
4) And there were gathered together unto Solomon his armies of the Jinn and humankind, (27:17)
5) that I will fill hell with the Jinn and mankind together. (32:13)
6) And the Word concerning nations of the Jinn and humankind who passed away before them hath effect for them. Lo! they were ever losers. (41:25)
7) And those who disbelieve will say: Our Lord! Show us those who beguiled us of the Jinn and humankind. (41:29)
8) Such are those on whom the Word concerning nations of the Jinn and mankind which have passed away before them hath effect. (46:18)
9) I created the Jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me. (51:56)
10) We shall dispose of you, O ye two dependents (man and Jinn). (55:31)
11) O company of Jinn and men, if ye have power to penetrate (all) regions of the heavens and the earth, (55:33)
12) On that day neither man nor Jinni will be questioned of his sin. (55:39)
13) Therein are those of modest gaze, whom neither man nor Jinni will have touched before them. (55:56)
14) Whom neither man nor Jinni will have touched before them - (55:74)
15) And lo! we had supposed that humankind and Jinn would not speak a lie concerning Allah - (72:5)
16) And indeed (O Muhammad) individuals of humankind used to invoke the protection of individuals of theJinn, so that they increased them in revolt against Allah); (72:6)
17) Of the Jinn and of mankind. (114:6)
There is a big difference between the Malaika (Angels), Jinns and Mankind.
So back to the innitial question was Iblis a Jinn? Was he an Angel then became a Jinn the answer to this question is that by directing the Malaika (Angels) to bow down before Adam, Allah had directed a higher cadre creation to bow down, the lower cadre creations like the jinn and any others that were present may or may not have been included in the directive.
This style of speech is used in almost all human languages.
There are also claims that if Iblis was a jinn and not an angel, how can it therefore be said that he disobeyed Allah’s command by not bowing down in front of Adam especially when, according to the Qur’an Allah had directed only the angels to prostrate before Adam.
Hence, the answer to these questions is to first understand the basic directive of the Command of Allah itself. According to the Qur’an it is to be noted that although it was primarily the angels who were directed to prostrate before Adam it was, nevertheless, expected of the jinn who were in the court at that time to follow suit.
In other words, by directing the angels to bow down before Adam and we know Angels are much higher rank then Jinn, Allah had directed a higher cadre of His creation to submit to a command, the lower cadre creations like the jinn and any others that may have been present at the time, were expected to do the same.
When the chief Justice, the King, so what have you even the President of the United States enters the room all the parliamentarians shall pay their respects by standing up for him, he may imply that all those who are present shall stand up to pay their homage, but uses the word"parliamentarians" liberally - i.e. And this generally implies that all those present in the hall(personnel of the press, the foreign diplomats, the media personnel and guests of the members) should stand to pay their respects to the Chief Justice.
The word “parliamentarians” in such a sentence is not to signify that the directive is given only to those who are members of the parliament, but is a generalization in which a higher cadre of personnel is given a directive with the implication that others are also expected to follow suit.
Hence, by addressing the dominant group that is present and actually implying all those that are present, whether they are parliamentarians or not. Or some may actually imply that it is only necessary for the parliamentarians - and no one other than the parliamentarians - to stand up, using the words "parliamentarians" literally.
Thus, when Allah directed the Malaika (Angels) to bow down to Adam, the directive could have been construed to be solely for those that are included among the group called Malaika (Angels) and the word Malaika (Angels) is being used literally or on the other hand, it could also have been construed to be a general directive for all those present which means that the word Malaika (Angels) had been used liberally - i.e. by addressing the dominant group that is present and actually implying all those that are present, whether they are angels or not.
Thus, considering only the words that in Surah 2:34 "And behold, We said to the angels: "Bow down to Adam" and they bowed down. Not so Iblis: he refused and was haughty: He was of those who reject Faith."Many people may be led with the perspective that Iblis was included in the addressees, while another may construe that he was not. The same could have been the case with Iblis - he could have construed that he was included in the directive or he could have felt that it was meant solely for theMalaika (Angels). But to clarify this situation, the Qur'an at another instance explains:
"All the angels fell down prostrate, but Iblees did it not. He refused to be among those who prostrated. God said: OIblis what is wrong with you, why are you not among those who bowed down? He said: I shall not bow down to something that you have created from sounding clay." Surah 15: 30 - 33
At another instance, the Qur'an explains:
"Then we said to the angels: Bow down to Adam. They bowed down, except Iblees. He was not among those who bowed down. God said: What stopped you from bowing down, when I directed you to do so? He said: I am better than him, you created me from fire and you created him from dust." Surah 7: 11 - 12
Then again, the Qur'an says:
"So the angels bowed down, all of them. But Iblees did it not. He showed haughtiness and became a rejecter. God said: O Iblees, what stopped you from bowing down to the one whom I created with my hands? Was it your pride [that stopped you] or are you among the elevated ones? He said: I am better than him. You created me from fire while him you created from dust." Surah 39: 73 - 76
In all these ayats, we see that Iblis was asked by Allah Himself why did he refuse to bow down to Adam. Now had Iblis construed from the words in Surah 2:34 that the directive was only for theMalaika (Angels), he would have said so in reply to the question but Iblis did not say he thought it was only for the Malaika (Angels).
But as the cited reply clearly shows that the reason Iblis did not bow down to Adam was only his pride. This really means that the words of the directive, although they could have been construed as addressing only the Malaika (Angels) were actually meant for all those that were present and the Malaika (Angels) were addressed liberally.
Moreover the dialogue between Allah and Iblis also shows that there was no doubt in Iblis's mind that he also was supposed to bow down to Adam in response to Allah's directive.
“… but Iblis did it not — he was a jinn — thus he disobeyed his Lord.” [18:50]
In view of this statement of the Qur’an it is obvious that Iblis was a jinn and not an angel, hence the rest of the missionary diatribe on the matter is rendered insignificant and invalid.
I have used the best method of Qur’anic exegesis, al-Qur’an yufassiru ba’duhu ba’dan (different parts of the Qur’an explain each other).
What is given in a general way in one place is discussed in detail in some other place in the Qur’an What is dealt with briefly at one place is expanded in some other place.
And only Allah knows best.
Note:
It must be remembered that Iblis is a Jinn and not an Angel. The concept of the Devil being a fallen Angel is from Christianity and not Islam.
Ezekiel 28:16-19
Ezekiel 28:12-15
[12] "Son of man, take up a lament concerning the king of Tyre and say to him: `This is what the Sovereign LORD says: " `were the model of perfectionfull of wisdom. and
, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz and emerald, chrysolite, onyx and jasper, sapphire, turquoise and beryl. Your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared. [13]
[14] [specially selected]; you walked among the fiery stones. , for so I ordained you.
[15]
[16] Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, O guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones.
because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings. , and [17]
[18] By your many sins and dishonest trade you have desecrated your sanctuaries. So I made a fire come out from you, and it consumed you, and I reduced you to ashes on the ground in the sight of all who were watching.
[19] All the nations who knew you are appalled at you; you have come to a horrible end and will be no more.' "
and will be no moreEzekiel 28:19 seems to say that God will cause Satan to cease to exist.
"How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, You who have weakened the nations! 13"But you said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, And I will sit on the mount of assembly In the recesses of the north. 14'I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High,'" (Isaiah 14:12-14).
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LICXzkvqCh4J:carm.org/fallen-angels+the+Devil+was+a+fallen+angel&cd=9&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&source=www.google.com
Reference:
http://www.quranicteachings.co.uk/index1a.htm
http://www.searchtruth.com/search.php?keyword=Jinn&chapter=&translator=4&search=1&search_word=all&start=30&records_display=10&phonetic=
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