Surah Ash-Shu'ara — Verse 222

Word Meanings:

• Afaak (أَفَّاكٍ): A habitual liar, one who is constantly fabricating falsehoods.
• Atheem (أَثِيمٍ): One who is steeped in sin and disobedience, committing transgressions excessively.

Explanation of the Verse:

This verse continues the response to those who falsely claimed that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was possessed or inspired by devils. Allah clarifies the true nature of devils and their targets: they descend upon every habitual liar who is deeply entrenched in sin—specifically, the soothsayers and fortune-tellers. The devils would eavesdrop on the heavenly realm, snatching fragments of unseen knowledge, and then deliver these stolen whispers to their human allies among the wicked. These individuals would then mix the tiny grain of truth they received with a mountain of lies, deceiving the people. Thus, the revelation of devils is not to the pure-hearted prophets and messengers, but to the corrupt and deceitful—a stark contrast to the pure, untainted revelation bestowed upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which comes from Allah directly through the trustworthy angel Jibreel.

Reflection and Da'wah:

This verse serves as a powerful reassurance for believers: the Qur'an is not the work of devils, nor does it originate from the whispers of the unseen. Rather, it is a divine light that descends upon the purest heart—the heart of the final Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him). Reflect on the profound difference: devils seek out the corrupt and the liars, while Allah chooses the truthful and the pure to carry His message. This is a call for us to purify our own hearts and tongues, to distance ourselves from falsehood and sin, so that we may be worthy of divine guidance. When you read the Qur'an, know that you are holding a book that is far above the reach of any devil—a book that elevates the soul, guides to the straight path, and brings peace to the heart. Embrace it, act upon it, and let it be the light that illuminates your life, for it is the unaltered word of Allah, protected and preserved for all of humanity until the end of time.