Surah Saba — Verse 20

Word Meanings:

• Saddaqa (صَدَّقَ): To confirm, verify, or prove true.
• Zannahu (ظَنَّهُ): His assumption, suspicion, or expectation.
• Iblis (إِبْلِيسُ): Satan, the accursed one.
• Fariqan (فَرِيقًا): A group, party, or faction.

Tafsir (Interpretation):

This verse reveals a profound truth about the nature of Satan's enmity toward humanity and the fulfillment of his evil expectations. Allah informs us that Iblis had made an assumption about the children of Adam—he believed with certainty that he could mislead them and turn them away from the path of righteousness. This was not a mere guess; it was a calculated expectation rooted in his arrogant declaration when he said, "By Your might, I will surely mislead them all" (Surah Sad, 38:82), and "You will not find most of them grateful" (Surah Al-A'raf, 7:17).

And indeed, Iblis's assumption proved true against them. The majority of humankind followed him in disbelief, disobedience, and deviation from the straight path. They responded to his whispers, obeyed his suggestions, and abandoned the commands of their Merciful Lord. This is a painful reality that reflects the weakness of human will when disconnected from divine guidance.

However, the verse concludes with a beacon of hope: "Except a group of the believers." These are the believers who remained steadfast upon faith, who resisted Satan's temptations, and who refused to follow his call to misguidance. They disappointed Satan's expectations and proved that his victory is not absolute. They are the ones who clung to the rope of Allah, sought His protection, and recognized the deception of the enemy.

A Da'wah Reflection:

This verse carries a powerful lesson for every Muslim. Satan's assumption about humanity was not a prophecy that had to be fulfilled—it was a challenge that required human cooperation. He cannot force anyone to sin; he only invites, whispers, and decorates evil deeds. The tragedy is that many people willingly respond to his call, thereby fulfilling his expectation.

But here lies the good news: you have the power to break this expectation! Every time you resist a temptation, every time you choose obedience over disobedience, every time you seek refuge in Allah from Satan's whispers, you are proving Iblis wrong. You are among that blessed group of believers mentioned in this verse—those who disappointed Satan and earned the pleasure of Allah.

The door of repentance is always open. No matter how far you have fallen into following Satan's path, Allah's mercy is greater. Return to your Lord today, and become one of those who make Satan's assumption false. The Prophet ﷺ said, "Satan sits in wait for the son of Adam on every path, but the one who remembers Allah and seeks His protection will be saved." Be among the saved, be among the believers who break the cycle of deception, and let your life be a testimony that faith overcomes the whispers of the accursed one.