Surah Yasin — Verse 60

Word Meanings:

• "A'had" (أَعْهَدْ): I commanded, enjoined, and took a covenant from you.
• "Ta'budo" (تَعْبُدُوا): To worship, obey, and submit to.
• "Adūwwun mubīn" (عَدُوٌّ مُّبِين): An enemy whose enmity is clear, evident, and undeniable.

Tafsir (Explanation):

On the Day of Judgment, Allah will address all of humanity—the children of Adam—with a gentle yet firm rebuke, reminding them of the covenant He made with them throughout history. He will say: "Did I not command you, through the tongues of My Messengers and the pages of My revealed Books, that you must not worship Satan or obey him in acts of disobedience and disbelief?"

This "worship" of Satan does not mean bowing to him or praying to him, but rather following his whispers, obeying his commands to commit sins, and submitting to his temptations—whether in matters of belief (like shirk) or in deeds (like immorality and transgression). Allah then reminds them of the reason for this prohibition: "Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy." Satan's enmity toward humanity is not hidden or ambiguous—it began with his refusal to prostrate to Adam, his deception of Adam and Eve in Paradise, and his sworn oath to mislead their descendants until the Last Day.

So, how could a rational person obey an enemy whose hostility is so obvious and whose goal is nothing but their destruction? This verse serves as a powerful reminder that every act of sin is, in essence, a victory for Satan and a step away from the mercy of Allah.

A Da'wah Reflection:

This verse is a beautiful call to self-awareness and accountability. Allah, in His infinite mercy, did not leave us without guidance—He sent messengers, revealed scriptures, and made His commands clear. He warned us of our enemy and equipped us with the tools to defeat him: the Qur'an, the Sunnah, and the innate fitrah (natural disposition) to recognize truth from falsehood.

Let this verse inspire you to examine your life: Are you following the commands of your Lord, or are you unknowingly obeying your enemy? Every time you resist a temptation for the sake of Allah, you are breaking Satan's hold over you. Every time you repent and return to Allah, you are fulfilling the covenant your Lord made with you.

Allah does not need our obedience—we need His mercy. And His mercy is vast, open to all who turn back to Him, no matter how far they have strayed. So, let this reminder be a turning point: choose Allah as your Protector, and reject the whispers of the enemy who seeks only your ruin. Indeed, the path of guidance is clear, and the reward of Paradise is worth every sacrifice.