Surah Sad — Verse 82

Word Meanings:

• فَبِعِزَّتِكَ (fa-bi-'izzatika): By Your Might and Power — meaning, by Your Majesty, Sovereignty, and Supreme Authority.
• لَأُغْوِيَنَّهُمْ (la-ughwiyannahum): I will surely lead them astray — meaning, I will misguide them, entice them into error, and turn them away from the path of guidance.
• أَجْمَعِينَ (ajma'een): All of them — meaning, every single one of the children of Adam, without exception.

Explanation of the Verse:

In this verse, Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) informs us of the response of Iblis (Satan) after he was cursed and expelled from Allah's mercy for his arrogance and refusal to prostrate to Adam (peace be upon him). When Iblis requested a respite until the Day of Resurrection, and Allah granted him that respite as a test for mankind, Iblis then made a solemn oath — swearing by Allah's own Might and Glory — declaring: "By Your Might and Power, I will surely mislead them all together."

This is a profound and terrifying declaration. Iblis does not swear by anything other than Allah's own attributes of Might and Majesty, using them as the basis of his vow. He acknowledges Allah's absolute power and sovereignty even while rebelling against Him. His statement reveals his deep-seated enmity toward Adam and his descendants — an enmity born of pride and jealousy. He vows to spare no effort in deviating humanity from the straight path, using every means at his disposal: whispers, temptations, doubts, desires, and the beautification of sin.

However, this verse is immediately followed (in the next verse) by his exception: *"Except Your chosen servants among them."* This shows that even Iblis, in his arrogance, admitted that there are sincere believers whom he cannot touch — those whom Allah has purified and protected by His grace. The power of Iblis is limited; it is Allah who grants protection, and no one can overcome those whom Allah guards.

A Call to Reflection and Action:

Dear believer, ponder deeply upon this verse. The enemy of mankind has sworn by Allah's own Might that he will spare no effort to lead you astray. He does not rest, he does not tire, and he does not give up. He approaches you from every direction — from your front, your back, your right, and your left — seeking to cut you off from the path of Allah. Yet, in the same breath, he admits his weakness before the sincere servants of Allah.

This should awaken in you two things:

First: A sense of urgency and vigilance. You are in a battlefield, and the enemy is relentless. Do not be negligent or complacent. Guard your prayers, protect your tongue, lower your gaze, and fill your heart with the remembrance of Allah. The Quran and Sunnah are your weapons; cling to them firmly.

Second: A sense of hope and reliance on Allah. The same Iblis who swore to mislead you also admitted that he has no power over Allah's chosen servants. If you sincerely turn to Allah, seek His protection, and strive to be among His righteous slaves, then no force in creation can harm you. Allah says: *"Indeed, over My [believing] servants there is for you no authority"* (Al-Hijr: 42). So raise your hands to Allah and ask Him to make you among those whom Iblis cannot reach.

Let this verse be a reminder that the greatest honor is to be a servant of Allah — for the one who is a servant of Allah is free from the servitude of Satan. And know that Allah's Might, which Iblis swore by, is the very same Might that protects you, guides you, and will grant you victory over your enemy if you remain steadfast. May Allah make us among His sincere servants, and may He protect us from the whispers of the accursed Satan. Ameen.