devil

Heresy is a problem that has engaged many religions. How Islam and divine leaders dealt with this issue and have been able to mention the dangers of heretics to their audience is the subject of this article. Qur'an and Nahj al-Balaghah, which are written collections of divine teachings, have identified the heresies and explained the solutions. In Nahj al-Balaghah, Imam Ali (AS) mentioned heresy as one of the most important religious and social evils and considered it changing God's commandments according to the heart's desires and the soul's whims. This comparative article aims to study the issues caused by heresy and its solutions in the Quran and Nahj al-Balagha. The findings of this research showed that Ahl al-Bayt (PBUH), after the Prophet (PBUH), who were and are the leading expositors and interpreters of religion and the Qur'an, were trying to guide people's beliefs with their explanatory behaviour. This research showed that the main problem of heresy is that it has changed people's beliefs to the extent that it can create a new religion.

In several verses, the Holy Qur'an warns the children of Adam about following and obeying the devil and introduces the Satan as the enemy of man. However, some biased people, citing some verses, consider the creation of Satan expelled from the divine door as the cause of man's misguidance and consequently the descent of torment [upon the earth]. This issue clarifies the need to explain and answer this doubt. In this article, with analytical-critical method and by reflecting on the meaning of the verses under discussion and their accurate interpretation and explanation, it becomes clear that the creation of Satan is not only purposeful and not for human misguidance, but also a means for divine testing and human perfection. The reason of giving Satan the respite is not also to mislead man, but as a result of his previous worships and the completion of his ordeal. The limit of Satan's realm is only temptation and he has no genetic dominance over man. Hence, Satan has dominion only over those who have accepted his guardianship not over the sincere believers.

Qaani Shirazi is one of the poets who has sometimes been influenced by Ferdowsi's thoughts in writing his poems and used epic and heroic elements in his book. In addition, we can mention the glory of kings and princes like Esfandiar and different heroes like Sam, Rostam, etc. Epic and mythological creatures such as a demon, Simorgh, horse, and the like are also seen in Qaani’s Divan. On the other hand, the most epic elements in his poems are national and heroic epics. Looking in his divan reflects an image of Shahnameh. In this article, we intend to analyze the value and status of Namur’ letter based on the terms and allusions mentioned in this poet’s poem.

Animosity in the form of friendship and trickery in the form of benevolence ensure more success for enemies at no financial and human cost. The devil was the first creature that used this method. His hatred is derived from the jealousy of the dignity of prophet Adam (AS). Although Satan has no dominion over man, but he has used tools such as carnal soul and man’s will, and methods of temptation, false promises, causing discord, deception, corruption, etc., to lead man into aberration and corruption. But if the faithful and pious man takes refuge in God and trust in him, he will be safe from evil of the Satan. The paper first introduced the devil and Satan, and then explained their objectives from the perspective of Quran. Afterwards, the methods and tools of Satan’s threats were introduced. Finally, the ways to get rid of this threat as presented by the Quran were enumerated.

In the Quran, shaytan as an adjective means evil and is used for any rebellious, recalcitrant being. Sometimes, however, this term is applied in its particular sense meaning Satan who was the first existent to be described as devil because of refusing to bow down before Adam. In the Genesis, serpent is a symbol of Satan who deceived Eve, made Adam and Eve eat from forbidden tree, and caused their Fall onto the earth. In the Old Testament, Satan is introduced as the enemy of God and Israelites. Being opponent of man’s happiness, Satan attempts to deceive them. Expounding perspectives of the Quran and the Old Testament concerning Satan, the present essay attempts to explain common and different facets of the two perspectives.