By Allah’s permission, Shaitan is diligently performing his duty of misleading every human being through constant deception… His network is so active that, according to a Hadith, just as blood flows through the human body, Shaitan too exerts his influence within it. He is such a hidden enemy that neither can he be seen, nor does a person realize when or how he has attacked. This is why the prescribed supplications include seeking refuge from the self and Shaitan. Shaitan is the enemy of every human being’s worldly life and the hereafter. Just as he takes pleasure in ruining someone’s afterlife, he also rejoices in damaging or disturbing their worldly life.
Those deprived of faith and righteous deeds are already playthings in Shaitan’s hands, but even pious individuals can sometimes fall into his deceptive traps. He strikes so swiftly and subtly that the victim may not realize until death how they were attacked by Shaitan. Therefore, the religious community bears greater responsibility to vigilantly monitor their religious efforts, stay in regular contact with people of Allah, and present their conduct before them, as these righteous individuals know both defensive and offensive strategies to ward off Shaitan’s attacks.
This present era, filled with evil and trials, demands extreme caution. Be cautious yourself and do not give others a reason to harbor suspicion. Nowadays, despite their benefits, mobile phones and other conveniences have made sin easier and more appealing. Even a small lapse in vigilance can turn a person into a tool of Shaitan. So, abandon heedlessness, and with full awareness and utmost alertness, stay ready to protect your faith, your righteous actions, and your religious integrity from Shaitanic influence.
Sometimes it happens that a person appears to be engaged in religious or charitable work, yet behind the scenes, he is also giving space to his ego and Shaitan. One should not fall into self-delusion. Every individual has carnal desires, and Shaitanic attacks continue unabated.
The Inner Battle: Ego, Intentions, and Spiritual Vigilance
Prophet Yusuf (Joseph, peace be upon him) said: “I do not declare myself free of blame” (wa ma ubarri’u nafsi), and then added: “Except for the one upon whom my Lord has mercy” (illa ma rahima rabbi). It is Allah’s blessed way that through the blessings of the company of the righteous, He bestows His mercy, and a person can be saved from the deceptions and cunning tricks of the ego and Shaitan. Otherwise, in normal circumstances, Shaitan stirs up the hidden and suppressed desires of the ego, and when the opportunity arises, the person begins to follow the path of ego and Shaitan.
In this matter, those involved in religious service must be particularly cautious.
There are dozens of examples of people who let go of caution, and as a result, became notorious, and their households were destroye,d such was the way Shaitan led them astray.
A decrease in affection toward one’s wife at home is the beginning of a home’s ruin. The result is that even where there was once desire and mutual attraction, it disappears. The person eventually loses even his first wife. Shaitan shows such alluring illusions that a person’s sense is overwhelmed. He starts thinking that marrying a particular woman will become a means of progress in his religious efforts, and that she will be his best supporter. Thoughts like these lead to the destruction of an otherwise peaceful home. Those serving in religious fields need to be extremely careful. You can also read about the Importance of avoiding Deception here.
The Path to Protection: Companionship, Reflection, and Prayer
Our respected elder, Hazrat Dr. Hafeezullah Sahib Muhajir Madani (may Allah have mercy on him), had these three sentences posted in bold letters in his clinic in Sukkur:
“Allah is present here…
Allah is watching us…
Allah knows the good and bad thoughts of our hearts…”
If even the Prophets (peace be upon them) sought refuge in Allah from things like the ego and Shaitan, then who are we, and how much more must we be cautious?
Remember: Shaitan is alive, and not only is he planning to mislead us, but he is actively carrying it out. Only the company of the righteous and seeking Allah’s mercy can protect us from the attacks of the ego and Shaitan.
O Lord!
Grant us sincerity in religious work, and protect us from those actions that appear virtuous on the outside but are, in reality, a means of misguidance.
Grant us such alertness and awareness that we can recognize every deception and thwart every cunning trap.
O Allah!
Protect us from self-admiration, false reassurance, and inner heedlessness.
Make us among those who constantly examine their hearts and tremble out of fear of You.
O Most Merciful!
Grant us the ability to perform righteous deeds, and also the power to preserve those deeds,
So that we may become true servants of Your religion, and not those who, deceived by their ego and Shaitan, end up deluding themselves.
O, Most Generous Lord!
Grant us the company of the righteous; illuminate our hearts through their spiritual blessings,
And include us among those servants who, at every moment, seek only Your pleasure.
Ameen, O Lord of the Worlds.
FAQs
Are we aware of when and how Shaitan traps us?
Shaitan does not announce his attack; he comes disguised in softness and false goodwill—if we want to stay safe, we must remain alert at all times.
Do we evaluate our ego and intentions even while performing religious duties?
If there is corruption in intention, even religious service can turn into a source of discord—constant self-assessment is the only protection.
Do we keep watch over the hidden desires of our hearts?
Hidden desires are the doors through which Shaitan enters. It is an obligation to guard those closed doors.
Are we connected to the company of the righteous and systems of self-reformation?
A lone person is weak; the company of Allah’s people is a shield; true safety lies in that.