The foundational narrative of Satan's rebellion is rooted in his refusal to prostrate before Adam. When Allah commanded the angels to prostrate, Iblis (Satan), who was among the Jinn but treated similarly to angels due to his worship, defiantly declared, 7:12. This act of arrogance led to his expulsion from Allah's grace. Despite his expulsion, Satan requested a reprieve until the Day of Resurrection, stating, Reprieve me until the Day they are resurrected. His stated mission since then has been to mislead humanity from the straight path: 7:17].

This primordial enmity manifests through various insidious means. Satan's initial act of deception caused Adam and Eve to slip out of it and removed them from that [condition in which they had been] from Paradise, by whispering to them to make apparent their private parts, swearing he was a sincere advisor, and tempting them with the tree of immortality. The Quran consistently warns humanity, 7:27. Tafsir Ibn Kathir explains that Satan's influence causes Adam and Hawwa' to stumble, leading them out of their comfortable dwelling and sustenance. The phrase “some of you shall be the enemies of some” indicates the continuing enmity between Satan and humanity.

Satan's influence extends to making evil deeds appealing, hardening hearts, and diverting people from good. The Quran describes how [Satan made their deeds pleasing to them](6:43; 16:63; 27:24; 29:38). He primarily 2:169. This includes encouraging believers to follow his footsteps, leading them away from Islam and towards that which is unlawful, as he did with some previous nations by prohibiting things Allah had made lawful Muslim 1:251. According to Tafsir Ibn Kathir, "every act of disobedience to Allah is among the footsteps of Satan".

Satan employs a variety of methods to mislead humanity, targeting individuals' thoughts, emotions, and actions. One of his primary tactics is to instill fear and arouse false desires. He 2:268. Tafsir Ibn Kathir elaborates on this, explaining that Satan tempts individuals to withhold charity out of fear of financial loss, while simultaneously encouraging evil deeds and immoral conduct. Conversely, Allah promises forgiveness and bounty for those who spend in His cause. This is further clarified in a Hadith where the Prophet (ﷺ) stated that “Satan has an effect on the son of Adam, and the angel also has an effect. As for the effect of Shaytan, it is by his threatening with evil repercussions and rejecting the truth. As for the effect of the angel, it is by his promise of a good end and believing in the truth. Whoever finds the latter, let him know that it is coming from Allah and let him thank Allah for it. Whoever finds the former, let him seek refuge - with Allah - from Shaytan”.

Satan's deception can also manifest in making people forget essential duties or divine warnings. For instance, he made the companion of Moses forget the mention [to his master]. He also attempts to divert believers during prayer, whispering thoughts and making them forget how much they have prayed (Bukhari 10:6, 21:26, 22:9, 59:94). The Prophet (ﷺ) described this interference, stating that Satan came in front of me and tried to interrupt my prayer, but Allah gave me an upper hand on him and I choked him. This highlights the constant spiritual battle even during acts of worship.

Another subtle tactic of Satan is to sow dissension and hatred, particularly among believers. The Quran warns that 5:91. He even inspires human and jinn devils to inspire one another with adorned speech as a delusion. Tafsir Ibn Kathir explains that these "human and Jinn devils" are the mischievous among creation. Satan's ultimate goal is to lead people to “take Satan as an ally instead of Allah and thus have certainly sustained a clear loss”. He promises delusion, filling hearts with false hopes and tempting them to delay righteous deeds.

Satan's influence is most profoundly evident in disbelief (kufr) and hypocrisy (nifaq), leading individuals away from the straight path and towards eternal punishment.

The Quran declares that 58:19. This partnership with Satan culminates in inviting his followers to be among the companions of the Blaze. Tafsir Ibn Kathir further highlights that Satan's goal is to lead people astray from the true path, destroying them in this life and the Hereafter.

Hypocrites are particularly susceptible to Satan's machinations. The Quran describes them as those who outwardly claim faith but inwardly harbor disbelief. When alone with their "Shayatin" (devils), such as their leaders, they confess their true allegiance, saying, “Truly, we are with you. Indeed, we were but mocking the believers”. Tafsir Ibn Kathir clarifies that these Shayatin include both human and Jinn devils. The hypocrites' deceitful behavior is considered an act of mischief on earth, leading them to support disbelievers against believers, all while deluding themselves into thinking they are doing righteous work (Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 2:11). The Quran uses parables to illustrate their precarious state, likening them to those who ignite a fire for light but are left in “darkness unable to see”, or those caught in a rainstorm from the sky, in which is darkness, and thunder and lightning who are terrified and wavering. Tafsir Ibn Kathir identifies two types of hypocrites: "complete hypocrites" and "hesitant hypocrites" whose faith wavers.

Even the People of the Book, despite having received divine revelations, fell prey to Satan's temptations. They were accused of distorting their scriptures and rejecting the truth out of envy and malice (2:76, 3:19, 4:44). Satan's influence led them to say about Allah what they did not know and to believe in sorcery (Jibt) and false deities (Taghut). The Quran points out that they "believe in Jibt and Taghut". According to `Umar bin Al-Khattab, as reported by Muhammad bin Ishaq, "Jibt is sorcery and Taghut is the Shaytan". This indicates how Satan manipulates through false beliefs and practices.

Despite Satan's pervasive influence, Allah offers clear guidance and protection to those who believe and seek His refuge. The Quran frequently emphasizes that 16:99. His authority is only over those 16:100.

Believers are commanded to seek refuge in Allah from Satan's evil suggestions. When [an evil suggestion comes to you from Satan, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is Hearing and Knowing](7:200; 41:36). This act of seeking refuge is not merely verbal; it signifies a conscious turning away from Satan's whispers and relying solely on Allah. Tafsir Ibn Kathir notes that this means Allah will suffice them and make them prevail over their enemies.

The practice of dhikr (remembrance of Allah) is a powerful shield against Satan. The Hadith highlights that the servant is most protected from Satan when he is in the remembrance of Allah. Additionally, invoking Allah's name before starting various actions is a means of protection. For instance, before sexual relations, the Prophet (ﷺ) taught to say, "In the name of Allah. O Allah! Protect us from Satan and also protect what you bestow upon us (i.e. the coming offspring) from Satan," ensuring that Satan will not harm the child if one is conceived (Bukhari 4:7, 59:92, 80:83, 97:25). Similarly, mentioning Allah's Name when entering one's house and before eating prevents Satan from sharing one's dwelling and meal Muslim 36:136.

Furthermore, adhering to Islamic practices offers spiritual fortification. The Prophet (ﷺ) explained that Satan knots three knots at the back of one's head during sleep, trying to keep them asleep. However, [when one wakes up and remembers Allah, one knot is undone; and when one performs ablution, the second knot is undone, and when one prays the third knot is undone and one gets up energetic with a good heart in the morning; otherwise one gets up lazy and with a mischievous heart](Bukhari 19:23, 59:79). This demonstrates the spiritual power of awakening for prayer and remembrance. The importance of prayer is also emphasized in Prophet Yahya's advice to the Children of Israel, where he likened constant remembrance of Allah to taking refuge in a fortified fort against the enemy (Satan).

Despite his persistent efforts, Satan's power and plot against true believers are ultimately weak and limited by Allah's will. The Quran clearly states, Indeed, the plot of Satan has ever been weak. This divine decree reassures believers that with reliance on Allah, Satan's schemes are bound to fail. Tafsir Ibn Kathir explains that Allah's help and support ensure that Satan's plans will not work against those who believe.

Satan himself acknowledges his lack of ultimate authority over humans on the Day of Judgment. He will confess, 14:22. This profound admission reveals that Satan's power is confined to whispering temptations, and it is humanity's choice to follow or resist.

The Prophet (ﷺ) also provided insights into Satan's limited power, particularly in his inability to impersonate the Prophet (ﷺ) in dreams. He said, [whoever sees me in a dream then surely he has seen me for Satan cannot impersonate me](Bukhari 3:52, 91:12, 91:13, 91:14, 91:16, 91:23, 91:59). This divine protection over the Prophet's image in dreams further underscores Satan's limitations.

Satan's direct physical influence is also described in the Hadith, but even here, it is often something that can be repelled by divine remembrance. For instance, Satan runs away when the Adhan (call to prayer) is pronounced (Bukhari 10:6, Muslim 4:17, 4:19, 4:20). He also puts knots on a sleeping person's head, which are undone by waking up, remembering Allah, performing ablution, and praying (Bukhari 19:23, 59:79). In a vivid narration, the Prophet (ﷺ) spoke of Satan attempting to interrupt his prayer, but he was able to "choke him" Bukhari 21:14. This demonstrates that through spiritual discipline and reliance on Allah, believers can overcome Satan's direct interventions.

The understanding of Satan's role has profound spiritual and ethical implications for Muslims. It fosters a constant state of vigilance against temptation and a continuous reliance on Allah. Recognising Satan as a clear enemy necessitates taking him as such, which means actively opposing his whispers and following Allah's commands.

The ethical framework emphasizes avoiding all forms of Shirk, or associating partners with Allah, as it is the gravest sin that Allah [forgives not](4:48, 4:116). Satan actively encourages this, making evil deeds attractive. Adhering to the Tawhid (Oneness of God) is the primary defense against Satan's deceptions, fostering a sense of complete dependence on Allah alone.

The concept of Satan also underscores the importance of communal unity and rejecting internal discord. Satan's efforts to sow animosity and hatred highlight the spiritual significance of Muslim brotherhood and solidarity. The Quran advises believers to enter into Islam completely [and perfectly and do not follow the footsteps of Satan], implying a holistic commitment to all aspects of Islam, encompassing not only rituals but also social and ethical conduct. Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanavi (رح) explains that entering Islam completely means that one must accept all Islamic injunctions truly and sincerely, from the heart.

Ultimately, the struggle against Satan is a lifelong spiritual endeavor, demanding steadfastness, remembrance of Allah, and adherence to His commands. The promise of divine protection and the ultimate weakness of Satan's plot serve as profound encouragement for believers to persist in their faith, knowing that success lies in seeking Allah's pleasure and avoiding the path of the accursed.