Explanation of Quran Verse 11:119

Many non-Muslims often misinterpret this verse, mistakenly believing that Allah wishes to punish both humans and jinns. However, the verse carries a specific context, addressing those who disobey Him. This verse can be found in the Qur’an 7:18, where Allah intends to fill Hell with Satan and those who follow Satan’s ways. It serves as a predetermined consequence for those who defy Allah’s guidance and turn to false deities.

Quran 11:117-119
And your Lord would not have destroyed the cities unjustly while their people were reformers, And if your Lord had willed, He could have made mankind one community; but they will not cease to differ, Except whom your Lord has given mercy, and for that He created them. But the word of your Lord is to be fulfilled that, “I will surely fill Hell with jinn and men all together.

• In Quran 11:117-119, Allah conveys that He does not unjustly punish people if they are reformers, signifying those who accept the good and reject the bad. The phrase ‘He could have made mankind one community’ refers to the concept of free will, indicating that Allah had the capability to create humanity as a single community but chose to allow them to follow their own paths. In verse 11:119, Allah emphasizes that if mankind deviates from the truth, they will encounter punishment, and this consequence was declared from the outset. The context of the verse is mentioned in Quran 7:18

Quran 7:11-18
And We have certainly created you, [O Mankind], and given you [human] form. Then We said to the angels, “Prostrate to Adam”; so they prostrated, except for Iblees. He was not of those who prostrated. [ Allah ] said, “What prevented you from prostrating when I commanded you?” [ Allah ] said, “Descend from Paradise, for it is not for you to be arrogant therein. So get out; indeed, you are of the debased. [Satan] said, “Reprieve me until the Day they are resurrected. [ Allah ] said, “Indeed, you are of those reprieved, [Satan] said, “Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them on Your straight path. Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You].” [ Allah ] said, “Get out of Paradise, reproached and expelled. Whoever follows you among them – I will surely fill Hell with you, all together.

• In Quran 7:12, we can read that Satan himself disobeyed Allah’s command due to his arrogance. He refused to bow down in front of Adam because Allah created him from fire and Adam from clay Quran 38:76. Allah said, ‘Get away from here,’ meaning from heaven. Allah also stated, ‘For it is not for you to be arrogant therein.’ So, the question arises: Why did Allah allow him to mislead people? The answer is that Allah did not allow him to mislead people. It’s mentioned in Quran 16:99-100 that Satan does not have the authority to mislead people who follow the truth. He can only mislead those who choose to follow the ways of Satan. The phrase ‘Because You have put me in error’ in this verse indicates that Satan is lying, as he is known as the greatest liar according to Quran 7:20-21. It is also mentioned in Quran 2:34 that Satan himself disobeyed Allah’s command, so he chose to follow the path of error by himself. The context of Quran 11:119 is mentioned in 7:118, where Allah said, ‘Whoever follows you among them – I will surely fill Hell with you, all together.

Quran 7:179
And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless.

• The teacher represents Allah, who provides guidance and free will to both humans and jinn.
• The resources and knowledge provided are the capacity for understanding, sight, and hearing mentioned in the verse.
• Students who study diligently and perform well are those who follow Allah’s guidance and live righteous lives, and they are rewarded.
• On the other hand, students who neglect their studies and perform poorly are like those humans and jinn who choose to ignore Allah’s guidance and live heedlessly. Their actions and choices may lead them to Hell as a consequence.

Adam and Eve ate the fruit. Does it mean Satan won against God?

It’s essential to emphasize that Satan neither possessed the power nor held the authority to lead anyone astray. He merely enticed people to defy God, as he did with Adam and Eve, through cunning deception. However, Satan did not expressly instruct Adam and Eve to “Go and partake of that tree,” nor did he outright command them to disobey God. Instead, he insinuated thoughts and desires into their hearts. Satan said to Adam and Eve, “Your Lord has only forbidden you this tree to prevent you from becoming like angels or immortal.” (Quran 7:20) Their minds became filled with thoughts about the tree, and one day, they chose to partake of its fruit. Adam and Eve behaved in the same way as all human beings; they became absorbed in their own thoughts and the temptations whispered by Satan, causing them to forget God’s warning. Therefore, Adam and Eve willingly chose to eat from the tree. Allah has bestowed upon humanity the power to seek forgiveness if they succumb to Satan’s temptations. When Adam and Eve consumed the fruit, they came to realize that Satan had deceived them. As a result, they implored Allah for forgiveness, and Allah forgave them. Furthermore, it’s important to recognize that Allah created Adam and Eve with the intention of sending them to this Earth; it was an integral part of Allah’s plan from the outset. Consequently, therefore, Satan did not prevail over God. The authority granted to Satan by God, along with the gift of the ability to seek forgiveness, has been bestowed upon humanity, and it remains the prerogative of individuals to choose their path.

Quran 2:30
And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels, “Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority.” They said, “Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?” Allah said, “Indeed, I know that which you do not know.

• In this verse, it becomes clear that Satan did not achieve victory despite his temptation of Adam and Eve. The verse emphasizes that it was God’s intentional plan to create Adam as the successive authority on Earth. By creating Adam for this purpose, God establishes His ultimate authority and design, proving Satan’s efforts to be ultimately futile. This verse serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and His unwavering control over His divine plan, ensuring that Satan’s schemes are thwarted in the grand scheme of creation.

Quran 3:35
And We said, “O Adam, dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat therefrom in [ease and] abundance from wherever you will. But do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers.

Quran 20:117
So We said, “O Adam, indeed this (satan) is an enemy to you and to your wife. Then let him not remove you from Paradise so you would suffer.

• The phrase “Then let him not remove you from Paradise so you would suffer” indicates that if Satan were to remove them from paradise, they would experience suffering, implying suffering in this world. However, Adam and Eve chose to disobey, but Allah forgave them and granted them the opportunity to enter heaven, as mentioned in Quran 2:36 & 7:24 In the Quranic verses 2:36 & 7:24, the phrase “Go down, [all of you], as enemies to one another” refers to the enmity between Satan and humanity. Satan is considered an enemy of humanity due to his efforts to lead humans astray from the path of righteousness. At the same time, humanity is expected to resist and oppose the temptations and evil influences of Satan. So, the enmity mentioned here is between Satan and humanity.

Quran 7:20-22
But Satan whispered to them to make apparent to them that which was concealed from them of their private parts. He said, “Your Lord did not forbid you this tree except that you become angels or become of the immortal.” And he swore [by Allah ] to them, “Indeed, I am to you from among the sincere advisors.” So he made them fall, through deception. And when they tasted of the tree, their private parts became apparent to them, and they began to fasten together over themselves from the leaves of Paradise. And their Lord called to them, “Did I not forbid you from that tree and tell you that Satan is to you a clear enemy?

Quran 7:23
They said, “Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.

• The story of Adam and Eve in the Quran teaches the virtue of repentance and supplication. Adam and Eve recognized their errors and prayed for forgiveness. This, in turn, earned them Allah’s forgiveness and guidance.

Accepted Repentance: God’s Consolation to Adam

Quran 20:115-122
And We had already taken a promise from Adam before, but he forgot; and We found not in him determination. And [mention] when We said to the angels, “Prostrate to Adam,” and they prostrated, except Iblees; he refused. So We said, “O Adam, indeed this is an enemy to you and to your wife. Then let him not remove you from Paradise so you would suffer. Indeed, it is [promised] for you not to be hungry therein or be unclothed, And indeed, you will not be thirsty therein or be hot from the sun, Then Satan whispered to him; he said, “O Adam, shall I direct you to the tree of eternity and possession that will not deteriorate?” And Adam and his wife ate of it, and their private parts became apparent to them, and they began to fasten over themselves from the leaves of Paradise. And Adam disobeyed his Lord and erred, Then his Lord chose him and turned to him in forgiveness and guided [him].

• In these verses from the Quran (Quran 20:115-122), it is mentioned that Allah had taken a promise from Adam, but Adam himself forgot that promise. This promise involved a command from Allah not to eat from the forbidden tree, with the warning that doing so would lead to suffering. However, Adam and his wife chose to disobey this command, resulting in their expulsion from Paradise and the beginning of their life on Earth, Despite their mistake, Allah did not decree that Adam and his descendants would be forbidden from entering Paradise indefinitely. Instead, Allah allowed the opportunity for Adam and his descendants to return to Paradise if they follow His guidance and seek forgiveness for their actions, It’s important to note that in Quran 2:30, Allah’s plan was for Adam and Eve and their descendants to inhabit the Earth. However, He allowed Adam and Eve to stay in Heaven as long as they obeyed His command. Additionally, Allah, being aware of the future, knew that Adam would eventually forget the promise. Adam and Eve’s expulsion from Paradise serves as a lesson, illustrating how Satan led them astray. Therefore, it highlights the importance of obeying Allah’s commands to attain Paradise. These verses underscore the concept of repentance and forgiveness in Islam, emphasizing that even when humans make mistakes, they have the chance to seek Allah’s forgiveness and guidance to ultimately return to a state of righteousness. This message emphasizes the role of individual choice in one’s spiritual journey.

Quran 2:37
Then Adam received from his Lord [some] words, and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, it is He who is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.

Summary

In Quran 2:30, Allah created humanity, specifically Adam, for this Earth. In Quran 20:115-122, Allah had taken a promise from Adam not to follow Satan, who was his enemy. As long as Adam and Eve obeyed Allah’s command, He allowed them to stay in Heaven. Allah did not state that they would never descend to Earth; rather, He permitted them to remain in Heaven as long as they followed His guidance. However, when they forgot His command and ate the forbidden fruit, they disobeyed Him. As a consequence, Allah applied Quran 2:30 and sent them down from Heaven. He instructed them and their descendants to follow His guidance in order to attain eternal paradise. This narrative emphasizes the importance of obedience to Allah’s commands and the path to spiritual growth and eternal reward.

Quran 20:123
[ Allah ] said, “Descend from Paradise – all, [your descendants] being enemies to one another. And if there should come to you guidance from Me – then whoever follows My guidance will neither go astray [in the world] nor suffer [in the Hereafter].

• In Quran 20:123, the phrase “all, [your descendants] being enemies to one another” refers to the enmity, conflicts, and disputes that can occur among human beings and their descendants. It suggests that people, in their interactions and relationships, may sometimes act as adversaries or opponents to one another. This enmity can manifest in various forms, such as disputes, conflicts, competition, or hostility. The verse highlights the imperfect nature of human interactions on Earth, where differences and conflicts can arise. However, it also emphasizes that if individuals follow Allah’s guidance, they can avoid going astray in this world and avoid suffering in the Hereafter. The enmity among humans can be mitigated through adherence to divine guidance and principles, leading to harmony and righteousness in their interactions.

Seeking Allah’s Forgiveness: Repentance When Tempted by Satan

Quran 17:200
If you are tempted by Satan, then seek refuge with Allah. Surely He is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

Quran 3:135
And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins – and who can forgive sins except Allah? – and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know.”

Quran 4:110
And whoever does a wrong or wrongs himself but then seeks forgiveness of Allah will find Allah Forgiving and Merciful.”

Quran 25:70
Except for those who repent, believe and do righteous work. For them Allah will replace their evil deeds with good. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.

• These verses highlight the importance of seeking Allah’s forgiveness when one has committed wrongdoings or has been tempted into sin, and they emphasize Allah’s readiness to forgive those who sincerely repent.

Why Does God Allow Satan to Tempt Humanity?

As previously mentioned, Satan lacks the power to directly control humanity; instead, he whispers to humans, urging them to engage in negative actions. However, he does not possess the ability to exert complete control over humanity. Our lives inherently encompass both good and bad aspects, and we have the capacity to differentiate between them. God has already provided guidance on what is considered good and bad. Therefore, when Satan whispers temptations to individuals, it becomes crucial to seek refuge from these influences. God permits this due to the free will bestowed upon us, which requires us to independently choose between good and evil. God created us to be tested to determine who among us follows the path of goodness. Even if Satan leads anyone astray, they still retain the ability to seek forgiveness from God. The example of Adam and Eve illustrates this; when Satan whispered to them, they momentarily forgot God’s warning. However, when they ate the fruit, they realized that Satan had misled them, and they made the conscious decision to eat it. Subsequently, they asked God for forgiveness, and He granted it. Therefore, if a similar situation occurs with anyone, we should follow the example of Adam and Eve by seeking forgiveness, as it holds paramount importance.

Satan: The Inviter to Hellfire

Quran 43:62
And never let Satan avert you. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

Quran 32:62
He had already led astray from among you much of creation, so did you not use reason?

Quran 35:5-6
O mankind, indeed the promise of Allah is truth, so let not the worldly life delude you and be not deceived about Allah by the Deceiver, Indeed, Satan is an enemy to you; so take him as an enemy. He only invites his party to be among the companions of the Blaze.

Warning Against Following Satan’s Footsteps

Quran 24:31
O believers! Do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Whoever follows Satan’s footsteps, then ˹let them know that˺ he surely bids ˹all to˺ immorality and wickedness. Had it not been for Allah’s grace and mercy upon you, none of you would have ever been purified. But Allah purifies whoever He wills. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

Quran 2:208
O you who have believed, enter into Islam completely [and perfectly] and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

The Punishment for Disbelievers Who Follow Satan’s Path

Quran 39:71-72
And those who disbelieved will be driven to Hell in groups until, when they reach it, its gates are opened and its keepers will say, “Did there not come to you messengers from yourselves, reciting to you the verses of your Lord and warning you of the meeting of this Day of yours?” They will say, “Yes, but the word of punishment has come into effect upon the disbelievers, [To them] it will be said, “Enter the gates of Hell to abide eternally therein, and wretched is the residence of the arrogant.”

Quran 4:116-121
They call upon instead of Him none but female [deities], and they [actually] call upon none but a rebellious Satan. Whom Allah has cursed, Quran 38:78 And indeed, upon you is My curse until the Day of Recompense.”. For he had said, “I will surely take from among Your servants a specific portion. And I will mislead them, and I will arouse in them [sinful] desires, and I will command them so they will slit the ears of cattle, and I will command them so they will change the creation of Allah .” And whoever takes Satan as an ally instead of Allah has certainly sustained a clear loss. Satan promises them and arouses desire in them. But Satan does not promise them except delusion, The refuge of those will be Hell, and they will not find from it an escape.

• In the verse Quran 4:119, the entire passage is often understood as a statement from Satan. It is Satan who is saying, “And I will mislead them, and I will arouse in them [sinful] desires, and I will command them so they will slit the ears of cattle, and I will command them so they will change the creation of Allah.” The following part, “And whoever takes Satan as an ally instead of Allah has certainly sustained a clear loss,” is not attributed to Satan himself. Instead, it is a commentary or statement from Allah, emphasizing the consequences of following Satan. Allah is declaring that those who choose Satan as an ally instead of Allah will experience a significant loss.

Why Different People’s Stories in the Quran?

The Quran is the word of God (Allah) in Islamic belief, and it is presented as a divine revelation directly from Allah. Within its verses, Allah is depicted as the omniscient and omnipotent narrator who presents all events, past and future, by His own authority and knowledge. This means that the Quran is not merely a historical account but also a testament to Allah’s comprehensive understanding of all that has happened and will happen. In the Quran, Allah conveys His divine guidance, laws, ethical principles, narratives of past prophets, and instructions for living a righteous life. The inclusion of narratives and dialogues involving various characters, including Satan, serves to illustrate moral lessons, provide practical insights, and emphasize individual accountability. While the Quran includes the words and actions of different entities, Allah’s words hold the highest authority and are intended to guide believers on the path of righteousness. Satan’s words, for example, are presented as a means to caution against temptation and encourage adherence to Allah’s teachings. Overall, the Quran is a divine scripture that combines Allah’s word with human stories and examples to convey moral, spiritual, and ethical guidance. It is presented as a testament to Allah’s profound knowledge and authority, encompassing all events that have occurred and will occur.

The Warning Against Worshipping Satan

Quran 36:60-64
Did I not enjoin upon you, O children of Adam, that you not worship Satan – [for] indeed, he is to you a clear enemy – And that you worship [only] Me? This is a straight path, This is the Hellfire which you were promised. [Enter to] burn therein today for what you used to deny.

• This verse refers to the event on the Day of Judgment. Those who followed falsehood and worshiped false deities will face the punishment of Hell. The phrase ‘This is the Hellfire which you were promised Quran 11:119 – But the word of your Lord is to be fulfilled that, “I will surely fill Hell with jinn and men all together.

Quran 14:22
And Satan will say ˹to his followers˺ after the judgment has been passed, “Indeed, Allah has made you a true promise. I too made you a promise, but I failed you. I did not have any authority over you. I only called you, and you responded to me. So do not blame me; blame yourselves. I cannot save you, nor can you save me. Indeed, I denounce your previous association of me with Allah ˹in loyalty˺. Surely the wrongdoers will suffer a painful punishment.

The post Explanation of Quran Verse 11:119 appeared first on Learn Quran & Bible all in One.