Rabi Allah (Islamic Academy)

The phrase “I seek refuge with Allah from the cursed Shaytan” holds a profound meaning. It represents our request for protection from Shaytan, who constantly seeks to mislead us and prevent us from doing good. Shaytan’s goal is to distract us, especially when we are engaged in righteous deeds. For instance, when we begin reciting the Quran, Shaytan often tries to divert our attention by reminding us of other tasks, like calling a friend or completing unfinished work. He aims to make us forget or rush through the recitation of the Quran.

Shaytan’s influence is particularly strong because he knows that the Quran encourages us to live righteous lives. It teaches us to respect our parents, care for orphans, give charity, be honest, and avoid cheating. It also warns against sinful behaviors, such as consuming alcohol and using drugs. The Quran constantly reminds us that Shaytan is our greatest enemy and that we should avoid following his whispers.

Shaytan does not want us to abandon bad habits or start performing good deeds. Therefore, when we prepare to engage in a righteous act—whether it is reciting the Quran, giving charity, or respecting our parents—Shaytan becomes enraged and tries to stop us. This is why Allah instructs us in the Quran: “So when you recite the Quran, seek refuge with Allah from the cursed Shaytan” (Surah An-Nahl, 16:98). This verse teaches us to say “I seek refuge with Allah from the cursed Shaytan” before engaging in good deeds.

Protection in Various Situations

We are also instructed to seek refuge with Allah in other situations where Shaytan tries to harm us. For example, when we experience nightmares, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us to spit three times to our left side and say “I seek refuge with Allah from the cursed Shaytan” to protect ourselves from Shaytan’s influence in our dreams.

Another situation where seeking refuge is important is when we yawn. Shaytan uses yawning as a means to make us lazy and unproductive. However, Allah wants us to be active and productive, contributing positively to society. By covering our mouth and saying “I seek refuge with Allah from the cursed Shaytan,” we prevent Shaytan from making us lazy.

Why We Must Seek Refuge

In conclusion, Allah has taught us to seek His protection from Shaytan in various situations because Shaytan has been cursed by Allah. We should always remember to say, “I seek refuge with Allah from the cursed Shaytan.” Inshallah, in the next episode, we will delve into the meaning of “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.” Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: “When Shaytan touches you, say, ‘I seek refuge with Allah from the cursed Shaytan.’” This applies especially when we get angry, as anger stems from Shaytan’s influence. Allah (SWT) also says, “And I seek refuge with You, my Lord, from the whispers of the devils” (Surah Al-Mu’minun, 23:97).

The meaning of “A’udhu Billahi Minash-shaytanir-rajim” is that we ask Allah to protect us from Shaytan’s harm, whether it be in this world or in matters of religion. Shaytan constantly attempts to prevent us from fulfilling Allah’s commands and tempts us toward sin. This shows that Shaytan is a serious enemy.

Virtues of Seeking Refuge before Reciting the Quran

There are immense virtues and benefits in saying “A’udhu Billahi Minash-shaytanir-rajim” before reciting the Quran. This act helps create a pure environment, free from distractions that Shaytan may cause. It also reinforces that Shayatin (devils) are real, as Allah would not instruct us to seek refuge from them if they did not exist. In the Quran, Allah mentions the existence of jinn, explaining that some are good while others are bad. The bad jinn are Shayatin, who cannot harm anyone without Allah’s permission.

By seeking refuge with Allah, we strengthen our connection with Him and purify our hearts, sincerely asking for protection from Shaytan’s whispers. When we say “A’udhu Billahi,” we acknowledge our weakness and inability to protect ourselves from Shaytan without Allah’s help. It is through Allah’s strength that we can overcome Shaytan. As a result, performing good deeds becomes easier when we seek refuge with Allah from the cursed Shaytan.

The Impact of Reciting the Quran

Reciting the Quran increases one’s faith and develops greater taqwa (piety and consciousness of Allah). Those who humble themselves in prayer, concentrating on their relationship with Allah, will succeed in both this life and the hereafter. Allah (SWT) says, “The believers are successful, those who humble themselves in their prayers” (Surah Al-Mu’minun, 23:1-2).

Moreover, Allah warns us that Shaytan is our greatest enemy, saying: “Indeed, Shaytan is an enemy to you, so take him as an enemy” (Surah Fatir, 35:6). While external enemies are visible, Shaytan is unseen, which makes him more dangerous and deceptive. Thus, it is even more crucial to seek protection from him.

Shaytan’s Deception: A Lesson from Adam’s Story

If we reflect on Shaytan’s story with our father, Adam (peace be upon him), we see how Shaytan deceived Adam. Shaytan swore by Allah that he was giving sincere advice, and Adam believed him. Adam assumed that someone swearing by Allah would not lie. Shaytan falsely promised Adam eternal life, and Adam, trusting Shaytan’s oath, believed him.

In another instance, Shaytan swore by Allah that he would mislead all humans except Allah’s sincere servants. Shaytan is made of fire, and anger also stems from fire. When a person becomes angry, their body heats up, and their face turns red. This is another example of Shaytan’s influence. Therefore, when we feel anger rising, we should say “I seek refuge with Allah from the cursed Shaytan” to control it.

The Unseen Enemy

Allah (SWT) reminds us in the Quran that Shaytan is an unseen enemy. Allah says, “Indeed, he sees you, he and his tribe, from where you do not see them” (Surah Al-A’raf, 7:27). As Shaytan is an invisible enemy, the only One who can protect us from his evil is Allah (SWT).

By constantly seeking refuge with Allah, we guard ourselves against Shaytan’s deception and evil influence. May Allah grant us protection from Shaytan and allow us to remain steadfast in doing good deeds. Ameen.