Ask an Alim

What is the reason behind the creation of Satan as a misguiding and
deviating creature? And why did Allah create him?

First: Satan’s role in deviating and misguiding man is confined to
tempting him. Second: Progress and development can only take place when
there are opposite and conflicting forces, and therefore the creation of
such a being in the Nezame Ahsan (perfect world system) is not considered
in vain, but rather a manifestation of Allah’s mercy and pure goodness.

First: Allah did not create Satan as Satan. Proof for such a claim would
be that he accompanied the angels and the worshippers for many years
(Nahjul Balaghah, sermon of Qaasi’ah, no. 234)  , but later on he took the
path of disobedience by his own free will and was distanced from Allah’s
mercy.
Second: The existence of Satan is not harmful for believers and those who
are determined to take the path of truth, instead it can help them to
progress, develop and reach perfection; because progress, improvement and
development can only take place when there are opposite forces.
The only role Satan plays in this world is the role of tempting people;
meaning that he only calls people to take the wrong path. Allah has not
granted him control over other beings or the authority to exert influence
on souls without them choosing to obey him. The Almighty says in the
Quran: “Indeed he does not have any authority over those who have faith
and put their trust in their Lord” ( Nahl 99)

It is for this reason that when a group of people go to Satan on the Day of Judgment because of
misleading them, Satan argues that:  “I had no authority over you, except
that I called you and you responded to me”. ( Ibrahim 22)
The teachings of the Quran show that Satan’s role in misleading man is
confined to tempting him and he never forces one to go astray; because man
is called by two calls, the call of Allah and the call of Satan and it is
man that freely decides which one he will follow. However, Satan does have
authority and control over people that, through their free will, follow
his call, carry out his demands and think of him as their example, and he
will destroy their souls.
“His authority is only over those who befriend him and those who make him
a partner of Allah” ( Nahl 100)

Regards,
Nuru mohammed