Extra Ordinary Relaxation To Iblees
Br. Masood Rashid: I have also been a confused about this. But I draw the following parallels based on my extremely limited understanding, and Allah knows best! How could Iblis insist on rebellion when he was so close to Allah, was in the presence of the Angels and Allah (we cant really comprehend the nature of the presence and closeness). He witnessed the grandeur/splendor of Allah. For the purpose of argument, the initial display of pride and questioning Allah could be attributed to free will even though it is still a grave mistake. However, then insisting on it even after severe warning from Allah, and a direct judgement by Allah that he will be thrown in Hell along with whoever he leads astray. He asks “permission” from Allah till the day of judgement – knowing he is going to be thrown in Hell.. it is simply unthinkable! But now here are the parallels: 1. Allah tells us that He is extremely “close”, we are in the presence of Allah all the time. 2. We see the grandeur / splendor of Allah every second in ourselves, in the universe. 3. We get severe warnings in the Quran about rebellion and especially “insisting” on rebellion. 4. We get severe warnings in the Quran about Hell. 5. We still go astray, some of us deny the day of judgement, others believe in it somewhat but still rebel. We have also been given “permission” from Allah till the day of judgement (our worldly life?) It is equally unthinkable for us to rebel as well but we forget! Allah tells us over and over to do Toba and submit and all previous infractions will be forgiven. Iblis is not afforded the same Rahma (I think). May be the faith in the “unseen” makes us more regarded in the eyes of Allah, InshAllah. Allah tells us the parts that are useful for us. Based on the above parallels, I feel its a Rahma of Allah that He tells us the account of Iblis so we don’t end up being cursed forever. And Allah Knows Best!