M6:3612 — سوی کفرش آورد زین عشوه‌ها / آن جوال خدعه و مکر و دها

Translation: With these allurements, he led him toward disbelief, that sack of deceit, cunning, and cleverness. Meaning: This verse describes how Satan, through enticing promises and artful trickery, seduces humanity into the abyss of disbelief, only to abandon them once they have fallen.

This verse presents a vivid portrayal of Satan's deceptive nature, depicting him as a 'sack of deceit, cunning, and dahā,' which signifies a mischievous, wily cleverness. Mawlana explicitly references the Quranic narrative where God states, 'Satan is like when he says to man, ‘Disbelieve!’’—and once he casts man into this abyss, he withdraws, declaring, ‘I disown you!’ This is the ultimate betrayal.

Before this abandonment, Satan actively entices man, pushing him towards conflict with the champions of truth. He whispers promises: 'I am with you, I will aid you, in dangers I shall run before you; may my life be sacrificed for you in prosperity; be a Rustam, a lion, be manly!' He emboldens man, inflating his ambition to take the path of disbelief. Yet, the moment man, beguiled, takes the step and falls into the pit, Satan erupts in scornful laughter, proclaiming, 'Go, go, for I am disgusted with you! You did not fear the Justice of the Creator; but I do fear, so leave me alone!' This epitomizes the treachery and desertion of false companions.

This narrative of Satan is, in essence, a prime example of what Mawlana elsewhere calls Qāṭiʿ al-Asbāb (the severer of ties). It is that crucial moment when all external and worldly supports are cut off. The world and its inhabitants, who previously approached from every direction offering, 'Let me pick up your pain,' withdraw during Yawm al-ʿUbūr (the day of passing and death), saying, 'We were only with you up to this point.' It is precisely why the earth and nature are called Dār al-Ghurūr (the house of deception), for they abandon man in his hour of need. We appear before God alone, just as Christians say each person carries their own cross, and the Quran affirms, 'No soul shall bear the burden of another.'

Mawlana contrasts this deception and abandonment with the everlasting and infinite divine connection. God commands the Prophet with amr-i Qul ('Say!'), for the source of His words is like an ocean from which nothing diminishes, no matter how much is drawn. This connection is a steadfast support that never forsakes man, and unlike Satan's hollow promises, it continuously quenches his thirst. True reality is like the ever-gushing inner wellspring that must flow, not a hundred sweet rivers from outside that dry up in times of need. Satan symbolizes this external facade that ultimately leaves man alone and leads him to ruin.

Key takeaways

• Satan embodies deceit and cunning, luring humanity into disbelief with false promises.
• Satan's trickery culminates in the abandonment of man at the moment of his fall, mirroring the Quranic narrative of instigating disbelief.
• The verse warns against the ephemeral and deceptive nature of worldly supports, which abandon man at the critical juncture of 'Qāṭiʿ al-Asbāb' (the severing of ties, i.e., death).
• In stark contrast to Satan's empty pledges, the divine connection is an boundless ocean that never dries, offering true and unwavering support.
• Man must cultivate his inner wellspring, rather than relying on 'a hundred sweet rivers from without' (external supports) that ultimately fail.
• Mawlana emphasizes individual responsibility: ultimately, each person carries their own cross and faces the consequences of their deeds alone.