What Is the Wisdom Behind Keeping Iblis Alive and Granting Him Respite to Mislead Humanity?

Allah Created Iblis and Granted Him Respite for Profound Wisdom

Allah created Iblis and granted him respite for profound wisdom. Among these wisdoms are fulfilling the purpose of trial and testing, distinguishing the believer from the disbeliever, demonstrating sincere servitude to Allah, and perfecting the ranks of patience, striving against evil, and repentance. A believer is certain that Allah does nothing except with perfect wisdom, whether human reason fully understands it or not.

The Fundamental Principle Regarding Allah's Actions

One of the foundations of faith is that a Muslim believes Allah, Glorified and Exalted, is perfectly wise in His creation, His commands, and His decrees, and that all of His actions are based upon wisdom, justice, and mercy.

Allah says:

"He is not questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned."
(Qur'an 21:23)

Therefore, the fact that we do not perceive a particular wisdom does not mean it does not exist. We may understand some aspects of Allah's wisdom while many details remain beyond our knowledge.

Is It Permissible to Ask About the Wisdom Behind Allah's Actions?

Asking about the wisdom behind Allah's actions in order to increase one's knowledge and faith is permissible. The Companions used to ask the Prophet ﷺ about the wisdom behind certain rulings.

However, questioning out of objection or refusing to submit until the wisdom becomes known is not the correct approach.

What Is the Wisdom Behind Granting Iblis Respite?

The scholars have mentioned several great wisdoms, including:

1. To Fulfill the Purpose of Trial and Testing

Allah created this worldly life as a place of trial, and He made Satan one of the means through which people are tested, so that the truthful believer may be distinguished from others.

Whoever obeys Allah and opposes Satan deserves reward, while whoever follows Satan by his own choice deserves punishment.

2. To Distinguish the People of Faith from the People of Disbelief

Through Satan's whispers and his call toward falsehood, the sincerity and steadfastness of the believer become evident.

Allah says:

"So that Allah may distinguish the impure from the pure."
(Qur'an 8:37)

3. To Establish the Worship of Striving Against Evil

One of the greatest acts of worship is striving against one's own soul and against Satan while seeking Allah's help.

Had Satan not existed, many great acts of worship would not have become manifest, such as:

• Seeking refuge in Allah.
• Remaining patient in obedience.
• Resisting sin.
• Remaining steadfast upon the truth.

4. To Manifest Allah's Perfect Attributes

The existence of Satan allows the meanings of many of Allah's beautiful attributes to become apparent, including:

• Allah's forgiveness.
• His mercy.
• His forbearance.
• His pardon.
• His acceptance of the repentance of those who repent.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"If you did not commit sins, Allah would replace you with people who would commit sins, then seek Allah's forgiveness, and He would forgive them."

Does Satan Force People to Commit Sin?

The answer is: No.

Satan has no power to force anyone into disbelief or sin. Rather, he whispers, invites people toward evil, and beautifies falsehood.

Allah says:

"I had no authority over you except that I invited you, and you responded to me."
(Qur'an 14:22)

Human beings still possess free choice, and for that reason they are held accountable for their deeds.

Conclusion

• Allah granted Iblis respite for profound wisdom.
• Among the greatest wisdoms are trial, testing, and distinguishing the believer from the disbeliever.
• The existence of Satan makes possible great acts of worship such as striving against evil, patience, and seeking refuge in Allah.
• Satan does not force anyone to commit sin; he merely whispers and beautifies falsehood.
• The believer is certain that all of Allah's decrees are founded upon perfect wisdom, justice, and mercy.

And Allah knows best.