Surah Al-A’raf (7:200) – Seeking Refuge in Allah from Satan’s Whisperings
“And if an evil suggestion comes to you from Satan, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is Hearing and Knowing.” (Qur’an 7:200)Introduction
السلام علیکم ورحمۃ اللہ وبرکاتہ – Peace and blessings be upon you.Every believer faces moments of weakness when negative thoughts, doubts, or temptations creep into the heart. The Qur’an acknowledges this reality and provides a divine remedy:
seeking refuge in Allah (isti‘adhah). Surah Al‑A’raf, verse 200, is a powerful reminder that whenever Satan whispers evil into our minds, the immediate response should be to turn to Allah, the All‑Hearing and All‑Knowing.
This verse is not just a command—it is a spiritual shield, a timeless guidance for Muslims striving to live with purity and faith. In this article, we will explore the meaning of this verse, its tafsir (exegesis), related Hadith, and practical lessons for daily life.
The Meaning of Surah Al-A’raf (7:200)
The verse states:
“Wa imma yanzaghannaka minash‑shaytani nazghun fasta‘idh billah, innahu sami‘un ‘alim.”
(And if an evil suggestion comes to you from Satan, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is Hearing and Knowing.)
- Nazgh (نَزْغٌ) refers to the subtle whisper, irritation, or provocation from Satan.
- Fasta‘idh billah (فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللّٰہِ) means to immediately seek Allah’s protection by saying A‘udhu billahi min ash‑shaytan ir‑rajim (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil).
- Innahu sami‘un ‘alim (إِنَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ) reminds us that Allah hears every plea and knows every thought.
This verse emphasizes that Satan’s influence is real, but Allah’s protection is stronger.
Tafsir (Exegesis) of the Verse
According to
Ibn Kathir, this verse teaches believers to resist Satan’s whispers by turning to Allah. Whenever anger, doubt, or temptation arises, the believer should recite the isti‘adhah.
- Al‑Jalalayn Tafsir explains that Satan tries to provoke believers into sin, but Allah commands us to seek His refuge, which neutralizes Satan’s influence.
- Maududi’s Tafheem‑ul‑Qur’an highlights that this verse is a practical instruction for daily life, reminding Muslims that spiritual protection lies in remembrance of Allah.
Hadith Context
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the importance of seeking refuge in Allah:
- Sahih al‑Bukhari: The Prophet ﷺ said, “When any one of you becomes angry, let him keep silent. If anger persists, let him seek refuge in Allah from Satan.”
- Sunan Abu Dawood: The Prophet ﷺ taught that reciting A‘udhu billahi min ash‑shaytan ir‑rajim repels Satan’s whispers.
- Sahih Muslim: The Prophet ﷺ said, “Satan runs through the son of Adam like blood. I feared that he might cast evil into your hearts.”
These Hadith show that Satan’s influence is subtle yet constant, and the remedy is remembrance of Allah.
Lessons for Daily Life
- Control Anger – When anger rises, remember this verse. Recite isti‘adhah to calm the heart.
- Guard Against Doubts – Satan plants doubts about faith. Strengthen belief by turning to Allah.
- Resist Temptations – Whether it’s dishonesty, immorality, or laziness, seek refuge in Allah to resist.
- Maintain Dhikr (Remembrance) – Regular remembrance of Allah creates a shield against Satan.
- Family Protection – Teach children to recite isti‘adhah before reading Qur’an, entering the home, or facing fear.
Related Qur’anic Verses
- Surah An‑Nahl (16:98): “So when you recite the Qur’an, seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the expelled.”
- Surah Fussilat (41:36): “And if an evil suggestion comes to you from Satan, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is Hearing and Knowing.”
These verses reinforce the same principle: protection lies in Allah alone.
Practical Applications
- Before Prayer – Recite isti‘adhah to focus and avoid distractions.
- During Stress – Whispering doubts often come in hardship; seek Allah’s refuge for peace.
- In Family Life – Encourage children to say A‘udhu billah when scared or upset.
- In Work & Society – When tempted by dishonesty or unethical behavior, remember this verse.
FAQs
- What does Surah Al‑A’raf 7:200 mean?
It means when Satan whispers evil, seek refuge in Allah, who hears and knows all.
- How to protect yourself from Satan’s whispers?
By reciting A‘udhu billahi min ash‑shaytan ir‑rajim and remembering Allah.
- Which Hadith mention seeking refuge in Allah?
Several Hadith in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim emphasize isti‘adhah during anger and temptation.
- Why is isti‘adhah important?
It is a spiritual shield that blocks Satan’s influence and strengthens faith.
- Can children recite isti‘adhah?
Yes, teaching children to seek Allah’s refuge builds lifelong spiritual protection.
Conclusion
Surah Al‑A’raf (7:200) is a timeless reminder that Satan’s whispers are inevitable, but Allah’s protection is always near. By seeking refuge in Allah, believers gain strength, peace, and resilience against temptation.
“Indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing.” This assurance comforts the believer that every plea for protection is heard, and every struggle against Satan is known.
At IslamicFamilyTree.com, we encourage families to embrace this verse as a daily practice—reciting isti‘adhah, teaching children its importance, and living with the awareness that Allah’s refuge is the ultimate shield.
