Satan is not a single force, but a collective misleading force.

 

Although the Abrahamic religions speak of strict monotheism, there is a presence of equal power to God. The concept of Satan poses a complex problem for all Abrahamic faiths, especially Islam. Satan seems to be a divinity who has no beginning or end, and whose power is equal to God, but who is presented as an evil spirit. If God cannot defeat Satan, then Satan must also be a god. Unfortunately, in modern times, Satan seems to have easily gained the upper hand over God. According to the Quran, this is because “God willed it so.” As a result, strict monotheism also places a dual deity between God and Satan. The Quran in this regard goes beyond the Old Testament and the Gospels by inventing multiple Satans—what could be called polytheism.

The Quran mentions Satan not only in the singular form (Shaytan or Iblis), but also in the plural form, Shayatin (شياطين). This means that the Quran acknowledges the existence of numerous devils in addition to the single Iblis. In this sense, the Quran can be read as a form of polysatanism.

For example, in the Quran 6:112 it says: “And thus We have made for every prophet enemies - devils from among men and jinn, who tempt one another with flattering speech.” Here it is clearly understood that Satan is not a single one, but that there are numerous devils among both men and jinn. Again, in the verse 7:27 it is said about Iblis: “He and his tribe see you from where you cannot see them.” Here Iblis is said to have a “tribe” or “party”, which indicates the existence of many devils.

This idea of ​​multiple devils also comes up repeatedly in other verses of the Quran. For example, in the verse 2:14 it is said that the hypocrites are “with their devils”. This means that each group has its own misleading devil. In verse 2:102 it is said, “They followed that which the devils recited during the reign of Solomon.” Here, a group of devils are mentioned to be taught magic. In verse 41:25 it is said, “We appointed for them companions who made the past and the future seem fair to them.” Here, the commentators have identified these companions as Satan. Finally, in verses 114:4–6, the whispering devils are mentioned, who are present in both humans and jinn.

The ancient commentators have also clearly discussed this issue in the context of this plural usage and different activities. Tabari says that Iblis is the main devil, but his numerous followers of jinn and humans are known as devils. Therefore, “devil” is actually a class, not a single entity. Zamakhshari interprets the word “devil” as “rebellious” or “extremely distant”. Therefore, any rebellious jinn or human can also be called a devil. Qurtubi says that Iblis is the root, but Allah has divided him into numerous descendants and groups, who are engaged in various activities - some teach magic, some whisper, some accompany people. Ibn Kathir, while explaining verse 7:27, says that the tribe of Iblis refers to his countless satanic associates.

Therefore, the use of "Shayatin" in the Quran proves that Satan is not just one, but a collection of numerous misleading forces. The ancient commentators also acknowledged this. For this reason, it can be said that the Quran presents a kind of polysatanism, where Satan is not a single force, but a collective misleading force.

Anushirvan Khosrow