Shaytan

Shaytan is an Arabic term meaning adversary or devil. In Islamic theology and Arabic literature, it denotes malevolent beings that tempt humans, and is closely associated with the figure Iblis, though the term can also refer to demons more generally.

In the Qur’an, Iblis is described as a jinn created from smokeless fire who refused to bow to Adam when commanded by God. For this disobedience he was expelled from a favored status and granted permission to tempt humans until the Day of Judgment. He vowed to mislead humanity, but his influence is limited by God and by individuals’ faith and actions.

Shaytan operates primarily through whispers and insinuations (waswas) aimed at fostering doubt, immorality, or rebellion. He cannot compel people to sin; humans retain free will and are urged to seek protection in God, recite certain verses, and follow righteousness to resist temptation.

In Islamic cosmology, there are many beings referred to as shayatin (plural), including other rebellious jinn and, in some contexts, humans who persist in wicked conduct. Iblis is the most prominent figure associated with this term, but the concept encompasses a broader category of malevolent influences rather than a single autonomous opponent.

In modern usage, the term shaytan is often rendered as Satan or devil and can describe a person who acts with extreme malice. It also appears in literature and media as a symbol of temptation or evil, reflecting its broader cultural resonance.