Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt
Question:
Two sisters had a disagreement when discussing which sins Iblīs (devil) will be punished for in Jahannam (hell).
One put forward that Iblīs would be punished for his kufr (disbelief) during the incident when he rebelled against Allāh the Most High in regards to Ādam (peace be upon him) and that he would also be punished for every sin he committed afterwards, such as whispering doubts and temptations into people’s hearts, aiding the kuffār against the Muslims, separating husband and wife, etc.
Another disagreed and said that since Allāh gave Iblīs respite and told him to set traps for humankind, his later actions are part of Allāh’s tests for us and do not count as sins he will be punished for. Hence, Iblīs will only be punished for his kufr during the incident in regard to Ādam (peace be upon him).
Due to the specific nature of the disagreement, we could not immediately find a clear answer in referencing the few ‘ilm books available to us, and immediately dropped the subject for fear of falling into the sin of saying something untrue about Allāh. All those involved deeply regret ever bringing it up, and would like the matter to be settled as quickly as possible.
What is the correct stance to take on this matter?
May Allāh guide us all down the straight path.
Answer:
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of Allāh, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Jazāk Allāh Khayr/ Thank you for contacting Mathabah Institute.
Sin is always sin. Every sin of the devil is punishable whether it is related to refusing to prostrate to Ādam when commanded, or the sins of making consistent efforts to misguide humans in this world with his incitement. Yes, the devil was given respite, however the respite in no way means he will not be punished for his transgression or sin. The Qur’ānic verse below points out that the devil is cursed until judgement day which indicates being destined to punishment and deprived from mercy, for his ongoing evil works. – (See: Rad Al-Muḥtār, Vol 3, Page 416, Dār Al-Fikr)[1]
“And [mention] when We instructed the angels, “Prostrate before Adam”; so they prostrated, except for Iblīs. He refused and was arrogant and became of the disbelievers.” – (Qur’ān 2:34)[2]
“[Allāh] said to Iblīs, “Then get out of it, for indeed, you are expelled. And indeed, upon you is the curse until Judgement Day.” – (Qur’ān 15:34)[3]
Only Allāh knows best.
[1] حَقِيقَةُ اللَّعْنِ الْمَشْهُورَةُ هِيَ الطَّرْدُ عَنْ الرَّحْمَةِ وَهِيَ لَا تَكُونُ إلَّا لِكَافِرٍ وَلِذَا لَمْ تَجُزْ عَلَى مُعَيَّنٍ لَمْ يُعْلَمْ مَوْتُهُ عَلَى الْكُفْرِ بِدَلِيلٍ وَإِنْ كَانَ فَاسِقًا مُتَهَوِّرًا كَيَزِيدَ عَلَى الْمُعْتَمَدِ بِخِلَافِ نَحْوِ إبْلِيسَ وَأَبِي جَهْلٍ – كتاب الدر المختار وحاشية ابن عابدين رد المحتار ج ٣/ ص ٤١٦ دار الفكر
[2] وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ اسْجُدُوا لِآدَمَ فَسَجَدُوا إِلَّا إِبْلِيسَ أَبَىٰ وَاسْتَكْبَرَ وَكَانَ مِنَ الْكَافِرِينَ – سورة البقرة ٣٤
[3] قَالَ فَاخْرُجْ مِنْهَا فَإِنَّكَ رَجِيمٌ وَإِنَّ عَلَيْكَ لَعْنَتِي إِلَى يَوْمِ الدِّين – سورة الحجر ٣٤