Why the Devil is called Shaytan ?

In the Arabic language, Shaytan isderived from Shatana, which means
the far thing. Hence, the Shaytan has a different nature than mankind,
and his sinful ways are far away from every type of righteousness. It
was alsosaid that Shaytan is derived from Shata, (literally `burned'),
because it was created from fire. Some scholars said that both
meanings are correct, although they state that the first meaning is
more plausible. Further, Siybawayh (the renowned Arab linguistic)
said, "The Arabs say, `So-and-so has Tashaytan,' when he commits the
act of the devils. If Shaytan was derived from Shata, they would have
said, Tashayyata (rather than Tashaytan).'' Hence, Shaytan is derived
from the word that means, far away. This is why theycall those who are
rebellious (or mischievous) from among the Jinns and mankind a
`Shaytan'. Allah said,
(And so We have appointed for every Prophet enemies ـ Shayatin
(devils) among mankind and Jinn,inspiring one another with adorned
speech as a delusion (or by way of deception)) (6:112).
In addition, the Musnad by Imam Ahmad records that Abu Dharr said that
the Messenger of Allah said,
(O Abu Dharr! Seek refuge with Allah from the devils of mankind and
the Jinns.) Abu Dharr said, "I asked him , `Are there human devils' He
said, (Yes.)'' Furthermore, it is recorded in Sahih Muslim that Abu
Dharr said that the Messenger of Allah said,
(The woman, the donkey and the black dog interrupt the prayer (if they
pass in front of those who do not pray behind a Sutrah, i.e.
abarrier).) Abu Dharr said, "I said, `What is the difference between
the black dog and the red or yellow dog' He said,
(The black dog is a devil.).''
Also, Ibn Jarir At-Tabari recorded that `Umar bin Al-Khattab once rode
a Berthawn (huge camel) which started to proceed arrogantly. `Umar
kept striking the animal, but the animal kept walking in an arrogant
manner. `Umar dismounted the animal and said, "By Allah! You have
carried me on a Shaytan. I did notcome down from it until after I had
felt something strange in myheart.'' This Hadith has an authentic
chain of narrators.

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And Allah Knows the Best!

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Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA

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