What is the ultimate goal of Satan (Shaytan) in Islam?

According to the Quran (35:6), Satan's ultimate goal is to invite his followers, called his 'party' (hizb), to become inhabitants of the Hellfire. Tafsir Ibn Kathir explains this is his sole mission, stemming from his declared enmity towards humanity, aiming for their spiritual ruin.

Who are the 'party of Satan' (hizb al-shaytan)?

The 'party of Satan' (hizb al-shaytan) are those who follow his invitations to disobedience and forget the remembrance of Allah. The Quran states in Surah Al-Mujadila (58:19) that Satan has gained mastery over them and that his party will ultimately be the losers.

How does Satan achieve his goal of misleading people?

Satan achieves his goal by making evil deeds seem attractive and fair to people, as mentioned in Quran 35:8. Classical scholars explain that he uses whispers (waswasa), deception, and false promises to lead people away from Allah's straight path and towards sin.

Satan's Goal: Leading Humanity to Ruin

his goal

Explore Verses Related to his goal

🕋Fatir35:6 🕋Fatir35:7 🕋Fatir35:8

At a Glance

According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, the Quran explicitly defines Satan's (Shaytan's) goal in Surah Fatir, verse 6. Ibn Kathir explains that his singular mission is to 'invite his party (hizbahu) to be among the companions of the Blaze.' This is not a goal of worldly gain but of ultimate spiritual destruction for humanity, stemming from his declared enmity. Al-Tabari's linguistic analysis confirms that this 'invitation' is an active process of deception. The subsequent verses (35:7-8) clarify this by contrasting the severe punishment for his followers with the reward for believers, and explaining that his method involves making evil deeds appear attractive. The synthesis of these verses provides a complete framework: Satan's goal is eternal damnation for his followers, achieved through psychological deception.

📖 Quranic Context

Central to understanding the nature of spiritual struggle and the reason for Satan's enmity.

Defines the role of Satan as an avowed enemy to humanity, a reality established by divine decree.

References: 35:6 serves as the primary definition of Satan's goal.

💭 Theological Perspective

Targets human weaknesses through whispers (waswasa) and deception.

His goal is achieved by making evil deeds appear attractive (tazyin) to the human psyche.

Serves as a test for humanity, distinguishing those who follow divine guidance from those who follow his invitation.

Recognizing his goal is the first step in spiritual defense and seeking protection with Allah.

📜 Hadith Perspective

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) constantly warned against Satan's methods and sought refuge in Allah from him.

Satan flows through the son of Adam like blood.
Seeking refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan.

Universal agreement that Satan's primary objective is the damnation of humanity.

💎 Deeper Insights

Satan's goal is framed as an 'invitation' (yad'u), a dark parallel to the 'Da'wah' of the Prophets. This reveals the spiritual battlefield is a contest for the allegiance of the human heart, fought with calls and arguments, not just brute force. One must choose which invitation to accept.

— Al-Qurtubi, Al-Tabari

A cross-reference between Satan's party in 35:6 and 58:19 reveals their defining characteristic: 'Satan has overcome them and made them forget the remembrance of Allah.' Therefore, Satan's primary goal is achieved by promoting heedlessness (ghaflah). The ultimate weapon against his goal is the remembrance of Allah (dhikr).

— Ibn Kathir, Sayyid Qutb