Divine Guidance and Misguidance

The Role of Prophets, Satans, and Moral Choice in Islamic Thought

Abstract

This article explores the dualistic nature of divine guidance and misguidance within Islamic theology, with a focus on the role of prophecy as a means of divine communication. It posits that God’s guidance is supreme, but that misguidance, embodied by Satan, serves a necessary role in giving meaning to human moral choice. The coexistence of prophets and satans is presented as essential to the cosmic order, as the existence of evil is required to define good, and distance from God highlights the value of nearness to Him. The article discusses how prophets, including Adam, Moses, and Muhammad (Peace be upon them), represent divine guidance, while satanic figures—both human and jinn—manifest misguidance. Humans are given the freedom to choose between these paths, a freedom rooted in their creation in the divine form and their responsibility to uphold the “Trust.” The article emphasizes the universality of the message of tawḥīd (the oneness of God) brought by all prophets, though it recognizes differences in the secondary messages tailored to different communities. It also delves into the tension between religious exclusivism and the pluralism implied in the Qurʾānic acknowledgment of Jews and Christians as recipients of divine guidance. In examining the relationship between human freedom, moral responsibility, and the paths of guidance and misguidance, the article underscores the Qurʾānic perspective that true salvation is attained through personal accountability, the rejection of false pride, and adherence to divine guidance. Through this, it critiques modern religious and political exclusivism, pointing out the importance of humility and self-reflection, and warning against the divisive “I am better than he” mentality that characterizes the actions of Iblis.