SATAN: TEMPORARY GOD OF THIS WORLD
A Quranic Perspective on the Real Source of Misguidance
The Quran teaches that there is only one true God—the Creator of the heavens and the earth. However, the Quran also describes Satan as a “temporary god of this world” in the sense that many people follow him instead of God, often without realizing it.
Satan does not create, sustain, or control the universe. His influence comes from the freedom granted during the earthly test and from human beings who choose to follow his suggestions rather than God’s guidance.
Satan’s Declaration to Mislead Most of Humanity
Satan as a Khalifa on Earth
When God announced the appointment of a ‘khalifa’ (successor or temporary authority) on earth (2:30), it introduced a system of earthly responsibility. As humans fell under Satan’s influence, he effectively became a ruling force over those who choose not to follow God’s guidance.
How Satan Becomes a 'Temporary God'
In the Quran, a ‘god’ (ilah) can refer to whatever or whoever is obeyed. Thus, if people obey Satan’s influences instead of God’s commands, Satan becomes their ‘god’ in practice. This happens when people follow:
• desires and impulses
• cultural or inherited traditions
• religious authorities instead of scripture
• ego, anger, pride, or imitation
• rituals without sincerity
Satan becomes a false god through influence—not through divine power.
Most People Are Unaware of Satan’s Influence
The Quran describes Satan’s influence as subtle and deceptive. He decorates falsehood, exaggerates desires, and disguises misguidance as righteousness. Most people assume they are guided, even while following whispers that conflict with the Quran.
Satan Has No Power Over the Sincere
The Quran emphasizes that Satan cannot control those who devote themselves to God alone. He can tempt and whisper, but cannot compel. His authority extends only to those who turn away from God and do not verify the truth for themselves.
Whom Do You Obey?
Submission in the Quranic sense is not about labels, but obedience. The crucial question is: whom do you obey? If obedience is given to anything other than God—tradition, scholars, emotions, or society—that thing becomes a false god, even if unintentional. This is the essence of Satan’s influence.
Freedom Through Worshiping God Alone
True freedom comes from worshiping God alone. The Quran protects believers through principles such as:
• verifying everything (17:36)
• rejecting intermediaries
• avoiding inherited religious innovations
• maintaining sincerity in worship
These break the influence of Satan and restore clarity.
Conclusion
Satan is a ‘temporary god of this world’ due to influence, not power. Many follow him unknowingly through inherited beliefs and imitation. But his influence is limited, and cannot touch those who worship God alone. The Quran provides the clarity and protection—each person must choose whom to follow.