Surah 35. Fatir, Ayah 5

See 31:33 (which is phrased in exactly the same way) and the corresponding note [30]. - As regards the explicit reference to Satan in the next verse of the present surah, see Razi's remarks quoted in note [31] on 14:22 , as well as note [16] on 15:17 .

 Satan.

In verse 3 above the appeal was on the basis of the Past and the Present: now the appeal is on the basis of the Future. Allah's grace has promised us the Garden of Bliss; His justice has promised us the Fire of Suffering. Both promises are certain to be fulfilled. On which side shall we range ourselves?

Cf. xxxi. 33 and n. 3624. The deception of Evil takes two forms. (1) The seductive temptations of this world may deceive us into forgetting the Hereafter. (2) The Arch-Enemy himself may so blind our vision that we may say with him, "Evil! be thou my good!" We may be misled by easy stages. Are we on our guard?