Two Types of Satan’s Descent

In Tafsir al-Tasnim, Ayatollah Jawadi Amuli offers a profound exploration of the concept of Satan’s descent, highlighting two distinct types of descent that distinguish his fall from Adam and Eve’s. This analysis sheds light on the complex dynamics of the events surrounding humanity’s earliest interactions with divine guidance and deception.

The first descent of Satan was from his status among the angels. This occurred after his refusal to prostrate to Adam (a.s.), an act rooted in arrogance and rebellion. God’s command, “Then get down from it, for it is not for you to be arrogant therein” (7:13), marked his expulsion from the high station he once occupied. This descent reflects a spiritual fall, signaling his transition from an exalted position to a state of disgrace and rejection.

The second descent involves Satan’s temporary infiltration into Paradise, where he succeeded in deceiving Adam and Eve. Though he had already been expelled, his ability to re-enter this realm to mislead them poses significant theological questions. His presence in Paradise is evident from his direct interactions with Adam and Eve, including statements such as, “Shall I direct you to the tree of eternity and a kingdom that never decays?” (20:120). This interaction necessitated a physical presence, reinforcing the idea that Satan’s descent to Earth was a separate event.

The plural command “Get down” (ihbiṭū) issued after this incident encompasses Adam, Eve, and their progeny, with some interpretations including Satan. This collective command signifies a transition from the celestial to the earthly realm, a shared consequence of Adam and Eve’s lapse and Satan’s deceptive role. However, the nature of Satan’s inclusion in this command has been debated. While some commentators argue that he was not directly addressed, others posit that his continuous enmity toward humanity places him within the broader context of the command.

Importantly, Adam’s descent differs fundamentally from Satan’s. Adam was sent to Earth while retaining his inherent dignity and status as a prophet, whereas Satan’s descent signified a permanent loss of his previous rank. This distinction reflects their contrasting purposes: Adam’s descent was part of a divine plan for human existence on Earth, while Satan’s fall was punitive, rooted in his defiance.

Theologians such as ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī have explained the duality of these descents through the Qur’anic addresses. The commands issued to Adam and Eve, “Go down, you two” (ihbiṭā), and to Satan, “Get down from it” (ihbiṭ), stem from distinct statuses yet converge in their outcome—their eventual settlement on Earth. The difference in their respective statuses does not preclude the commonality of the command “Get down” (ihbiṭū) in describing their transitions.

This dual perspective on Satan’s descent enriches our understanding of the Qur’anic narrative. It highlights the nuanced nature of divine decrees, emphasizing that Adam’s journey to Earth was not a fall in the punitive sense but a movement within the framework of divine wisdom, contrasting with Satan’s complete spiritual and moral degradation. Through this lens, the narrative of descent becomes a profound exploration of accountability, divine justice, and the contrasting paths of submission and rebellion.

Reference

Tafsir al-Tasnim (Verse 2:36)