(3–4) “Among mankind are those who dispute concerning Allah without knowledge and follow every rebellious devil. It has been decreed for him that whoever takes him as an ally, he will surely lead him astray and guide him to the punishment of the Blaze.”

That is, among mankind is a group who have taken the path of misguidance. They dispute against the truth with falsehood, seeking to establish falsehood and invalidate the truth, although they are utterly ignorant and possess no knowledge whatsoever. The most they have to rely upon is their blind imitation of the leaders of misguidance—every rebellious devil who defies Allah and His messengers, opposes them, sets himself against Allah and His Messenger, and becomes one of the leaders who call people to the Fire.

“It has been decreed for him”—that is, it has been ordained for this rebellious devil—“that whoever takes him as an ally,” meaning whoever follows him, “he will surely lead him astray” from the truth and turn him away from the straight path, “and guide him to the punishment of the Blaze.” Such a person is truly a deputy of Iblis, for Allah said concerning him: “He only calls his followers so that they may become companions of the Blaze.” Thus, the one who disputes concerning Allah combines being personally astray with setting himself up to mislead others, while himself following and blindly imitating every rebellious devil—darkness upon darkness. This includes the majority of the people of disbelief and religious innovation, for most of them are blind followers who dispute without knowledge.