for he is their enemy, seeking to turn them away from Allah. The Most High says:
“Indeed, Satan is an enemy to you, so take him as an enemy.”
This is why He commands those who recite the Quran to seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the accursed. Reciting the Quran as commanded instils great faith in the heart and increases its certainty, tranquillity, and healing. The Most High says:
“And We send down of the Quran that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it increases the wrongdoers only in loss.”
The Most High also says:
“This is a clear statement to mankind, and guidance and an admonition for the mindful of Allah.”
And He says:
“Guidance for the mindful of Allah.”
And He says:
“As for those who believe, it has increased them in faith, and they rejoice.”
Every believer experiences this within himself. Through his whisperings, Satan seeks to distract the heart from benefiting from the Quran. Allah therefore commands the reciter to seek refuge from him when reciting the Quran. The Most High says:
“So when you recite the Quran, seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the accursed.”
“Indeed, he has no authority over those who believe and put their trust in their Lord.”
“His authority is only over those who take him as an ally and those who, through him, associate partners with Allah.”
One who seeks refuge in Allah is seeking His protection, turning to Him for shelter, and seeking His help against Satan. Whoever seeks refuge with another is seeking that other’s protection. Thus, when a servant seeks refuge in his Lord, he is seeking His protection and placing his trust in Him, so Allah grants him refuge and protection from Satan.
For this reason, Allah Most High says:
“Repel evil with what is better, and then the one between whom and you there was enmity will become as though he were a close friend.”
“But none are granted this except those who are patient, and none are granted it except one blessed with a great share of good.”
“And if an evil prompting from Satan provokes you, seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.”
It is reported in the two Sahīh collections that the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “Indeed, I know a phrase which, if