and an affirmation of the truth. Satan’s prompting is a threat of evil and a denial of the truth.”
Allah Most High has said:
“It is only Satan who frightens you with his allies.”
That is, his allies frighten you through the terrifying whispers he casts into your hearts, like a human devil who instils fear of the enemy, spreading alarm and discouraging others.
The opposite of this is expressed in His words:
“When your Lord revealed to the angels, ‘I am with you, so strengthen those who believe. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve.’”
Allah Most High also said:
“Allah keeps those who believe firm with the steadfast word, in this worldly life and in the Hereafter.”
And He said:
“Had We not made you steadfast, you would almost have inclined towards them a little.”
Making someone steadfast means rendering him firm rather than doubtful. This is achieved by instilling what strengthens him: affirmation of the truth and a promise of good. As Ibn Masʿūd said, “The angel’s prompting is a promise of good and an affirmation of the truth.” Whenever the heart knows that what the Messenger has conveyed is true, it believes him. When it knows that Allah has promised it confirmation, it trusts Allah’s promise and becomes steadfast.
Such steadfastness is brought about through words, just as one person reassures another about a matter in which he has become unsettled, telling him that he is right and explaining what assures him that he will be granted victory, so that he becomes steadfast. It may also be brought about through action, by holding the heart firm until it becomes steady, just as one person holds another until he becomes steady.
It is reported in a hadith that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:
“Whoever asks to be appointed a judge and seeks help in obtaining it will be left to his own devices. Whoever neither asks to be appointed a judge nor seeks help in obtaining it, Allah will send down an angel to guide him aright.”
Thus, this angel makes him sound in speech through what he instils