TAUGHT AS A COMPONENT OF EVIL WEB

TAUGHT AS A COMPONENT OF EVIL WEB

1. INTRODUCTION

Dear readers, it is not a separate article, but a component of ‘evil web:’ our first article. It is therefore requested that first go through that article and then read it in continuation of that article. We realised that the article on evil web was not complete without the mention of different aspects of taghut. 

2. CONCEPT OF TAGHUT

The Arabic word taghut, Taught or Tagut (plural Tawaghit, or Tawagit) is derived from three letters t-g-y. In this article we will use the word Taghut (plural Tawaghit). Taghut means ‘to go beyond the measure,’ to cross the limits, overstep boundaries, or rebel, or the one who exceeds limits, and the one who denotes to overstep boundaries. The word taghut also refers to idols, a specific tyrant ruler or administrator, an oracle, or a rebel. It is any power or being that rebels against Allah (swt) and His Messenger Muhammad (pbuh) and demands loyalty and obedience. 

Linguistically, the word Taghut comes from at-Tughyan, which means ‘transgression.’  Taghut is derived from the verb ‘tagha’ (transgressed), and it means everything that has crossed or transgressed the limit or crossed the border of something, to exceed or overflow. In this connection the Qur’an says: 

Indeed, when the water overflowed, We carried you (your ancestors) in the sailing ship (1). 69:11. 

When the water overflowed (Tagha) Allah (swt) carried the Prophet Noah and other true believers on the ship, while all other people (disbelievers) died in the flood. It means the water crossed the border, so it transgressed in the sense that it was overflown. 

A Taghut is something or someone that is being worshipped besides Allah Almighty. It means the person has crossed the border and transgressed in such a way, that he placed himself as a partner besides Allah Almighty. For example, one can be worshipped and be pleased with it, or one can call others to worship him, and even if no one answers this call, he is still a Taghut, because only Allah (swt) has the right to be worshipped. 

Taghut is associated with the three stages of disbelief in the Islamic context: Disobeying Allah, kufr (rejection of the idea that one should obey Allah), and the last stage which is not only to rebel against Allah Almighty but also imposing their rebellion against the will of Allah upon others. People who reach this stage are considered as tawaghit. It stands for everything that may direct a Muslim into evil things. It may also be known as the evil power.  

Religious scholars and commentators of the Qur’an have quite diverse views about the meaning of Taghut. For example, Ibn Abbas, Ibn Jubair, Abu al-Aliyah were of the view that taghut means ka’ahin. According to Umar Taghut means Satan. Malik bin Anas said, “Besides Allah, everything that is worshipped by human beings is called Taghut.” Imam Qurtibi considered the viewpoint of Anas bin Malik as best, but he did not say that other meanings are wrong. 

At-Taghut is the Satan in a human form, where judgement is being sought by and he is their commander (2). (Mujahid). 

Taghut is everything that is worshipped besides Allah (3). (Fath al-Majeed, P. 392, Imam Malik). 

Taghut is Satan and whatever Satan has beautified to mankind from the worship of other than Allah (4). (Tafir Ibn Kathir). 

Taghut is a generic title into which enters: the Satan, the idols, the soothsayers, the dirham, the dinar (forms of currency), etc. (5). Ibn Taymiyyah. 

If a person who is worshipped besides Allah (swt) and does not reject such a status, he becomes Taghut. The one who is obeyed in a matter which is not based upon the guidance, but acceptable to the people, if it contravenes the order of Allah Almighty then he is a Taghut. For this reason, those people who arbitrate other than the Qur’an are called Tawaghit(6). (Ibn Taymiyah, Fatwa vol 28 p. 200). 

The Taghut of every people is one whom they go to for judgement of their disputes besides Allah (swt) and His Messenger, or whom they worship besides Allah or whom they follow whilst not knowing whether it is obedience to Allah or not. So these are the Tawaghit of the world, if you consider them and consider the conditions of the people, you will see that most of them have turned away from the worship of Allah the most high, in favour of the worship of Taghut, and turned away from the obedience of Allah and His Messenger, in favour of obedience and following of Taghut (7). (Ilaam al-Muwaqqieen 1/53 by Ibn Qayyim).

The taghut is one who is worshipped and he is pleased with that; the one who claims anything from the knowledge of the unseen; the one who calls people to worship him; and the one who judges by something other than that which Allah has revealed.  Tawaghit include the Satan, the tyrannical ruler, the one who takes bribery, the one who is worshipped and pleased with that; and the one who does not act upon revealed knowledge (8). Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab. 

Taught is a creature who not only rebels against Allah Almighty but transgresses his will. This term may refer to any person or group accused of being anti-Islamic and an agent of Western cultural materialism. Taught can be a person who thinks or sees himself as a god; who calls out to be worshipped; or who claims to possess some or all of the attributes of a god. Taghut represents anyone, any entity, any idea, any philosophy, or any person, that calls for a rebellion against Allah Almighty, that stands against the message of truth. 

Taghut is the soothsayer, the sorcerer, the magician, idol, every being that calls to misguidance, and every leader of misguidance; and every one or everything that misguides from the truth. Worst levels of manifold injustices can be called Taghut. The utter falsehood, lies, and distortions and ascribed falsely to Allah by abusing religion and faith as a pretext to commit crimes is also included in the term Taghut. Taghut is any one who ascribes to himself one of the acts of Allah, such as creation, provision or legislation or ascribes to himself any of the attributes of Allah which exclusively belong to Him, such as knowledge of the Unseen. Jews and Christians never physically worshipped their Priests and Monks; they followed their judgements and laws instead of the law of Allah Almighty, therefore they are known as polytheists and worshippers of Taghut. 

3. THE QUR’AN ON TAGHUT

There shall be no compulsion in (acceptance of) the religion. The right course has become distinct from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in taught and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing  (9). 2:256.

Taghut means false objects of worship, such as idols, heavenly bodies, spirits, human beings, etc.  (10). (Saheeh International EN 88,  

Allah is the Ally of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into the light. And those who disbelieve  – their allies are taghut. They take them out of the light into darkness. Those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein (11). 2:257. 

 The light of truth is one, while the darkness of disbelief, doubt and error are many (12). (Saheeh International EN 90).  

The Arabic word taghut is literally applied to everyone who transgresses the limits. The Qur’an uses this word for one who rebels against Allah and claims himself to be the master and the sovereign of His servants and forces them to become his servants. Rebellion against Allah has three degrees of criminality: First one is fasiq (disobedient) if one professes to be His subject but practically acts against His Commandments; second one is kafir (disbeliever) if one becomes independent of Him or owes allegiance to someone else.; and third one is taghut if one rebels against Allah and exerts to make His subjects subservient to himself. Such a one may be Satan or a priest or a religious or political leader or a king or a state. Therefore no one can be a true believer of Allah unless one disowns taghut (13). The Meaning of the Qur’an Surah 2 EN. 286. 

In verse 2:257 darkness stands for the darkness of ignorance that causes one to go astray from the Right Way, and to spend all one’s efforts and energies in wrong ways. In contrast to this, light stands for the light of the Truth which enables one to see clearly the Reality and perceive the real aim of life and follow consciously and deliberately the Right Way (14). The Meaning of the Qur’an Surah 2 EN. 287. 

Though taghut is singular in form, here it is plural in meaning, for the one who rejects Allah, becomes a slave not of one but of several forms of taghut. One of these is Satan who goes on tempting him with many false and alluring temptations. Another is his own self that makes him a slave of passions and lusts and misleads him into crooked ways. Then there are others, his wife and children, his kith and kin, his clan and family, his friends and nation, his political and religious leaders and his government. All these are taghut for him and desire to make him a slave of their wishes and ambitions. And this slave of all these masters wastes his whole life in trying to accomplish an impossible feat of pleasing each and every one of them (15). The Meaning of the Qur’an Surah 2 EN. 288. 

The verse 2:257 of the Qur’an compares two different relationships: A relationship Allah has with believers and the other relationship disbelievers have with Taghut. Allah is the Wali (the Protecting Friend – one of the attributes of Allah). Allah has the intent of protecting his believers just like the disbelievers that have a protective friend who is Taghut. Another word of Arabic language is Mawla (the Patron, another attribute of Allah). Mawla means someone who actually protects. Wali is someone who is protective but Mawla is someone who is actually in the act of protecting. It means that Allah does not just want to protect believers, but actually protecting them. Because He is not just Wali of believers but Mawla as well. Taghut would be a wali of disbelievers, they do not have Mawla (47:11). Allah is always there to protect believers. Allah is constantly pulling believers from darkness towards light. Allah inspired inside believers the capacity of sinning and to protect themselves from sin. There is a tendency in them to go the wrong way. Allah keeps pulling believers out towards light. Further information on this issue is given in (16). bayyinahramadan2016.com/2021/03/13/day-93-of-taghut-and-arguing-against-allah/

That is because Allah is the Protector of those who have believed and because the disbelievers have no protector. Indeed, Allah will admit those who have believed and done righteous deeds to gardens beneath which rivers flow, but those who disbelieve enjoy themselves and eat as grazing livestock eat, and the Fire will be a residence for them (17). 47:11-12. 

Have you not seen those who were given a portion of the Scripture, who believe in jibt (superstition) and taghut (false objects of worship) and say about the disbelievers, “These are better guided than the believers as to the way”?   (18). 4:51. 

Literally, the Arabic word jibt means an unreal, baseless, and useless thing. In Islamic terminology, sorcery, magic, divination, omen-taking and the like superstitious practices are called jibt. It is equivalent to superstition. 

The Holy Prophet said, “Taking omens from the sounds of the birds and the footmaks of the animals and all other methods of divination are jibt.”  The Jewish Rabbis had gone so low in their opposition to Islam that they regarded the followers of the Holy Prophet as more misguided than even the Arab pagans, and declared that the polytheists of Makkah were more rightly-guided than the Muslims, though it was quite obvious to them that on one side there was the worship Allah alone without any tinge of polytheism, and on the other, there was idle-worship which had been thoroughly condemned in the Bible  (19). The Meaning of the Qur’an Surah 4 EN. 81 and 83.  

Have you not seen those who claim to have believed in what was revealed to you (O Muhammad), and what was revealed before you? They wish to refer legislation to taghut, while they were commanded to reject it; and Satan wishes to lead them far astray (20). 4:60. 

False objects of worship or those transgressors who usurp the divine light of government (21). (Saheeh International EN 172).  

It is evident from verse 4:60 that the hypocrites claim to profess the Faith, but their activities belie it. For example, they go to the detractors of Islam for a settlement of their disputes instead of to the Holy Prophet or the Faithful, and whenever they are caught and questioned about their duplicity, they swear before the Prophet  that in truth they follow only the orders of the Prophet. But that they had gone to the opponents of Islam just to appease them. It is to this behaviour  that the Qur’an refers in this verse and makes it clear that those who do not believe in the orders and the decisions of the Prophet are not actual believers. It is not enough to say, “We acknowledge your orders.” On the other hand, they should not in the least be vexed over what the Prophet has decided and should accept it in willing submission (22). Tarjman al-Qur’an vol 2 P. 236. 

In the verse 4:60, taghut  stands for the authority that makes decisions in accordance with laws other than Divine. It also implies that the system of judiciary which acknowledges neither Allah as the Supreme Sovereign nor His Book as the final authority. Hence, this verse clearly shows that it is against the demands of one’s Faith to take one’s case for decision to a law court which by its nature is that of taghut. Belief in Allah and His Book, makes it obligatory on the Believer that he should refuse to acknowledge such a court as lawful. According to the Qur’an, belief in Allah demands disbelief in taghut: therefore, to acknowledge both at one and the same time is hypocrisy itself (23). The Meaning of the Qur’an Surah 4 EN. 91. 

Have you not seen those who claim to have believed in what was revealed to you (O Muhammad), and what was revealed before you? They wish to refer legislation to be taught, while they were commanded to reject it; and Satan wishes to lead them far astray (24). 4:60.

Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah, and those who disbelieve fight in the cause of taught. So fight against the allies of Satan. Indeed the plot of Satan has ever been weak (25). 4:76. 

In the sight of Allah, there are two distinct parties of fighters. One party is that of Believers who fight for the cause of Allah In order to establish His way on His earth, and every sincere Believer is bound to perform this duty. The other party is that of unbelievers who fight in the way of taghut so as to establish the rule of rebels against Allah on His earth and no Believer would side with them in this evil work. The Believers have been assured that they should not be cowed and terrified by the apartment grand preparations and evil designs of Satan and his companion: because ultimately they are bound to fail (26). The Meaning of the Qur’an Surah 4 ENs 105-106.  

Say, “Shall I inform you of (what is) worse than that as a penalty from Allah? (It is that of) those whom Allah has cursed and with whom He became angry and made them apes and pigs and slaves of taghut. Those are worse in position and further astray from the sound way”   (27). 5:60. 

Verse 5:60 contains a subtle reference to the shamefaced impudence of the Jews in opposing the Muslims in spite of the fact that they had often been under the curse and wrath of Allah for their evil deeds. According to their own history, they broke the Sabbath and many of them were turned into apes swine. They had become so degraded that they began to worship taghut. Therefore, they were warned to desist from their opposition to the Muslims who sincerely believed in Allah and followed the Right Way, whereas they themselves were involved in disobedience and indecency and other moral sins of the worst type (28). The Meaning of the Qur’an Surah 5 EN. 91.  

And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger (saying), saying, “Worship Allah and avoid taghut” (29). 16:36. 

On the basis of verses 16:35-36 Allah says, “You are not justified in excusing yourselves for committing sins, saying that it is the will of Allah for We sent Messengers to every nation, who told the people in plain words that they should worship Us and none else, and should not follow and obey taghut. Besides this, We have already warned you that We do not approve of your deviations. Why should you then put forward this excuse for your deviations? Do you mean to say that We ought to have sent such Messengersas would have forced you to follow the Right Way instead of bringing you to it by preaching? (30). The Meaning of the Qur’an Surah 16 EN. 32. 

But those who have avoided taghut, lest they worship it, and turned back to Allah – for them are good tidings. So give good tidings to My servants, who listen to speech and follow the best of it. Those are the ones Allah has guided, and those are people of understanding (31). 39:17-18. 

Taghut is from tughyan and means rebellion. If someone is called taghut (rebellion) instead of taghi (rebel), it would mean he is a rebel incarnate. For example, if a person is called husn (beauty) instead of husin (beautiful), it would mean that he has reached perfection in beauty. The other deities other than Allah have been called taghut because it is rebellion to worship others besides Allah, but the one who has others worship him, is a rebel of the worst kind (32). The Meaning of the Qur’an Surah 39 EN. 35. 

4. EXAMPLES OF TAGHUT

Taghut are many such as soothsayer, sorcerer, the magician, idols, Satan, certain celestial bodies, water, air, certain species of plants and animals, every leader of misguidance, whatever is worshipped besides Allah, everyone and everything that misguides from the truth. Other examples include an idol, a grave, a nation flag, a parliament, a man-made constitution, and an ideology that contradicts core teachings and principles of Islam. Moreover, Taghut changes spatially and temporally. For example, at the time of Prophet Noah, the idols of their pious ancestors were Tawaghit; at the time of Abraham, Numrud was Taghut; while, Pharaoh was Taghut at the time of Moses:

(Allah said to Moses), “Go to Pharaoh. Indeed, he has transgressed. And say to him, “Would you (be willing to) purify yourself. And let me guide you to your Lord so you would fear (Him).”  And he showed him the greatest sign. But he (Pharaoh) denied and disobeyed. Then he turned his back, striving (plotting). And he gathered (his people) and called out. And said, “I am your most exalted lord.” So Allah seized him in exemplary punishment for the last and the first (transgression)¹⁷⁴⁸  (33). 79:17-25.  

Pharaoh’s setting himself up as a deity and for his previous oppression of the people and denial of Moses gave him the status of Taghut (34). Saheeh International EN 1748. 

Pharaoh had transgressed in such a way, that he placed himself as a rival with Allah Almighty. He claimed the position of Allah  by saying that he is the lord that is most high. So here Qur’an used the word Tagha, it means Pharaoh was a Taghut. It was continued and at the time of Prophet Muhammad Abu Jahal was Taghut along with many polytheists of Makkah. 

Satan is the biggest Taghut and leader of many tawaghit. There are other tawaghit such as the judge who gives verdict by something other than what Allah revealed, tyrant ruler, whoever claims knowledge of the Unseen, and whoever is worshipped besides Allah and he is pleased with that, or whoever calls the people to the worship of himself, etc.  

Satan, the biggest Taghut, calls people to the worship of other than Allah (swt). In this connection the Qur’an says: 

Did I not enjoin upon you, O children of Adam, that you do not worship Satan – (for) indeed, he is to you a clear enemy – and that you worship (only) Me? This is a straight path. And he had already led astray from among you much of creation, so did you not use reason?  (35). 36:60-62. 

Thus Satan is ever insisting on deviating the people from the obedience of Allah (swt). We have already discussed in detail in the article ‘Evil Web’ the way Azazeel was transformed to Iblis and as a result he was thrown out of Paradise by Allah Almighty and he has been cursed until the Day of Recompense. 

Satan did not confess to his sins, he did not express any remorse over them, he did not reproach himself and he did not hasten towards repentance, and he was haughty. When the origin of disobedience is desire, its forgiveness can be hoped for. But when the origin of disobedience is haughtiness, its forgiveness cannot be hoped for. Satan lost the opportunity when he was ordered to prostrate to Adam and he lost some other opportunities as well. For example, he said to Prophet Moses, “You are the one whom Allah chose for His message and spoke to you?” Moses replied, “Yes. So what do you want and who are you?” Satan replied, “O Moses! Say to your Sustainer that one of His creations has asked Him for repentance.” So Allah inspired Moses saying to him, “Say to him that I have accepted what he has asked. But order him to prostrate to the grave of Adam. If he prostrates to his grave, I will accept his repentance and forgive his sins.” O hearing this from Moses Satan became angry, displayed his haughtiness and said, O Moses! I did not prostrate before him in Paradise, how can  I prostrate before him when he is dead?” (36). An Exposition of Hearts by Imam Gazzali P 75-76. 

The tyrant or oppressive ruler who changes and replaces Allah’s Laws is Taghut. This is done either because one seeks to belittle Allah’s Laws, or because the one prefers some other law over Allah’s Laws, or because Satan has gained mastery over that ruler that has changed and replaced the Laws of Allah with mane-made laws. 

Have you not seen those who claim to have believed in what was revealed to you (O Muhammad), and what was revealed before you? They wish to refer legislation to taghut, while they were commanded to reject it; and Satan wishes to lead them far astray (37). 4:60.

Allah has described their stating that they have Faith as only a claim, thus rejecting it and holding them to be liars. This is because they sought judgement from other than Allah, turning away from Allah’s law. This was after they were commanded to not seek judgement from it. By having been commanded to disbelief in and reject the Taghut. But Satan overpowered them and led them astray from the Straight Path (38). (Muhammad bin Abdir-Rahmaan Al-Khumayys 2003, Al-Ibaanah Book Publishing, USA.  

The one who judges by other than what Allah has revealed is known as Taghut: In this connection the Qur’an says:  

Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light. The Prophets who submitted (to Allah) judged it for the Jews, as did the rabbis and scholars by that with which they were entrusted with the Scripture of Allah, and they were witness thereto. So do not fear the people but fear Me, and do not exchange My verses for a small price (worldly gain). And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed – then it is those who are the disbelievers  (39). 5:44

This is the same whether it is a judge or a king or a president, etc. So whoever rules by other than Allah revealed, implementing it knowingly, then he is a Taghut, even if he claims what he may claim. And indeed Allah has declared him a disbeliever (40). (Muhammad bin Abdir-Rahmaan Al-Khumayys 2003, Al-Ibaanah Book Publishing, USA. 

But no, by your Lord, they will not (truly) believe until they make you (O Muhammad), judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves and then find themselves no comfort from what you have judged and submit in (full willing) submission (41). 4:65

The judgement can be in various manners such as the dispute between two parties. Judgement may occur in courts, in homes, on the road or in a support arena. In every case the decision should be according to Shariah. 

The one who claims to have knowledge of the Unseen, apart from Allah, is a Taghut. In this connection the Qur’an says: 

And with Him are the keys of unseen; none knows them except Him. And He knows what is on the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but that He knows it. And no grain is there within the darkness of the earth and no moist or dry (thing) but that it is (written) in a clear record (42). 6:59. 

(He is) Knower of the unseen, and He does not disclose His (knowledge of the) unseen to anyone. Except whom He has approved of messengers, and indeed, He sends before him (each messenger) and behind him observers (43). 72:26-27. 

So, Allah alone is characterised with knowledge of the Unseen. No one else has the ability to know it except with His permission. The creation does not know anything of the knowledge of the Unseen about what will happen in the future. So, whoever claims knowledge of the Unseen for himself or for others, then he has disbelieved in Allah, and ascribed partners to Him, in that which only He has the right over knowledge of Unseen. 

The one who is worshipped apart from Allah, while being pleased with being worshipped is also Taghut.  In this connection the Qur’an says: 

And whoever of them should say, “Indeed, I am a god besides Him” – that one We would recompense with Hell. Thus do We recompense the wrongdoers (44). 21:29. 

This is the judgement of Allah (swt) upon that Taghut, who called others to worship him and placed himself as a god besides Allah, as was done by Pharaoh and various others.  

Exposing the Taghut and its establishments is necessary so that the Muslim can keep distant from the kufr, shirk and haram relating to being in contact with it. Alongside exposing the deviation of the Taghut surrounding Islam, because it is an obligation to preserve the true towhid and to cleanse that which has corrupted Islam. 

A person’s  kalimah remains incomplete and unacceptable until one singles out Allah in all the forms of worship be it du’a, sacrifice, or seeking judgement (Tahakum), etc. 

Say, “None in the heavens and earth knows the unseen except Allah, and they do not perceive when they will be resurrected” (45). 27:65

Whoever claims to know the unseen is a Taghut, because he made himself a partner to Allah and claimed an attribute from the lofty attributes of Allah. 

5. DISBELIEVE IN TAGHUT

Abu Malik Al-Ashjaee heard from his father that the Holy Prophet said, “Whoever says La Ilaha Illallah and disbelieves in whatever is worshipped besides Allah, his blood and his wealth are prohibited and his reckoning is with Allah” (46). Muslim. 

 It is not sufficient to believe in Allah, but it is obligatory to reject taghut and all other false or pseudo gods. In other words, believe in Allah and disbelieve in false gods or reject all false gods that were worshipped. This concept is known as kufr bit Taghut – it bears witness that no one has the right to be worshipped besides Allah. One is not a believer unless one disbelieves in Taghut. There are two pillars of Faith: Kufr Bit-taghut and Iman Billah. A believer does not grasp the most trustworthy handhold except when one disbelieves in the Taghut. The rejection of the Taghut is the first condition of Tawhid (Monotheism). 

It is evident from verse 2:256 that one cannot have faith in Allah unless he first disbelieves in the Taghut, because Faith and polytheism cannot be gathered together in one heart, for they are opposites. So one must remove all worship offered to others other than Allah first and then establish worship to Allah alone afterward, and make the religion purely for Him. There is no deity that has the right to be worshipped except Allah.  It includes both negation and affirmation. 

One must disbelieve in or reject the Taghut. By one’s heart, tongue, and limbs. If the Taghut is something you love or fear, then you must give up loving or fearing it; if it is something you consent to by praising it, then you must give up praising it; if it is something that you consent to by casting them your vote at their democratic elections, then you must give up contesting to it by refraining from voting; if it is something you go to for arbitration or for solving disputes, then you must give up going to them for arbitration or solving disputes, etc. One must believe and declare that the Taghut is false and has no right to be worshipped, obeyed, or followed (22:62), One cannot be a believer in Allah who stays close to the Taghut, therefore every believer should keep far away from it. One must declare animosity and hatred towards the Taghut. One must declare the Taghut in the form of a law, way of life, ideology, belief or religion that is submitted to, obeyed, or followed in contradiction to Allah’s Din (Islam) as disbelief. One must declare the Taghut in the form of a human or jinn, who is content to have any Unique Attribute or Right of Allah. (legislating, judging, ruling, etc.) or any act of worship directed to himself instead of Allah as a liar and a disbeliever (47).salafiminhaimedia.wordpress.com/2014/05/08rejecting-taghut-is-obligatory-oevery-muslim/ 

This is because Allah is the Truth, and that which they call upon other than Him is falsehood, and because Allah is the Most High, the Grand (48). 22:62. 

There has already been for you an excellent pattern in Abraham and those with him, when they said to their people, “Indeed, we are disassociated from you and from whatever you worship other than Allah. We have denied you, and there has appeared between us and you animosity and hatred forever until you believe in Allah alone” – except for the saying of Abraham to his father, “I will surely ask forgiveness for you, but I have not (power to do) for you anything against Allah. Our Lord, upon You we have relied, and to You we have returned, and to You is the destination (49). 60:4

6. TARGETS OF TAGHUT

There are various approaches to discuss targets of Taghut. The ultimate objective of Taghut is to mislead believers to convince disbelievers to deviate from the religion of Islam or deviate from the Straight Path. This topic can also be discussed based on different aspects of Islam. In this connection different numbers of categories can be made. We intend to divide it into four categories: Allah’s Boundaries, Natural Laws, Straight Path, and duties towards others. These are briefly described below. 

6.1.  Exceeding  Allah’s Boundaries (Hudood-Allah)

The Arabic word hudood, or hudud (singular Hadd) means borders, boundaries, limits, prevention, hindrance, restraint, and prohibition, etc. Literal meanings of hudud are limits, bounds or restrictions. Hudud Allah means limits set by Allah. Boundary is defined as something that indicates or fixes a limit or extent (Merriam-webster dictionary). 

Allah’s Boundaries are the laws and ways of Allah to aid, facilitate, optimise, and enrich human life on the planet earth and to achieve true success in this world and in the Hereafter. 

Allah’s boundaries provide order and predictability to life. And life without boundaries is anarchy, confusion and chaos – and leads towards self-destruction. Human life sinks into tyranny when the boundaries are unfair, arbitrary, and unduly restricting, vague or ill defined. On the other hand when boundaries are fair, just, reasonable, meaningful, necessary, clearly defined – as Allah’s boundaries are with regard to everything and every being – they protect, enhance, and enrich life. They add the essential elements of zest, charisma, and excellence to life; provide security, reduce anxiety and uncertainty; optimise the experience of a tranquil, peaceful and truly meaningful life on earth for every body. Imagine how much better our land, water and air would have been today if human beings had done a better job of respecting Allah’s boundaries and directives with regard to their consumption of energy; their discharge of pollutants in air and water, and their profligate and wasteful ways in general (50). islamicsolutions .com/allah’s boundaries-what-a glorious-concept/ Dr. Pasha, May 12, 2007. 

The universe and everything therein is working within the boundaries and none of them crosses its limits and never takes a break until Allah (swt) tells one to stop. There are no distinct and visible borders for the universe, but they all know their limits and work accordingly. For example, two bodies of water or two sea waters of distinct characteristics (sweet and salty) meet but do not merge, and remain separate due to invisible barriers. Each water remains within its limits set for them by Allah Almighty and none of them transgresses its limits. Neither the salty water spoils the sweet nor the sweet dilute the salty (55:19).  Likewise, day and night move subtly and gently, merging into each other seamlessly (57:6). One black thread and one white thread replace each other without any transgression. The Sun is performing its duties and never transgresses its limits, therefore it is doing a wonderful job of providing light and heat on which the entire system of earth is working. Without its heat and light there will be no life on the planet earth. It is therefore necessary for the Believers not to transgress Allah’s Boundaries under any situation. 

The one who exceeds the limits of Allah Almighty and does not repent after committing this sin, may be considered as Taghut. But the worst Taghut is the one who misleads believers to exceed the limits of Allah. For this purpose the Taghut uses various tactics. 

6.2. Working Against Natural Laws

Islam is Deenul Fitrah – a complete and comprehensive way of life in keeping with the basic needs of human nature and perfectly in consonance with the primordial functioning of the broader laws of nature that govern the universe. It is helpful in optimising human life on earth. The Qur’an says there shall be no change in the laws prescribed by Nature.  The Natural Laws cannot be replaced by man-made laws. Any deviation from Natural Laws and spending life according to man-made laws is prohibited by Allah (swt).  

But those who wrong follow their (own) desires without knowledge. Then who can guide one whom Allah has sent astray? And for them there are no helpers  (51). 30:29.  

And whoever turned away after that – they were definitely disobedient. So it is other than the religion of Allah they desire, while to Him have submitted (all) those within the heavens and earth, willingly or by compulsion, and to Him they will be returned?  (52). 3:82-83. 

And whoever desires other than Islam as religion – never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers (53). 3:85. 

Religion lies in strictly following the moral law prescribed by Allah. The Entire creation conforms to this law. For the upkeep of everything in the universe and its sustenance, a law of action is prescribed and all should obey it. The slightest urge on the part of creation to stray away from the prescribed path will result in the collapse of the machinery of life (54). Tarjman al-Qur’an by A.K. Azad, vol. 1, P. 177. 

Tawaghit try their level best to convince and mislead believers to work against Natural Laws. For this purpose they attack believers in diverse ways and from all directions. 

6.3. Deviation from the Straight Path 

The Qur’an represents the universal truth sponsored by every religion. It not only stated that all religions were divinely revealed and upheld but one truth enjoining belief in Allah and righteous living in consonance with that belief. In addition, there was a spiritual law of life which regulated and governed the life of human beings, and that this law was one and the same for everyone. It is obligatory to follow Sirat-al-Mustaqim (the Straight Path). It is the path or the Din of Allah (Islam). The call of the Prophets was an invitation to the Straight Path (55). Tarjman al-Qur’an by A.K. Azad, vol. 1, P. 181. 

 And thus We have revealed to you an inspiration of Our command (the Qur’an). You did not know what is the Book or (what is) faith, but We have made it a light by which We guide whom We will of Our servants. And indeed (O Muhammad), you guide to a Straight Path – the Path of Allah, to whom belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Unquestionably, to Allah do (all) matters evolve (return) (56). 42:52-53.

Allah (swt) showed Abraham the Straight Path (16:121), Jesus Christ said, “Verily my God and your God is the God of all; so worship Him; that alone is the Straight Path (43:64). Allah declared: We have chosen them (Noah,  Abraham) as Prophets and shown them the Straight Path (6:87). It is only the Path which is called the royal road and it is the only path by which people reach their destination safely and quickly. 

And (moreover), this is My Path, which is straight, to follow it; and dot follow (other) ways, for you will be separated from His Way. This has He instructed you that you may become righteous (57). 6:153. 

Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. This is a Straight Path (58). 43:64. 

Abdullah bin Masud reported the Holy Prophet drew a line on the ground and said, “Take this as the Path prescribed by Allah. It is very straight.” After this, he drew several lines in different styles and said, “These are the paths which man has chalked out for himself, and of these, there is not one path to which there is not a Satan to invite!” 

The Straight Path is the path of progress and goodness. It is such a path which is ingrained in human nature, but due to deviation from Islam, people may adopt other paths and become prey of Tawaghit. The successful are only those who have followed the Straight Path in letter and spirit and in the next world, with the mercy of Allah, they will enjoy unlimited bounties of Allah in the Hereafter. But those who follow Taghut will utterly fail in the journey of life in this world and in the Hereafter their permanent adobe will be Hell-fire. 

(That is Our) established way for those We have sent before you of Our messengers, and you will not find in Our way any alteration (59). 17:77. 

(This is) the established way of Allah with those who passed on before; and you will not find in the way of Allah any change (60). 33:62. 

(Due to) arrogance in the land and plotting of evil; but the evil plot does not encompass except its own people. Then do they wait except the way (fate) of the former peoples? But you will never find it in the way (established method) of Allah any change, and you will never find in the way of Allah any alteration  (61). 35:43.

It is evident from verses 17:77, 33:62 and 35:43 of the Qur’an that all those people who walked on the Straight Path achieved true success and those who did not follow that path failed. This principle is applicable at present and will be applicable in the future and there will be no change in this principle. In other words, the universe is working on the principle of cause and effect and this principle is working spatially and temporally and is also working everywhere in the World and there is no change in it under natural conditions, but if Allah intervenes, then anything may happen. 

Tawaghit are working hard to mislead human beings from the Straight Path. In the religious literature a lot of information is available that along the Straight Path there are many paths which are not straight, and at each such path Taghut is ever ready to convince human beings to adopt crooked path instead of the Straight Path. 

6.4. Lack of Performance in Duties Towards Others  

In the religion of Islam, duties of every person towards others have been described in detail and in very clear terms without any confusion. These include duties towards Allah and His Prophet; towards Muslim fellows; towards himself;  husband and wife; parents; towards relatives, and friends, and duties towards neighbours, etc.   

Duties towards Allah Who is the Creator, Beautifier, Maintainer and Sustainer of the universe and everything therein are many. It is the duty of every believer to behave like an obedient servant of Allah (swt); not ascribe any partner to Him and  recognize all His Names and Attributes. The other duties towards Allah include fulfilment of the pillars of Islam (Having firm Faith in Allah, establishing Salah, fasting, paying zakah, and perform pilgrimage at least one time in one’s life if one have means for it); to submit and perform the commands of Allah; accepting with patience all the decisions of Allah; observing patience, steadfastness and thankfulness of Allah; confidence in Allah, love and hate for the sake of Allah; and do not deviate from any commandment of Allah at any cost; and remember Him and praise Him. The love of Allah is the last stage and the highest in rank. His love can be achieved by performing obligatory and optional duties towards Him; by avoiding sinful acts, having disbelief in taghut, if any sin is committed, it is obligatory for every one to immediately repent sincerely.  It is the obligation of every believer to love Allah more than anything else, even more than one’s own self. One must always be ready to sacrifice each and everything for the cause of Allah Almighty. 

Loving the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) should be our second priority, because Allah loves him. 

He reached the highest place by his perfection

He removed the jahliya darkness by his radiance

Enlightenment are all his attainments

Send blessings on him and his family

Believers love the Holy Prophet, because he was Al-Amin (Trustworthy), Sayyid Walads Adam (the leader of the sons of Adam, Rahmat-al-Aalameen (Mercy for the universe), Khatimun-Nabiyyin (the Seal of the Prophets), Imam-ul-Ambiyyia (the Leader of Prophets), Sahib Al-Maqam Al-Mahmud (the Owner of the Station of Praise and Glory), As-Siraj Al-Munir (the Shining Lamp), Ar-Raheequl-Makhtum (the Sealed Nectar), and An-Nadhir Al-Bashir (the Bringer of warnings and glad tidings). He was the greatest military commander, most successful ruler and administrator, the greatest benefactor, most charismatic magnetic personality, a transforming teacher and inspiring speaker, the greatest revolutionist, an ideal judge, the leading legislator, and the greatest personality of the whole world.

“O Believers, do not take your fathers and brothers as allies, if they choose disbelief in preference to Faith; for whoso of you will take them as allies shall surely be the workers of iniquity. O Prophet. Tell them plainly, if your father and your sons, and your brothers, and  your wives, and your near and dear ones, and the wealth which you have acquired and the trade you fear may decline and the homes which delight you – if these things  – are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and the struggle in His Way, then wait till Allah passes His judgement on you; for Allah does not guides the wicked people” (62). 9:23-24. 

Indeed, the Prophet is preferable for the believers to their own selves, and the Prophet’s wives are their mothers (63). 33:6. 

Every Messenger whom We have sent, must be obeyed, because Allah has enjoined this…….they can never become until they accept you as judge for the decision of the disputes between them, and then surrender to your decision with entire submission without feeling the least resentment in their hearts (64). 4:64-65. 

Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah said, “By Him in whose Hands my life is, none of you will have faith till he loves me more than his father and his children” (65). (Summarised Bukhari). 

I have very carefully studied Islam and the life of the Prophet Muhammad. I have done so both as a student of history and as a critic. And I have come to the conclusion that Muhammad was indeed a great man and benefactor of mankind which was till then writhing under the most agonising pain. The Prophet Muhammad’s teachings on the status of women, exposure of females, children, and kindness to animals were far ahead of Western Christians thought, even of modern thought (66). (George Bernardv Shaw). 

Muslims belonging to different tribes, clans, casts, or territories are brothers and sisters. The Holy Prophet abolished and obliterated all forms of distinction and privilege, and declared emphatically that the superiority of one to the other lies in Taqwa (piety) alone. 

The Holy Prophet not only established love between the two tribes of Madinah, but also created brotherhood between the migrants and locals. Mutual fighting is not the characteristic of Believers. However, if there is any conflict, the Muslim community should play its role to create peace. The statement of the Holy Prophet ‘the believers are like a single body’ in the tradition is of great significance. The working mechanism of the human body is wonderful. Every cell of the body is performing its function properly and in a well coordinated manner without interfering in the working of any other part of the body. Ideally, the Muslim community should be like a single body. In the human body, if one part or organ is injured, the pain of injury is felt by the whole body and one cannot sleep because of that pain. If the eyes see a beautiful thing or object or scene, not only the eyes feel pleasure, but the whole body feels pleasure, and the signs of pleasure become visible on the face of a person and vice versa. If the ear hears a pleasant voice, the whole body enjoys that voice and vice versa. In the Muslim community, if someone is in trouble, the other members should also feel it and should try to remove it. Another statement of the Holy Prophet ‘a believer to another believer is like a building: whose different parts enforce each other’ is of great significance for making the Muslim community strong against the evil web of Tawaghit, and other evil forces. Individuals are the building blocks of the community or nation. Any deviation from duties of a believer toward others results in chaos, disunity, conflicts, etc. and they become weak and prey of Tawaghit and other components of the evil web. 

Allah commanded the believers to help each other in good deeds and in piety (5:2). The one who endeavours to fulfil a need of his Muslim brother, and fulfil or is unable to fulfil it, Allah will forgive his past and future sins, and record for him two freedoms: freedom from the hell-fire and freedom from hypocrisy. The one who walks to fulfil the need of his Muslim brother, Allah records seventy good deeds for every step that one takes and wipes off seventy sins from his record. If the Muslim brother’s need is fulfilled by Him, he will come out of his sins like the day one’s mother gave birth to him. If he passes away by fulfilling that need, he will enter Paradise without reckoning. Fulfil the needs of people as much you can and be a person who removes the worry of his brother. For surely, from among the best days of a person in the day wherein he fulfils a need (67). An Exposition of the Hearts P. 418-420. 

A person has duties towards himself. Human personality is itself a sort of kingdom in which there are evil forces such as the human lower soul and the devil which is attached with each person for throughout one’s life in this world. On the other hand there are pious forces in human personality such as the spiritual (Soul or Spirit) and the angel who is deployed by Allah to every person. 

Love between male and female (sexual love) is of universal nature. It is found in almost all organisms. It is the sexual love in plants which is responsible for the production of fruits, seeds, and other edible parts of different plant species. In animals, it is more prominent than those of plants. Even among the inanimate creatures, things are found in pairs, and both compliment each other and attract each other. Sexual love is responsible for the procreation of human beings and other organisms – population build up and development of communities. Verse 4:1 of the Qur’an reveals that Allah first created Adam and from him created his mate Hawa (Eve) and from that pair produced a large number of children. All human beings on the planet earth are the progeny of Prophet Adam and his wife. 

Islam does not allow free sex in any case, but emphasises legal marriage. The concept of marriage in Islam is ethical, refined and practicable. The Nikh linguistically means to unite and bring together, after Nikah sexual intercourse not only becomes permissible but compulsory as well. The major benefits of marriage are the protection of honour and chastity; lowering the gaze; and avoiding sinful life at least relating to sex. Such moral progress leads to spiritual progress that is necessary for achieving true success. The success of marriage depends on a number of factors, such as selection of suitable life partners, the consent of both boy and girl before marriage without any pressure and encouragement or discouragement. Other matching parameters should also be taken into consideration, such as lineage, beauty, age, education, family background and profile, behaviour and conduct, etc.  

Marriage is the union of two souls for love, cooperation, harmony for whole life and procreation in a legal way. A successful marital life is based on love and compassion. Free sex, lewdness and other moral deviations lead to corruption, grave crimes, violation of sanctity and honour; creates disorder and chaos in family and society leading to destruction of human civilization. 

The basic unit of human civilization is the family, and families create tribes and nations. A family is like a small state. Marriage gives peace of mind to both partners. It increases links and relationships, and in the next generation these links and relationships further increase after the marriage of sons and daughters. It gives impetus to the social system and contributes to the moral welfare of people. 

For maintaining good relations between husband and wife it is necessary to follow prescribed duties towards each other. Both husband and wife must obey the boundaries of Allah. If one spouse transgresses, it can make the other spouse transgress. If both the life partners remain within the boundaries, they will be productive in society. No one should cause corruption by exceeding the limits.

Blood-based relationships are stronger than relationships with other believers. Allah with His Mercy has created blood ties. Allah and His Messenger offered incentives for establishing and retaining blood ties and warned those who break them. The one who respects and helps blood-based relatives, Allah keeps connected with him and the one who severs blood ties, Allah will not stay connected with him and such a person will not enter Paradise. In general, love between the nearest relatives, such as parents and children, brothers and sisters) is of highest level, followed by nearer relatives and then near relatives. Each type of help and charity should be started from the nearest relatives. 

Duties of parents towards their children include: to look after them at young age, impart them necessary knowledge including Revealed Knowledge and acquired knowledge, take into consideration overall training for the completion of their personalities on sound basis so that they become true Muslims. Their personality must possess positive traits. 

Parents render great sacrifices for their children. The mother bears great hardships during pregnancy, child’s birth, breast feeding and looking after the child in its subsequent developmental stages. The sacrifices of fathers are also tremendous. It is the obligation of every person to be most grateful, respectful, and loving to one’s parents after Allah (swt) and His Messenger (pbuh). One must respect one’s parents, treat them kindly, and speak to them with kind words and in polite language. Treat them with humility and tenderness. One should not say them even fie (uff). The pleasure of Allah is in the pleasure of parents and displeasure of Allah is in their displeasure. Showing disobedience to parents is a great sin. The one who respects his parents and treats them well will enter Paradise, because the Paradise in the feet of mother and father is the gate of Paradise, therefore the one who is disobedient to parents and treats them harshly will be thrown in hell-fire which is the worst abode. 

The mission of Tawaghit and other evil forces is to destroy love, harmony and unity among human beings, and  create such an atmosphere in which they fight at every level from families to nations. This is the first priority of Satan as a leader of Tawaghit and others of the evil web. 

17. DISCUSSION

Iblis (satan) is the founder and lifetime overall in-charge of the Evil Web. Other members of this web include Jinn satans, human satans, Tawaghit and lower souls of men.  Satan is the eternal temper who enables man to exercise one’s freewill according to one’s own way. Iblis is the name of the first Satan who disobeyed Allah’s order to prostrate for Prophet Adam. The Arabic root word ‘balasa’ means to be expelled, be dismissed, be driven out. The verb ‘aablasa’  means despaired or broken in spirit. Azazeel was the original name of Iblis. 

The aim of Iblis  is to use pain and pleasure, desires, and shahwat  to make human beings blind, stupid, and miserable forever. He prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour, God is sovereign over Satan, therefore he does not have a free hand in this world. He is on a leash, so that he can do more than God permits. So God sees the ongoing role of Satan as essential for his purpose in the world, since if God willed, Satan would be thrown into the lake of fire. God intends that part of our preparation for Heaven be a life of warfare with Satan. God has given us the walkie-talkie of prayer to call for help: Take…. The sword of spirit, which is the word of God, praying for all times. Primer on Satan strategies include: Satan lies, and the father of lies; he blinds the minds of unbelievers; he masquerades in costumes of light and righteousness; he does signs and wonders; he tempts people to sin; he plucks the word of God out of people’s hearts and chokes faith; he causes sickness and disease; he is a murderer; he fights against the plans of missionaries; and he accesses Christians before God. In spite of these strategies he will not win (68). desiringgod.org/articles/satans-ten-stratigies-against-you (by John Piper). 

Satan is always vigilant and never ceases attempts to mislead us from the Straight Path. He is present by any one of you in all of his affairs, even at the time one eats. Satan is the source of all evils, because the wickedness and corruption of the lower soul result from his whispers. 

There are two forces working in the human heart:  pious forces and evil forces. Pious forces instil good in the heart and testifying to the truth. Whoever experiences this should praise Allah. The evil forces instil evil in the heart, rejecting the truth and stopping from good. The one who experiences this should seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the cursed one. There are two anxieties that revolve in the heart. One is from Allah and the other is from the enemy. May Allah have mercy on the person who stops and ponders over his anxiety: the one which is from Allah he continues with it and the one which is from his enemy, he strives against it. In fact, Satan does not enter a heart that is devoid of desires. So, every person who follows his desires is the servant of desires and not the servant of Allah Almighty. Nothing can erase the whispering of Satan from the heart except thinking of that which is other than the whispering, this is because when the heart thinks of something, whatever one was thinking of before that becomes non-existent. The remembrance of Allah alone can keep a person safe and he will know with certainty that Satan cannot affect him, because the opposite of all the whisperings of Satan is Allah’s remembrance by seeking His refuge and absolving all power and might to everyone except Allah (swt). Satan spreads out of the heart or swallows the heart or places his trunk on the heart of a heedless person. But once the person remembers Allah he withdraws and slinks away. When the person becomes negligent of Allah again, he spreads out his heart again. This mutual repulsion between the remembrance of Allah and the whispering of Satan is like that of the mutual repulsion between light and darkness, and night and day. In this connection the Qur’an says: Satan has overcome them and made them forget the remembrance of Allah. Those are the party of Satan. Unquestionably, the party of Satan – they will be the losers (58:19). Just as desires are intermingled with the flesh and blood of man, the power of Satan is also flowing in one’s flesh and blood, and it encompasses the heart from all sides (69). An Exposition of the Hearts P. 505-507. 

The fight between angelic forces (good forces) and devilish forces (evil forces) continues in one’s heart round the clock and throughout one’s life. It is evident from 7:16-18 verses of the Qur’an that Satan emphatically declared that he will sit in wait of human beings on the Straight Path as a predator sits in wait for its prey. 

It is evident from a number of statements in Islam and Christianity that Satan is like a predator Lion and wolf) and man is their prey (sheep or goat).   

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and and harmless as doves (70). Matthew 10:16

Obviously a sheep that finds itself in the midst of wolves is finished, as the wolves would kill it seconds later. So in the case of men, God clearly defines humans’ position. Human beings practically are prey while the enemy in the midst of men are predators. God is telling us that wisdom (Heavenly given wisdom) is the most important key to defeat the predators of men. Be sober and vigilant. Being sober means to avoid being carried away by the events and occasions of this world; avoid worrying over irrelevant issues; and it is to be serious minded and steady. Vigilant is to avoid being carried away; avoid loss of concentration; looking strait at a target without blinking an eye; keeping awake and ready for battle; to possess the hunting eye of the hawk; to be prepared to fight having a foreknowledge of an imminent attack or battle; remain to be alert and attentive. Satan, the Lion is moving here and there; and he is hungrily looking for ignorant people (71). bishopofsoul.worldpress.com/2015/12/18/spiritual predators-1 

Mu’adh bin Jabal reported that the Messenger of Allah said, “Verily, Satan is a wolf amongst humanity like the wolf who seizes the sheep wandering and straying from the flock. Beware of the winding mountain paths. You must stay with the wider community (72). Musnad Ahmad 22107. 

Abu Darda reported that the Messenger of Allah said, “If three people in a town or in the desert do not establish prayer among them, then Satan has overcome them. You must establish prayer in the congregation, for the wolf eats the isolated sheep (73). Sunan Abu Dawud.    

We intend to discuss evil web (Satans and Tawaghit) in relation with human beings in the light of scientific knowledge:  

The animal kingdom can be divided into two categories: predators and preys. Predators are strong animals that prey on weaker ones. For example, a lion is a predator to a zebra, deer, and various other animals; a snake is predator of mouse; or a wolf is a predator of sheep or goat. Likewise, Satan and other members of the ‘Evil Web’ are predators of human beings. 

Predation is a biological interaction where one organism, the predator, kills and eats another organism, its prey. The concept of predation is broad, defined differently in different contexts, and includes a wide array of feeding methods. Predators may or may not kill their prey prior to feeding on them, but the act of predation always results in the death of the prey. Predators may hunt actively for prey, or sit and wait for prey to approach within striking distance. Some predators kill large prey and chew it prior to eating it, such as jaguar, while others may eat their prey whole, as does a bottlenose dolphin or snakes. In some cases the prey organism may die in the mouth or in certain cases in the digestive system of the predator. 

Apparently, the act of predators seems harmful, but in reality those are not harmful, but potentially beneficial under natural conditions. For example, it has been proved experimentally and by other scientific means that predators generally increase the biodiversity of communities by preventing a single species from becoming dominant; predators play an important role in maintaining natural balance in each ecosystem and in the whole biosphere of the earth. It is well established that biological diversity enhances the stability of ecosystems under natural conditions and even in agroecosystems. In other words, introduction or removal of predators, or changes in their population density, can have drastic cascading effects on the equilibrium of many other populations in the ecosystems. 

Some scientists are of the view that the relationship between predator and prey is one which is typically beneficial to the predator, and detrimental to the prey species. Predators usually have indirect benefits to the prey species as well. In reality, this maximises their respective abilities to obtain food or avoid being eaten. 

Lot of diversity exists in the manners of killing and methods of feeding of prey by the predators. Here, we intend to give some examples in this connection. Snake seizes the prey with its mouth, throws coil around it and starts constriction. When prey exhales; snake tightens the coil to stop inhaling. This goes on til the death of the prey. After death, the snake starts eating it. For killing prey, the snake uses the envenomation  technique. Snake bites through the skin of prey and then injects saliva into the wound. Venom containing saliva produces deadly reactions inside the body and leads to death of the prey. Some species of snakes overpower their prey and start complicated procedures to swallow the prey alive. There are hundreds of curved teeth present in snakes along with this their body is fully capable of digesting the prey that is even bigger in size. Komodo dragons charge their prey and attack their underside or throat with their sharp claws and serrated teeth, causing rapid blood loss or fatal lacerations and killing the prey. In the main article ‘Evil Web’ we have already discussed spiders which are very important predators of insects and other small animals. 

Even beings also have predatory nature including aggression and a gluttonous nature inclining to desire and appetite, as well as a moral nature inclining to charity and a spiritual nature inclining to the Divine. Becoming conscious of these sinister urges is crucial to a person’s success on their spiritual journey towards Allah and the Hereafter. When Tawaghit overpower man, then he may also become a predator against other human beings. 

There are some similarities between predator vs prey in science and Satans vs human beings in spirituality. In both cases predators are powerful and prey are weak; predators use diverse tactics to locate, catch and kill prey; and prey in certain ways and means to protect themselves from the attack of predators. Predators are helpful for the regulation of population of the prey; maintain stability in the population of the prey. In the absence of predators the population of prey may increase from carrying capacity of the ecosystem and due intraspecific competition the prey may become weak due to shortage of food and increase in diseases. Predators also increase diversity of the ecosystem, and generally diversity and stability have positive correlation. Moreover, predators play an important role in the screening process to increase the fitness of the prey populations, because usually predators hunt weak individuals in order to minimise the use of energy for catching the prey. These are only a few benefits of predators out of many others. 

The predators cause the death of their prey, but Satans and Tawaghit cause the spiritual death of human beings. In human beings spiritual death is many times more dangerous than that of physical death. Every person will die at one’s appointed time in all cases without any exception. It is important to mention here that this world is a place of tests and trials and for a true believer this world is like a prison. For true believers, sacrifice for the sake of Allah is not so difficult, but the spiritual is very much devastating for them, because their death, and onward journey – grave, rising from graves, appearing for test before Allah, crossing the bridge will be very difficult and their final abode will be hell-fire eternally. 

Satans, especially jinn satans, are more powerful than man: human beings are not in a position to see them and observe their activities; lower soul of human beings is their representative; Satan can circulate in human body like blood; Satan can take over the control of heart of man which is king and ruler of the human personality. The spiritual transformation involves a constant struggle  against the lower nature of the soul. On the other hand Tawaghit and Satans gain access to our intellect, thereby helping lower souls and people come under their control(71).yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/devil-in-details-an-analysis-of-the-dark-side-of-the-self

(Satan) said, “Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them (human beings) on Your Straight Path. Then I will come to them from before them, from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful” … .Whoever follows you among them – I will surely fill Hell with you, all together (74). 7:16-18. 

Indeed, those who fear Allah – when an impulse touches them from Satan, they remember (Him) at once they have insight (75). 7:201. 

Satan threatens you with poverty and orders you to immorality, while Allah promises you forgiveness from Him and bounty. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing  (76). 2:268.

Indeed, My servants  – no authority will you have over them, except those who follow you of the deviators. And indeed, Hell is the promised place for them all (77). 15:42-43. 

The sinner is forever shackled by Satan; he is confined to the prison of his desires and chained by his whims (76). (Ibn Qayyim) 

Being cautious of Satan is more critical than being cautious of disbelievers because if you are afflicted by plotting of Satan you will be from the losers, whereas if you are afflicted by disbelievers’ harm, the trial will serve as a form of expiation for your sins and elevation of your rank (78). Imam Izz Ad-Din bin Abd As-Salam, Maqasid Ar-Riayah

In order to avoid the machinations of Tawaghit and satans is to strengthen our relationship with Allah and to humble ourselves in servitude to Him. 

  11. TIPS FOR PROTECTION FROM EVIL WEB INCLUDING TAWAGHIT

• Firm faith in Allah and other articles of iman
• Performing good deeds – establishing salah, keeping fasts, paying zakah, performing pilgrimage, worship of Allah, etc. Islamic acts of worship, properly practiced, may result in good character and acquisition of virtues such as authentic love, patience, compassion, and temperance, etc. 
• Supplication to Allah
• Remembrance and praise of Allah.
• Seeking and taking refuge of Allah against Ibis, Satans, and Tawaghit and other members of evil web
• Conducting self-accountability
• Observing patience and thankfulness
• Enjoying good and forbidding evil
• Using senses and organs of body properly
• Proper use of freewill
• Fulfilling Covenants of Allah in letter and spirit