Check our new online courses here; or see the details below.
Bismillāh.
قَالَ يَا إِبْلِيسُ مَا مَنَعَكَ أَنْ تَسْجُدَ لِمَا خَلَقْتُ بِيَدَيَّ أَسْتَكْبَرْتَ أَمْ كُنْتَ مِنَ الْعَالِين
He said, ‘O Iblis! What keeps you from prostrating before that which I have created with My two hands? Are you arrogant, or are you one of the exalted ones?’
(Sūrat Sād, No 38, Āyat 75)
The story of Iblis and his refusal to prostrate towards Adam ‘alayhis-salām has been mentioned on several occasions in the Quran. The above verse followed by the next six verses narrate the conversation between Allah ‘azza wajall and Iblis after his refusal to prostrate to Adam which was a violation of a direct command given by God. These verses offer profound insight into human freedom of choice and free will, both of which are central concepts in Islamic theology. There are many important lessons which can be derived from the story.
1. Freedom of Choice
The fact that Allahsubhānahu wata‘ālā allows Iblis to make his own decision despite knowing it will be one of rebellion highlights the fundamental role of free will in Allah’s creation. This passage is a reminder that even in disagreement, humans and jinn can choose how they respond to Allah’s orders. (Al-Qurtubi, Ibn Kathir)
2. Allah’s Sovereignty and Justice
While Allah gives Iblis the freedom to reject His command, He also ensures that His justice prevails. The disobedience of Iblis leads to consequences. He is cast out of Paradise and is cursed but this punishment comes after Iblis is given the freedom to act. Allah’s judgment is not arbitrary but rather a response to the action of Iblis. Freedom comes with the responsibility to act correctly.
3. Space for Reflection and Redemption
When Iblis asks for respite until the Day of Judgment (see Q:79-81), Allah grants his request. Despite Iblis’ rebellion, Allah does not immediately destroy him, but instead gives him time, which creates space for Iblis (and by extension, humans) to reflect on their actions. Even for one who rejects Him, Allah does not impose immediate judgement even with the capability to do so, ultimately allowing for the possibility of a complete reckoning on the Day of Judgment.
4. The Role of Pride and Arrogance
Iblis’ refusal to prostrate to Adam based on pride since he believes fire is superior to clay proves that Allah allows beings to act following their inner inclinations. This means that the essence of free will is not just the ability to act, but the ability to choose based on one’s internal motivations, be they humble submission or prideful arrogance. Allah’s freedom allows Iblis to act on his arrogant rebellion that shapes his fate.
There is a beautiful nuance in how freedom is not just about being unbounded but is always intertwined with responsibility and consequences. In the Quran, freedom is often paired with accountability, and every human action is subject to divine justice and wisdom. Iblis’ choice to defy Allah’s command and its subsequent consequences are a stark reminder of the importance of responsibility in exercising one’s freedom.
We pray for all the believers around the world especially the resilient people of Palestine.
References: Abū ‘Abdullāh Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Abī Bakr al-Ansārī al-Qurtubī, Tafsīr al-Qurtubī; Abū al-Fidā Ismā‘īl ibn ‘Umar ibn Kathīr al-Dimashqī, Tafsīr al-Kathīr.
ALI 704: Foundations of Islamic Epistemology
This is an 8-session online course on How we know what we know. The course will explore the foundations of Islamic epistemology, laying the groundwork for a deeper, more thoughtful understanding of Islamic beliefs.
Through guided discussions, we will explore key questions such as:
- What are the sources of knowledge in Islam?
- How can we trust reason, senses, or revelation?
- How do we recognize logical fallacies?
This is the first course in a planned series on Islamic theology (ʿAqāʾid), inspired by the content of the contemporary Farsi works “Bee-Nehāyat” and “Ṭarḥ-e Wilāyat.” While rooted in profound philosophical and mystical insights, the course is designed to be fully accessible—no prior knowledge of philosophy or mysticism is required.
Schedule: Eight Wednesday evenings from Sep 10 to October 29, 2025
Timings: 9 pm NY/Toronto; 6 pm LA/Vancouver times
Instructor: Sh. Muhammad Mahdi Kassamali. Fees: CAD $50.00
ALI 706: Simple Islamic Laws for Sisters, Level 1
This online course will cover the essential Islamic laws for a Shi’i Muslim, using the translation of Darsnaameye Feqh by Sh. Muhammad Husayn Fallahzaade. Laws will be taught in accordance with the opinions (fatāwā) of Ayatullah Syed Sistani and Ayatullah Syed Khamenei. The course will begin with the basics of Tahārat(purification) and then move on to Salāt (prayer), slowly working through the topics in a clear and relatable way.
Eligibility: Shi’i Muslim sisters ages 14 – 30 years
Schedule: 12 Friday evenings from Sep 12 to Nov 28, 2025
Timings: 11 pm UK; 6 pm NY/Toronto; 3 pm Seattle/Vancouver.
Instructor: Sh Muhammad Mahdi Kassamali. Fees: CAD $50.00
Registration: www.academyofislam.com/registration/