Walking With Your Demons

Ya Allah, please guide my mind and fingers as I seek to stay aligned with the path that has been laid before me and share exactly what has been placed in my heart to express with our people with no harm, no malice only my truth.

Ameen!

Ya'll, I just may have put my whole foot in my mouth.

A while ago, I prayed a different type of prayer. I asked Allah to help me be one of his most devoted servants, Inshallah, because I wanted to show Shaitan that Allah is forever king and that ultimately Allah will win, and we’ll all live happily ever after.

I have determined since, that I likely have a few screws loose or either I am braver than I can fathom or care to conceptualize or a combination of both.

Later in the days passing, I found myself researching Jinn and Shaitan. I found a couple of interesting things. I found out about Jinn that lick the soles of your feet and drain your blood, and some that may appear in the desert, and others that are of giants and Shaitan…Shaitan is the one that I’m going to need to bow down.

“In the Quran, there is a sorrowful tale of Iblis, the original Shaitan. Once among Allah’s most cherished creations, Iblis was a magnificent being formed from pure fire, untainted by even the slightest impurity. However, his refusal to bow before Adam led to his expulsion from heaven. Cast down to earth in anguish, Iblis vowed to seek retribution against Adam and his descendants, a mission he has pursued relentlessly ever since.

The story of Iblis' refusal to bow to Adam is one of deep theological discussion among Muslims. Some believe that his rejection stemmed from arrogance, as he saw himself created from pure fire as superior to Adam, who was formed from humble clay. Others interpret his defiance as an act of unwavering devotion, suggesting that Iblis refused to bow to anything other than Allah himself. Regardless of the interpretation, his exile left him bitter, and he made it his mission to lead humanity astray, striving to create distance between Allah and mankind. His determination to challenge Adam’s descendants continues to be a central theme in Islamic teachings on morality and temptation.

“Come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, and you will not find most of them as dutiful ones.”

With this vow, he earned his title as Shaitan, the devil of mankind.

Ok, wait!! Hold on, just wait a minute here.

So you’re telling me that there is a possibility that Shaitan was maybe an o.k. guy, and maybe quite possibly could have represented me at a time. I mean, I’m not so sure that I would have bowed to Adam. Allah is the God of all Gods and the highest of the high, and I mean Adam is cool and all, but yeah, probably not. I could just as easily be the one who was cast into the earth to be served a good old piece of humble pie and maybe just maybe...on second thought, let's not even go there until I finish reading the Quran a few times.

Tuh! Ha!! Shooooot….whew...

I'm just saying, it’s not rare for someone to relate to bad guys in movies or even the familiar villains in our own lives. No one wants to admit it. It takes a bit of vulnerability in such a condemning society to even admittedly whisper that we may have fallen into the grasp of a villain that we have relinquished our strength to and have developed a sour essence of relatability with because we too share the pain, their grief and feelings of loss. All the things that we know and recognize as being human.

Then it hit me, I need to study the jinn.

I immediately thought of a plan!!

1) Continue to work on expanding my Salah

2) Read up on everything that I know about Shaytain and Jinn (because they are going down)!!! Fear where?!

3) Learn all 99 names of Allah so I know exactly the essence of Allah that I need to call upon to whoop some Jinn into submission and order.

Day 1 of incorporating my new plan came.

I added the full version of Tashahhud to my Salah, explored more Surahs to add and keep in rotation, and I made sure that my prayer alarms were set to notify me in my apps.

I started to mindfully shift to working on feelings of guilt when I was not able to pray when I could, and I made sure to ask Allah to continue to guide my path and forgive me for calling on him with the expression of, “Oh my G_ _.”

I remember thinking that in my next blog-newsletter type thingie, I’m going to write about how we need to learn our spiritual enemies so that we can fight better. Well, I humbly admit that I was both right and wrong. It’s important that we understand the challenges that we have and the Jinn that may haunt us and the ways that Shaytain can take a small thought and within a few minutes we're down in the mental pit roasting weenies and lighting everything ablaze within a 5-mile radius. But I missed something, something very important.

Surah Al-Anfal 8:9 "[Remember] when you asked help of your Lord, and He answered you, 'Indeed, I will reinforce you with a thousand from the angels, following one another.'”

Surah Aal Imran 3:124-125 "Is it not sufficient for you that your Lord should reinforce you with three thousand angels sent down? Yes, if you remain patient and conscious of Allah and the enemy comes upon you in rage, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand angels marked [for battle].”

(Facepalm) I have no enemies, we have no enemies. Walking with our prophets, peace be upon them all, and calling upon Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala is more than sufficient!!

Allahu Akbar! May Allah continue to protect us all.

Below are practical ways to ensure that you do not fall victim to fighting an earthly battle that is not ours.

Practical Application: How to Learn to Lean on Allah to Fight Spiritual Battles

1. Get to Know Allah More Deeply

Learn about Allah’s names and qualities, such as The Protector, The Guide, and The Forgiving. This helps you remember who you are turning to when you're struggling. Read the Qur’an regularly, not just for information, but for comfort and guidance. Try reading translations and explanations that help you understand the deeper meanings.

2. Develop Trust in Allah

True trust in Allah means doing your part and leaving the results to Him. Keep turning to Him in prayer and supplication, asking for help, guidance, and peace. Even speaking to Allah in your own words is powerful. He hears you!!

3. Strengthen Your Worship

Stay consistent with your daily prayers, as they are a lifeline in difficult times. Make time to remember Allah throughout the day by repeating simple phrases that bring you peace. If possible, try fasting or praying at night; these are powerful ways to reconnect with your purpose and with Allah.

4. Understand Your Struggles

Identify what you’re really facing. Is it fear? Temptation? Doubt? Sadness? Once you name it, you can be more direct in asking Allah for help. See the knowledge and advice that speaks to your specific situation.

5. Be Around People Who Uplift You

Find people who help you remember Allah. Good company can make a huge difference in your spiritual journey. Try to avoid things, whether people, places, or media, that pull you away from what strengthens your faith.

6. Practice Patience

Spiritual growth doesn’t happen overnight. Many of the prophets went through years of hardship. Your effort counts, even if things are slow. Be patient with yourself and with the process.

7. Remember That Allah Is Always Near

No matter how distant you may feel, Allah is always close. Speak to Him, turn to Him, and know that He is listening. Your struggle matters to Him, even if no one else sees it.

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"Shaytan." Mythology.net, https://mythology.net/demons/shaytan/. Accessed 05/2025.