Iblis (theology)

Iblis (which translates, roughly, into "he that causes despair") is the chief spirit of evil in the Islam belief system and is comparable to Satan - however their are differences in the being.

Most branches of Islam belief that Iblis is a high-ranking jinn and was created out of smokeless fire by Allah, he committed a great sin when he refused to bow before the first human - thinking himself superior to them - as punishment Allah damned Iblis to the fires of Hell.

However Iblis managed to persuade Allah to prolong the judgement until the End Of Time, during which Iblis was granted permission to lead people astray - which he originally stated would be used to lead all humanity from Allah's path: Allah however ultimately stated "As for My servants, no authority shalt thou have over them:"

Iblis is considered to have only one true power - namely the ability to cast evil suggestions into the heart of men, women, and jinn.

Iblis' ultimate fate (much like Satan) is said to be eternal destruction at the hands of Allah at the Day Of Judgement.