Iblis (Satan) occupies a significant place in Islamic heritage as the primary enemy of humankind. Believers are urged to stand firm against him and his followers because they constantly work to spread corruption and discord. Many people are curious about the reality of this accursed being—where is the leader of the devils, and where is his kingdom and throne?
Iblis in Islamic Tradition
In his renowned work Al-Bidayah wa An-Nihayah (The Beginning and the End), the scholar Ibn Kathir discusses the nature and location of Iblis. He explains that Iblis (may Allah curse him) remains alive until the Day of Judgment—this is explicitly stated in the Qur’an. Ibn Kathir further notes that Iblis has a throne situated above the sea, where he sits and dispatches his cohorts to spread evil and tempt people into various forms of wrongdoing. However, the Qur’an reassures believers:
“Indeed, the plot of Satan has ever been weak.” (Qur’an 4:76)
Iblis was originally named Azazil before he committed the grave sin of disobeying Allah—an act that unquestionably amounted to disbelief. Contrary to certain claims, Iblis was never an angel nor the so-called “peacock of the angels.” He is, in fact, one of the jinn, created from smokeless fire. The angels, on the other hand, are honored servants of Allah who never disobey His commands.
Early References and the Kunya of Iblis
Some scholars, such as An-Nuqqāsh, mention that one of Iblis’s nicknames is Abu Kardūs (أبو كردوس). This is illustrated in a narration regarding the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and Ibn Ṣayyād. When the Prophet asked Ibn Ṣayyād what he saw, Ibn Ṣayyād responded, “I see a throne upon the water.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) then said to him:
“Be gone! You will never exceed your limits.”
This response indicated that Ibn Ṣayyād’s vision was likely fueled by a satanic source linked to Iblis, who is known to have his throne on the sea. By saying “Be gone! You will never exceed your limits,” the Prophet highlighted Ibn Ṣayyād’s lowly status and the nature of his misguided, devilish insight.
Proof from Hadith: The Throne on the Sea
A narration recorded by Imam Ahmad supports the statement that Iblis’s throne is on the water. Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh (may Allah raise his rank) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“The throne of Iblis is upon the sea. He sends out his troops daily to tempt people. The most beloved to him is the one who causes the greatest trials.”(Musnad Ahmad)
Similarly, Abu Sa‘id (may Allah raise his rank) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) once asked Ibn Ṣayyād:
“What do you see?”He answered, “I see a throne upon the sea, surrounded by serpents.”
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) confirmed, “You have spoken the truth—that is the throne of Iblis.”
Why the Throne Is Placed on Water
In Sharḥ Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ (Commentary on the Niche of Lamps), the author clarifies that Iblis places his throne, or seat of power, on the sea—or specifically over the waters. From there, he deploys his devilish forces throughout the earth. Scholars generally accept the hadith about Iblis’s throne in a literal sense: as part of his arrogance and rebellion, Allah has permitted him to establish his seat on the water, possibly in a deceptive mimicry of the divine Throne of the Most Merciful—of which the Qur’an says:
“And His Throne was upon the water…” (Qur’an 11:7)
Additional References: The Rising and Setting of the Sun
There is also a hadith narrated by Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah raise his rank) where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Do not deliberately pray at sunrise or at sunset, for it rises and sets between the two horns of Shayṭān (Satan).”
Commenting on this narration, Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) explains that the expression “the two horns of Satan” refers to the sides of his head. Some scholars say that Satan positions himself at the horizon during sunrise, so the sun appears to rise between his horns, deceiving those who worship the sun into effectively prostrating to him. A similar occurrence happens at sunset.
