Iblis

Iblis (Arabic: إبليس, romanized: 'Iblīs) is a significant figure in Islam, often identified as the embodiment of evil and the tempter of mankind. The term "Iblis" is derived from the Arabic root word "balasa," meaning "despair" or "hopelessness," reflecting his role as the source of despair and temptation. In Hebrew, Iblis is known as Samael (שמאל), who is also associated with evil and is sometimes referred to as the "angel of death." In Persian, Iblis is called Div (دیو), a term that can also mean "demon" or "evil spirit." In Islamic tradition, Iblis is identified as a jinn who refused to bow to Adam, the first human, out of pride and arrogance, leading to his expulsion from heaven. This act of defiance is seen as the origin of evil in the world. Iblis is often equated with the concept of Shaytan (شيطان), which generally refers to any evil entity or tempter, though the two terms are not entirely synonymous. Iblis is considered the chief of the shayatin and is responsible for leading humans astray from the path of righteousness.