All praise and thanks are due to Allah, the Most High, the Most Merciful.
There is a powerful moment in the life of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal-one of the greatest scholars in Islamic history-that teaches us more than a thousand sermons could. It happened during the last moments of his life, and it reveals a profound truth about our lifelong battle with Shaytan (Satan).
As Imam Ahmad lay on his deathbed, drifting in and out of consciousness, his son was by his side. At one point, his son heard him whispering, "Not yet... not yet... not yet..."
Concerned and confused, the son asked him later, "Father, I heard you say 'not yet'-as if you didn't want to die or meet Allah. Why would you say that?"
Imam Ahmad's response was striking.
He said:
"No, my son. Shaytan came to me while I was unconscious. He said to me, 'Ahmad, you've escaped me! You got away from me!'
And I replied, 'Not yet, not yet.'
Because I knew Shaytan's tricks-and I knew that even now, at the moment of death, he was still trying to deceive me. So I told him: Not yet-you haven't defeated me yet."
What a powerful moment of clarity and strength. Even on the verge of death, Imam Ahmad was still battling Shaytan, still guarding his soul, still aware of the deception.
This is a wake-up call for all of us. Shaytan does not give up. He whispers in ease and hardship, in public and in private, in youth and in old age. He follows you from the cradle to the grave, waiting for any opening to pull you away from Allah.
Allah says in the Qur'an that each human being has a qareen-a devil companion assigned to them.
"His [devil] companion will say: 'Our Lord, I did not make him transgress, but he was himself in extreme error.'"
-Surah Qaf (50:27)
On the Day of Judgment, even Shaytan will try to shift the blame. But Allah will respond: "Do not dispute in My presence. I had already warned you." (50:28)
The truth is: Shaytan whispers-but we choose to act. We are accountable for how much we allow his whispers into our hearts and lives.
Imam Ahmad's "Not yet" moment is rare, but the battle with Shaytan is daily. Here are some key weapons Allah has given us:
The more you remember Allah, the harder it is for Shaytan to influence you. Even simple phrases like:
Say Bismillah before eating, entering your home, leaving your house, or using the restroom. Shaytan is blocked from entering or influencing your space when Allah's name is mentioned.
Before sleeping, recite these verses. It was reported that Shaytan told Abu Hurayrah (in the form of a man):
"Whoever recites Ayat al-Kursi before sleeping, Allah will protect them and Shaytan will not approach them until morning."
And the Prophet ď·ş confirmed: "He has told you the truth, though he is a liar."
Some people experience sleep paralysis or terrifying dreams where they feel a presence. These are often from jinn or Shaytan. If this happens:
They can't harm you-Shaytan only tries to instill fear because fear creates vulnerability. But Allah's protection is stronger.
Shaytan tries to delay you, distract you, or push you into laziness. Fight him by praying on time, with sincerity. Your connection with Allah cuts Shaytan off from your heart.
People who remind you of Allah are the best companions. Shaytan thrives in isolation. Keep yourself in good company-those who encourage you to do good, speak truth, and remember Allah.
If Shaytan doesn't stop trying until your last breath-then neither should you stop resisting him.
Let Imam Ahmad's example stay with you:
Because the last moment counts. And the battle is not over-not yet-until the soul departs.
"Indeed, Shaytan is an enemy to you, so take him as an enemy."
(Qur'an 35:6)
May Allah protect us from Shaytan's whispers and grant us a strong ending, firm in faith and full of remembrance. Ameen.