The word ‘Shaytan’ commonly used in Bengali is an Arabic term. Its literal meaning is one who transgresses limits, arrogant, and tyrannical. The English equivalent of this term is ‘Devil’. In the Holy Qur'an, the term Shaytan was first used for Iblis, the father of the jinn, who refused to bow to the first human, Adam (PBUH), disobeying Allah’s command. Since then, the term Shaytan has been used to describe both jinn and humans who possess the characteristics of Iblis.

In Arabic, the plural of Shaytan is ‘Shayatin’. The word Shaytan has been used in both singular and plural forms at least 88 times in the Qur'an. According to the Qur'an, the greatest devils and enemies of mankind are those leaders who oppose Islam. In this context, Allah says: "And when they meet the believers, they say, 'We have believed.' But when they are alone with their devils (leaders), they say, 'Indeed, we are with you; we were only mockers.'" (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:14)

The Qur'an refers to the believers as the friends of Allah. On the other hand, those who follow their leaders and the Shaytan outside the commands of Allah are described as friends of Shaytan. Allah states: "Allah is the protector of the believers. He brings them out of darkness into light. But those who disbelieve, their protectors are the devils, who take them out of the light into darkness. It is they who are the inhabitants of Hell, and they will remain there eternally.&quo t; (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:257)

In another verse, Allah says: "And when you recite the Qur'an, seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Shaytan. Indeed, there is no authority over those who have believed and put their trust in their Lord. His authority is only over those who take him as a protector and those who associate others with Allah." (Surah An-Nahl, 16:98-100)

Shaytan never guides his followers or friends toward the right path; instead, his aim is to bring them to ultimate harm. Shaytan can even incite and tempt his followers from a distance. In a Hadith narrated by Jabir (RA), the Prophet (PBUH) said, "Iblis (Shaytan) sets his throne on the surface of the sea. Then, he sends his army to create turmoil and strife among people. Among them, the Shaytan who brings the most people into mischief is the most honored by him..." (Sahih Muslim: Hadith 2813). Similarly, the Qur'an mentions, "Indeed, the devils inspire their allies to argue with you and cause disputes." (Surah Al-An’am, 6:121)

Therefore, we should be cautious when choosing our friends and leaders and avoid following those who are immoral. The Qur'an strongly warns about the consequences of making Shaytan a friend. Allah says: "And whoever takes Shaytan as a protector instead of Allah has certainly lost in manifest loss." (Surah An-Nisa, 4:119)