Anas reported God’s messenger as saying, “The devil flows in a man like his blood.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
The Nature of Shaytan's Influence
This profound hadith from Mishkat al-Masabih (68) reveals the subtle and pervasive nature of Satan's influence upon humanity. The comparison to blood flowing through veins indicates that Shaytan's whispers are constant, intimate, and deeply integrated with human nature.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical scholars explain that just as blood circulates throughout the body without interruption, so too does Satan's influence continuously attempt to lead humans astray. This emphasizes the necessity of constant spiritual vigilance.
The metaphor suggests that Shaytan's access to the human soul is as natural and unobstructed as blood flow, requiring believers to maintain perpetual awareness and reliance upon divine protection through remembrance of Allah.
Practical Implications for Faith
This teaching from "Faith" reminds Muslims that spiritual struggle is not occasional but continuous. The believer must constantly guard their heart, thoughts, and actions against satanic insinuations.
The hadith encourages regular recitation of protective verses from the Quran, sincere supplication, and maintaining good deeds as spiritual fortifications against this ever-present influence.