The Friends of Allah & The Friends of Shaytan-Ibn Taymiyyah

The Friends of Allah & The Friends of Shaytan by Ibn Taymiyyah is a powerful treatise that distinguishes between the true allies of Allah—those grounded in sincere faith, obedience, and piety—and the allies of Shaytan, who follow desires, innovations, and misguidance.

Ibn Taymiyyah emphasizes that the enmity between mankind and Shaytan began with Adam (peace be upon him), and that Shaytan’s mission is to mislead humans through beautified sins and false ideologies.

He categorizes the awliyaa (friends) of Allah into two levels: those foremost in faith and closeness to Allah, and those who follow a moderate path of obedience—highlighting that the depth of one’s īmān determines their rank in divine friendship.