The Titles of Iblis

Iblis is known by several titles, each referring to him in a particular context. There are many other titles by which he is known, a full list beyond my present purposes. Here, I remark on a few titles most relevant to this site.

"The Father of Bitterness"

This title reflects the animosity of Iblis toward humanity. Perhaps it is a parallel title to The Devil [الشيطان], or al-Shaytan, as leader of his tribe of devils.

"The Mask of all Masks"

Following the curse and exile of Iblis, he is transformed from from the most beautiful into the vilest and most monstrous of all beings: the Mask of all Masks, according to Abu Hamed Al-Ghazali, in his text An Exposition of the Hearts.

"The Cursed One"

"The Cursed One," "The Outcast," "the Accursed," etc. each recall for us how Iblis was cursed and exiled from Paradise because he spurned humanity.

"The Father of the Plowmen"

It may be that Iblis earned this title because he penetrated Eden and planted seeds in its soil and the heart of mankind. Iblis was the first to sow seeds.

"The Father Who Piles Up, Crams, or Crowds Together"

This title may reflect the role of Iblis in promoting self-exalting or ecstatic crowds or intensifying the formation, growth, and expanse of groups and tribes.