The Three Faces of Iblis

The following is a summary of views of motive. Each is its own view of what drives the choices and actions of Iblis. They all share a stress on form and matter that is similar, though not identical, to Aristotelian hylomorphism.

The Three Faces of Iblis

I.

The Obdurate Face of Iblis

The motive is doctrine, creed, or dogma.

In this view, Iblis takes the description of Adam literally, viewing him as an amalgam of altered black clay and divine spirit. When he sees humanity, Iblis insists to God that Adam is a terracotta statue to whom homage would be idolatry.

In this view, Iblis is the primordial fomenter, ultraist, sectarian, or usurper.

Behind a veil of divinity, Iblis before Iblis tasks humanity with tribulation.

II.

The Illuminated Face of Iblis
The motive is fidelity, fealty, or loyalty.

Iblis refuses homage to Adam because divinity alone is worthy of it. It is insolence, blasphemy, or polytheism to regard anything but divinity this way. This view is best representative of the traditional Sufi view of Iblis in literature.

In this view, Iblis is the primordial disciple, warden, curator, or steward.

Before a veil of divinity, Iblis in Iblis calls humanity to its understanding.

III.

The Traditional Face of Iblis

The motive is nativity, origins, or descent.

Iblis refuses to bow to Adam due to their origins. In Hasidic or Christian apocrypha, Iblis is from fire or spirit and Adam is from dirt or mud. In Islamic theology, Iblis is of a lineage risen from fire and Adam is of a lineage risen from clay.

On this view, Iblis is the primordial nativist, aboriginal, linealist, or primevalist.

Beyond a veil of divinity, Iblis after Iblis imperils humanity with its extirpation.