of the Authorized English translation of the Quran by Dr. Rashad Khalifa
Satan: Fallen Angel
In God's kingdom, certain creatures are necessarily given the powers
needed to perform their duties. Satan believed that his God-given powers
qualified him to function as an independent god.
As videnced by the prevalence of misery, disease, accidents, and
war in his dominion, we now know that Satan is incompetent.
The Quran clearly states that Satan was an angel, by virtue of the
immense powers and rank bestowed upon him. This is why he is addressed
as an angel
(2:34, 7:11,
15:29,
17:61,
18:50,
20:116, 38:71)
prior to his fall.
By definition, a jinn is a fallen angel (18:50).
Satan's rebellion teaches us that the angels were created with minds
of their own, and absolute freedom of choice
(2:34).
