If the Devil Is Chained, Then Who’s at Work?

Last Ramadan, I embarked on an unusual mission—to find the one often blamed for human misdeeds: the Devil. It’s a comforting thought—the idea that for a month, the great tempter is in chains, unable to whisper mischief into our ears. Yet, as I looked around, dishonesty, greed, and corruption remained unchanged. If he was truly absent, then who was responsible for all of this? Determined to uncover the truth, I set out on my journey.

The Market: Trade or Trickery?

Commerce should reflect ethical values, yet the apple market in Kashmir told a different story. If the Devil were still at work, surely his influence would be visible in dishonest practices—perhaps in the artificial colouring of fruit to enhance its appeal. Curious, I approached a well-known fruit merchant, someone I had heard speak about honesty since childhood. When I asked about the use of these colouring agents, he simply shrugged, “Gobra, kaar chu pakan ethaipaithi” (Son, this is how business works). His casual response lingered. Had deception become so ingrained that it no longer needed the Devil’s whispers?

Islam places a strong emphasis on honesty in trade. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The merchants will be raised on the Day of Judgment as evildoers, except those who fear Allah, are righteous, and speak the truth.” (Tirmidhi). Yet, as I walked through the market, the spirit of Ramadan—meant to encourage restraint and simplicity—was overshadowed by crowded stores, overpriced dates, and a frantic race for luxury Eid attire. The number of beggars had noticeably increased. Some were in genuine need, while others had rehearsed their pleas with precision. When I questioned one of them, he smiled knowingly, “People feel more charitable in Ramadan. It is believed that rewards for giving increase seventyfold this month. I just remind them of their duty.” If generosity is seasonal and driven more by obligation than sincerity, perhaps the problem is not the presence of the Devil—but the absence of a genuine conscience.

Education: Learning or Excuses?

Expecting to find discipline in educational institutions, I instead discovered empty lecture halls. Students treated the month as an academic holiday, while teachers left early, citing fasting fatigue. Yet history tells a different story—the great undertakings by the companions of the Prophet were accomplished in this sacred month. Fasting did not weaken them; it strengthened their resolve. If the pursuit of knowledge is fading, is it truly the Devil’s influence—or a shift in our own priorities?

The Mosque: Unity or Division?

If the Devil thrives on division, then surely his absence should bring unity to the mosque. Yet inside, I found a heated debate underway—one group insisted on eight rakats of Taraweeh, while another argued for twenty. Elsewhere, a discussion had broken out over the exact date of Shab-e-Qadr and how it should be observed. What began as theological discourse had turned into an argument. Disagreements in faith are natural, but when they lead to hostility and division, we must ask: do we need the Devil to divide us, or are we doing it ourselves?

Public Service: Integrity or Inefficiency?

If the Devil whispers in matters of greed, then banks and government offices should have fallen silent in Ramadan. Yet, routine practices remained largely unchanged. In banks, interest-based transactions—strictly forbidden in Islam—continued as usual. In government offices, inefficiency reigned. Paperwork dragged, officials remained elusive, and behind some closed doors, progress often depended on unofficial facilitation fees to ‘expedite’ routine processes. Even in Ramadan, where faith emphasizes honesty and accountability, these practices endured—not because of the Devil, but because they had become institutional norms.

A Conclusion, or Just the Beginning?

As I returned home, I realized I had not found the Devil. If he is truly chained, then who fuels greed in markets, division in mosques, and complacency in schools? Who ensures corruption thrives in offices without a whisper? Perhaps not all devils are bound. Some interpretations suggest only the most powerful are restrained, while others roam free. But the greater challenge lies within—our Nafs (inner desires). Even without external temptation, our habits and unchecked impulses shape our actions. Perhaps Ramadan is not about proving his absence but proving we don’t need him as an excuse for our shortcomings. This Ramadan, I will observe more closely—tasbeeh in one hand, a mirror in the other. But maybe, before searching for the Devil, we should start looking within—because I have a strong suspicion, he might just be hiding there.

Syed Kaisar Shah is a Data Scientist.