Is there a contradiction between the saying: "O Allah, You have set an enemy over us," and His — the Almighty's — saying: (His authority is only over those who take him as an ally and those who associate others with Him)?

Satan cannot force a person into disobedience; rather, he merely invites to it and beautifies it, and blame falls upon whoever responds to him. Satan has no authority over believers who rely on Allah and seek refuge in Him, because he shrinks away at the mention of Allah. However, if faith and reliance weaken, Satan might gain control through his whisperings.

Satan's authority is over those who befriend him and associate partners with Allah. This does not negate his influence on believers who are deceived by some of his whisperings. Some exegetes hold that "authority" (sultan) here means "proof" or "argument," and Satan has no proof. Satan might gain control over a person in worldly matters like illnesses and calamities, and this can afflict even prophets and righteous individuals.

In summary, Satan's dominion is of two types: dominion over one's religion, which is preserved by the servant's faith, reliance, and righteous deeds; and dominion over worldly matters such as the body, family, and wealth, which everyone may be afflicted with. Satan does not have complete authority over a believing servant unless the servant befriends him and abandons the remembrance of his Lord and seeking refuge in Him.