Remarks on the Tafsīr Reports from Ibn Abbās with Regard to Verses 48 and 30 of the sura 8/al-Anfāl about the Satan’s Impersonation

The companions of the Prophet Muhammad interpreted some verses of the Qur’an by relating them to the events that happened at the time of their revelation. Commentaries made in regard to the exegesis of the verses 48 and 30 of the sura 8/al-Anfāl are examples of such exegetical attempts. Certain tafsīr reports have it that these verses concern the supposed impersonation of the Satan in human form. According to a report transmitted from Ibn Abbās, the Satan appeared in the form of Surāḳa b. Mālik, and another report has it that the Satan impersonated as a man from the region of Najd. This article offers an analysis of the sources of the reports concerning the Satan’s impersonation and of the supposed connection of these tafsīr narrations with the aforesaid verses. This study concludes that the reports at issue can at best be considered to be Ibn Abbās’ own personal opinions about these verses.