The Stubbornness of Satan

Once, Sayyidun ā Mūsā عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was traveling toward Mount Tur when he encountered the accursed Satan, who was crying. Satan said, “I wish to repent. Ask Allah Almighty what the method of my repentance is.” Sayyidunā Mūsā عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ presented this matter in the court of Allah and asked regarding the method of Satan’s repentance. Allah Almighty replied: “Tell him that if he prostrates to the grave of Ādam عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, I will accept his repentance.” 

Sayyidunā Mūsā عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ informed Satan: “I have returned after asking about the method of your repentance. Simply prostrate to the grave of Ādam عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, and your repentance will be accepted.” Upon h earing this, Satan burst into mocking laughter and said, “O Mūsā! When Ādam عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was physically present before me, I did not prostrate to him. So how can I now prostrate at his grave?”