16.98 – When you recite the Qur ’ ān, take refuge with God from the accursed Satan
Verse 98 begins a passage (vv. 98–105) that brings together a series of challenges to Muslim claims for the source of the Quran.
First comes a suggestion that Satan may attempt to attack at the time of recitation, and therefore the reciter needs to deliberately seek refuge in Allah. The following verses state that Satan has no power over those who trust their Lord but does exert his power over others. In Muslim tradition, the influence of Satan becomes a live issue in the story known as the “satanic verses” (see the comments at 22.52 and 53.19). Sūras 113 and 114 also contain the expression “I take refuge.”
“Qur’ān” in verse 98 does not necessarily mean the book now known as Muslim scripture but can simply mean a unit of the messenger’s recitation. On the word qur ’ ān , see the comment at 2.185.