The Devil’s Plea

Faramarz Parsa

A whisper between thought and light.

The Devil Weeping Before God

The Devil was weeping loudly as he begged God for forgiveness, pleading to be granted refuge in the divine presence — to be spared from the cruelty of humankind.

The angels, witnessing this strange sight, were struck with astonishment.

“What has happened,” one of them whispered, “that the Devil himself is begging for mercy?”

Another angel murmured, “Surely there’s some trick hidden beneath this. He’s cunning and clever — perhaps he’s trying to deceive his way back into Heaven.”

Yet another warned, “He’ll use any means to enter the divine court again — and perhaps even lead us astray.”

But was that truly the case? Or was there another truth hidden behind his tears?

Let us see what happened.

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The Trial of the Devil

The news reached Gabriel, who ordered that a tribunal be held outside the gates of Heaven, so that the Devil would not step foot into the holy court.

After all, when Adam was cast out of Paradise, the Devil was allowed to wander between Earth and Hell, tempting humankind. But now, why was he asking for forgiveness?

A grand council was quickly convened, and the Devil was summoned to explain his cries.

He entered, fell to the ground in prostration, and began to speak in the name of God:

“By the greatness of the Almighty — when God created Adam from clay, I refused to bow.

I saw myself as greater, for I was made of fire, and he of dust.

I asked God to grant me time — until the day Adam’s descendants walk the Earth — to prove that humanity, born of clay, was flawed.

And God allowed it.”

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The Devil’s Complaint

The Devil began to weep again.

“You have not lived among them. You do not know them.

They lead me to the spring of water and send me back thirsty.

They’ve enslaved my children — using them as tools for their own desires.

Every day, thousands of times, I hear: ‘God’s curse be upon the Devil.’

Yet I no longer know what my sin truly was.

Humans have become so powerful, so intelligent, that they now reach even into the heavens.

They seek to deny the truth of God.

Some even say Heaven and Hell are right here — in this life.”

He paused, then his voice trembled:

“You remember the City of Lot — how God punished them.

Yet today’s humans have rebuilt the same city across the Earth.

In the name of God, they build temples that my feet dare not enter —

and behind those sacred doors, commit the greatest crimes and sins.

They wear holy robes and declare: ‘We come from God, to guide you.’

But I swear before the Almighty — they have bound my hands!

They use my name for every evil deed.

Fear the day they find your names and use them too.”

Then he lifted his face and cried out:

“Was I not once an angel of God myself?

I was cast out — but these humans, who have never seen me or you,

have painted a face of me so terrifying that even I fear it.

And you, angels — they have drawn you with glowing wings of gold.

Yes, I deceived humankind once, when they were naive and foolish.

They knew nothing — barely spoke a word.

But now they are masters —

even I am no longer worthy to be their pupil.

They commit horrors far worse than mine, and still blame me.

In God’s name they build palaces, and use His words for greed and power.

Believe me — you haven’t seen the half of it.”

Then, his voice breaking, he pleaded once more:

“Grant me refuge!

Save me, O Lord, from humankind.

I swear, until the Day of Judgment, I shall serve You and all Your angels.”

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The Council of the Angels

After hearing the Devil’s words, Gabriel gathered the archangels for counsel — this time without him present.

Gabriel turned to Michael and asked,

“Have you noticed any change in human behavior?”

Michael replied,

“Perhaps I’ve absorbed too many of their negative energies — their positive energy has grown… too strong.”

Gabriel looked to Raphael:

“What have you seen?”

Raphael answered,

“They’ve become too healthy, too powerful.

Maybe I’ve healed them more than I should have.”

Then Azrael, the Angel of Death, said:

“Every time they err and face death, they blame me.

They call me the camel that kneels at everyone’s door.”

Ariel, the Angel of Nature, added:

“They have gone too far.

They destroy the Earth, the homes of animals, to build for themselves.

They devour everything — beyond what was meant for them.

They have become uncontrollable.”

Finally, Sarandjiel, the Angel of Love, whispered:

“I too have been excessive.

I spread love, desire, and passion too widely among them —

and now they are rebellious, self-serving, and unrestrained.”

Gabriel sighed deeply.

“Then,” he said, “we must act — before things grow even worse.”