Let’s be real: Not everyone has your best interests at heart. Some people smile in your face but secretly root for your downfall. Others twist words, guilt-trip, and gaslight like it’s their day job. Sound familiar? Well, guess what? The Quran has been dropping truth bombs about these types for centuries! And if you’re not paying attention, you might just be their next victim.
But don’t worry, sis, I got you. Here are 7 times the Quran WARNED us about manipulative people, plus how to protect yourself like the queen you are (with a little secret weapon at the end
1. The Two-Faced Friend
“They are swaying between this and that, belonging neither to these nor to those.” (Quran 4:143)
You know the type. One minute, they’re your ride-or-die. The next? They’re spilling your secrets like it’s hot tea. These people are fake, and Allah already exposed them! The Quran warns about those who switch sides depending on what benefits them.
What to do? Pay attention to actions, not just words. If someone’s loyalty is shaky, they are not your people.
2. The Master Manipulator
“And thus We have appointed for every prophet an enemy, devils from mankind and jinn, inspiring one another with adorned speech as deception…” (Quran 6:112)
Some people are masters at twisting words. They make you question yourself, feel guilty for things you didn’t do, and turn everyone against you, while looking innocent.
What to do? When someone’s words don’t match their actions, believe their actions. Don’t fall for sugar-coated lies.
3. The Guilt-Tripping Emotional Leech
“And do not obey the one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance, and who follows his own desires and whose affair is [ever] in neglect.” (Quran 18:28)
They say things like, “After everything I’ve done for you, you’re really gonna do this?” or “If you were a good person, you’d…” Girl, STOP. These people are expert manipulators who make you feel bad for setting boundaries. But the Quran tells us not to follow those who prioritize their own desires over truth.
What to do? Set boundaries unapologetically. Manipulators thrive on guilt, don’t give them that power.
4. The Gossip Queen (or King)
“A slanderer, going about with malicious gossip.” (Quran 68:11)
You trusted them with your personal struggles, and now half the world knows. Surprise! They love drama more than their own peace. The Quran explicitly calls out gossipers and warns against them.
What to do? Keep your personal business private. If someone gossips to you, they will gossip about you.
5. The Energy Vampire
“They want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light, even though the disbelievers dislike it.” (Quran 61:8)
Ever notice how some people drain your energy? You leave conversations with them feeling exhausted and insecure. That’s not by accident. They want to dim your light! But Allah reminds us that His light cannot be extinguished, and neither can yours.
What to do? Protect your peace! Surround yourself with people who uplift you, not those who dim your sparkle.
6. The Fake Advisor
“And when it is said to them, ‘Do not cause corruption on the earth,’ they say, ‘We are only reformers.'” (Quran 2:11)
Some people act like they’re just trying to help, but really? They’re causing chaos. These people disguise manipulation as “advice,” but the Quran already exposed them.
What to do? Not all advice is good advice. If someone’s “guidance” makes you feel small, guilty, or trapped, trust your gut and walk away.
7. The Narcissist Who Thinks They’re Always Right
“Have you seen the one who takes his own desire as his god?” (Quran 45:23)
We all know that one person who is never wrong, even when they clearly are. The Quran calls them out! They refuse to listen, twist reality, and believe their own lies.
What to do? Don’t waste your breath arguing with people committed to misunderstanding you. Protect your peace and move on.
Your Secret Weapon Against Manipulators?
You now have the Quran’s wisdom to spot manipulators a mile away. But let’s be real: dealing with them still takes emotional strength and spiritual clarity. That’s why I swear by [insert product: a guided Quran journaling planner, an Islamic self-help book, a mindfulness app based on Quranic principles, etc.].
This is what helped me set boundaries, stop second-guessing myself, and keep my faith strong, even when dealing with the worst people. And I KNOW it will help you, too.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Them Play You!
Sis, you are NOT here to be anyone’s emotional punching bag. The Quran has already given us the blueprint to protect ourselves from manipulators, it’s time to USE IT.