that they possess the inner truths of faith and the knowledge of the Quran that would enable them to distinguish between the merciful miracles granted by God and the deceptions of Satan. The jinn therefore scheme against each person in line with his beliefs. If the man is a polytheist who worships the stars and idols, they convince him that such worship benefits him. His intention is to seek intercession and mediation from the being whose likeness the idol represents—an angel, a prophet, or a righteous shaykh—so he imagines that he is worshipping that prophet or saint, whereas in reality his worship is directed to Satan.
Allah the Exalted says:
“On the Day He gathers them all together and says to the angels, ‘Was it you that these people used to worship?’ They will reply, ‘Glory be to You! You are our Protector, not them. Rather, they used to worship the jinn; most of them put their faith in them.’” (Q 34:40–41)
Prostrating to the sun, moon, and stars. For this reason, those who bow to the sun, moon, and planets intend their prostration for those bodies, but Satan joins them at the moment of prostration so that the act is really for him. In the same way, Satan takes on the likeness of whatever figure the idolaters call upon. If the supplicant is a Christian and seeks the aid of Jirjis (George) or anyone else, Satan appears in the form of Jirjis or the figure being invoked.
Seeking aid from shaykhs. If the petitioner claims Islam and calls upon a shaykh he deems righteous among the Muslims, Satan will come in the likeness of that shaykh. If he is a polytheist from India, Satan will appear in the form of whatever being that man reveres. As for the shaykh whose help is being sought, if he is someone knowledgeable in the sacred law, Satan does not let him know that he has assumed his likeness for those who are calling upon him.