These people worship the planets through various rites and sacrifices. Devils—whom they themselves call “the planetary spirits”—descend upon them. Although they do not see these beings, they hear their voices; the spirits inform them of many matters, converse with them, and fulfill for them a variety of needs. This phenomenon is widespread today in the lands of the Turks, Cathay, the Persians, and India; indeed, it is also found in Egypt, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and elsewhere. I personally know a number of such individuals. Concerning them the Most High says, “The sorcerer shall never succeed, wherever he may be” (Q 20:69); and He says, “They knew full well that whoever acquired it would have no share in the Hereafter. Miserable indeed was the price for which they sold their souls, if only they had known” (Q 2:102); and He says, “They followed what the devils recited during Solomon’s reign—yet Solomon did not disbelieve” (Q 2:102). These verses have already been mentioned. Thus, when these people and the followers of the revealed religions all concur about what they have seen and heard regarding the existence of these living, rational beings who are distinct from the human race—