a mere sound that naturally appeals to people to be good in religious terms; such a person bears some resemblance to these people. Yet among the polytheists of this community are those who adopt this as a religious practice for the sake of devils, as is found among the polytheistic Tatar Turks and their sorcerer—the tāghūt and practitioner of sorcery whom the Turks call al-Būq. The devils drive him into a frenzy and speak to him; he asks them whatever he wishes and offers them sacrifices of strangled sheep and other things. He beats drums and makes similar sounds for them. One of the conditions he must meet is that he be an effeminate man who is sexually penetrated as a woman is. The more deserving such acts are of prohibition, the closer they are to the devils.

What we have mentioned is that someone with a beautiful appearance or voice, and anyone else whom Allah has blessed with strength, beauty, or similar gifts, is better—if he fears Allah in his use of them—than someone who has not received such gifts and has therefore not been tested through them. For blessings are trials. Women and men driven by desire are drawn to a beautiful person: they love him, become infatuated with him, entice him with all manner of honours, and, when he refuses, intimidate him with all manner of threats, as happened to Joseph, peace be upon him, and others. His beauty likewise prompts him to pursue what he desires, for it may be more effective in securing it than money spent for that purpose.

Likewise, a beautiful voice may lead to involvement in reprehensible deeds, just as