Among these people are those whose pursuit of unveiling and similar forms of knowledge exceeds their pursuit of what Allah has made obligatory upon them. They say in their supplication: “O Allah, I ask You to safeguard me, in my movements, stillness, steps, intentions, and words, from doubts, conjectures, volition, and delusions that veil hearts from beholding the unseen.”

The underlying issue is that the capacity they regard as perfection is one form of capacity. Another group holds that perfection lies in power, authority, and control over existence—in making commands and prohibitions effective, whether through outward rule and governance or through hidden means. Their worship and spiritual striving are directed towards that end. Many of them engage in polytheism and sorcery, worshipping stars and idols so that the devils will help them achieve their aims. These people are further astray and more ignorant than those mentioned before them. The utmost that someone who worships Allah in pursuit of extraordinary feats attains is a share of this. Thus, some of them are seen flying, others are seen walking, and others … (1).

Among them are ignorant people who have gone astray. Another group regards perfection as a combination of both things. They therefore engage in words and deeds involving polytheism and sorcery, seeking the devils’ help in obtaining information about unseen matters and in making their control over the world effective.

The clear truth is that human perfection consists in worshipping Allah through knowledge and action, as his Lord has commanded him.