when it is true, and at other times through the mediation of devils when it is false. Angels and devils are living, speaking beings, as abundant evidence conveyed by the prophets establishes, and as those versed in spiritual realities who have encountered them directly also claim. Yet these philosophers maintain that angels and devils are merely attributes of the human soul. This is grave misguidance.
Third: Angels came to the prophets with revelation from their Lord. Among them were those to whom Allah Most High spoke, drawing them near and calling to them, as He spoke to Moses, peace be upon him. What they received was not merely an emanation, as these people claim.
Fourth: If a person empties his heart of every thought, how can he know that what enters it is true? This could only be known through reason or revelation, and neither provides evidence for that.
Fifth: What is known through revelation and reason is that when a person empties his heart of everything, devils dwell within it and then descend upon him, just as they used to descend upon soothsayers. What prevents Satan from entering a human being’s heart is the remembrance of Allah within it, with which He sent His messengers. When the heart is devoid of that remembrance, Satan takes charge of it. Allah Most High says:
“Whoever turns away from the remembrance of the Most Merciful, We assign to him a devil to be his companion. The devils surely turn them away from the path, while they think they are rightly guided.”
And Satan said, as Allah relates:
“He said, ‘By Your might, I will surely lead them all astray, except Your servants among them