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Those who undertake these “retreats” may seek out places where neither the call to prayer nor the announcement of its commencement is made, and where there is no mosque in which the five daily prayers are offered. These may be abandoned mosques or places other than mosques, such as caves and caverns in the mountains, graveyards—especially the grave of someone held in high regard—or places said to contain a trace of a prophet or a righteous man. Consequently, they undergo satanic experiences in these places which they imagine to be miraculous gifts bestowed by the Most Merciful.

Some of them see the occupant of a grave coming to them, although he has been dead for many years, and saying, “I am so-and-so.” He may even say, “When we are placed in the grave, we come out,” as happened to al-Tūnisī with Nu‘mān al-Salāmī.

Devils frequently assume human form, both in waking life and in dreams. They may approach someone who does not recognize them and say, “I am Shaykh so-and-so,” or “I am the scholar so-and-so.” Sometimes they say, “I am Abū Bakr,” or “I am ‘Umar.” A devil may even appear while someone is awake rather than dreaming and say, “I am the Messiah,” “I am Moses,” or “I am Muhammad.” I know of various occurrences of this kind.