Likewise, Musaylima the Liar had devils who informed him of unseen matters and helped him with certain things. There are many such people, including al-Hārith al-Dimashqī, who appeared in Syria during the reign of ‘Abd al-Malik ibn Marwān and claimed prophethood. Devils would free his feet from shackles and prevent weapons from piercing him, and a marble slab would glorify Allah when he stroked it with his hand. He would show people men and horsemen in the air, saying, “These are angels,” when in fact they were jinn. When the Muslims seized him to kill him, a man thrust a spear at him, but it did not pierce him. ‘Abd al-Malik said to the man, “You did not mention Allah’s name.” He then mentioned Allah’s name, thrust the spear at him, and killed him.

Similarly, those who experience satanic states find that their devils leave them when something that drives them away, such as the Throne Verse, is recited in their presence. This is established in the authentic hadith collection in the account of Abū Hurayra, may Allah be pleased with him:

“When the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, entrusted him with guarding the zakāt al-fitr alms, a devil stole from him night after night. Each time, he would seize him, but the devil would repent, so he would release him. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, would ask him, ‘What did your captive do last night?’ He would reply, ‘He claimed that he would not return.’ The Prophet would say, ‘He has lied to you, and he will return.’ On the third occasion, the devil said, ‘Let me go, and I will teach you something that will benefit you: when you go to bed, recite the Throne Verse, “Allah—there is no deity worthy of worship except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of all existence,” to its end. A guardian from Allah will remain over you, and no devil will approach you until morning.’ When he informed the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, he said, ‘He has told you the truth