but rather regarded it as a blameworthy innovation. Al-Shāfiʿī even said:

“I left behind in Baghdad something introduced by heretics, which they call taghbīr, through which they turn people away from the Quran.”

Allah’s friends who possess knowledge recognize this and know that Satan has a considerable share in it. Thus, the best of those among them who attended such gatherings repented of doing so. The further someone is from knowledge and from perfect friendship with Allah, the greater Satan’s share in him. It is like wine, yet its effect on souls is greater than that of wine. Thus, when its practitioners become deeply intoxicated, devils descend upon them, speak through the tongues of some, and carry others through the air. Enmity may arise among them, just as it does among wine drinkers. One person’s devils may be stronger than another’s, and so they kill the latter.

The ignorant suppose that this is among the miraculous gifts granted to Allah’s God-fearing friends. In reality, it distances the person concerned from Allah and belongs to satanic states. Killing a Muslim is lawful only on grounds permitted by Allah. How, then, could killing someone whose life is inviolable be something with which Allah honors His friends? The highest honor lies in remaining steadfast in uprightness. Allah has granted no servant an honor comparable to helping him do what He loves and is pleased with, and granting him more of what brings him nearer to Him and raises his rank.

Extraordinary phenomena include those pertaining to knowledge, such as unveilings; those pertaining to power and dominion, such as actions that transcend the ordinary course of events; and those that are