who is a messenger ranks above the prophet who is a king.

Since extraordinary feats often lower a man’s rank, many righteous people repent of such things and seek Allah Most High’s forgiveness, just as they repent of sins such as unlawful sexual intercourse and theft. When such feats are offered to some of them, they ask Allah to remove them. All of them instruct the spiritual aspirant not to become preoccupied with them, make them his ambition, or boast of them—even though they believe them to be miraculous gifts. What, then, if they are actually from devils, who use them to lead people astray?

I know someone to whom plants speak of their beneficial properties, whereas it is actually the devil that has entered them who speaks to him. I also know people to whom stones and trees speak, saying, “Glad tidings to you, O friend of Allah!” Then the person recites the Verse of the Throne, and this ceases.

I know someone who sets out to hunt birds, and sparrows and other birds speak to him, saying, “Take me so that the poor may eat me.” A devil has entered them, just as it enters human beings, and speaks these words to him.

Some people are inside a locked house, then find themselves outside it without having opened it, or the reverse. The same happens at city gates: the jinn have swiftly carried them in or out. Or lights pass before someone, or a person he seeks appears before him. This comes from devils assuming the form of his companion. When he recites the Verse of the Throne repeatedly, all of this disappears.

I know someone to whom a speaker says, “I am of Allah’s command,” and promises him that he will be the Mahdī of whom the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, gave glad tidings; and extraordinary feats appear before him