someone enters a fire using talq stone, bitter-orange peel, frog fat, and other tricks based on natural properties,” these shaykhs would be astonished and say, “By Allah, we know nothing of these tricks.”

When someone knowledgeable explained to them, “You are indeed truthful about that, but these experiences are satanic,” they acknowledged this. Those among them whom Allah enabled to repent then repented, once the truth became clear to them and various indications showed them that these experiences came from the devil. They recognized their demonic origin when they saw that they occurred through such things as innovations condemned by the Sharia and acts of disobedience to Allah, but not during the prescribed acts of worship that Allah and His Messenger love. They then knew that these were the devil’s deceptive feats for his allies, not miraculous favors bestowed by the Most Merciful upon His friends.

Allah, glorified and exalted is He, knows best what is correct. To Him is the return and final destination. May Allah bestow blessings and peace upon Muhammad, the foremost of His messengers and prophets, and upon his family, Companions, supporters, followers, and successors—blessings and peace through which we may merit his intercession.

“Āmīn.”