behind their backs and followed what the devils recite. They neither respect the Quran’s commands and prohibitions, nor ally themselves with those whom the Quran commands them to support, nor oppose those whom it commands them to oppose. Instead, they venerate anyone they see performing extraordinary feats like those performed by sorcerers and soothsayers with the aid of devils. Such feats are accomplished through what the devils recite.

Some of them know that this comes from Satan, yet glorify it to satisfy their desires and prefer it to the way of the Quran, seeking thereby to gain the veneration of the common people. These are unbelievers, like those of whom Allah Most High says:

“Have you not seen those who were given a portion of the Scripture, who believe in superstition and false deities and say of the unbelievers, ‘These are better guided than the believers’?”

“Those are the ones whom Allah has cursed. And whoever Allah curses—you will never find any helper for him.”

These people resemble the unbelievers of whom Allah Most High says:

“And when a messenger from Allah came to them, confirming what was with them, a group of those who had been given the Scripture cast the Book of Allah behind their backs, as though they did not know.”

“They followed what the devils recited during Solomon’s reign. Solomon did not disbelieve, but the devils disbelieved”—to the end of the verse.

Others among them do not know that this comes from the devils. Groups among the practitioners of speculative theology, people of learning, and people of