and thereby they gain such authority and prestige over humans that they are moved to grant some of their requests, especially since they know that humans are nobler and greater in standing than themselves. When humans humble themselves before them and seek refuge in them, it is like a person of high standing humbling himself before someone of low standing to have his need fulfilled. Moreover, among the devils are those who choose disbelief, associating partners with Allah, and disobedience to the Lord.

Iblīs and his armies of devils desire evil, delight in it, pursue it, and eagerly seek it because of their wicked nature, even though it brings punishment upon them and those whom they lead astray. As Iblīs said:

“By Your might, I will surely mislead them all, except Your chosen servants among them.”

And He, Most High, says:

“He said, ‘Do You see this one whom You have honoured above me? If You grant me respite until the Day of Resurrection, I will surely bring his descendants under my sway, except a few.’”

And He, Most High, says:

“Indeed, Iblīs proved his assumption about them correct, and they followed him, except a group of believers.”

When a person’s soul becomes corrupt or his bodily constitution disordered, he craves what harms him and takes pleasure in it. Indeed, he becomes so infatuated with it that it ruins his reason, religion, character, body, and wealth. The devil is himself wicked. Thus, when someone who employs incantations, adjurations, books of spirit magic, and the like seeks to draw close to the devils through the disbelief and association of partners with Allah that they love, this serves as bribes and payoffs to them. They then fulfil some of his purposes, just as someone gives another person money