Sincerity Repels the Devil
The devil, being man’s most insidious and relentless enemy, is constantly searching for a weak point to penetrate the heart. Among these weak points are expecting praise from people (hypocrisy) and worldly showiness. If a servant performs his actions not for Allah but so that people see them, he has sat at Satan’s table. However, a believer who purifies the hypocrisy in his heart and performs his actions solely for the sake of Allah cannot be harmed by Satan. Geylani (may Allah be pleased with him) expresses this truth as follows: “Can Satan approach those who do not show off to people? How can anyone be close to one whose power is from Allah? Satan is far from them.” Sincerity is the most solid spiritual shield against the arrows of Satan.
The Invincible Power Given by Reliance
Another trap of Satan is instilling anxiety about sustenance and fear of the future in man. When a servant abandons reliance on worldly causes and people and relies entirely on Allah, Satan’s weapon is also taken from him. “He who seeks help from the Most High has his soul inclined to rightful desires… Satan is imprisoned, nothing is given to him, and he cannot wander around deceiving that slave.” A believer who entrusts his affairs to the Almighty Lord of Power and believes with certainty that sustenance comes only from Him gains complete immunity against the delusions and obsessions given by Satan.
Divine Guardians Awaiting the Heart
Allah does not leave a servant who turns to Him with sincerity and reliance. He protects his heart with invisible guardians coming from the realm of the unseen. “No person is without a guardian appointed by Allah. That guardian prevents Satan from seizing him.” In fact, around the hearts of great saints stand rows of divine guardians, preventing demonic whispers from entering. A servant who locks all his power and intention to the pleasure of Allah escapes from Satan’s captivity and enters an absolute safety circle (havza-i ilahiyeye).