It is related that he slept in a corner of Muawiya’s palace. The palace door was locked from the inside, for Muawiya had grown weary of the comings and goings of people. Suddenly, someone awoke him. When Muawiya opened his eyes, the man had vanished. He said to himself, “No one can enter this palace. Who could be so arrogant, so bold as to do such a thing?” He walked around, searching every corner for any sign of the hidden man. Behind the door, he saw a fellow. The man was pressed against the door, his face covered with a curtain, concealed.
Muawiya asked, “Hey you, who are you? What is your name?” The man replied, “I will tell you plainly, I am Iblis.” Muawiya said, “Why did you make such an effort to wake me? Tell me the truth, do not speak in riddles.”
The Devil said, “The time for prayer has come. We must hasten to the mosque. Mustafa pierced the pearl of meaning and commanded, ‘Hasten, perform your devotions before their time is gone.’” Muawiya said, “What a thought! Surely you do not have such an intention. Can you possibly be a proof of goodness for me?” He continued,