It is reported in “Bihar-ul-Anwaar”
from “Usool-e- Kaafi” in olden times, there lived a pious man who was
always busy in prayer. The Shaitan tried his utmost to distract him from the
right path but could not succeed. One day he summoned his companions and told
them about his unsuccessful efforts to distract the worshiper and solicited new
ideas for his distraction. One of his colleagues advised why not to lure him
towards adultery, to which Shaitan said that the worshiper had lost any sexual
desire. Another one suggested why not attract him toward delicious foods and
alcohol. Shaitan replied that because of the lengthy worshiping the man had
lost apetite for the same. One of his cunning companion said that why not
deviate him by worshiping only.
This Shaitan (who
suggested this idea) disguised himself as a human being and spread a prayer mat
suspended in air and started praying right in front of the worshiper. The
worshiper was surprised to see the magic and went near him and waited to speak
to him. The Shaitan was lost in praying and did not look toward the worshiper
which further impressed the worshiper. At last, the worshiper requested him for
God’s sake to let him know the secret of his (Shaitan’s) high status. Shaitan
said: “I have reached this status after committing a sin and later repented.
Since then I am constantly seeking forgiveness for that sin. If you want to
achieve this status, you also commit adultery, seek repentance and continue to
seek forgiveness like me.” The worshiper said: “How can I commit adultery as I
am not familiar with it nor do I have money?” Shaitan gave him two dirham and
also the address of a prostitute.
The worshiper came to the prostitute. Here comes Allah’s Guidance and turned the prostitute’s heart toward
virtue. The woman witnessed the signs
of piety on his face and thought that such persons are not expected to visit
sinful places. The woman asked him the reason of his visit. The worshiper
advised her to take money and proceed to the sinful act. The woman refused to
comply unless and until she knows the truth. At last, the worshiper narrated
the whole episode. The woman replied:
“Although it is unfavorable to me but still I will tell you that the person who directed you to me
is no one but Shaitan.” The worshiper asserted that the man assured him of
a high status after adultery. The woman said: “O Pious man! Come to your senses, after committing adultery how can
you be sure of your chance to repent and assurance of forgiveness? Is a whole
garment better or a garment which is torn apart and patched up?” When the
worshiper did not respond positively, the woman said: “O.K., I am ready for you but if you go back and see the man if he is still
praying in air then come back, I am waiting for you! If he is not found there
then definitely he was Shaitan” When a thief is identified then he will
abscond. When a faithful comprehends the Shaitan’s doubts, he is saved from the
destruction.
When the worshiper returned to his place he did not find the
man and hence he realized that it was the accursed Shaitan who wanted to rob
him of his long piety. The worshiper
prayed for the woman who guided him back to piety. It is reported that when the prostitute died, the Prophet of the
time was ordered by Allah to attend her funeral prayer. When the Prophet
submitted to Allah that she was a prostitute, Allah informed the Prophet that she directed one
of His deviated slave back to Him and that she was forgiven by Him and had attained
salvation.
Source used:
Iste’azah
(Urdu translation page 58) Martyred
Ayatullah Sayyid Abdul Husayn Dasteghaib
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