Reasons for the Dominance of the Companion
The term “companion,” or “Qareen,” refers to the entity that accompanies and remains with an individual. In the context of humanity, this companion is associated with one’s inner demon or Satan. The influence of Satan over a person is detrimental not only to their spiritual well-being but also to their earthly existence. The most severe form of harm is the misleading of an individual, diverting them from the path of God until death. It is well-known that Allah, in His mercy, protects His righteous servants from the overpowering influence of Satan to the extent of their piety. As stated in the Quran:
{Indeed, he has no authority over those who believe and rely upon their Lord. His authority is only over those who take him as an ally and those who associate others with Him.}
Below are some key reasons behind the influence of the Qareen on individuals:
First: Turning Away from Allah and His Words
As mentioned in the Quran:
{And whoever turns away from the remembrance of the Most Merciful, We appoint for him a devil, and he is his constant companion. And indeed, they [devils] avert them from the [right] path while they think that they are guided. So when he comes to Us, he will say, ‘Oh, I wish there was between me and you the distance of the two easts.’ How wretched a companion! And it will not benefit you today, when you have wronged, that you are all in the punishment, sharing.}
Those who neglect the remembrance of Allah, particularly by turning away from His Book, are subject to the influence of their Satanic companion. This companion leads them to sin and entices them towards worldly harms. As for their state in the Hereafter, they will find themselves immersed in regret and sorrow, as highlighted in the following verses:
{And on the Day the wrongdoer bites his hands, he will say, ‘Oh, I wish I had taken with the Messenger a way. Woe to me! I wish I had not taken that one as a friend. He led me astray from the remembrance after it had come to me. And the devil has ever been a deserter to man.}
During the Day of Judgment, the sinner will attempt to disassociate from their Qareen, realizing too late the gravity of their choices.
Second: Trials and Tests
This form of demonic influence primarily manifests in worldly challenges affecting the individual’s physical state. The impact of these trials does not discriminate between the righteous and the sinners. Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
{The people who experience the greatest trials are the Prophets, then those who are closest in righteousness, and people are tested to the extent of their faith. The stronger a person’s faith, the more intense their trials; conversely, the weaker their faith, the milder their trials. A person may undergo such trials that they walk among people without carrying any sin.}
Thus, the severity of trials in life corresponds to the strength of an individual’s faith—greater faith results in greater testing.
Ways to Overcome the Influence of the Companion
Here are some methods that can aid individuals in overcoming the dominance of their Qareen:
- Removing Images and Statues: Eliminating images and statues from the home is crucial, as their presence drives away angels and invites demons. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized this when he said:
{Gabriel promised that we do not enter a house containing an image or a dog.}
- Engaging in Voluntary Prayers at Home: Performing voluntary prayers at home fosters the presence of angels and divine blessings, thereby driving away evil entities. As narrated by Zaid ibn Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (peace be upon him) advised:
{You should pray in your houses, for the best prayer of a person is in their house, except for obligatory prayers.}
- Maintaining Mandatory Congregational Prayers: Upholding the regular attendance of obligatory prayers in congregation is essential. The merits of the Fajr prayer, when performed in congregation, are evident in the statement of Jundub ibn Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him), where the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated:
{Whoever prays the Fajr prayer is under the protection of Allah. Let not Allah hold anyone accountable from His protection and he falls into Hellfire.}