Fathwa - How the Shaytaan Finds His Way into Somebody's Heart

Question:
Through what avenues does theShaytaanfind a way to make suggestionsto man?
Answer:
There are many avenues;he might try to incite someone to fornicate,
for example. He first incites his victim to be alone with women, then
to look at them, then to talk to them, then perhaps to listen to
themsing, and so on until he achieves his end: when his victim
fornicates.Shaytaanmay attack a person through his stomach, by
tempting him into eating what is unlawful, into drinking alcohol, or
even into taking drugs.Shaytaanmay find that a person has an
inordinate love for owning things, so he biguiles him into gaining
wealth through unlawful means: stealing, swindling, practicing usury,
usurping, cheating. He may find that a person has a great deal of
pride,so he will encourage him to belittle others, to be haughty with
those inferior to him in society, and the list ofShaytaan'stricks is
endless.
May Allaah send peace and blessings on Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.