And the only definite way to be protected from them is with the following verses of the Quran:
“Rabbi annee massani ash-shaytaanu binuṣubin wa `adhaabin rabbi a`oodhu bika min hamazaati ash-shayṭaani wa a`oodhu bika rabbi an yaḥḍurooni wa ḥifẓan min kulli shayṭaanin maaridin”[1]
Indeed, Satan (the feeling of being this body) has given me hardship and torment.
My Rabb (the protective Names within my essence), I seek refuge in You from the incitements of the satans (that call to corporeality).
And protected it (Earth’s atmosphere) from every rebellious Satan (the purified consciousness is beyond the reach of illusory impulses).
Detailed information and additional prayers for protection can be found in The Power of Prayer. If those who are afflicted recite these verses 150-200 times a day and the prayer provided at the beginning of The Power of Prayer 100 times a day, they can be sure to be safe from such effects.
Of course, this is provided they persist in reading these verses despite whatever distress and resistance befalls them while reading.
Allah's absolute will is in effect in the universe at every instance in the guise of astrological effects, to which we are subject at all times.
This transmission is what the word ‘guidance’ refers to, as it plays out in a most graceful way without us even noticing, manifesting the name Latif.
As the verse above – “And He leads to the reality by the stars…”[2] – evidences, guidance occurs through the channel of the stars. If we decipher the meaning of this verse in light of the letter B we encounter a very unique meaning:
“Allah the Guide (al-Hadi) makes His guidance reach them with the meanings of His Names via the effects-angels-rays that radiate from the objects He created called stars.”
Though seemingly the effect is from the stars, in essence it is from Allah.
Just as we say “I ate, Allah gave me strength” or “I took medication, Allah gave me healing” etc.
Having covered the mechanism of guidance, let us now talk about the different types of guidance…
Note, however, talking about the measure of Allah’s guidance denotes a limitation, which isn’t possible. So then, to put it most comprehensively, the meaning of guidance entails the ease provided to the whole of creation so it fulfills its creational purpose. On the other hand, a more limited understanding can be defined as the ability to see the difference between actual truth and relative truth.
As for the word SIRAT…
Generally, sirat is translated as path or road, thus the phrase ‘sirat al-mustaqeem’ can be understood as being on the path of Allah…
‘Mustaqeem’ denotes being straight, such that there is no left or right curvature, no ups or downs, like a laser beam that goes straight between two points.
Essentially, all of creation is on the path of Allah by default.
Indeed, “There are as many paths to Allah as the number of beings” and “everyone is under the administration of their own Rabb”…
Say, “Everyone acts according to his own creation program (natural disposition; fitrah).”[3]
Therefore, “Guide us to the straight path”, based on the spirit of the Fatiha, is to say “Ease for us the way to fulfill our creational purpose.”
There is a path that is suitable for everyone’s purpose of creation…
The following verses elucidate that we ask for ‘guidance’ towards a ‘blessed’ path, one of eternal bliss and happiness, i.e. that we ask a lifestyle, based on the truths taught by Muhammad (saw), is eased for us…