Ibn ‘Abbas told how a man came to the Prophet and said, "I have thoughts of such a nature that I would rather be reduced to charcoal than speak about them.” He replied, ‘‘Praise be to God who has reduced 1 to no more than evil prompting!”
He also reported God’s messenger as saying, "The devil has despaired of being worshipped by those who engage in prayer in Arabia, but he has hopes of setting them against one another.”
Ibn Mas'ud reported God’s messenger as saying, "The devil draws near to man, and so does the angel. The devil’s approach consists of promise of what is evil, and denial of what is true, whereas the angel’s approach consists of promise of what is good and confirmation of what is true. When anyone experiences the latter, let him know that it comes from God and let him praise God; but if he experiences the other, let him seek refuge in God from the accursed devil.” Then he recited, "The devil promises you poverty and urges you to iniquity.” 1
Tirmidhi transmitted it, and said this is a gharib tradition.
Jabir reported God’s messenger as saying, "Iblis sets his throne on the water, then sends forth his detachments to tempt mankind, the one who is nearest him in station being the one who can cause the severest temptation. One of them comes and says, ‘I have done such and such,’ but he replies, ‘You have done nothing.’ Then one of them comes and says; ‘I did not leave him till I separated him from his wife.’ He then brings him near to himself saying, ‘What a fine fellow you are!' ” A'mash said he thought he said, "Then he embraces him.”
