According to Sufism, how can the satanic whisperer (Khannas) inside the human body be expelled?

Every human carries within themselves a satanic whisperer (Khannas). How can this be driven away? Which path and approach should be adopted so that this satanic whisperer is expelled forever? The prescription or method to expel this satanic whisperer has been given only by the masters of Sufism. Therefore, Sufism is the essence of Islam. Since the first age of Islam, from Prophet Adam (A.S.) onward, Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, has sent prophets and messengers among all nations and communities. Allah has intentionally placed this satanic whisperer inside us as a test. Over time and across generations, these prophets have provided instructions on how to drive this satanic whisperer away.

Where is the prescription for expelling the satanic whisperer found?

About five and a half thousand years ago, when the sage Jamdagni Muni attained spiritual realization through meditation and succeeded in expelling the satanic whisperer inside us, he declared, “So’ham So’hamī” — meaning “He is I, and I am He.” Therefore, one must accept a spiritual guide or teacher (Pir or Guru). Through this Pir or Guru, disciples must learn how to expel the satanic whisperer within themselves. The Arabic term “Khannas” corresponds to what the Vedic sages (Munis) called “Maya.” The Vedic sages have advised breaking the bonds of Maya/Khannas.

What is Khannas?

The word "Khannas" comes from Surah An-Nas in the Quran, meaning “He who whispers secretly and withdraws.” In Islamic spirituality, it refers to a satanic force that silently whispers evil into the human heart. Sufis believe this devil works in league with the ego’s (nafs) base inclinations and leads people away from the remembrance of Allah.

The effect of Khannas in Sufi philosophy

Sufis say Khannas weakens faith, inflates pride, awakens greed and jealousy, leads people away from Shariah, and diverts them from Allah’s love. It is like an “invisible spiritual virus” that gradually affects thoughts, feelings, and desires.

Vedic sages said that actions themselves are not the bondage; rather, when Maya or Khannas infiltrates the action, bondage occurs. Maya/Khannas contaminates actions. A duck may spend all day in a muddy pond, but when it leaves, no mud remains on its body. Similarly, live in the pond of action but do not let Maya’s water cling to you. This is a very difficult trial and a serious vow in the realm of spiritual practice. Freedom from Maya’s bondage is not a simple matter or something trivial like eating from a boy’s hand. Only a very few succeed in attaining perfection and realization. The Holy Quran says that those granted wisdom are bestowed with abundant mercy and good.

Sufi methods of expelling Khannas

Dhikrullah (Remembrance of Allah)

• Constant remembrance of Allah illuminates the heart and drives the devil away.
• Sufi orders practice specific forms of Dhikr such as “La ilaha illallah,” “Allah,” and “Hu.”
• Concentration of the heart during Dhikr is essential.

Tazkiyah (Purification of the soul)

• Efforts to free the soul from greed, jealousy, pride, anger, etc.
• Regular self-criticism, repentance, and focusing on Allah’s pleasure.

Muraqaba (Spiritual meditation)

• Observing and analyzing one’s own soul to detect satanic influences.
• Meditation on the awareness “Allah is watching me” is central to Muraqaba.

Tawbah and Istighfar (Repentance and seeking forgiveness)

• Confession of mistakes and seeking forgiveness purifies the soul.
• The purer the heart, the weaker the influence of the devil.

Riyazat and Mujahada (Self-discipline and struggle against bad inclinations)

• Strict self-control practices such as eating less, speaking less, sleeping less, and regulated living.
• These practices weaken the ego and reduce Khannas’ aggression.

Taking guidance from a Sufi Pir or Murshid (Spiritual guide)

• Being under the supervision of a spiritual guide reduces confusion on the spiritual path.
• The Pir or Shaykh shows the disciple how to recognize and expel Khannas.
• The essence is progressing on the path of meditation and witnessing under the Pir’s guidance, regardless of the guide’s external behavior.

Practical application

To free oneself from Khannas’ influence, Sufis recommend building daily habits such as:

• Doing Dhikr in solitude after Fajr (dawn prayer).
• Self-review before sleeping: “What good did I do today? Where was I weak?”
• Reading and reflecting on the Quran attentively.
• Being inspired by Allah’s love to control the ego.
• Avoiding pride and self-praise.

Sufism does not believe in rewards after death without effort

Sufism rejects the belief in effortless rewards after death or bizarre ideas of receiving blessings without spiritual practice. The Prophet received direct prophethood through intense meditation, not by passive reception; similarly, the Quran and Angel Jibril were received directly, not secondhand. Sufism emphasizes the value of direct spiritual realization. It teaches that one who is blind in this world remains blind in the Hereafter. Hazrat Baba Bu Ali Shah Qalandar said that meditating for 120 days following his instructions can reveal the mysteries of truth. Though 120 days of meditation alone may not make one perfect, it reveals some secrets of spiritual excellence. Like smoke reminds one of fire, continuous meditation reveals glimpses of the realm of mystery. The Holy Quran also advises traveling through your own body for 120 days as a spiritual practice.

Conclusion

According to Sufism, the satanic whisperer Khannas can only be defeated through spiritual practice and the love of Allah. Through the four stages of Shariah (Islamic law), Tariqah (spiritual path), Haqiqah (truth), and Marifah (gnosis), the soul becomes complete and the devil finds no place in the body. Though this path is difficult, its results are peaceful and everlasting.