One of the early scholars said to his student: What would you do if Satan entices you to sin? He said: I would struggle against him. Scholar: And if he returns? Student: I would struggle against him. Scholar: And if he returns again? Student: I would struggle against him. The scholar told him: This can take forever. What if you are passing by some sheep and their watchdog starts barking at you, preventing you from passing, what would your action be? Student: I would wear it down by struggle and repel it. Scholar: This is a lengthy process. If you go instead to the owner of the sheep, he will be able to make the dog desist. [Source: The World Of Jinn & Devils by Umar S al-Ashqar]