Jinn
For other uses, see Jinn (disambiguation).
"Genie", "Jinnī", and "Djinn" redirect here. For other uses, see Genie (disambiguation), Jinnī (disambiguation), and Djinn (disambiguation).The jinn (Arabic: جن ǧinn, singular جني ǧinnī; also spelled djinn), or genies, are spirits mentioned in the Qurʾān and Islamic mythology who inhabit an unseen world in dimensions beyond the visible universe of humans. Together, the jinn, humans and angels make up the three sentient creations of God. The Qurʾan mentions that the jinn are made of a smokeless and "scorching fire",[1] and they have the physical property of weight.[clarification needed][2] Like human beings, the jinn can also be good, evil, or neutrally benevolent.[3] The jinn are mentioned frequently in the Qurʾan, and the 72nd surah is entitled Sūrat al-Jinn.
The Arabic root ǧ-n-n means 'to hide, conceal'. A word for garden or Paradise, جنّة ǧannah, is a cognate of the Hebrew word גן gan 'garden', derived from the same Semitic root. In arid climates, gardens have to be protected against desertification by walls; this is the same concept as in the word "paradise" from pairi-daêza, an Avestan word for garden that literally means 'having walls built around'. Thus the protection of a garden behind walls implies its being hidden from the outside. Arabic lexicons such as Edward William Lane's Arabic-English Lexicon define ǧinn not only as spirits, but also anything concealed through time, status, and even physical darkness.[5]
The word genie in English is derived from Latin genius, meant a sort of tutelary or guardian spirit thought to be assigned to each person at their birth. English borrowed the French descendant of this word, génie; its earliest written attestation in English, in 1655, is a plural spelled "genyes." The French translators of The Book of One Thousand and One Nights used génie as a translation of jinnī because it was similar to the Arabic word in sound and in meaning. This use was also adopted in English and has since become dominant.[citation needed]
Many cultural interpretations noted the jinn as having distinct male and females, they would often appear wearing vests and sashes, various interpretations note that they tied their hair long vertically. According to various stories, jinn could exist independently or bound to any particular object.
In Arabic, the word ǧinn is in the collective number, translated in English as plural (e.g., "several genies"); ǧinnī is in the singulative number, used to refer to one individual, which is translated by the singular in English (e.g., "one genie"). Therefore, the word jinn in English writing is treated as a plural.
Among archaeologists dealing with ancient Middle Eastern cultures, any spirit less than angels is often referred to as a jinni, especially when describing stone carvings or other forms of art.[citation needed]
Inscriptions found in Northwestern Arabia seem to indicate the worship of jinn, or at least their tributary status. For instance, an inscription from Beth Fasi'el near Palmyra pays tribute to the "jinnaye", the "good and rewarding gods".[6]
In the following verse, the Qurʾan rejects the worship of jinn and stresses that only God should be worshipped:
"Yet, they join the jinn as partners in worship with Allah, though He has created them (the jinn), and they attribute falsely without knowledge sons and daughters to Him. Be He glorified and exalted above (all) that they attribute to Him." (Quran 6:100)
In the One Thousand and One Nights several types of jinn are depicted that coexist and interact with Humans: šayṭān, the Ghoul, the Marid, the ‘ifrīt, and the angels. The One Thousand and One Nights seems to present ‘ifrits as the most massive and strongest forms of jinn, and marids are a type of jinn associated with seas and oceans.
Similar to humans, jinn have free will allowing them to do as they choose (such as follow any religion). They are usually invisible to humans, and humans do not appear clearly to them. Jinn have the power to travel large distances at extreme speeds and are thought to live in remote areas, mountains, seas, trees, and the air, in their own communities. Like humans, jinn will also be judged on the Day of Judgment and will be sent to Paradise or Hell according to their deeds.[11]
Ibn Taymiyyah believed the jinn were generally "ignorant, untruthful, oppressive and treacherous,"[18] thus representing the very strict interpretations adhered by the Salafi schools of thought.
Ibn Taymiyyah believes that the jinn account for much of the "magic" perceived by humans, cooperating with magicians to lift items in the air unseen, delivering hidden truths to fortune tellers, and mimicking the voices of deceased humans during seances.[18]
In Sūrat al-Raḥmān, verse 33, Allah reminds jinn as well as mankind that they would possess the ability to pass beyond the furthest reaches of space only by His authority, followed by the question: "Then which of the favors of your Lord do you deny?" In Sūrat Al-Jinn, verses 8–10, Allah narrates concerning the jinn how they touched or "sought the limits" of the sky and found it full of stern guards and shooting stars, as a warning to man. It goes on further to say how the jinn used to take stations in the skies to listen to divine decrees passed down through the ranks of the angels, but those who attempt to listen now (during and after the revelation of the Qurʾan) shall find fiery sentinels awaiting them.
In a hadith recorded by Muslim, the companion Ibn Mas‘ud reported: 'The Prophet Muhammad said: 'There is not one of you who does not have a jinnī appointed to be his constant companion (qarīn).' They said, 'And you too, O Messenger of Allah?' He said, 'Me too, but Allah has helped me and he has submitted, so that he only helps me to do good.' '
The stories of the jinn can be found in various Muslim cultures around the world. In Sindh the concept of the Jinni was introduced during the Abbasid Era and has become a common part of the local folklore which also includes stories of both male jinn called "jinn" and female jinn called "jiniri." Folk stories of female jinn include stories such as the Jejhal Jiniri.
Other acclaimed stories of the jinn can be found in the One Thousand and One Nights story of the Fisherman and the Jinni;[22] more than three different types of jinn are described in the story of Ma‘ruf the Cobbler;[23][24] a mighty jinni helps young Aladdin in the story of Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp;[25] as Ḥasan Badr al-Dīn weeps over the grave of his father until sleep overcomes him, and he is awoken by a large group of sympathetic jinn in the Tale of ‘Alī Nūr al-Dīn and his son Badr ad-Dīn Ḥasan.[26]
During the Rwandan genocide both Hutus and Tutsi avoided searching in local Rwandan Muslim neighborhoods and widely believed myths that local Muslims and Mosques were protected by the power of Islamic magic and the efficacious jinn. In Cyangugu, arsonists ran away instead of destroying the mosque because they believed jinn were guarding the mosque and feared their wrath.[27]
"And before Solomon were marshalled his hosts,- of jinn and men and birds, and they were all kept in order and ranks." (Quran 27:17)
The Qurʾan relates that Solomon died while he was leaning on his staff. As he remained upright, propped on his staff, the jinn thought he was still alive and supervising them, so they continued to work. They realized the truth only when Allah sent a creature to crawl out of the ground and gnaw at Solomon's staff until his body collapsed. The Qurʾan then comments that if they had known the unseen, they would not have stayed in the humiliating torment of being enslaved.
"Then, when We decreed (Solomon's) death, nothing showed them his death except a little worm of the earth, which kept (slowly) gnawing away at his staff: so when he fell down, the jinn saw plainly that if they had known the unseen, they would not have tarried in the humiliating penalty (of their task)." (Qurʾan 34:14)
In Guanche mythology from Tenerife in the Canary Islands, there existed the belief in beings that are similar to genies[improper synthesis?], such as the maxios or dioses paredros ('attendant gods', domestic and nature spirits) and tibicenas (evil genies), as well as the demon Guayota (aboriginal god of evil) that, like the Arabic ʾIblīs, is sometimes identified with a genie.[28]
In several verses in those Arabic translations, the words jinn (جن), jann (الجان al-Ǧānn), majnoon (مجنون Maǧnūn), and Iblīs (إبلیس) are mentioned as translations of familiar spirit or אוב (ob) for jann and the devil or δαιμόνιον (daimónion) for Iblīs.
In Van Dyck's Arabic translation of the Bible, these words are mentioned in Leviticus 19:31, Lev 20:6, 1 Samuel 28:3, 1 Sa 28:9, 1 Sa 28:7, 1 Chronicles 10:13, Gospel of Matthew 4:1, Mat 12:22, Gospel of Luke 4:5, Luk 8:12, Gospel of John 8:44 and other verses[citation needed] as well. Also, in the apocryphal book Testament of Solomon, Solomon describes particular demons whom he enslaved to help build the temple, the questions he put to them about their deeds and how they could be thwarted, and their answers, which provide a kind of self-help manual against demonic activity.
Other modern methods of avoiding trouble from the jinn include leaving them food and charcoal to keep them happy, asking permission before turning on water (as some people believe that the jinn live in water pipes), and sprinkling salt on the floor around one's bed to avoid nocturnal attacks by jinn.[citation needed] These beliefs are cultural perceptions rather than religious-based practices. It is noteworthy to mention that in the legal sources of Islam nothing is mentioned about such practices and rituals.
Islamic belief divides sentient beings into three categories. In order of creation, they are: the angels (malayka), the hidden ones (jinn), and humankind (nas or banu adam). Angels are made out of light, jinn out of fire, men out of earth (sometimes translated as mud or clay). Angels are considered neither male nor female and have no free will. Jinn, like humans, are gendered, and have free will. (This is why, in Islamic thought, Satan is a jinn, not an angel; it would be impossible for an angel to disobey the will of God.) Jinn may be benevolent, evil, or neutral, but are generally regarded as less trustworthy and more prone to trickery than people, even if they are benign. In addition to the types of jinn mentioned here, there are many lesser varieties of jinn that appear in local legends that vary from place to place. For example, in Egypt, there are thought to be female jinn who inhabit the canals and tributaries of the Nile and lure men to their deaths, much like sirens, but they don’t appear elsewhere in the Arab world.
Types of Jinn
MARID (pronounced MAA–rid)
Large and imposing, the marid are considered the most powerful tribe of jinn. They are the classic genies of folklore, often portrayed as barrelchested men with booming voices.
Originally sea-spirits, they are often associated with water, and thought to take sanctuary in the open ocean. While marid are very powerful, they are not technically minded and therefore unlikely to infect your hard drive. However, there is at least one known case of a marid being imprisoned in a flash drive and doing quite a lot of damage to the operating system, attempting to free itself. Please be aware when opening any unfamiliar attachments and if any of your computer’s peripherals exhibit a telltale blue-gray cast, please disconnect from your machine and take them to a qualified technician.
EFFRIT
(pronounced eff–FREET)
Intelligent and cunning, the effrit are thought to live in complex societies similar to those of humans. They are said to prefer caves and under ground dwellings. Though ostensibly demonic, they are portrayed as changeable in nature, and capable of becoming pious and good. In the Quran, King Solomon is said to have had power over a tribe of effrit, who performed various tasks for him.
Effrit are the greatest risk for phishing scams and online privacy violations, as they are natural schemers and also understand human personality and social interaction the best. It is thought that quite a few effrit amuse themselves sending Facebook messages to attractive potential mates using the profiles of call center employees and programmers in India, the Middle East, and the Philippines, who are bewildered by the response. More seriously, however, some effrit have the capability of writing code themselves, and it is thought that the Conficker worm, which infected some fifty million computers worldwide, may have been written by a group combining effrit and human members. Effrit are not to be taken lightly, but they can only be guarded against by the standard information safety protocols used with human threats—be wary of unverified interlocutors and executable content, and if your system slows or behaves oddly, conduct a thorough scan or contact your IT professional.
GHOUL
(Arabic pronunciation uses a guttural gg sound somewhere
between an English G and a French R)
This tribe of jinn has traveled north and west to become a common English- language term for “undead monster.” This is pretty close to its original Arabic connotation; ghouls are thought to be zombie-like jinn who haunt graveyards and prey on human flesh. They are strictly demonic and incapable of goodness. Often portrayed as nocturnal. Given their limited intelligence, ghouls are low risk in the information technology world—but you really don’t want to run into one in a dark alley.
SILA
Talented shape-shifters who are more tolerant of human society than other tribes of jinn, sila are most often portrayed as female. Thought to be extremely intelligent, sila are nonetheless the most rarely seen of all the types of jinn, and appear only sporadically in folklore. There is speculation that the term sila might be related to seelie, a Middle English word for “a good faerie.” (This would make sense, as sila does not appear to correspond to an Arabic root pattern.) Sila are extremely rare, both on- and off-line, and while they are intelligent and comfortable crossing back and forth between realms seen and unseen/human and jinn, by their nature they do not usually set out to harm or trick humans. Sila are, however, fond of meddling in an attempt to help. That Livejournal community member who intervened when you got overinvolved with that troll in the George R.R. Martin community?
Possibly a sila
VETALA
The original vampires, vetala are semi-malevolent spirits from ancient Indian folklore. They can possess human corpses and prevent them from decaying, and in so doing trick human beings into believing the vetala is an ordinary person. However, vetala can also change shape at will. They are thought to be natural psychics, able to foretell the future and gain insight into the past, as well as read the thoughts of others. The most famous vetala appears in “The Vampire and King Vikram,” a set of stories from the Baital Pachisi. Vetala are quite rare, and while they are certainly intelligent enough to threaten your computer, their superior mental and psychic abilities make technology somewhat irrelevant to their needs. To the extent you are likely to encounter a vetala online, it is likely posing brain-twisting rhetorical questions that keep you on a messageboard well past your bedtime.
Always remember that the unseen can take on disproportionate power —which goes for genies and online demagogues in equal measure. If your blood pressure rises, step away from the computer and make a cup of tea. Vetala are also extremely fond of Words With Friends—they are excellent players and lots of fun to engage with, even if their superior skill may prove frustrating.
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Etymology and definitions
Jinn is a noun of the collective number in Arabic literally meaning "hidden from sight", and it derives from the Arabic root ǧ-n-n meaning "to hide" or "be hidden". Other words derived from this root are maǧnūn 'mad' (literally, 'one whose intellect is hidden'), ǧunūn 'madness', and ǧanīn 'embryo, fetus' ('hidden inside the womb').[4]The Arabic root ǧ-n-n means 'to hide, conceal'. A word for garden or Paradise, جنّة ǧannah, is a cognate of the Hebrew word גן gan 'garden', derived from the same Semitic root. In arid climates, gardens have to be protected against desertification by walls; this is the same concept as in the word "paradise" from pairi-daêza, an Avestan word for garden that literally means 'having walls built around'. Thus the protection of a garden behind walls implies its being hidden from the outside. Arabic lexicons such as Edward William Lane's Arabic-English Lexicon define ǧinn not only as spirits, but also anything concealed through time, status, and even physical darkness.[5]
The word genie in English is derived from Latin genius, meant a sort of tutelary or guardian spirit thought to be assigned to each person at their birth. English borrowed the French descendant of this word, génie; its earliest written attestation in English, in 1655, is a plural spelled "genyes." The French translators of The Book of One Thousand and One Nights used génie as a translation of jinnī because it was similar to the Arabic word in sound and in meaning. This use was also adopted in English and has since become dominant.[citation needed]
Many cultural interpretations noted the jinn as having distinct male and females, they would often appear wearing vests and sashes, various interpretations note that they tied their hair long vertically. According to various stories, jinn could exist independently or bound to any particular object.
In Arabic, the word ǧinn is in the collective number, translated in English as plural (e.g., "several genies"); ǧinnī is in the singulative number, used to refer to one individual, which is translated by the singular in English (e.g., "one genie"). Therefore, the word jinn in English writing is treated as a plural.
Jinn in the pre-Islamic era
Inscriptions found in Northwestern Arabia seem to indicate the worship of jinn, or at least their tributary status. For instance, an inscription from Beth Fasi'el near Palmyra pays tribute to the "jinnaye", the "good and rewarding gods".[6]
In the following verse, the Qurʾan rejects the worship of jinn and stresses that only God should be worshipped:
"Yet, they join the jinn as partners in worship with Allah, though He has created them (the jinn), and they attribute falsely without knowledge sons and daughters to Him. Be He glorified and exalted above (all) that they attribute to Him." (Quran 6:100)
In the One Thousand and One Nights several types of jinn are depicted that coexist and interact with Humans: šayṭān, the Ghoul, the Marid, the ‘ifrīt, and the angels. The One Thousand and One Nights seems to present ‘ifrits as the most massive and strongest forms of jinn, and marids are a type of jinn associated with seas and oceans.
Jinn in Islam
In Islamic theology jinn are said to be creatures with free will, made from smokeless fire by Allah as humans were made of clay, among other things.[7] According to the Quran, jinn have free will, and Iblīs abused this freedom in front of Allah by refusing to bow to Adam when Allah ordered angels and jinn to do so. For disobeying Allah, he was expelled from Paradise and called "Šayṭān" (Satan). Jinn are frequently mentioned in the Quran: Surah 72 (named Sūrat al-Jinn) is named after the jinn, and has a passage about them. Another surah (Sūrat al-Nās) mentions jinn in the last verse.[8] The Qurʾan also mentions that Muhammad was sent as a prophet to both "humanity and the jinn," and that prophets and messengers were sent to both communities.[9][10]Similar to humans, jinn have free will allowing them to do as they choose (such as follow any religion). They are usually invisible to humans, and humans do not appear clearly to them. Jinn have the power to travel large distances at extreme speeds and are thought to live in remote areas, mountains, seas, trees, and the air, in their own communities. Like humans, jinn will also be judged on the Day of Judgment and will be sent to Paradise or Hell according to their deeds.[11]
Classifications and characteristics
The social organization of the jinn community resembles that of humans; e.g., they have kings, courts of law, weddings, and mourning rituals.[12] A few traditions (hadith), divide jinn into three classes: those who have wings and fly in the air, those who resemble snakes and dogs, and those who travel about ceaselessly.[13] Other reports claim that ‘Abd Allāh ibn Mas‘ūd (d. 652), who was accompanying Muhammad when the jinn came to hear his recitation of the Quran, described them as creatures of different forms; some resembling vultures and snakes, others tall men in white garb.[14] They may even appear as dragons, onagers, or a number of other animals.[15] In addition to their animal forms, the jinn occasionally assume human form to mislead and destroy their human victims.[16] Certain hadiths have also claimed that the jinn may subsist on bones, which will grow flesh again as soon as they touch them, and that their animals may live on dung, which will revert to grain or grass for the use of the jinn flocks.[17]Ibn Taymiyyah believed the jinn were generally "ignorant, untruthful, oppressive and treacherous,"[18] thus representing the very strict interpretations adhered by the Salafi schools of thought.
Ibn Taymiyyah believes that the jinn account for much of the "magic" perceived by humans, cooperating with magicians to lift items in the air unseen, delivering hidden truths to fortune tellers, and mimicking the voices of deceased humans during seances.[18]
In Sūrat al-Raḥmān, verse 33, Allah reminds jinn as well as mankind that they would possess the ability to pass beyond the furthest reaches of space only by His authority, followed by the question: "Then which of the favors of your Lord do you deny?" In Sūrat Al-Jinn, verses 8–10, Allah narrates concerning the jinn how they touched or "sought the limits" of the sky and found it full of stern guards and shooting stars, as a warning to man. It goes on further to say how the jinn used to take stations in the skies to listen to divine decrees passed down through the ranks of the angels, but those who attempt to listen now (during and after the revelation of the Qurʾan) shall find fiery sentinels awaiting them.
Qarīn
A related belief is that every person is assigned one's own special jinnī, also called a qarīn, of the jinn that whisper to people's souls and tell them to submit to evil desires.[19][20][21] The notion of a qarīn is not universally accepted amongst all Muslims, but it is generally accepted that Šayṭān whispers in human minds, and he is assigned to each human being.In a hadith recorded by Muslim, the companion Ibn Mas‘ud reported: 'The Prophet Muhammad said: 'There is not one of you who does not have a jinnī appointed to be his constant companion (qarīn).' They said, 'And you too, O Messenger of Allah?' He said, 'Me too, but Allah has helped me and he has submitted, so that he only helps me to do good.' '
Jinn in Muslim cultures
Other acclaimed stories of the jinn can be found in the One Thousand and One Nights story of the Fisherman and the Jinni;[22] more than three different types of jinn are described in the story of Ma‘ruf the Cobbler;[23][24] a mighty jinni helps young Aladdin in the story of Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp;[25] as Ḥasan Badr al-Dīn weeps over the grave of his father until sleep overcomes him, and he is awoken by a large group of sympathetic jinn in the Tale of ‘Alī Nūr al-Dīn and his son Badr ad-Dīn Ḥasan.[26]
During the Rwandan genocide both Hutus and Tutsi avoided searching in local Rwandan Muslim neighborhoods and widely believed myths that local Muslims and Mosques were protected by the power of Islamic magic and the efficacious jinn. In Cyangugu, arsonists ran away instead of destroying the mosque because they believed jinn were guarding the mosque and feared their wrath.[27]
Relationship of King Solomon and the genies
Main article: Islamic view of Solomon
According to traditions, the jinn stood behind the learned humans in
Solomon's court, who in turn, sat behind the prophets. The jinn remained
in the service of Solomon, who had placed them in bondage, and had
ordered them to perform a number of tasks."And before Solomon were marshalled his hosts,- of jinn and men and birds, and they were all kept in order and ranks." (Quran 27:17)
The Qurʾan relates that Solomon died while he was leaning on his staff. As he remained upright, propped on his staff, the jinn thought he was still alive and supervising them, so they continued to work. They realized the truth only when Allah sent a creature to crawl out of the ground and gnaw at Solomon's staff until his body collapsed. The Qurʾan then comments that if they had known the unseen, they would not have stayed in the humiliating torment of being enslaved.
"Then, when We decreed (Solomon's) death, nothing showed them his death except a little worm of the earth, which kept (slowly) gnawing away at his staff: so when he fell down, the jinn saw plainly that if they had known the unseen, they would not have tarried in the humiliating penalty (of their task)." (Qurʾan 34:14)
Difference in perception of jinn between East and West
There is a significant difference in how these beings are perceived in East (as jinn) and in West (as genies). Western natives moving to Eastern countries may experience a bout of culture shock when they are confronted with the perceived presence of jinn people who believe in them, and two good examples of the struggle to adapt to a culture which believes in jinn are The Caliph's House and In Arabian Nights by Tahir Shah, which describe his family's experiences in moving from London to a jinn-inhabited home in Morocco.Existence and usage of jinn in other cultures
Jinn in the Bible
In Judeo-Christian tradition, the word or concept of jinn as such does not occur in the original Hebrew text of the Bible, but the Arabic word ǧinn is often used in several old Arabic translations.In several verses in those Arabic translations, the words jinn (جن), jann (الجان al-Ǧānn), majnoon (مجنون Maǧnūn), and Iblīs (إبلیس) are mentioned as translations of familiar spirit or אוב (ob) for jann and the devil or δαιμόνιον (daimónion) for Iblīs.
In Van Dyck's Arabic translation of the Bible, these words are mentioned in Leviticus 19:31, Lev 20:6, 1 Samuel 28:3, 1 Sa 28:9, 1 Sa 28:7, 1 Chronicles 10:13, Gospel of Matthew 4:1, Mat 12:22, Gospel of Luke 4:5, Luk 8:12, Gospel of John 8:44 and other verses[citation needed] as well. Also, in the apocryphal book Testament of Solomon, Solomon describes particular demons whom he enslaved to help build the temple, the questions he put to them about their deeds and how they could be thwarted, and their answers, which provide a kind of self-help manual against demonic activity.
Protection from jinn
An amulet, talisman or what is referred to as a tawiz in Sufi circles is a form of protection against many forms of spiritual evil, including protection against the jinn. It is often worn around the neck in a pouch, close to the heart. One such popular amulet was said to have been given to Sheikh Abdullah Daghistani by Muhammad in a vision. In that vision he was instructed to give this amulet to people as a protection for them in the last days. The amulet contains a depiction of the Throne Room of Allah. The amulet contains theosophic names as well as the names of folk saints. It is widely held to be very miraculous and a protection to those who submit to Allah.[citation needed] It is to be noted that Muslims believe that all protection and help only comes from Allah, as it is a central Islamic tenet to believe that there is no power nor might save God's. Often, these sorts of practices are not widespread in the Islamic world and are mostly limited to certain tribal communities in remote areas. The Muslim faithful believe that reciting the Verse of the Throne (Qurʾan 2:255) and the final three concise chapters of the Qurʾan (chapters 112-114) are the most effective means of seeking protection from satanic whispers and evil creatures.Other modern methods of avoiding trouble from the jinn include leaving them food and charcoal to keep them happy, asking permission before turning on water (as some people believe that the jinn live in water pipes), and sprinkling salt on the floor around one's bed to avoid nocturnal attacks by jinn.[citation needed] These beliefs are cultural perceptions rather than religious-based practices. It is noteworthy to mention that in the legal sources of Islam nothing is mentioned about such practices and rituals.
The Five Types of Jinn
The Five Types of Jinn and Their Threat to Your Digital SecurityIslamic belief divides sentient beings into three categories. In order of creation, they are: the angels (malayka), the hidden ones (jinn), and humankind (nas or banu adam). Angels are made out of light, jinn out of fire, men out of earth (sometimes translated as mud or clay). Angels are considered neither male nor female and have no free will. Jinn, like humans, are gendered, and have free will. (This is why, in Islamic thought, Satan is a jinn, not an angel; it would be impossible for an angel to disobey the will of God.) Jinn may be benevolent, evil, or neutral, but are generally regarded as less trustworthy and more prone to trickery than people, even if they are benign. In addition to the types of jinn mentioned here, there are many lesser varieties of jinn that appear in local legends that vary from place to place. For example, in Egypt, there are thought to be female jinn who inhabit the canals and tributaries of the Nile and lure men to their deaths, much like sirens, but they don’t appear elsewhere in the Arab world.
Types of Jinn
MARID (pronounced MAA–rid)
Large and imposing, the marid are considered the most powerful tribe of jinn. They are the classic genies of folklore, often portrayed as barrelchested men with booming voices.
Originally sea-spirits, they are often associated with water, and thought to take sanctuary in the open ocean. While marid are very powerful, they are not technically minded and therefore unlikely to infect your hard drive. However, there is at least one known case of a marid being imprisoned in a flash drive and doing quite a lot of damage to the operating system, attempting to free itself. Please be aware when opening any unfamiliar attachments and if any of your computer’s peripherals exhibit a telltale blue-gray cast, please disconnect from your machine and take them to a qualified technician.
EFFRIT
(pronounced eff–FREET)
Intelligent and cunning, the effrit are thought to live in complex societies similar to those of humans. They are said to prefer caves and under ground dwellings. Though ostensibly demonic, they are portrayed as changeable in nature, and capable of becoming pious and good. In the Quran, King Solomon is said to have had power over a tribe of effrit, who performed various tasks for him.
Effrit are the greatest risk for phishing scams and online privacy violations, as they are natural schemers and also understand human personality and social interaction the best. It is thought that quite a few effrit amuse themselves sending Facebook messages to attractive potential mates using the profiles of call center employees and programmers in India, the Middle East, and the Philippines, who are bewildered by the response. More seriously, however, some effrit have the capability of writing code themselves, and it is thought that the Conficker worm, which infected some fifty million computers worldwide, may have been written by a group combining effrit and human members. Effrit are not to be taken lightly, but they can only be guarded against by the standard information safety protocols used with human threats—be wary of unverified interlocutors and executable content, and if your system slows or behaves oddly, conduct a thorough scan or contact your IT professional.
GHOUL
(Arabic pronunciation uses a guttural gg sound somewhere
between an English G and a French R)
This tribe of jinn has traveled north and west to become a common English- language term for “undead monster.” This is pretty close to its original Arabic connotation; ghouls are thought to be zombie-like jinn who haunt graveyards and prey on human flesh. They are strictly demonic and incapable of goodness. Often portrayed as nocturnal. Given their limited intelligence, ghouls are low risk in the information technology world—but you really don’t want to run into one in a dark alley.
SILA
Talented shape-shifters who are more tolerant of human society than other tribes of jinn, sila are most often portrayed as female. Thought to be extremely intelligent, sila are nonetheless the most rarely seen of all the types of jinn, and appear only sporadically in folklore. There is speculation that the term sila might be related to seelie, a Middle English word for “a good faerie.” (This would make sense, as sila does not appear to correspond to an Arabic root pattern.) Sila are extremely rare, both on- and off-line, and while they are intelligent and comfortable crossing back and forth between realms seen and unseen/human and jinn, by their nature they do not usually set out to harm or trick humans. Sila are, however, fond of meddling in an attempt to help. That Livejournal community member who intervened when you got overinvolved with that troll in the George R.R. Martin community?
Possibly a sila
VETALAThe original vampires, vetala are semi-malevolent spirits from ancient Indian folklore. They can possess human corpses and prevent them from decaying, and in so doing trick human beings into believing the vetala is an ordinary person. However, vetala can also change shape at will. They are thought to be natural psychics, able to foretell the future and gain insight into the past, as well as read the thoughts of others. The most famous vetala appears in “The Vampire and King Vikram,” a set of stories from the Baital Pachisi. Vetala are quite rare, and while they are certainly intelligent enough to threaten your computer, their superior mental and psychic abilities make technology somewhat irrelevant to their needs. To the extent you are likely to encounter a vetala online, it is likely posing brain-twisting rhetorical questions that keep you on a messageboard well past your bedtime.
Always remember that the unseen can take on disproportionate power —which goes for genies and online demagogues in equal measure. If your blood pressure rises, step away from the computer and make a cup of tea. Vetala are also extremely fond of Words With Friends—they are excellent players and lots of fun to engage with, even if their superior skill may prove frustrating.
The Quran and Sunnah (Prophet's
sayings and actions) indicate that the jinn exist, and that there is a
purpose for their existence in this life, which is to worship Allaah
Alone, with no partner or associate. Almighty Allaah Says (what means): "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." [Quran 51:56] and also (what means): "O company of jinn and mankind, did there not come to you messengers from among you, relating to you My verses …?" [Quran 6:130]
The world of the jinn is an independent and
separate world, with its own distinct nature and features that are
hidden from the world of humans. Jinn and humans have some things in
common, such as the possession of understanding and the choice between
the way of good and the way of evil. The word jinn comes from an Arabic
root meaning "hidden from sight". Allaah Says (what means): "… Indeed, he (Satan) sees you, he and his tribe, from where you do not see them. …" [Quran 7:27]
Allaah has told us in the Noble Quran the essence from which the jinn were created. He Says (what means): "And the jinn We created before from scorching fire." [Quran 15:27]
And also (what means): "And He created the jinn from a smokeless flame of fire." [Quran 55:15]
According to one prophetic narration that was narrated by 'Aa'ishah 
the Prophet 
said: "The
angels were created from light, the jinn were created from fire, and
Aadam was created from that which has been described to you (soil)." [Muslim]
the Prophet said: "The
angels were created from light, the jinn were created from fire, and
Aadam was created from that which has been described to you (soil)." [Muslim]
Types of jinn
Allaah, the Most Exalted, has created different
types of jinn. Among them are some that can take on different forms,
such as dogs and snakes; some who are like flying winds with wings; and
some that can travel and rest. The Messenger of Allaah said: "The
jinn are of three types: a type that has wings, they fly through the
air; a type that looks like snakes and dogs; and a type that stops for a
rest then resumes its journey." [At-Tabaraani and others]
said: "The
jinn are of three types: a type that has wings, they fly through the
air; a type that looks like snakes and dogs; and a type that stops for a
rest then resumes its journey." [At-Tabaraani and others]
The jinn and the Children of Aadam
Every individual among the Children of Aadam has a
jinn who has been appointed to be his constant companion (Qareen). Ibn
Mas'ood 
said: "The Messenger of Allaah said: "There is not one of you who does not have a jinn appointed to be his constant companion." They (present companions 
) said: "And you too, O Messenger of Allaah?" He said: "And me too, but Allaah has helped me and he has submitted (became a believing Muslim), so that he only helps me to do good." [Muslim]
said: "The Messenger of Allaah said: "There is not one of you who does not have a jinn appointed to be his constant companion." They (present companions ) said: "And you too, O Messenger of Allaah?" He said: "And me too, but Allaah has helped me and he has submitted (became a believing Muslim), so that he only helps me to do good." [Muslim]
Their powers
Almighty Allaah has given the jinn powers that He
has not given to humans. He has told us about some of their powers, such
as the ability to move and travel quickly. A genie from among the jinn
guaranteed to the Prophet Sulaymaan (Solomon) 
that he would bring the throne of the Queen of Yemen to Jerusalem in a moment faster than that needed for a man to get up from where he was sitting. Allaah says (what means): "A
powerful one from among the jinn said, “I will bring it to you before
you rise from your place, and indeed, I am for this [task] strong and
trustworthy.” Said one who had knowledge from the Scripture, “I will
bring it to you before your glance returns to you.” And when [Solomon]
saw it placed before him, he said, “This is from the favor of my Lord
...” [Quran 27:39-40]
that he would bring the throne of the Queen of Yemen to Jerusalem in a moment faster than that needed for a man to get up from where he was sitting. Allaah says (what means): "A
powerful one from among the jinn said, “I will bring it to you before
you rise from your place, and indeed, I am for this [task] strong and
trustworthy.” Said one who had knowledge from the Scripture, “I will
bring it to you before your glance returns to you.” And when [Solomon]
saw it placed before him, he said, “This is from the favor of my Lord
...” [Quran 27:39-40]
The food and drink of the jinn
The jinn eat and drink. Ibn Mas'ood said: "The Messenger of Allaah said: "One
the jinn called me, and I went with him and recited Quran for them.' He
took me and showed me the traces of where they had been and the traces
of their fires. They (his fellow jinn) asked him for food and he said:
"You can have every bone on which the name of Allaah has been mentioned
that comes into your possession, as meat, and all the droppings as food
for your animals." The Prophet
said, "So do not use [these things] for cleaning yourselves [after
relieving oneself], for they are the food and provision of your
brothers.'" [Muslim]
said: "The Messenger of Allaah said: "One
the jinn called me, and I went with him and recited Quran for them.' He
took me and showed me the traces of where they had been and the traces
of their fires. They (his fellow jinn) asked him for food and he said:
"You can have every bone on which the name of Allaah has been mentioned
that comes into your possession, as meat, and all the droppings as food
for your animals." The Prophet
said, "So do not use [these things] for cleaning yourselves [after
relieving oneself], for they are the food and provision of your
brothers.'" [Muslim]
The believing jinn may eat any bone on which the name of Allaah has been mentioned, because the Messenger
did not permit them to have anything on which Allaah's name has not
been mentioned - those are for the disbelievers among the jinn.
did not permit them to have anything on which Allaah's name has not
been mentioned - those are for the disbelievers among the jinn.
The beasts of the jinn
According to the narration that was narrated by Ibn Mas'ood that we have quoted above, the jinn asked the Messenger for provision, and he said to them: "…and [you can have] all the droppings as food for your animals."
that we have quoted above, the jinn asked the Messenger for provision, and he said to them: "…and [you can have] all the droppings as food for your animals."
The dwelling-places of the jinn
The jinn live on this earth where we do. They
are mostly to be found in ruins and unclean places like bathrooms,
dunghills, garbage dumps and graveyards. Hence, the Prophet
taught us to take precautions when entering such places, by reciting
the Athkaar (supplications) prescribed by Islam. One of these was
reported by Anas Ibn Maalik who said: "When the Messenger of Allaah used to relieve himself, he would say: "Allaahumma
inni a'oothu bika min al-khubuthi wa'l-khabaa'ith (O Allaah, I seek
refuge with You from the evil ones, male and female).'" [Al-Bukhaari]
taught us to take precautions when entering such places, by reciting
the Athkaar (supplications) prescribed by Islam. One of these was
reported by Anas Ibn Maalik who said: "When the Messenger of Allaah used to relieve himself, he would say: "Allaahumma
inni a'oothu bika min al-khubuthi wa'l-khabaa'ith (O Allaah, I seek
refuge with You from the evil ones, male and female).'" [Al-Bukhaari]
Jinn: Muslims and non-Muslims
Almighty Allaah tells us in the Noble Quran that some of the jinn said (what means): "And
among us are Muslims [in submission to Allaah], and among us are the
unjust. And whoever has become Muslim — those have sought out the right
course. But as for the unjust, they will be, for Hell, firewood.’" [Quran 72:14-15]
The Muslims among the jinn are of different levels as regards righteousness and piety. Allaah Says (what means): "And among us are the righteous, and among us are [others] not so; we were [of] divided ways." [Quran 72:11]
The story of the first jinn who became Muslim was narrated by 'Abdullaah Ibn 'Abbaas who said: "The Prophet went out with a group of his Companions ()
heading for the marketplace of 'Ukaath. This was when the devils were
prevented from getting any news from heaven, and shooting stars had been
sent against them. The devils went back to their people, who said,
'What is the matter with you?' They said, 'We cannot get news from
heaven, and shooting stars were sent against us.' Their people said,
'Nothing is stopping you from hearing news from heaven except some new
event that must have happened. Go and look in the east and the west of
the earth, and see if you can find out what it is that is stopping you
from hearing news from heaven."
Those who went out in the direction of Tihaamah came upon the Prophet
in (a place called) Nakhlah, when he was on his way to 'Ukaath, and
found him leading his Companions in Fajr (dawn) prayer. When they heard
the Quran, they listened to it and said, 'By Allaah, this is what is
stopping us from hearing news from heaven.' When they went back to their
people, they said as Allaah tells us in the Quran (what means): "Indeed,
we have heard an amazing Quran [i.e. recitation]. It guides to the
right course, and we have believed in it. And we will never associate
with our Lord anyone." [Quran 72:1-2]
Then Allaah revealed to His Prophet the verse (which means): "Say,
[O Muhammad], “It has been revealed to me that a group of the jinn
listened and said, “Indeed, we have heard an amazing Quran..." [Al-Bukhaari]
Their reckoning on the Day of Resurrection
The jinn will be called to account on the day of Resurrection. Mujaahid
said, concerning the verse (which means): "…but the jinn have already known that they [who made such claims] will be brought [to punishment]." [Quran 37:158]
"They will be brought to judgement." [Al-Bukhaari]
Protection from the harm of the jinn
Because the jinn can see us while we cannot see them, the Prophet
taught us many ways to protect ourselves from their harm, such as
seeking refuge with Allaah from the accursed Shaytaan (Satan), reciting
chapters Al-Falaq and An-Naas (the last two chapters of the Quran), and
reciting the words taught by Allaah in the Quran (which mean): "And
say, “My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the incitements of the devils.
And I seek refuge in You, my Lord, lest they be present with me." [Quran 23:97-98]
Saying Bismillaah (in the Name of Allaah) before
entering one's home, before eating or drinking, and before having
intercourse with one's spouse will also keep the devil from entering the
house or partaking with a person in his food, drink and sexual
activity.
Similarly, mentioning the name of Allaah before
entering the toilet or taking off one's clothes will prevent the jinn
from seeing a person's private parts or harming him, as the Prophet said: "To
put a barrier that will prevent the jinn from seeing the 'Awrah (parts
of the body that must be covered in Islam) of the Children of Aadam, let
any one of you say 'Bismillaah' when entering the toilet." [At-Tirmithi]
Strength of faith and religion in general will also
prevent the jinn from harming a person, so much so that if they were to
fight, the one who has faith would win. 'Abdullaah Ibn Mas'ood said: "A man from among the Companions of Muhammad
met a male jinn. They wrestled, and the man knocked down the jinn. The
man said to him, 'You look small and skinny to me, and your forearms
look like the front paws of a dog. Do all the jinn look like this, or
only you?' He said, 'No, by Allaah, among them I am strong, but let us
wrestle again, and if you defeat me I will teach you something that will
do you good.' The man said, 'Fine.' He (the jinn) said, 'Recite (the
verse, which means): "Allaah- there is no deity except Him, the Ever- Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence …" [Quran 2: 255]
The man said, 'Fine.' He said, 'You will never
recite this in your house but the Satan will come out of it like a
donkey breaking wind, and he will never come back in until the next
morning.'" [Ad-Daarimi]
who said: "The Prophet went out with a group of his Companions ()
heading for the marketplace of 'Ukaath. This was when the devils were
prevented from getting any news from heaven, and shooting stars had been
sent against them. The devils went back to their people, who said,
'What is the matter with you?' They said, 'We cannot get news from
heaven, and shooting stars were sent against us.' Their people said,
'Nothing is stopping you from hearing news from heaven except some new
event that must have happened. Go and look in the east and the west of
the earth, and see if you can find out what it is that is stopping you
from hearing news from heaven."
in (a place called) Nakhlah, when he was on his way to 'Ukaath, and
found him leading his Companions in Fajr (dawn) prayer. When they heard
the Quran, they listened to it and said, 'By Allaah, this is what is
stopping us from hearing news from heaven.' When they went back to their
people, they said as Allaah tells us in the Quran (what means): "Indeed,
we have heard an amazing Quran [i.e. recitation]. It guides to the
right course, and we have believed in it. And we will never associate
with our Lord anyone." [Quran 72:1-2] the verse (which means): "Say,
[O Muhammad], “It has been revealed to me that a group of the jinn
listened and said, “Indeed, we have heard an amazing Quran..." [Al-Bukhaari] said, concerning the verse (which means): "…but the jinn have already known that they [who made such claims] will be brought [to punishment]." [Quran 37:158]
taught us many ways to protect ourselves from their harm, such as
seeking refuge with Allaah from the accursed Shaytaan (Satan), reciting
chapters Al-Falaq and An-Naas (the last two chapters of the Quran), and
reciting the words taught by Allaah in the Quran (which mean): "And
say, “My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the incitements of the devils.
And I seek refuge in You, my Lord, lest they be present with me." [Quran 23:97-98] said: "To
put a barrier that will prevent the jinn from seeing the 'Awrah (parts
of the body that must be covered in Islam) of the Children of Aadam, let
any one of you say 'Bismillaah' when entering the toilet." [At-Tirmithi] said: "A man from among the Companions of Muhammad
met a male jinn. They wrestled, and the man knocked down the jinn. The
man said to him, 'You look small and skinny to me, and your forearms
look like the front paws of a dog. Do all the jinn look like this, or
only you?' He said, 'No, by Allaah, among them I am strong, but let us
wrestle again, and if you defeat me I will teach you something that will
do you good.' The man said, 'Fine.' He (the jinn) said, 'Recite (the
verse, which means): "Allaah- there is no deity except Him, the Ever- Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence …" [Quran 2: 255] Was Satan the origin of the jinn or was he merely one of them
No textual evidence (that
is text from the Qur'an or the Sunnah) can confirm that
Satan was the origin of all the jinn; he was simply one of
them as stated in the Qur'an:“
….except Iblees (Satan). He was one of the jinn”[l8:50].
However, Ibn Taymiyyah is of the opinion that Satan is the
origin of all the jinn.
The jinn, including Satan, eat and drink, marry and reproduce. The first two characteristics, those of eating and drinking, can be inferred from the saying of the Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa salam:“ When one of you eats, he should eat with his right hand. And when one of you drinks he should drink with his right hand. Verily, Satan eats and drinks with his left hand”. As for the two other characteristics, they can be deducted from the Qur'an in that context where Allah describe the spouses of the believers in Paradise:“ Wherein both will be Qasirat-ut-Tarf [chaste females (wives) restraining their glances, desiring none except their husband, with whom no man or jinn has ever touched”[55:56].
The jinn, including Satan, eat and drink, marry and reproduce. The first two characteristics, those of eating and drinking, can be inferred from the saying of the Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa salam:“ When one of you eats, he should eat with his right hand. And when one of you drinks he should drink with his right hand. Verily, Satan eats and drinks with his left hand”. As for the two other characteristics, they can be deducted from the Qur'an in that context where Allah describe the spouses of the believers in Paradise:“ Wherein both will be Qasirat-ut-Tarf [chaste females (wives) restraining their glances, desiring none except their husband, with whom no man or jinn has ever touched”[55:56].
Marriage between Jinn & humans
In many instances, stories
are being told of some men marrying one of the jinn or of
some woman being proposed to by one of the jinn. As-Suyooti
mentioned a few reports from the early generations pointing
to the occurrence of marriage between the jinn and humans.
This was supported by Ibn Taymiyyah who said:" Humans and
jinn have got married and have had children as a result of
their marriage". However, and assuming that it is possible,
Islamic scholars have expressed their disapproval of such
copulation, deriving their evidence from the Qur'an where it
is stated that Allah has created for mankind spouses of
their own species:“
And among His Signs is this, that He created from you wives
from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them, and
He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that
are indeed signs for a people who reflects”(30.21).
This means that if marriage between humans and jinn could occur, it would not be possible for either party to have the companionship and love described due to their different origins; and thus, the wisdom behind marriage would be fast.
However, what points to the possibility of marriage between the two species is the verse from the Qur'an mentioned above [6O;56]. And in any case, if such marriages occur toady or have occurred before, they are certainly rare and must be regarded as 'strange.' Besides, from an Islamic perspective, if one is said to be doing it, he is in a sense possessed' and has no way to control it.
This means that if marriage between humans and jinn could occur, it would not be possible for either party to have the companionship and love described due to their different origins; and thus, the wisdom behind marriage would be fast.
However, what points to the possibility of marriage between the two species is the verse from the Qur'an mentioned above [6O;56]. And in any case, if such marriages occur toady or have occurred before, they are certainly rare and must be regarded as 'strange.' Besides, from an Islamic perspective, if one is said to be doing it, he is in a sense possessed' and has no way to control it.
Do Jinns & devils die?
Undoubtedly, all species
(including the jinn and the devils) do die. This has been
confirmed by the Qur'an:“
Whatsoever is on it (the earth) will perish. And the face of
your Lord full of Majesty and Honor will remain forever”(55:26-27).
In addition, the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, is reported to have said:“ I seek refuge, by Your Glory, the One, Whom there is no other god but You, the One who dies not, and the jinn and mankind do die”.
Regarding the span of their lives, there is not certain knowledge except what Allah has said concerning the accused Satan who has been respite and life until the day of Resurrection:“ Satan said: Reprieve till the day they are Resurrected. (Allah) said: You are of those reprieved”(7:14-15).
In addition, the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, is reported to have said:“ I seek refuge, by Your Glory, the One, Whom there is no other god but You, the One who dies not, and the jinn and mankind do die”.
Regarding the span of their lives, there is not certain knowledge except what Allah has said concerning the accused Satan who has been respite and life until the day of Resurrection:“ Satan said: Reprieve till the day they are Resurrected. (Allah) said: You are of those reprieved”(7:14-15).
The Residence Of Jinn
The jinn live on the earth as humans do, but most of them are found among the ruins and those places contaminated with ritual impurity such as bathrooms, cemeteries and animal yards. Many of them are also found in spots where money transaction (the root of the evil) take places. The following advice was given by the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, to his Companions:“ If you can, do not be the first one to enter the marketplace. And do not be the last to leave it For it is Satan's abode and therein he raises his banner”Specific animals accompanied by the devil
Some animals such as the
camels are usually accompanied by the devils. The Prophet,
sallallahu alayhe wa salam, said:“
Verily, the camel has been created from devils. And behind
every camel there is a devil”. and also:“
Do not make salah in the pastures of the camels, for they
are from the devils. But make salah in the field of the
sheep, for they are blessed”.
The Ugliness of Satan
Satan is a
repulsive-looking colossus of body. The branches of Zaggoom
(a tree in Hell) is compared in the Qur'an to the heads of
devils:“
Verily, it is a tree that springs out of the bottom of
Hell-Fire. The shoots of its fruit-stalks are like the heads
of devils”(37.64-65).
During the Middle Ages, Satan was depicted as black man with a pointed beard, raised eyebrows, and a mouth that emits blazing fire. His legs were hoofed like goats and he had a tail with a pointed arrow.
During the Middle Ages, Satan was depicted as black man with a pointed beard, raised eyebrows, and a mouth that emits blazing fire. His legs were hoofed like goats and he had a tail with a pointed arrow.
The Devils Abilities & Strengths
The Qur'an tells us that
the jinn have been given such power and ability to which
humans have no access. Of these great speed is the most
significant. We have been told that a stalwart of the jinn
promised King Solomon that it would only take him a shorter
time than that taken by someone standing from his sitting
place to bring the throne of Sheba to Jerusalem. Another
one, yet, said that he could do within the twinkling of an
eye:“
A 'I frit (strong one) from the jinn said: I will bring it
to you before you rise from your place (council). And
verily, I am indeed strong, and trust-worthy for such work..
One with whom was knowledge of the Scripture said:I will
bring it to you within the twinkling of an eve! Then when he
[Sulaiman (Solomon)1 saw it placed before him, he said: this
is by the Grace of my Lord”(27:39-40).
The jinn also used to go to the lowest heaven in order to eavesdrop on the inhabitants of the heavens and so would be able to find out what was happening therein. When this was detected, the number of guards (including meteors and comets) were increased, blazing down fire on dropping jinn. Allah says in the Glorious Qur'an:“ And we have sought to reach the heaven, but found it filled with stern guards and flaming fires. And verily, we used to sit there in stations, to (steal) a hearing, but any who listen now will find a flaming fire watching him in ambush”(72:8-9).
The jinn have the ability to take on the shapes of humans and animals. On the day of the battle of Badr, Satan approached the Prophet's enemies in the form of a man called 'Suraqa Ibn Malik' and promised them aid and triumph. On that occasion Allah has revealed the following verse:“ And remember when Shaitan (Satan) made their (evil) deeds seem fair to them and said: No one of mankind can overcome you this day (of the battle of Badr) and verily, I am your neighbor (for each and every help). But when the two armies met and Satan saw the angels descending from the sky to support the Muslims side, he fled. [the above verse continues]. But when the two forces came in sight of each other, he ran away and said: Verily, I have nothing to do with you. Verily, I see what you see not. Verily! I fear Allah for Allah is severe in punishment”(8:48).
The devils may also take on the appearance of certain animals, such as camels, donkeys, cows, dogs, or cats. But a black dog is their favorite attire.
Snakes that appear in front of Muslims in their houses may be jinn that have embraced Islam; and therefore the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, has forbidden us to kill them before the name of Allah has been mentioned three times to them as a warning and a protection. If they continue to be present, they are devils and hence should be killed.
Satan is able to flow within the human body as does blood in vessels: This fact has been asserted (in various versions) by the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam. The sayings are recorded in the two big compilations of authentic Ahadeeth: Bukhari and Muslim.
However, the devils have no power over the pious and loyal worshippers of Allah. This means that the power granted by Allah to Satan and his tribe is not without limits. Allah says in the Glorious Qur'an:“ Verily, My slaves you have no authority over them. And All-sufficient is your Lord as a Guardian”(17:65). “ And indeed Iblees (Satan) did prove true his thought about them: and they followed him, all except a group of true believers (in the Oneness of Allah). And he (Iblees-Satan) had no authority over them except that We might test him who believes in the Hereafter from him who is in doubt about it”(34:20-2l).
And as can be inferred from the following verse, Satan him-self recognizes that fact and he acts in accordance with that knowledge:“ [Iblees (Satan)] said:0 my Lord! Because you mislead me, I shall indeed adorn the path of error for them (mankind) on the earth, and I shall mislead them all. Except Your chosen, (guided) slaves among them”(15:39-40).
This mean that the sinful and wrongdoers among the believers may also be misled by Satan. We have been told in the Qur'an about that slave of Allah who was granted divine signs, but then turned his back to them. Satan took advantage of the man's disobedience, and seduced him. Allah says:“ And recite (0 Mohammed) to them the story of him to whom We gave Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.), but he threw them away; so Shaitan (Satan) followed him up, and he became of those who went astray”(7:175).
Like humans, the jinn cannot go beyond the limits set to them by Allah, for He says in the Glorious Qur'an:“ 0 assembly of jinn and men! If you have power to pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, then pass beyond (them)! But you will never be able to pass them, except with authority (from Allah!)”(55:33).
The jinn also used to go to the lowest heaven in order to eavesdrop on the inhabitants of the heavens and so would be able to find out what was happening therein. When this was detected, the number of guards (including meteors and comets) were increased, blazing down fire on dropping jinn. Allah says in the Glorious Qur'an:“ And we have sought to reach the heaven, but found it filled with stern guards and flaming fires. And verily, we used to sit there in stations, to (steal) a hearing, but any who listen now will find a flaming fire watching him in ambush”(72:8-9).
The jinn have the ability to take on the shapes of humans and animals. On the day of the battle of Badr, Satan approached the Prophet's enemies in the form of a man called 'Suraqa Ibn Malik' and promised them aid and triumph. On that occasion Allah has revealed the following verse:“ And remember when Shaitan (Satan) made their (evil) deeds seem fair to them and said: No one of mankind can overcome you this day (of the battle of Badr) and verily, I am your neighbor (for each and every help). But when the two armies met and Satan saw the angels descending from the sky to support the Muslims side, he fled. [the above verse continues]. But when the two forces came in sight of each other, he ran away and said: Verily, I have nothing to do with you. Verily, I see what you see not. Verily! I fear Allah for Allah is severe in punishment”(8:48).
The devils may also take on the appearance of certain animals, such as camels, donkeys, cows, dogs, or cats. But a black dog is their favorite attire.
Snakes that appear in front of Muslims in their houses may be jinn that have embraced Islam; and therefore the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, has forbidden us to kill them before the name of Allah has been mentioned three times to them as a warning and a protection. If they continue to be present, they are devils and hence should be killed.
Satan is able to flow within the human body as does blood in vessels: This fact has been asserted (in various versions) by the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam. The sayings are recorded in the two big compilations of authentic Ahadeeth: Bukhari and Muslim.
However, the devils have no power over the pious and loyal worshippers of Allah. This means that the power granted by Allah to Satan and his tribe is not without limits. Allah says in the Glorious Qur'an:“ Verily, My slaves you have no authority over them. And All-sufficient is your Lord as a Guardian”(17:65). “ And indeed Iblees (Satan) did prove true his thought about them: and they followed him, all except a group of true believers (in the Oneness of Allah). And he (Iblees-Satan) had no authority over them except that We might test him who believes in the Hereafter from him who is in doubt about it”(34:20-2l).
And as can be inferred from the following verse, Satan him-self recognizes that fact and he acts in accordance with that knowledge:“ [Iblees (Satan)] said:0 my Lord! Because you mislead me, I shall indeed adorn the path of error for them (mankind) on the earth, and I shall mislead them all. Except Your chosen, (guided) slaves among them”(15:39-40).
This mean that the sinful and wrongdoers among the believers may also be misled by Satan. We have been told in the Qur'an about that slave of Allah who was granted divine signs, but then turned his back to them. Satan took advantage of the man's disobedience, and seduced him. Allah says:“ And recite (0 Mohammed) to them the story of him to whom We gave Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.), but he threw them away; so Shaitan (Satan) followed him up, and he became of those who went astray”(7:175).
Like humans, the jinn cannot go beyond the limits set to them by Allah, for He says in the Glorious Qur'an:“ 0 assembly of jinn and men! If you have power to pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, then pass beyond (them)! But you will never be able to pass them, except with authority (from Allah!)”(55:33).
Also, they are not able to open closed doors
that have had the name of Allah mentioned over them. The
Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, said:“
Close your doors and cover your vessels and tie up your
water skins and put out your lamps, for Satan (and the jinn)
do not open a closed door, nor do they take off a cover or
untie water skins”.
The Jinn are Responsible for Their actions
Both the jinn and mankind
were created for the same purpose; to worship Allah, in the
fullest sense of the word worship:“
And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that
they worship Me (Alone)”(50:56).
Therefore, the jinn are responsible for their own actions. They have been ordered to perform certain acts and to abstain from performing others. And on the day of Resurrection the jinn and mankind will be addressed by Allah with the following words:“ 0 you assembly of jinn and mankind! Did not there come to you Messengers from amongst you, reciting unto you My verses and warning you of the meeting of this day of yours? They will say: We bear witness against ourselves. It was the life of this world that deceived them. And they will bear witness against themselves that they were disbelievers”(6:130).
Therefore, the jinn are responsible for their own actions. They have been ordered to perform certain acts and to abstain from performing others. And on the day of Resurrection the jinn and mankind will be addressed by Allah with the following words:“ 0 you assembly of jinn and mankind! Did not there come to you Messengers from amongst you, reciting unto you My verses and warning you of the meeting of this day of yours? They will say: We bear witness against ourselves. It was the life of this world that deceived them. And they will bear witness against themselves that they were disbelievers”(6:130).
But according to Ibn Taymiyyah, what the jinn
are ordered to do or prohibited from is not necessarily
identical to what humans are ordered to do or prohibited
from. His discussion is based on the nature of each of the
two species. As the two species are fundamentally different,
at least in the substance they have been created from, the
responsibilities charged upon each must be different as
well.
As the jinn were created with the ultimate purpose of worshipping Allah (alone), the claim that there is some sort of lineage or affinity between them and the Almighty Allah must be a sheer fabrication. The Jews and the pre-Islamic polytheists believed that Allah took wives from among the jinn, and that the offspring resulting from that relationship consisted of the angels. This has been stated in the Glorious Qur'an as follow:“ And they have invented a kinship between Him and the jinn, but the jinn know well that they have indeed to appear (before Him) (i.e., they will be called to account). Glorified is Allah! (He is free) from what they attribute unto Him)!”(37:158-139).
Since the jinn are responsible for their own actions, there is no doubt that Allah's Word must have reached them, but how? Did they have messengers from among themselves? Or were human messengers sent to them? The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, was sent to both the jinn and mankind. This is because the Glorious Qur'an posed to both of collectively, the challenge of composing a work similar to that of the Qur'an:“ Say: 1f the mankind and the jinn were to come together to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they helped one another”(27:88).
As the jinn were created with the ultimate purpose of worshipping Allah (alone), the claim that there is some sort of lineage or affinity between them and the Almighty Allah must be a sheer fabrication. The Jews and the pre-Islamic polytheists believed that Allah took wives from among the jinn, and that the offspring resulting from that relationship consisted of the angels. This has been stated in the Glorious Qur'an as follow:“ And they have invented a kinship between Him and the jinn, but the jinn know well that they have indeed to appear (before Him) (i.e., they will be called to account). Glorified is Allah! (He is free) from what they attribute unto Him)!”(37:158-139).
Since the jinn are responsible for their own actions, there is no doubt that Allah's Word must have reached them, but how? Did they have messengers from among themselves? Or were human messengers sent to them? The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, was sent to both the jinn and mankind. This is because the Glorious Qur'an posed to both of collectively, the challenge of composing a work similar to that of the Qur'an:“ Say: 1f the mankind and the jinn were to come together to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they helped one another”(27:88).
This verse is also supported by the following
verse from the Qur'an:“
Say (0 Muhammad): It has been revealed to me that a group
(from three to ten in number) of jinn listened (to this
Qur'an). They said: Verily, we have heard a wonderful
Recitation (this Qur'an)! If guides to the Right Path, and
we have believed therein, and we shall never join (in
worship) anything with our Lord (Allah)”[72:1-2].
Those who listen to the Qur'an and believed in it returned to their follow jinn asking them to follow the Right Path:“ And (remember) when We sent towards you (Muhammad) a group of the jinn, (quietly) listening to the Qur'an. When they stood in the presence thereof, they said: Listen in silence! And when it was finished, they returned to their people, as warners. They said: O our people! Verily, we have heard a Book (this Qur'an) sent down after Muosa (Moses), confirming what come before it; it guides to the truth and to the Straight Path (i.e., Islam)”[46:29-30].
The incident suggests that the jinn listened to the Qur'an as though the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, being aware of their presence. Later, however, a delegation of the jinn met with the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, to gain knowledge from him. The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, taught them what Allah prescribed for them. This latter incident took place in Makkah before the Prophet's migration to Madinah. A full account of it is found in Sahib Muslim. It says that on that night the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, missed the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam. No trace of him was found in Makkah. They thought he was kidnapped by the jinn, or got killed. As dawn approached, they saw him towards them. He explained that he was invited by a group of jinn to recite the Qur'an and answer their questions.
The jinn are of different ranks in terms of piety or impiety. Some are fully devoted to righteous deeds; others are less so. Some are heedless; others are disbelieves. They speak of themselves in the Qur'anL:“ There are among us some that are righteous, and some the contrary; we are groups having different ways (religions sects)”[72:11].
Those who listen to the Qur'an and believed in it returned to their follow jinn asking them to follow the Right Path:“ And (remember) when We sent towards you (Muhammad) a group of the jinn, (quietly) listening to the Qur'an. When they stood in the presence thereof, they said: Listen in silence! And when it was finished, they returned to their people, as warners. They said: O our people! Verily, we have heard a Book (this Qur'an) sent down after Muosa (Moses), confirming what come before it; it guides to the truth and to the Straight Path (i.e., Islam)”[46:29-30].
The incident suggests that the jinn listened to the Qur'an as though the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, being aware of their presence. Later, however, a delegation of the jinn met with the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, to gain knowledge from him. The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, taught them what Allah prescribed for them. This latter incident took place in Makkah before the Prophet's migration to Madinah. A full account of it is found in Sahib Muslim. It says that on that night the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, missed the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam. No trace of him was found in Makkah. They thought he was kidnapped by the jinn, or got killed. As dawn approached, they saw him towards them. He explained that he was invited by a group of jinn to recite the Qur'an and answer their questions.
The jinn are of different ranks in terms of piety or impiety. Some are fully devoted to righteous deeds; others are less so. Some are heedless; others are disbelieves. They speak of themselves in the Qur'anL:“ There are among us some that are righteous, and some the contrary; we are groups having different ways (religions sects)”[72:11].
The Nature Of Satan
Satan used to worship Allah
along with the angels before he became an ingrate. Only then
did he become evil and sought it even though he was well
aware that it would be the cause of his punishment in the
hereafter. Is it possible for a devil to embrace Islam?
According to the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, it is possible for a devil to embrace Islam. The hadeeth was interpreted in many different ways. However, there is evidence that the devil encountered by the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, embraced Islam. There are some who believe that the word Shaitan (devil) is only used to describe a disbeliever of the jinn. But this does not mean that a devil cannot be converted to Islam This is a brief summary about the jinn and their nature and characteristics. Allah is the Best of protectors and the Most Merciful of those who show mercy.
According to the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, it is possible for a devil to embrace Islam. The hadeeth was interpreted in many different ways. However, there is evidence that the devil encountered by the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, embraced Islam. There are some who believe that the word Shaitan (devil) is only used to describe a disbeliever of the jinn. But this does not mean that a devil cannot be converted to Islam This is a brief summary about the jinn and their nature and characteristics. Allah is the Best of protectors and the Most Merciful of those who show mercy.
Specific animals accompanied by the devil
Some animals such as the
camels are usually accompanied by the devils. The Prophet,
sallallahu alayhe wa salam, said:“
Verily, the camel has been created from devils. And behind
every camel there is a devil”. and also:“
Do not make salah in the pastures of the camels, for they
are from the devils. But make salah in the field of the
sheep, for they are blessed”.
The Ugliness of Satan
Satan is a
repulsive-looking colossus of body. The branches of Zaggoom
(a tree in Hell) is compared in the Qur'an to the heads of
devils:“
Verily, it is a tree that springs out of the bottom of
Hell-Fire. The shoots of its fruit-stalks are like the heads
of devils”(37.64-65).
During the Middle Ages, Satan was depicted as black man with a pointed beard, raised eyebrows, and a mouth that emits blazing fire. His legs were hoofed like goats and he had a tail with a pointed arrow.
During the Middle Ages, Satan was depicted as black man with a pointed beard, raised eyebrows, and a mouth that emits blazing fire. His legs were hoofed like goats and he had a tail with a pointed arrow.
The Devils Abilities & Strengths
The Qur'an tells us that
the jinn have been given such power and ability to which
humans have no access. Of these great speed is the most
significant. We have been told that a stalwart of the jinn
promised King Solomon that it would only take him a shorter
time than that taken by someone standing from his sitting
place to bring the throne of Sheba to Jerusalem. Another
one, yet, said that he could do within the twinkling of an
eye:“
A 'I frit (strong one) from the jinn said: I will bring it
to you before you rise from your place (council). And
verily, I am indeed strong, and trust-worthy for such work..
One with whom was knowledge of the Scripture said:I will
bring it to you within the twinkling of an eve! Then when he
[Sulaiman (Solomon)1 saw it placed before him, he said: this
is by the Grace of my Lord”(27:39-40).
The jinn also used to go to the lowest heaven in order to eavesdrop on the inhabitants of the heavens and so would be able to find out what was happening therein. When this was detected, the number of guards (including meteors and comets) were increased, blazing down fire on dropping jinn. Allah says in the Glorious Qur'an:“ And we have sought to reach the heaven, but found it filled with stern guards and flaming fires. And verily, we used to sit there in stations, to (steal) a hearing, but any who listen now will find a flaming fire watching him in ambush”(72:8-9).
The jinn have the ability to take on the shapes of humans and animals. On the day of the battle of Badr, Satan approached the Prophet's enemies in the form of a man called 'Suraqa Ibn Malik' and promised them aid and triumph. On that occasion Allah has revealed the following verse:“ And remember when Shaitan (Satan) made their (evil) deeds seem fair to them and said: No one of mankind can overcome you this day (of the battle of Badr) and verily, I am your neighbor (for each and every help). But when the two armies met and Satan saw the angels descending from the sky to support the Muslims side, he fled. [the above verse continues]. But when the two forces came in sight of each other, he ran away and said: Verily, I have nothing to do with you. Verily, I see what you see not. Verily! I fear Allah for Allah is severe in punishment”(8:48).
The devils may also take on the appearance of certain animals, such as camels, donkeys, cows, dogs, or cats. But a black dog is their favorite attire.
Snakes that appear in front of Muslims in their houses may be jinn that have embraced Islam; and therefore the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, has forbidden us to kill them before the name of Allah has been mentioned three times to them as a warning and a protection. If they continue to be present, they are devils and hence should be killed.
Satan is able to flow within the human body as does blood in vessels: This fact has been asserted (in various versions) by the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam. The sayings are recorded in the two big compilations of authentic Ahadeeth: Bukhari and Muslim.
However, the devils have no power over the pious and loyal worshippers of Allah. This means that the power granted by Allah to Satan and his tribe is not without limits. Allah says in the Glorious Qur'an:“ Verily, My slaves you have no authority over them. And All-sufficient is your Lord as a Guardian”(17:65). “ And indeed Iblees (Satan) did prove true his thought about them: and they followed him, all except a group of true believers (in the Oneness of Allah). And he (Iblees-Satan) had no authority over them except that We might test him who believes in the Hereafter from him who is in doubt about it”(34:20-2l).
And as can be inferred from the following verse, Satan him-self recognizes that fact and he acts in accordance with that knowledge:“ [Iblees (Satan)] said:0 my Lord! Because you mislead me, I shall indeed adorn the path of error for them (mankind) on the earth, and I shall mislead them all. Except Your chosen, (guided) slaves among them”(15:39-40).
This mean that the sinful and wrongdoers among the believers may also be misled by Satan. We have been told in the Qur'an about that slave of Allah who was granted divine signs, but then turned his back to them. Satan took advantage of the man's disobedience, and seduced him. Allah says:“ And recite (0 Mohammed) to them the story of him to whom We gave Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.), but he threw them away; so Shaitan (Satan) followed him up, and he became of those who went astray”(7:175).
Like humans, the jinn cannot go beyond the limits set to them by Allah, for He says in the Glorious Qur'an:“ 0 assembly of jinn and men! If you have power to pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, then pass beyond (them)! But you will never be able to pass them, except with authority (from Allah!)”(55:33).
The jinn also used to go to the lowest heaven in order to eavesdrop on the inhabitants of the heavens and so would be able to find out what was happening therein. When this was detected, the number of guards (including meteors and comets) were increased, blazing down fire on dropping jinn. Allah says in the Glorious Qur'an:“ And we have sought to reach the heaven, but found it filled with stern guards and flaming fires. And verily, we used to sit there in stations, to (steal) a hearing, but any who listen now will find a flaming fire watching him in ambush”(72:8-9).
The jinn have the ability to take on the shapes of humans and animals. On the day of the battle of Badr, Satan approached the Prophet's enemies in the form of a man called 'Suraqa Ibn Malik' and promised them aid and triumph. On that occasion Allah has revealed the following verse:“ And remember when Shaitan (Satan) made their (evil) deeds seem fair to them and said: No one of mankind can overcome you this day (of the battle of Badr) and verily, I am your neighbor (for each and every help). But when the two armies met and Satan saw the angels descending from the sky to support the Muslims side, he fled. [the above verse continues]. But when the two forces came in sight of each other, he ran away and said: Verily, I have nothing to do with you. Verily, I see what you see not. Verily! I fear Allah for Allah is severe in punishment”(8:48).
The devils may also take on the appearance of certain animals, such as camels, donkeys, cows, dogs, or cats. But a black dog is their favorite attire.
Snakes that appear in front of Muslims in their houses may be jinn that have embraced Islam; and therefore the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, has forbidden us to kill them before the name of Allah has been mentioned three times to them as a warning and a protection. If they continue to be present, they are devils and hence should be killed.
Satan is able to flow within the human body as does blood in vessels: This fact has been asserted (in various versions) by the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam. The sayings are recorded in the two big compilations of authentic Ahadeeth: Bukhari and Muslim.
However, the devils have no power over the pious and loyal worshippers of Allah. This means that the power granted by Allah to Satan and his tribe is not without limits. Allah says in the Glorious Qur'an:“ Verily, My slaves you have no authority over them. And All-sufficient is your Lord as a Guardian”(17:65). “ And indeed Iblees (Satan) did prove true his thought about them: and they followed him, all except a group of true believers (in the Oneness of Allah). And he (Iblees-Satan) had no authority over them except that We might test him who believes in the Hereafter from him who is in doubt about it”(34:20-2l).
And as can be inferred from the following verse, Satan him-self recognizes that fact and he acts in accordance with that knowledge:“ [Iblees (Satan)] said:0 my Lord! Because you mislead me, I shall indeed adorn the path of error for them (mankind) on the earth, and I shall mislead them all. Except Your chosen, (guided) slaves among them”(15:39-40).
This mean that the sinful and wrongdoers among the believers may also be misled by Satan. We have been told in the Qur'an about that slave of Allah who was granted divine signs, but then turned his back to them. Satan took advantage of the man's disobedience, and seduced him. Allah says:“ And recite (0 Mohammed) to them the story of him to whom We gave Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.), but he threw them away; so Shaitan (Satan) followed him up, and he became of those who went astray”(7:175).
Like humans, the jinn cannot go beyond the limits set to them by Allah, for He says in the Glorious Qur'an:“ 0 assembly of jinn and men! If you have power to pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, then pass beyond (them)! But you will never be able to pass them, except with authority (from Allah!)”(55:33).
Also, they are not able to open closed doors
that have had the name of Allah mentioned over them. The
Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, said:“
Close your doors and cover your vessels and tie up your
water skins and put out your lamps, for Satan (and the jinn)
do not open a closed door, nor do they take off a cover or
untie water skins”.
The Jinn are Responsible for Their actions
Both the jinn and mankind
were created for the same purpose; to worship Allah, in the
fullest sense of the word worship:“
And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that
they worship Me (Alone)”(50:56).
Therefore, the jinn are responsible for their own actions. They have been ordered to perform certain acts and to abstain from performing others. And on the day of Resurrection the jinn and mankind will be addressed by Allah with the following words:“ 0 you assembly of jinn and mankind! Did not there come to you Messengers from amongst you, reciting unto you My verses and warning you of the meeting of this day of yours? They will say: We bear witness against ourselves. It was the life of this world that deceived them. And they will bear witness against themselves that they were disbelievers”(6:130).
Therefore, the jinn are responsible for their own actions. They have been ordered to perform certain acts and to abstain from performing others. And on the day of Resurrection the jinn and mankind will be addressed by Allah with the following words:“ 0 you assembly of jinn and mankind! Did not there come to you Messengers from amongst you, reciting unto you My verses and warning you of the meeting of this day of yours? They will say: We bear witness against ourselves. It was the life of this world that deceived them. And they will bear witness against themselves that they were disbelievers”(6:130).
But according to Ibn Taymiyyah, what the jinn
are ordered to do or prohibited from is not necessarily
identical to what humans are ordered to do or prohibited
from. His discussion is based on the nature of each of the
two species. As the two species are fundamentally different,
at least in the substance they have been created from, the
responsibilities charged upon each must be different as
well.
As the jinn were created with the ultimate purpose of worshipping Allah (alone), the claim that there is some sort of lineage or affinity between them and the Almighty Allah must be a sheer fabrication. The Jews and the pre-Islamic polytheists believed that Allah took wives from among the jinn, and that the offspring resulting from that relationship consisted of the angels. This has been stated in the Glorious Qur'an as follow:“ And they have invented a kinship between Him and the jinn, but the jinn know well that they have indeed to appear (before Him) (i.e., they will be called to account). Glorified is Allah! (He is free) from what they attribute unto Him)!”(37:158-139).
Since the jinn are responsible for their own actions, there is no doubt that Allah's Word must have reached them, but how? Did they have messengers from among themselves? Or were human messengers sent to them? The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, was sent to both the jinn and mankind. This is because the Glorious Qur'an posed to both of collectively, the challenge of composing a work similar to that of the Qur'an:“ Say: 1f the mankind and the jinn were to come together to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they helped one another”(27:88).
As the jinn were created with the ultimate purpose of worshipping Allah (alone), the claim that there is some sort of lineage or affinity between them and the Almighty Allah must be a sheer fabrication. The Jews and the pre-Islamic polytheists believed that Allah took wives from among the jinn, and that the offspring resulting from that relationship consisted of the angels. This has been stated in the Glorious Qur'an as follow:“ And they have invented a kinship between Him and the jinn, but the jinn know well that they have indeed to appear (before Him) (i.e., they will be called to account). Glorified is Allah! (He is free) from what they attribute unto Him)!”(37:158-139).
Since the jinn are responsible for their own actions, there is no doubt that Allah's Word must have reached them, but how? Did they have messengers from among themselves? Or were human messengers sent to them? The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, was sent to both the jinn and mankind. This is because the Glorious Qur'an posed to both of collectively, the challenge of composing a work similar to that of the Qur'an:“ Say: 1f the mankind and the jinn were to come together to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they helped one another”(27:88).
This verse is also supported by the following
verse from the Qur'an:“
Say (0 Muhammad): It has been revealed to me that a group
(from three to ten in number) of jinn listened (to this
Qur'an). They said: Verily, we have heard a wonderful
Recitation (this Qur'an)! If guides to the Right Path, and
we have believed therein, and we shall never join (in
worship) anything with our Lord (Allah)”[72:1-2].
Those who listen to the Qur'an and believed in it returned to their follow jinn asking them to follow the Right Path:“ And (remember) when We sent towards you (Muhammad) a group of the jinn, (quietly) listening to the Qur'an. When they stood in the presence thereof, they said: Listen in silence! And when it was finished, they returned to their people, as warners. They said: O our people! Verily, we have heard a Book (this Qur'an) sent down after Muosa (Moses), confirming what come before it; it guides to the truth and to the Straight Path (i.e., Islam)”[46:29-30].
The incident suggests that the jinn listened to the Qur'an as though the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, being aware of their presence. Later, however, a delegation of the jinn met with the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, to gain knowledge from him. The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, taught them what Allah prescribed for them. This latter incident took place in Makkah before the Prophet's migration to Madinah. A full account of it is found in Sahib Muslim. It says that on that night the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, missed the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam. No trace of him was found in Makkah. They thought he was kidnapped by the jinn, or got killed. As dawn approached, they saw him towards them. He explained that he was invited by a group of jinn to recite the Qur'an and answer their questions.
The jinn are of different ranks in terms of piety or impiety. Some are fully devoted to righteous deeds; others are less so. Some are heedless; others are disbelieves. They speak of themselves in the Qur'anL:“ There are among us some that are righteous, and some the contrary; we are groups having different ways (religions sects)”[72:11].
Those who listen to the Qur'an and believed in it returned to their follow jinn asking them to follow the Right Path:“ And (remember) when We sent towards you (Muhammad) a group of the jinn, (quietly) listening to the Qur'an. When they stood in the presence thereof, they said: Listen in silence! And when it was finished, they returned to their people, as warners. They said: O our people! Verily, we have heard a Book (this Qur'an) sent down after Muosa (Moses), confirming what come before it; it guides to the truth and to the Straight Path (i.e., Islam)”[46:29-30].
The incident suggests that the jinn listened to the Qur'an as though the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, being aware of their presence. Later, however, a delegation of the jinn met with the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, to gain knowledge from him. The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, taught them what Allah prescribed for them. This latter incident took place in Makkah before the Prophet's migration to Madinah. A full account of it is found in Sahib Muslim. It says that on that night the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, missed the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam. No trace of him was found in Makkah. They thought he was kidnapped by the jinn, or got killed. As dawn approached, they saw him towards them. He explained that he was invited by a group of jinn to recite the Qur'an and answer their questions.
The jinn are of different ranks in terms of piety or impiety. Some are fully devoted to righteous deeds; others are less so. Some are heedless; others are disbelieves. They speak of themselves in the Qur'anL:“ There are among us some that are righteous, and some the contrary; we are groups having different ways (religions sects)”[72:11].
The Nature Of Satan
Satan used to worship Allah
along with the angels before he became an ingrate. Only then
did he become evil and sought it even though he was well
aware that it would be the cause of his punishment in the
hereafter. Is it possible for a devil to embrace Islam?
According to the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, it is possible for a devil to embrace Islam. The hadeeth was interpreted in many different ways. However, there is evidence that the devil encountered by the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, embraced Islam. There are some who believe that the word Shaitan (devil) is only used to describe a disbeliever of the jinn. But this does not mean that a devil cannot be converted to Islam This is a brief summary about the jinn and their nature and characteristics. Allah is the Best of protectors and the Most Merciful of those who show mercy.
According to the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, it is possible for a devil to embrace Islam. The hadeeth was interpreted in many different ways. However, there is evidence that the devil encountered by the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa salam, embraced Islam. There are some who believe that the word Shaitan (devil) is only used to describe a disbeliever of the jinn. But this does not mean that a devil cannot be converted to Islam This is a brief summary about the jinn and their nature and characteristics. Allah is the Best of protectors and the Most Merciful of those who show mercy.
