Who are the jinn ?

[QaiserMirza]

Who are the Jinn? This is a question which many people are interested in knowing as they (the Jinn) are also a creation like Mankind but different in many ways. The Qur’an, Sunnah [sayings, actions and tacit approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)] and the ijma’ (consensus of the scholars) show us that the jinn do in fact exist, and just like Mankind, they too have a purpose of existence in this life, which is to worship Allah Alone, and not associating any partner to Him. Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an: “And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone).” [Adh-Dhaariyaat: 56].

The word ‘Jinn’ by definition means something that is hidden from sight or which cannot be seen, therefore they are called ‘Jinn’ because they are concealed from human sight. Allah (swt) says: “…Verily he (Satan) and Qabiluhu (his solders from the jinn or his tribe) see you from where you cannot see them….” (Al-Ar’af: 27). The Jinn have an independent and separate world which is hidden from the world of humans. Mankind and the Jinn have some familiarities, such as they (Jinn) have understanding and the ability to choose between right and wrong. The Jinn differ from humans in their creation as Allah (swt) states in the Qur’an: “And the jinn, We created aforetime from the smokeless flame of fire.” [al-Hijr: 27] In another verse: “And the jinn did He create from a smokeless flame of fire.” [Ar-Rahman: 15]. There is a hadith which is related by ‘Aa’ishah [may Allah bless her (the wife of the Prophet (pbuh))], where the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “The angels were created from light, the jinn were created from fire, and Adam was created from that which has been described to you.” (Reported by Muslim, 5314).

The Jinn are of different kinds, some of them can assume different forms, for example they can take the form of dogs and snakes (this does not mean that all dogs and snakes are Jinn); there are some who can fly and some who can journey and rest. Abu Tha’labah al-Khushani said: “The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: ‘The jinn are of three types: a type that has wings, and 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.” There are different names describing them, such as ‘Amir’ which refers to a resident Jinn who lives with humans; then there those called ‘Shaytaan (plural – Shayateen)’ which refers to the wicked and evil among them and some are called ‘Ifreet’ which is used for one who is very strong and powerful (and can move with great speed). There is an example of this in the Qur’an when the Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon) wanted the Throne of Sheba to be brought before him in Jerusalem: “An ‘Ifreet (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 eye!’ Then when he [Sulaiman (Solomon)] saw it placed before him, he said: ‘this is by the Grace of my Lord….’” (An-Naml: 39-40).

Every human has been assigned with a Jinn companion (qareen). In a hadith, Ibn Mas’ood said: “The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, ‘There is not one of you who does not have a jinn appointed to be his constant companion.’ They said, ‘And you too, O Messenger of Allah?’ He said, ‘Me too, but Allah has helped me and he has submitted (according to Al-Nawawi, this means that he became Muslim), so that he only helps me to do good.’” (Reported by Muslim, 2814). It is important to know that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) was physically and mentally protected from Shaytaan. All Muslims must be cautious against this Jinn companion who is constantly whispering and tempting us to do evil.

In the Qur’an, Allah (swt) informs us that some of the Jinn said: “‘And of us some are Muslims, and of us some are Al-Qaasitoon (disbelievers – those who have deviated from the Right Path). And whosoever has embraced Islam, then such have sought the Right Path. And as for the Qaasitoon, they shall be firewood for Hell.’” [Al-Jinn: 14-15] These Muslims amongst the Jinn differ in levels with regards to their righteousness and taqwa (being conscious of Allah or fear of Allah). Allah (swt) says that some Jinn said: “‘There are among us some that are righteous, and some the contrary; we are groups having different ways (religious sects, etc.)’” [Al-Jinn: 11] Mankind will brought to account on the Day of Judgment for all that we have done here on Earth and so will the Jinn too be brought to account. Allah (swt) says: “… but the Jinn know well that they have indeed to appear (before Him) (i.e., they will be brought to account).” [Al-Saaffaat: 158]:

We humans eat and drink and the Jinn do the same. Ibn Mas’ood (ra) said: “The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: ‘Someone from among the jinn called me, and I went with him and recited the Qur’an for them.’ He took us and showed us the traces of where they had been and the traces of their fires. They asked him for food and he said, ‘you can have every bone on which the name of Allah has been mentioned that comes into your possession, as meat, and all the droppings as food for your animals.’ The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, ‘so do not use [these things] for cleaning yourselves [after relieving oneself], for they are the food and provision of your brothers.’” (Reported by Muslim, 450). Another report states: “A delegation of Jinn from Naseebeen came to me, and what good Jinn they are! They asked me for food and I prayed to Allah for them, so that they would not pass by bones or droppings, but they would find food on them.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 3571). The believers among the Jinn may eat any bone on which the name of Allah has been mentioned, because the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) did not allow them to have anything on which Allah’s (swt) name has not been mentioned (they are for those Jinn who are disbelievers).

The Jinn exist on this very Earth where we humans reside. The Jinn are mainly found in ruins and unclean places like toilet rooms, dunghills, garbage dumps and graveyards. Therefore the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) has taught us to take protection when entering such places, by reciting the necessary supplications. There is a report by Anas ibn Maalik (ra), who said: “When the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) entered the toilet, he would say, ‘Allaahumma innee a’oodhu bika min al-khubuthi wa’l-khabaa’ith (O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the evil ones, male and female).’” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 142; and Muslim, 375). The Scholar Al-Khattaabi clarified that the word ‘khubuth’ is the plural of khabeeth (evil or dirty – masculine form), and the word ‘khabaa’ith’ is the plural of khabeethah (evil or dirty – feminine form), therefore meaning the male and female shayaateen. The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) has taught us many ways to protect ourselves from these evil ones among the Jinn, by saying ‘a’oodhu billaahi mina-shaytaan nir-rajeem’ (I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Shaytaan), we can recite Surah al-Falaq and an-Nas (the last two Surahs of the Qur’an). In the Qur’an there are many passages for seeking refuge with Allah (swt), for example Allah (swt) says: “Say: ‘My Lord! I seek refuge with You from the whisperings (suggestions) of the shayaateen (devils). And I seek refuge with You, my Lord, lest they may attend (or come near) me.’” [al-Mu’minoon: 97-98]

The Jinn have the ability to possess people. They do that because sometimes the Jinn or its family gets hurt by accident. It also occurs because the Jinn have fallen in love with the person. But most of the time, it is because the Jinn is simply wicked and evil. The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) warned us about lurking in places where the Jinn reside, e.g. graveyards, ruins, garbage dumps, deserts, toilet rooms etc. Also, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) commanded us to recite the Qur’an regularly in our homes: “Indeed, the shaytaan flees from the house in which Surah Al-Baqarah (the 2nd chapter of the Qur’an) is recited.” (Reported by at-Tirmidhi) The name of Allah (swt) is used for expelling the Jinn from the body and there are numerous verses and supplications that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) has taught us to say when performing an exorcism.

Remember that the shayateen (evil ones among the Jinn) are chief components in occult activities such as magic, witchcraft, voodoo, etc. Also fortune-tellers use the Jinn (the qareen assigned to every human) to find out about the future. None knows the Unseen except Allah (swt), but what these Jinn do is that they would go to the lowest heaven and eavesdrop on the conversation of the Angels who talk amongst themselves about events of the future which they heard from Allah (swt). These Jinn would then inform the fortune-tellers. Before the time of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh), many fortune-tellers were very accurate in their predictions. Nonetheless, upon the Prophet’s arrival the heavens were guarded intensely by the Angels, and any Jinn who tried to listen was attacked by shooting stars: “And indeed, We have put the big stars in the heaven and We beautified it for the beholders. And We have guarded it (near heaven) from every outcast shaytan (devil). Except him (devil) who steals a hearing then he is pursued by a clear flaming fire (shooting star).” (Al-Hijr: 18) But if they succeeded in eavesdropping and did not get hit by the shooting star, then they would bring the future prediction to the fortune-teller and add a 100 lies to it. So whenever you see a shooting star(s), don’t make a wish, but know that a devil(s) is being chased away by it!! The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) forbade us from going to these fortune-tellers (that includes believing in astrological signs): “The prayer of one who approaches a fortune-teller and asks him about anything, will not be accepted for forty days or nights.” (Reported by Muslim – Vol.4, p.1211, No.5540) and: “Whosoever approaches a fortune-teller and believes in what he says, has disbelieved in what was revealed to Muhammed (pubh).” (Reported by Ahmed). So please stay away from them!!!

This is just a brief synopsis regarding the Jinn, if you are interested in learning more about them, then please refer to the book by Dr. ‘Umar S. Al-Ashqar: “World of the Jinn and Devils.”

 

[ghias]

Very informative post . Thanks for sharing with us

 

[gazoomartian]

In my life time so far, I have witnessed 2 houses that were infested by Jin(s). In late 60's in our parents house, and two years ago in our house in Canada.

In both cases Amil's had to be brought in to help us out.

dad's house:

Shaheed hafiz Mohsin did amals for months and months. The jin's name was khabisia - a bihari dialect for a khabbees - obviously he was a Hindu jin. My dad, Aalim fazil maulvi hakim Mubin Ahmad, was a mufassir and read Quran very good. He used to go byan tafseer at people's homes. When he read Quran at home, the khabisia used to hate it specially when dad read ayat-al-kursi. Thats what he told Hafiz Mohsin. He also revealed to him that he was only a young boy. Upon further asking he told the Hafiz that he was ONLY 950 years old and a was considered a young BOY LOL. Jins have lives as long as perhaps 1000's of years. A Muslim jin will tell you what he has witnessed in the days of aqa (s.a.w)

My own house: Until 4 years ago our house was haunted too. We sought help from a hafiz Amil again. He wasnt strong enough to kick the jin out but negotiated a deal that the jin will not bug us and we shall not do any hisar of the house and no one will read ayat-al-kursi out loud.

They very existence of jin in your house is a nahoosat (even if he is a Muslim). you will witness decline in your barakah, bad relationship amongs family members, joblessness ( I suffered too ), relatives and friends will start alienating you, and worst is you will loose big time financially.

We used to hear conversations, rattling of pots and pans, walking steps in the middle of night when we are all asleep, etc etc.
The jin in our house in Canada was a Muslim. he had no problems when I read loud the quran pak except only when I read the ayat-al-kursi, which I stopped later. We sold the house at a half price, even that was with lots of difficulty since he did not want any non-muslim to move in as per the Hafiz.

We later found that the non-muslim owner of the house prior to us was also affected - and lost his shirt, got fired, opened a shop - lost that, wife got into an accident rendering in a wheel chair-- some how the insurance company got away w/o paying because she was at fault

it was a total mess. May Allah never give any you brother/sisters any experience what we had TWICE in our lifetime. One of my sisters, 10 years older than me, lost her own life due to internal disease and her 19 days old baby when I was only 10 yo.

May Allah protect us all against all evils, jins, and other nahosats

 

[foqia khan]

interesting post !

few more things :
For the reason of the dark side of the djinn we have been told by the Prophet (s.a.w.w) not to loiter in those places where the Jinns reside, e.g. graveyards, ruins, deserts, market places etc.We have also been commanded to recite the Qur'aan frequently in our houses as the Prophet (saws) said: "Indeed, the shaytan flees from the house in which Surah Al-Baqarah (the 2nd chapter of the Qur'an) is recited" .

If a person does become possessed, then the name of Allah has to be used in expelling the Jinn. If we look at the practice of the Prophet and his companions, we find many duas (supplications) to exorcise the Jinn.How contrary this is to many modern-day exorcists. Many exorcists, Muslim and non-Muslim, often invoke the names of others besides GOD to exorcise the Jinn. When the Jinn does leave, these people believe that their way was successful.

However, this is a ploy of the Jinn, as it knows that if it obeys the exorcist, then it has succeeded in making him worship others besides God. The Jinn often returns when the exorcist leaves, as it knows that nothing except the words of God can stop it from oppressing others.It is not only humans which are possessed, but also animals, trees and other objects. By doing this, the evil Jinn hope to make people worship others besides God.

The possession of idols is one way to do this. Not so long ago the world-wide phenomenon of Hindu idols drinking milk, shocked the world. From Bombay to London, Delhi to California, countless idols were lapping up milk. Ganesh the elephant god, Hanuman the monkey god and even Shiva lingam, the male private organ, all seemed to guzzle down the milk as if there was no tomorrow!Unfortunately people were taken in by this and many flocked to feed (?) the Hindu gods. Anyone who knows about Jinn possession, will undoubtedly know that this is a classic attempt to make people commit idolatry.

And it worked, as many people started to worship these lifeless pieces of wood and marble.Anyone with half a brain would say to themselves, 'why on earth does a god need to be fed?!! Surely if Ganesh, Hanuman or Shiva were divine then they wouldn't need feeding?' However, such common sense seemed to be lacking as the Jinns played havoc with these gullible people.

The Occult Through their powers of flying and invisibility, the Jinn are the chief component in occult activities.Voodoo, Black magic, Poltergeists, Witchcraft and Mediums can all be explained through the world of the Jinn. Likewise, so can the illusions and feats of magicians.Because the Jinn can traverse huge distances over a matter of seconds, their value to magicians is great. In return for helping them in their magic, the Jinns often ask for the magicians to sell their souls to them and even to Iblis/satan.

Thus the magicians take the Jinn and Iblis/satan as lords besides God.Some of the feats performed by magicians and entertainers are without doubt from the assistance of the Jinn. Making the Statue of Liberty disappear, flying across the Grand Canyon and retrieving a ship from the Bermuda Triangle, have all been done by the magician David Copperfield.There is NO way that a man could do such things without the assistance of the Jinn. It would not be surprising therefore, if David Copperfield had sold his soul to Iblis himself.