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The world of Jinn (devils)
Jinn are devils. Learn all about them.
Date: 3/3/2009 6:58:04 PM ( 15 y ) ... viewed 3259 times
THE WORLD OF THE JINN
The Qur'aan and Sunnah 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. Allaah says (interpretation of the meanings):
"And I (Allaah) created not the jinns and humans, except they should worship Me (Alone)." [al-Dhaariyaat 51:56].
"O assembly of jinns and mankind! Did there not come to you Messengers from amongst you, reciting unto you My Verses?" [al-An'aam 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. Jinns 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 (interpretation of the meaning):
". Verily he [Shaytaan] and his qabeeluhu [his soldiers from the jinn or his tribe] see you from where you cannot see them." [al-A'raaf 7:27]
Allaah has told us in His Book the essence from which the jinn were created. He says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And the jinn, We created aforetime from the smokeless flame o fire." [al-Hijr 15:27]
"And the jinns did He create from a smokeless flame of fire." [al-Rahmaan 55:15].
According to a hadeeth narrated by 'Aa'ishah, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) 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." (Reported by Muslim, 5314).
Types of jinn
Allaah has created different types of jinn. Among them are some who can take on different forms, such as dogs and snakes; some who are like flying winds with wings; and some who can travel and rest. Abu Tha'labah al-Khushani said: "The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: 'The jinn are of three types: a types 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." (Reported by al-Tahhaawi in Mushkil al-Athaar, 4/95, and by al-Tabaraani in al- Kabeer, 22/214. Shaykh al-Albaani said in al-Mishkaat (2/1206, no. 4148): al-Tahhaawi and Abu'l-Shaykh reported it with a saheeh isnaad).
The jinn and the sons of Aadam
Every individual among the sons of Aadam has a jinni who has been appointed to be his constant companion (qareen). Ibn Mas'ood said: "The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) 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 Allaah?' He said, 'Me too, but Allaah has helped me and he has submitted, so that he only helps me to do good.'" (Reported by Muslim, 2814). Al-Nawawi said in his commentary on Muslim (17/175): "'He has submitted’. He became a believing Muslim. This is the apparent meaning.
Al- Qaadi said: Know that the ummah is agreed upon the fact that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was protected from Shaytaan, physically and mentally, and with regard to his speech. This hadeeth contains a reference to the warning against the fitnah (temptation, trial) and whispers of the qareen (constant companion from among the jinn). We know that he is with us so we should beware of him as much as possible."
Their powers
Allaah has given the jinn powers that he has not given to humans. Allaah has told us about some of their powers, such as the ability to move and travel quickly. An 'ifreet from among the jinn guaranteed to the Prophet Sulaymaan (peace be upon him) 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 (interpretation of the meaning):
"An 'ifreet (strong one) from the jinns said: 'I will bring it [her throne] to you before you rise from your place (council). And verily, I am indeed strong, and trustworthy 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 Sulaymaan saw it placed before him, he said, 'This is by the Grace of my Lord.'" [al-Naml 27:39-40].
The food and drink of the jinn
The jinn eat and drink. Ibn Mas'ood said: "The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: 'Someone from among the jinn called me, and I went with him and recited Qur'aan 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 Allaah has been mentioned that comes into your possession, as meat, and all the droppings as food for your animals.' The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) 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). According to another report: "A delegation of jinn from Naseebeen came to me, and what good jinn they are! They asked me for food and I prayed to Allaah 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 believing jinn may eat any bone on which the name of Allaah has been mentioned, because the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not permit them to have anything on which Allaah's name has not been mentioned - those are for the kuffaar among the jinn.
The beasts of the jinn
According to the hadeeth narrated by Ibn Mas'ood, that we have quoted above, the jinn asked the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) 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 (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) taught us to take precautions when entering such places, by reciting the adhkaar (prayers) prescribed by Islam. One of these was reported by Anas ibn Maalik (may Allaah be pleased with him), who said: "When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) entered the toilet, he would say, 'Allaahumma innee a'oodhu bika min al-khubuthi wa'l-khabaa'ith (O Allaah, I seek refuge with You from the evil ones, male and female).'" (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 142; and Muslim, 375). Al-Khattaabi explained that khubuth is the plural of khabeeth (evil or dirty - masculine form), and khabaa'ith is the plural of khabeethah (evil or dirty - feminine form), and that what is meant is male and female shayaateen.
Some jinns are Muslims and some are kaafirs
Allaah tells us that some of the jinn said (interpretation of the meaning):
" 'And some of us 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 72:14-15]
The Muslims among the jinn are of different levels as regards righteousness and taqwa. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"[Some jinn said:] 'There are among us some that are righteous, and some the contrary; we are groups, each having a different way (religious sects, etc.)'" [al-Jinn 72:11]
The story of how the first jinn of this ummah became Muslim was narrated by 'Abd-Allaah ibn 'Abbaas, who said: "The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) went out with a group of his Companions heading for the marketplace of 'Ukaaz. This was when the shayaateen were prevented from getting any news from heaven, and shooting stars had been sent against them. The shayaateen 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 (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in Nakhlah, when he was on his way to 'Ukaaz, and found him leading his Companions in Fajr prayer. When they heard the Qur'aan, 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, 'O our people, we have heard a wonderful Recital (the Qur'aan). It guides to the Right Path, and we have believed therein, and we shall never join (in worship) anything with our Lord (Allaah). [al-Jinn 72:2 - interpretation of the meaning].
Then Allaah revealed to His Prophet peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) the words (interpretation of the meaning): "Say (O Muhammad): 'It has been revealed to me that a group of jinns listened (to this Qur'aan).' [al-Jinn 72:1], and Allaah revealed to him what the jinn had said." (reported by al-Bukhaari, 731).
Their reckoning on the Day of Resurrection
The jinn will be called to account on the day of Resurrection. Mujaahid (may Allaah have mercy on him) said, concerning the aayah (interpretation of the meaning): "…but the jinns know well that they have indeed to appear (before Him) (i.e., they will be brought to account)" [al- Saffaat 37:158]: "They will be brought to judgement." Saheeh al-Bukhaari, Baab Dhikr al-Jinn wa Thawaabihim wa 'Iqaabihim.
Protection from the harm of the jinn
Because the jinn can see us while we cannot see them, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) taught us many ways to protect ourselves from their harm, such as seeking refuge with Allaah from the accursed Shaytaan, reciting Soorat al-Falaq and Soorat al-Naas (the last two Soorahs of the Qur'aan), and reciting the words taught by
Allaah in the Qur'aan (interpretation of the meaning): "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 23:97-98]
Saying Bismillaah (in the Name of Allaah) before entering one's home, before eating or drinking, and before having intercourse will also keep the Shaytaan from entering the house or partaking with a person in his food, drink and sexual activity. Similarly, mentioning the name of Allah before entering the toilet or taking off one's clothes will prevent the jinn from seeing a person's 'awrah or harming him, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, "To put a barrier that will prevent the jinn from seeing the 'awrah of the sons of Aadam, let any one of you say 'Bismillaah' when entering the toilet." (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, 551; Saheeh al-Jaami', 3611).
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. 'Abd-Allah ibn Mas'ood (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: "A man from among the Companions of Muhammad met a man from among the jinn. They wrestled, and the human knocked down the jinn. The human 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 human said, 'Fine.' He said, 'Recite, 'Allaah! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever-living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists.' [Aayat al-Kursi - al-Baqarah 2:255 - interpretation of the meaning]. The human said, 'Fine.' He said, 'You will never recite this in your house but the Shaytaan will come out of it like a donkey breaking wind, and he will never come back in until the next morning.'" (Reported by al-Daarimi, 3247).
This is a brief summary about the jinn, and their nature and characteristics. Allaah is the Best of protectors and the Most Merciful of those who show mercy.
Belief in the Jinn
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Last time, we talked about the unseen world of angels, and mentioned that having the correct belief in the angels is a requirement of faith. This time, we are going to discuss another unseen world: that of the jinn. Some people are skeptical of the existence of the jinn, while others resort to far-fetched, distorted interpretations of these creatures in order to suit their whims and personal fancies, such as claiming that the jinn are microbes. In this country, a certain heretical group teaches that the white man is the devil (evil jinn). This preposterous idea would imply either that the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu `alayhe wa-sallam was black, or that he was a devil (Allah forbid!). Both of these conclusions are clear blasphemy, for they contradict conclusive historical facts and common sense.
What are the jinn?
The reality, which it is obligatory to affirm, is that the jinn are an established world, unseen to us. They eat, drink and procreate, and among them are both righteous and wicked individuals. The word jinn itself comes the Arabic root meaning "something hidden which cannot be seen."
The existence of the jinn is firmly corroborated by the Qur'an, authentic sunnah and consensus of scholars (Ijma`), and thus one who denies their existence is outside the pale of Islam. Suffice it to say that the word jinn and its derivatives occur at least 29 times in the Qur'an, and the word shaytaan and its plural shayaateen together occur more than 80 times. In fact, there is an entire surah called
Surat al-Jinn (72), which speaks in clear, explicit terms about the jinn.
Their Creation
Ibn `Abbas radiallahu `anhu said, "Two thousand years before [mankind] was created, there were jinn on [the earth], and they caused corruption on the earth and shed blood. Then, Allah sent against them a troop of angels who beat them and then cast them away to the islands in the seas. So, when Allah said, (translated), "'I am placing a viceregent upon the earth,' they said, 'Will You place therein one who will cause corruption therein and shed blood,'" [2 (Al-Baqarah), 30] i.e. just as those jinn did? Then, Allah said, (translated), "I know that which you do not know." (Related by Al-Hakim.) Thus, jinn were created before mankind, as attested to clearly by the Qur'an also. Their origin is from fire. "And verily, We created mankind . . . and the jinn We had created before from smokeless fire." [15 (Al- Hijr), 26-27] They are the descendants of Iblees, who disobeyed Allah's command to prostrate to Adam, and became known as the Satan (Shaytaan).
We cannot ordinarily see them, unless they materialize. When they materialize, it is usually in an unpleasant or ugly form, such as a snake or a black dog, as opposed to angels (who materialize into pleasant and handsome forms).
In the battle of Badr, Iblees materialized into the form of a man named Suraqah ibn Malik, and urged on the disbelievers, saying, "There is none who can overcome you today," [8 (Al-Anfaal), 48] Then, Allah sent the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) against him, and when Iblees saw him he cried out to the disbelievers, "I have nothing to do with you! I see that which you do not see! I fear Allah, and Allah is severe in retribution," and then he fled.
Their Lifestyle
They are accountable, just as human beings are. "I created jinn and mankind only in order that they might worship Me." [51 (Adh-Dhaariyaat), 56] There are believers amongst them, who will be rewarded, and disbelievers, who will be punished. "And indeed, there are amongst us Muslims and amongst us wrongdoers. As for those who accept Islam, they have sought out the right path. And, as for the wrongdoers, they will be firewood for Jahannam." [72 (Al-Jinn), 14-15]
Whenever Allah sent a prophet to mankind, the jinn of that time could also receive his message. Thus, some of them received the message of Prophet Moses `alayhis-salam. Some jinn came to the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu `alayhe wa- sallam one night, and he went with them, recited Qur'an to them, and taught them about Islam. (Related by Muslim.)
They eat and drink, and have high regulations similar to ours. Just as we eat meat of animals over whose slaughter the name of Allah was recited, the jinn are allowed to eat bones of such animals, and therefore the Prophet sallallahu `alayhe wa-sallam has instructed us not use these for istinjaa'. On the authority of `Abdullah ibn `Umar: the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhe wa-sallam said, "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, for Satan eats with his left hand and drinks with his left hand." (Related by Muslim.) Satan also partakes of our food if we neglect to mention the name of Allah before eating.
A verse of the Qur'an indicates that they have conjugal relations. "Therein [in Heaven] are [women] of modest gaze, whom neither human being nor jinn have touched before." [55 (Al- Rahman), 56] Another verse establishes that they beget children. "Will you then take [Iblees] and his offspring as protectors in preference to Me, although they are an enemy to you?" [18 (Al- Kahf), 50]
Although the jinn tend to have longer life spans than ours, they also die and pass away, as evidenced by the Qur'an [7 (Al- A`raaf), 38] Iblees, however, has been given respite up to the Day of Arising. "[Allah] said, You are, then, among those given respite, up to the day of the time known [and appointed]" [38 (Saad), 81-82]
The shayaateen (devils)
The shayaateen (devils; the singular is shaytaan) are the disbelieving jinn, but the word shaytaan is also used for those disbelieving human beings who are active in corruption and fighting Islam. "Thus have We made, for every Prophet, an enemy, the shayaateen of mankind and jinn, inspiring one another with flowery discourses by way of deception." [6 (Al-An`aam), 112] As for those jinn who are prominent in mischief making, they are referred to as mareed (plural: maradah), meaning forward or rebellious. "Among mankind is he who disputes about Allah&127; without knowledge, and follows every forward shaytaan." [22 (Al- Hajj), 3]
Iblees has his throne in the sea, and he sends out his dispatchments who aggravate people. The greatest of them before him is the one who has caused the most fitnah. One of his workers comes and tells him, "I did not leave [my victim] until I brought about separation between him and his wife." Iblees draws him near, and says to him, "Yes! You (are the best!)" (Related by Muslim.)
Eavesdropping on the heavens
The shayaateen go up into the heavens, trying to eavesdrop on the angels. `A'ishah radiallahu `anha said that she asked the Prophet sallallahu `alayhe wa-sallam about how it is that the fortune-tellers sometimes foretell something which turns out true. He replied that that is the word of truth which the jinn manages to catch, and so he comes and whispers it in the ear of the fortune-teller, and to one truth he adds a hundred lies. (Related by Bukhari and Muslim.) Allah sends meteorites against these eavesdropping shayaateen, but sometimes one of them might pass on what he has heard to another jinn.
Their effect on humans
Every human being is always accompanied by a jinn, who tries to incite him to evil, but the Prophet sallallahu `alayhe wa-sallam's jinn was unable to harm him. On the authority of Ibn Mas`ud: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, "there is not any one of you except that he has been assigned his companion from among the jinn and his companion from among the angels." They said, "Even you, O Messenger of Allah?" He replied, "Even me, except that Allah has helped me against him, so that I am unharmed (or, so that he has accepted Islam), and so he orders me to do nothing but good." (Related by Muslim.) Thus, terrible thoughts may sometimes occur to us, but we are not responsible for these promptings provided we neither allow them to take root within us, nor act upon them. The fact that we recognize them as evil is itself a sign of our faith.
Satan runs through the children of Adam with the running of blood. It is possible for jinn to enter human beings and possess them. "Those who consume interest (ribaa) do not arise except as he arises whom Satan has driven to madness by his touch." [2 (Al- Baqarah), 275]
Protection from the shayaateen
In the authentic hadith related by Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet sallallahu `alayhe wa-sallam has instructed us to recite the following supplication before having intercourse with our wives. "Bismillaah. Allaahumma jannibnash- shaytaana wa-jannibish- shaytaana maa razaqtanaa." (In the name of Allah. O Allah! Spare us from Satan, and repel Satan from that wherewith You have provided us.) Then, if a child is conceived, Satan will never harm him.
The shayaateen like to frequent filthy areas such as restrooms. Thus, we should ensure that we recite the sunnah supplication (narrated by Bukhari and Muslim) before entering the restroom, "Allaahumma innee a`oodhu bika minal-khubuthi wal-khabaa'ith." (O Allah! I seek refuge with You from male and female devils.)
Reciting Ayat al-kursiyy [2 (Al-Baqarah), 255] at bedtime ensures that no devil will come close to you until the morning. (Related by Bukhari.) Saying "Laa ilaaha illallaahu wahdahoo laa shareeka lahoo lahul-mulku wa lahul- hamdu wa-huwa `alaa kulli shay'in qadeer" (There is no god but Allah, alone, without any partner, His is the kingdom, and His is praise, and He has power over all things) 100 times in the morning provides protection from Satan till the evening. (Related by Bukhari and Muslim)
In general, frequent remembrance of Allah and obedience to Him provides immunity from the shayaateen. "Whoever withdraws himself from the rembrance of [Allah] Most Gracious, We assign to him a shaytaan, to be his comrade." [43 (Az-Zukhruf), 36] "[Satan] has no authority over those who believe and place trust in their Lord." [16 (An-Nahl), 99]
IBN TAMMIYAH ESSAY ON JINNS BY BILAL PHILLIPS
DEMONIC VISIONS
Those involved in incantations and oaths often swear by some devils to help them against others. Sometimes the evil JINN fulfill their request but frequently they do not, especially when the JINN against whom help is sought is honored among them. Neither the one chanting incantations nor his incantations have any power to force the devils to help them. The reciter of incantations earnestly entreats a being whom he considered great - which may or may not be the case - to harm others who may conceivably be greater. In the case where someone entreats the JINN to harm someone whom the JINN hold in high esteem, they will ignore him. In fact, it may prevent them from even responding at all.
Their situations is quite similar to that of humans except that human beings are generally more intelligent, truthful, just and trustworthy while the JINN tend to be ignorant, untruthful, oppressive and treacherous.
The point is that though the oaths and incantations of devil-worshippers may contain statements of idolatry and disbelief, they are frequently ineffective against the JINN. When requested to kill or apprehend another JINN who has possessed a human, the JINN will often mock those who make the request by falsely giving them the impression that they killed or detained the offending JINN. This is especially so in cases where humans believe in the illusions created by the JINN. The JINN usually communicate by either visions or voices ["The gleaning of hidden information by way of visions and voices has been well documented among clairvoyants and mediums. 'A medium' may be defined as a person through whose agency or through whose orgainsm there are received communications ostensibly from deceased human beings or other discarnate or remote entities.
In what is called 'clairvoyant mediumship' –now popularly known as channeling- the medium 'sees' or 'hears' the deceased friends and relatives of persons present and relays messages from them. Generally speaking, the experiences concerned seem not to have the distinctness of ordinary perception but are rather a seeing or hearing 'in the mind's eye' or ear. Sometimes, however, the figures seen or voices heard may attain as hallucinatory vividness; the medium's experience then resembles that of one who witnesses an apparition." (Benjamin B. Wolman. ed., Handbook of Parapsychology, New York, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, 1977, pp, 579-580)] With those seeking information among the idol-worshippers, Christians, Jews, and heretical Muslims driven astray by the devils.
JINNS may take the form of a live picture portraying whatever the sorcerers and fortunetellers wish to know about. When these deviants see the image of what they sought, they then inform other humans about it. Some of them may know that the image is actually an illusion, while others may be deluded into believing that they are actually witnessing the real scene.
JINNS may also make humans hear the voice of those whom they call upon who are far away. Such cases are frequent among idolaters, Christians, Jews and ignorant Muslims who seek refuge in those whom they consider holy. When some devotees call on their spiritual masters for help saying, "Oh my Lord so and so!" the JINN will address them in the voice of their masters. When the masters answer their request, the JINN, in turn, answer the devotees in the masters' voice. This has happened to many people some of whom are known to me. The devils will often respond while talking the form of the one besought, whether dead or alive, even if he is unaware of those who call on him.
Those committing Shirk in this fashion believe that the person beseeched has actually replied when in fact it is the JINN replying. This frequently happens to Christians who call on those whom they edify, whether dead or alive, like George or other holy figures [ROME, Feb 24 1989 (AFP) -
-A retired Italian roadman Renato Baron claims that he has been seeing and talking to the Virgin Mary for nearly three years now. Visions by Baron and about THIRTY others have attracted tens of thousands of people from Italy, France, Belgium, and West Germany to a hill near Venice, causing huge traffic jams.
-Ambridge, Pennsylvania - A small Roman Catholic Church in a western Pennsylvania mill town is preparing for a deluge of pilgrims after a reported Good Friday miracle in which the eyes of a statue of Christ suddenly closed. The Rev. Vincent Cvitkovic, a Franciscan friar, and many of his parishoners reported that the eyes of a life-size statue which depicts the crucified Christ, which have been open for 60 years, closed during a prayer meeting. (The Times, Monday, April 10th 1989, no. 63, 364, p.8)
-In 1981 a group of five children were playing on a hill just outside of a village in the Yugoslavian Republic of Bosnia - Herzegovina called Medugorje when a vision of a beautiful woman claiming to be the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared before them. Since 1981 some seven to eight million pilgrims from different countries, cultures and Christian traditions have climbed up the holy hill of Medugorje. At 7:30 every evening pilgrims and tourists anxiously crowd around the dark rectory of a nearby church staring at the stream of light which will signify that once more the children, who still gather there daily, are having their private audience with the Blessed Mother. (IRF, Newsletter of the International Religious Foundation, Inc., Vol II, No. 6, Nov-Dec 1987, pp 1-2).
Divine grace (salvation) is felt to be especially potent in places visited by Jesus Christ or Saints or by Mary: where they have appeared in visions.
Major pilgrimage centers include Lourdes where visions of the Virgin Mary were first seen in 1858 and where healing has been occurring since that time. (John R. Hinnells, ed., Dictionary of Religions, Middlesex, England: Penguin Books Ltd., 1984, p. 284)]. It also occurs to heretical Muslims who call on the dead or those not present, and the devils take the form of the one called upon even without him realizing it. I know of many cases where this has occurred and the people called upon have told me that they did not know that they were called upon, though those beseeching them for help saw their images and were convinced that it was the actual person. More than one person has mentioned that they called on me in times of distress, each telling a different story about how I have responded. When I told them that I never answered any of them nor did I know that they were calling on me, some said that it must have been an angel. I told them that angels do not benefit those committing SHIRK and that it was actually a devil trying to further misguide them.
Sometimes the Jinn will take the form of those admired and stand at 'Arafat, and those who believe well of him will think that he actually stood in 'Arafat. Many others have also been actually carried by the devils to 'Arafat and other sacred places. In such cases they pass the Meeqaat (boundaries that may not be crossed while on Hajj, around Makkah) without formally entering the state of Ihraam, or performing many of the obligatory rites of Hajj like making the Talbeeyah (chant of response to God's call) or circulating the Ka'bah, and walking between the mounts of Safaa and Marwah. Among them are some who do not even pass through Makkah, others who stand at 'Arafat without performing the pre-requisite rite of casting stones at the Jamaraat etc. It is by these and other similar feats that Satan leads seemingly pious people in misguidance. Sincere devotees among heretics are in this way enticed to do acts, which are prohibited (Haraam) or despised (Makrooh) in the religion. Satan is able to make such misdeeds appealing to them by convincing them that they are among the Karaamaat (supernatural or quasi-miraculous feats) of the righteous.
However they are, without a doubt, Satanic deceptions because Allaah cannot be worshipped by any religious injunction, which is neither compulsory (Waajib) nor recommended (Mustahabb). Whoever performs an act of worship, which is neither Waajib nor Mustahabb believing that it is, has been deceived by Satan. Even if it is decreed that such a person will be forgiven due to his good intention and striving, the act itself is still unacceptable to Allaah [An example may be seen in the mistaken belief held by some that a man's head must be covered while he is in formal prayer - Salaah - as is the case among Jews or that a woman's hair to be covered while reading the Qur'aan.
However, the Prophet saws did not order that it be done nor recommended it but merely followed the customs of his people during that time.]. Such acts are not among the things with which Allaah honors His pious servants who are close to Him, as there is no honor in performing prohibited (Haraam) or despised (Makrooh) acts [Such is the case of the celebration of the Prophet's saws birthday - 'Eed Meelaad an-Nabee - which probably began among ignorant Muslims trying to outdo or at least compete with the Christian’s celebrations of Christmas. Meelaad celebrations are a form of innovation - Bid'ah – in religion, which has been forbidden by the Prophet saws who said: "Whoever innovates in this affair of ours - i.e. Islaam - something which does not belong to it will be rejected. - Reported by 'Aa'eshah and collected by Al- Bukaaree and Muslim]. Divine honor lies in protecting one whom Allaah loves from such acts and preventing him from doing them. For, committing misdeeds debases one who does them and does not in any way favor him, even if he is not punished for doing them.
Doing despised or Haraam acts MUST decrease the spiritual level of both the one who does them as well as his followers who praise such acts and glorify him. For, heaping praise on prohibited and despised acts, and honoring the one who does them is definitely a form of deviation from the path of Allaah. The more and more a man innovates in the religion as a result of independent judgement (Ijtihaad), the further he becomes from Allaah, because innovation (Bid'ah) removes him from Allaah's path; the divine path of "those who Allah has blessed from among the prophets, the sincerely truthful, martyrs and righteous" [An-Nisaa 4:69] unto the path of "those with whom Allaah is angry and those who have gone astray" [Al- Faatihah 1:7].
Ibn Taymeeyah mentioned the following [This begins a segment from vol.35 of Ibn Taymeeyah's compendium, Majmoo' al-Fataawaa.] historical incident concerning al- Hallaaj [Al-Husain ibn Mansoor al-Hallaj (858-922 CE) studied under the eminent Sufi teachers of his time (Tustaree, 'Amr Makee and Junaid) then broke with them and went out into this world to preach asceticism and mysticism in Khurasan, Ahwaz, Fars, India and Turkistan.
On his return to Baghdad from Makkah in 908, many were attracted by his teachings, and disciples rapidly gathered around him. He taught that the five pillars of Islaam may be replaced by other works. He also taught about the existence of an uncreated Divine spirit (Rooh Naatiqah), which becomes united with the created spirit of the ascetic through desire of and submission to suffering.
In his teachings the Saint (Walee) became the living and personal witness of God (H.A.R. Gibb and J.H. Kramers, Encyclopedia of Islam, Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 1st ed., 1953, pp 127-80).
Consequently he stated in his book: "If you do not recognize God, at least recognize His sign, I am the creative truth -Ana al-Haqq-, because through the truth, I am eternal truth. My friends and teachers are Iblees (Satan) and Pharaoh.
Iblees was threatened with Hellfire yet he did not recant. Pharaoh was drowned in the sea, yet he did not recant, for he would not acknowledge anything between him and God (i.e. Hallaaj felt that Iblees' refusal to prostrate to Aadam and Pharaoh's statement "I am your Lord, most High" were correct!). And, I, though, I am killed and crucified and though my hands and feet are cut off; I do not recant." - Kitaab al-Tawaaseen, Massignon Press, Paris, 1913, vi, 32.
The leading scholars from all orthodox schools of Islamic law as well as the leading Shi'ite scholars and some of his former Sufi teachers declared him a heretic and he was subsequently executed due to his refusal to retract his claim to be the personification of God on earth.] And a group of his followers, "Some of them requested some sweets from al- Hallaaj, so he got up and went to a spot a short distance away, then returned with a plateful of sweets. It was later discovered that it had been stolen from a candy shop in Yemen and carried by a devil to that area."
Ibn Taymeeyah went on to say, "Incidents similar to this have happened to others who, like al Hallaaj, also achieved the pinnacle of satanic states, and we know of quite a few such people in our time as well as other times. For instance, there is a person presently residing in Damascus whom the devil used to carry from the Saaliheeyah mountain to villages around Damascus. He would appear out of the air and enter the windows of houses in which people were gathered to witness his 'miraculous entrance.'"
Ibn Taymeeyah also quoted another mystic master who admitted that he used to fornicate with women and sodomise young boys. The former mystic master said, "A black dog ["Abu Dharr reported: The Messenger of Allaah said: 'When any one of you stands for prayer it should be towards something that shields him equivalent (in height) to the back of a saddle, otherwise his prayer will be broken by passing of a donkey, a woman or a black dog.' I asked 'O Abu Dharr, what is the difference between a black dog, a red dog and tan-colored dog?' He replied, 'O son of my brother, I also asked Allaah's Messenger as you are asking me, and he said: 'The black dog is a devil.'" (Saheeh Muslim and all other in the six Saheeh books with the exception of Saheeh al- Bukhaaree)] with two white spots between his eyes would come to me and say, 'Verily such and such a person has made an oath by you and he will come to you tomorrow to inform you about it. I have already fulfilled his need for your sake.'
[When questioned during his trial, the infamous New York City mass murderer of the seventies, "Son of Sam", claimed that a dog used to come in backyard of his house and tell him to kill his victims. It was assumed by the court and his psychiatrists that he was mentally deranged and the dog a figment of his imagination.] The person would then come to him the next day and the Sufi master would reveal the details of his oath to him and how it was fulfilled.
The Sufi master went on to say, 'I used to walk about the city and a black pole with a light on top of it would lead the way.'
" Ibn Taymeeyah said, "When the Sufi master repented and began to pray, fast, and avoid the forbidden, the black dog went away."
He also narrated the following about another mystic master who had the aid of devils whom he would dispatch to possess people: "When the family of the possessed would come to him seeking a cure, he would send a message to his demon companion and they would leave the possessed persons, as a result, the Shaykh would be given many dirhams for his services. Sometimes the Jinn would bring him dirhams and food, which they stole from people, so much so that the Shaykh would request dates from his devils and they would take them from beehives in which some people had hidden their dates. When the beehive owners would look for their dates they would find them gone."
About yet another mystic, Ibn Taymeeyah relates, "There was a Shaykh knowledgeable in the religious sciences and Qur'anic recitation to whom the devils came and eventually managed to seduce. They told him that Salaah was no longer required of him and that they would bring him whatever he wished. As soon as he complied with their wishes, they began to bring him a variety of sweets and fruit. This continued until he was advised to repent by some scholars that he visited who were firmly following the Sunnah. He subsequently repented and repaid the owners of the sweets for what he ate while under the influence of the JINN." He then went on to say, "Many of those who call on Shaykhs in time of need saying, 'O master so and so, or Shaykh so and so, fulfill my need' have seen an image of the Shaykh saying, 'I will fulfill your need and put your heart at ease,' then it fulfills their needs or repels their enemies.
In such cases it is a devil taking the Shaykh's form when they committed Shirk by associating partners with Allaah and calling on others beside Him."
Ibn Taymeeyah then went on to enumerate similar instances involving himself saying, "I know of many such incidences even among a group of my companions who called on me in times when they were struck by calamities. One was afraid of the Romans and another of the Tatars. Both of them mentioned that they called out to me, they saw me in the air and I repelled their enemies for them. I informed them that I did not hear their cries no did I repel their enemies. It was a devil taking my appearance to seduce them when they associated partners with Allaah the Almighty. Similar incidents have also happened to the students of my contemporaries among the scholars, whereby some of their students have sought refuge in them and have seen them fulfill their needs. The scholars have also denied doing so and indicated that it was in fact the work of devils." [Majmoo' Al-Fataawaa, Vol. 35, pp. 112-116]
In another book, Ibn Taymeeyah said, "I know people whom the plants greet and inform them of their beneficial ingredients, however it is, in fact, Satan who has entered the plants and spoken to them. I also know of others to whom stones and trees speak saying, "Congratulations, Oh friend of Allaah" and when the people recite Aayatul-Kursee it stops. I am acquainted with yet others who have gone bird-hunting and the sparrows addressed them saying, "Take me so that the poor may eat me." Such are cases of the evil JINN possessing the birds in the same way that others who, while in their house with the doors and vice versa [Many of those in our times who have claimed what is known as 'out- of-body experiences' or 'astral-travel' have recorded in vivid detail incidences similar to those mentioned by Ibn Taymeeyah. Others have met beings, which claimed to be guides, guardian spirits or their higher selves. However, the common thought which links most of these experiences is the ultimate expression of idolatry: that man is God, as was expressed by Al-Hallaaj and countless others before and after him.] He may even be taken through the closed city gates and back again swiftly by the JINN. Lights may shine on him or someone looking like his friend may call on him but, if he recites Aayatul-Kursee continually, it will all disappear." He also said, "Some mystics have also said that the JINN showed them something shiny like water and glass in which images or pictures of whatever they sought information would appear and they in turn would inform people." Ibn Taymeeyah mentioned other instances and then concluded by saying, "This is a so vast a topic that if I were to mention all that I knew, it would fill a very large volume." [Ibn Taymeeyah, Al-Furqaan Bayna Awliyaa ar-
Rahmaan wa Awliyaa ash-Shaytaan, pp. 87-92]
HOW TO PROTECT FROM JINN
"Whoever is of sound character and claims to have seen the jinn, his testimony is no longer valid, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
'Verily, he and Qabeeluhu (his soldiers from the jinn or his tribe) see you from where you cannot see them' [al-A'raaf 7:27]
-unless he is a Prophet." (Ahkaam al-Qur'aan, 2/195, 196)
Ibn Hazm said:
"The jinn are real, and they are creatures created by Allaah. Among them are kaafirs and believers. They can see us but we cannot see them. They eat, have children and die. Allaah says (interpretation of the meanings):
'O you assembly of jinn and Mankind!' [al-An'aam 6:130]
'And the jinn, We created aforetime from the smokeless flame of fire' [al-Hijr 15:27]
'"And of us some are Muslims (who have submitted to Allaah, after listening to this Qur'aan), and of us some are Al Qaasitoon (disbelievers those who have deviated from the Right Path)'. And whosoever has embraced Islam (i.e. has become a Muslim by submitting to Allaah), then such have sought the Right Path.
And as for the Qaasitoon (disbelievers who deviated from the Right Path), they shall be firewood for Hell"'[al-Jinn 72:14-15]
'Verily, he and Qabeeluhu (his soldiers from the jinn or his tribe) see you from where you cannot see them'[al- A'raaf 7:27]
'Will you then take him (Iblees) and his offspring as protectors and helpers rather than Me'[al-Kahf 18:50]
'Whatsoever is on it (the earth) will perish'[al-Rahmaan 55:26]
'Everyone shall taste death'[Aal 'Imraan 3:185]."
(al-Muhallaa, 1/34/35)
Hence what the questioner has seen may be just her imagination or an illusion, or it may be jinn appearing in a form other than that with which Allaah has created them.
Secondly:
With regard to the jinn harming humans, this is proven to happen and it does happen. Protection against that is attained by reciting Qur'aan and adhkaar (dhikr) prescribed in sharee'ah.
Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
"Undoubtedly the jinn can have a harmful effect on humans, and they could even kill them. They may harm a person by throwing stones at him, or by trying to terrify him, and other things that are proven in the Sunnah or indicated by real events.
It was reported that the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) gave permission to one of his Companions to go to his wife during one of the military campaigns - I think it was the campaign of al-Khandaq – as he was a young man who had recently got married. When he reached his house, he found his wife standing at the door, and he objected to that. She said to him, 'Go inside,' so he went inside and found a snake curled up on the bed. He had a spear with him, so he stabbed it with the spear until it died, and at the same instant as the snake died the man also died. It was not known which of them died first, the snake or the man. When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) heard of that, he forbade killing the harmless kinds of snakes that are found in houses, apart from those, which are maimed or are streaked and malignant.
This indicates that the jinn may attack humans, and that they may harm them, as is known from real-life events.
There are numerous reports, which indicate that a man may come to a deserted area, and a stone may be thrown at him, but he does not see anybody, or he may hear voices or a rustling sound like the rustling of trees, and other things that may make him feel distressed and scared. A jinn may also enter the body of a human, either because of love or with the intention of harming him, or for some other reason. This is indicated in the aayah (interpretation of the meaning):
'Those who eat Ribaa will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaytaan (Satan) leading him to insanity'[al-Baqarah 2:275]
In such cases, the jinn may speak from inside of that person and address the one who is reading verses from the Qur'aan over him; the reciter may take a promise from the jinn never to come back, and other things concerning which there are very many reports, which are widespread among the people.
So the protection which will prevent the evil of the jinn is for a person to recite that which is narrated in the Sunnah as being effective in providing protection, such as Aayat al-Kurisy, for if a person recites Aayat al-Kursiy at night, he will continue to have protection from Allaah, and no shaytaan will come near him until morning. And Allaah is the Protector.'"
(Majmoo' Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen, 1/287-288)
The Sunnah mentions adhkhaar (dhikr) by means of which one may gain protection from the shayaateen (devils). These include:
1 - Seeking refuge with Allaah from the jinn:
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And if an evil whisper from Shaytaan (Satan) tries to turn you away (O Muhammad) (from doing good), then seek refuge in Allaah. Verily, He is the All Hearer, the All Knower"[Fussilat 41:36]
"And if an evil whisper comes to you from Shaytaan (Satan), then seek refuge with Allaah. Verily, He is All- Hearer, All-Knower" [al-A'raaf 7:200]
It was narrated from Sulaymaan ibn Sard that two men were trading insults in the presence of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon them), until the face of one of them turned red. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "I know a word which, if he were to say it, what he is suffering from would go away: 'A'oodhu Billaahi min al-Shaytaan il-rajeem (I seek refuge with Allaah from the accursed Shaytaan).'"
(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3108; Muslim, 2610)
2 - Reciting al-Mi'wadhatayn (the last two Soorahs of the Qur'aan, al-Falaq and al-Naas).
It was narrated that Abu Sa'eed al-Khudri (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: "The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to seek refuge with Allaah from the jinn and from the evil eye until the Mi'wadhatayn were revealed, and when they were revealed he started to recite them and not anything else."
(Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2058; he said it is hasan ghareeb. Also narrated by al-Nasaa'i, 5494: Ibn Maajah, 3511. The hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani (may Allaah have mercy on him) in Saheeh al-Jaami', 4905).
3 - Reciting Aayat al-Kursiy
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: "The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) put me in charge of guarding the zakaah of Ramadaan. Someone came to me and started grabbing handfuls of the food. I took hold of him and said, 'I will take you to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).' He said, 'I will teach you some words by means of which Allah will benefit you.' I said, 'What are they?' He said, 'When you go to your bed, recite this aayah (interpretation of the meaning): "Allaah! Laa ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), Al-Hayyul-Qayyoom (the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists)." [al-Baqarah 2:255] - until he completed the aayah. Then
Allaah will appoint a guard for you who will stay with you and no shaytaan (devil) will come near you until morning.'
The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) asked me, 'What did your prisoner do last night?' I said, 'O Messenger of Allaah, he taught me something, and claimed that Allaah would benefit me by it.' He said, 'What was it?' I said, 'He taught me to recite Aayat al-Kursiy when I go to bed, and said that no shaytaan would come near me until morning, and that Allaah would appoint a guard for me who would stay with me.' The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, 'He told you the truth, although he is an inveterate liar. That was the Shaytaan.'"
(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3101)
4 - Reciting Soorat al-Baqarah
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Do not make your houses like graves, for the Shaytaan runs away from a house in which Soorat al-Baqarah is recited."(Narrated by Muslim, 780)
5 - The last verses of Soorat al-Baqarah
It was narrated that Abu Mas'ood al-Ansaari said: "The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: 'Whoever recites the last two verses of Soorat al-Baqarah at night, that will suffice him.'" (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4723; Muslim, 807)
It was narrated from al-Nu'maan ibn Basheer (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Allaah inscribed a book two thousand years before He created the heavens and the earth, from which the last two aayahs of Soorat al-Baqarah were revealed. If they are recited for three nights, no shaytaan (devil)will remain in the house).
(Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2882. This hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami', 1799).
6 - Reciting "Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahu'l-mulk wa lahu'l-hamd wa huwa 'ala kulli shay'in qadeer (There is no god except Allaah Alone with no partner or associate; His is the Sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Able to do all things)" one hundred times.
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever says "Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahu'l-mulk wa lahu'l-hamd wa huwa 'ala kulli shay'in qadeer" one hundred times in the day, will have a reward equivalent to that of freeing ten slaves, one hundred hasanahs (good deeds) will be recorded for him, and one hundred sayi'ahs (bad deeds) will be erased from his record, and it will be protection for him from the Shaytaan for that day, until evening comes. No one could achieve any better than him except the one who does more than he did."
(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 31119; Muslim, 2691)
7 - Remembering Allaah often (dhikr)
It was narrated from al-Haarith al-Ash'ari that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Allah commanded Yahyaa ibn Zakariyah (peace be upon him) five things to follow and to enjoin upon the Children of Israel. and he commanded them to remember Allaah, and the likeness of that is a man who was being pursued by the enemy, until he reached a strong fortress in which he found protection; similarly a man cannot find protection from the Shaytaan except by remembering Allaah."
(Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2863; he said it is hasan saheeh. The hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami', 1724)
8 - The adhaan
It was narrated that Suhayl ibn Abi Saalih said: "My father sent me to Bani Haarithah, and there was with me a slave of ours, or a companion of ours. Someone called out his name from a garden, and the one who was with me looked into the garden and did not see anything. I mentioned that to my father, and he said, 'If I had known that this was going to happen to you, I would not have sent you. But if you hear a voice then make the call for prayer, for I heard Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) narrating that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "When the Shaytaan hears the call to prayer, he runs away fast."'"(Narrated by Muslim, 389).
The word translated here as "runs away fast" may also mean "farting."
9 - Reciting Qur'aan offers protection against the Shaytaan
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And when you (Muhammad) recite the Qur'aan, We put between you and those who believe not in the Hereafter, an invisible veil (or screen their hearts, so they hear or understand it not)[al-Israa' 17:45]
And Allaah knows best
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT JINN
Question:
-What is the difference between a shaytaan (devil) and a jinn?
-Do the shayaateen reproduce from males and females?
-Do the shayaateen interact with humans and serve them in return for the human's disobeying his Lord?
-Are there Muslim jinn who serve the Muslims as they served Sulaymaan (peace be upon him)?
-If the shayaateen or jinn are able to serve humans, then why do the Muslim jinn not help the Muslim humans in their wars against the kuffaar, and tell them their secrets and support Islam?
-Why do the kaafir jinn not help the kaafir humans in some way?
-Did any examples of such things happen at the time of the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)?
-If there are any books about such matters, please tell me about them so that I can be safe from the evil of the shayaateen.
May Allaah keep you and me safe from their evil.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
The shayaateen are from among the jinn; they are the rebellious ones and the most evil among them, just as the devils among mankind are the rebellious ones and the most evil among them. There are among the jinn, as is the case among mankind, devils who are the rebellious ones and the most evil, kaafirs and evildoers. There are also Muslims among them who are righteous and good. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And so We have appointed for every Prophet enemies - Shayaateen (devils) among mankind and jinn, inspiring one another with adorned speech as a delusion (or by way of deception). If your Lord had so willed, they would not have done it; so leave them alone with their fabrications" [al-'An'aam 6:112]
The Shaytaan is the father of the jinn according to many scholars. He is the one who disobeyed his Lord and was too proud to prostrate to Adam, so Allaah expelled him and banished him. Other scholars say that the Shaytaan was one of a group of angels who were called al-jinn; he was too proud to prostrate, so Allaah expelled him and banished him. He became the leader of every evildoer and wicked one, every kaafir and wrongdoer. Every person has a shaytaan and an angel with him, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
"There is no one among you but he has with him a constant companion (qareen) from among the jinn and a constant companion from among the angels." They said, "You too, O Messenger of Allaah?" He said, "Me too, but Allaah has helped me against him (the devil-companion) and he has become Muslim."
And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said that the Shaytaan inspires man to evil and calls man to evil. There are times when he has control over man's heart and can find out, by Allaah's decree, what a person intends to do of good or evil. There are also times when the angel has control over a person's heart. He makes him incline towards good and calls him to good. These are things that Allaah has enabled them to do, i.e., He has enabled the two companions, the jinn-companion and the angel-companion, to do these things. Even the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had a shaytaan with him, his constant companion (qareen) from among the jinn, as stated above, in the hadeeth, which says that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
"There is no one among you but he has with him a constant companion (qareen) from among the jinn and a constant companion from among the angels." They said, "You too, O Messenger of Allaah?" He said, "Me too, but Allaah has helped me against him (the devil-companion) and he has become Muslim."
The point is that every man has with him a companion from among the angels and a companion from among the shayateen. The believer suppresses his shaytaan by obeying Allaah and adhering steadfastly to His religion, so he humiliates his shaytaan until he becomes weak and unable to stop the believer doing good or make him fall into evil, except what Allaah wills. The sinner, by his disobedience and evil actions, gives his shaytaan the strength to make him do evil and encourages him to do evil, and discourage him from doing good. The believer has to fear Allaah and strive against his shaytaan by obeying Allaah and His Messenger, and seeking refuge with Allaah from the Shaytaan. And he should strive to help his angel by obeying Allaah and His Messenger and heeding the commands of Allaah.
The Muslims help their brothers among the jinn to obey Allaah and His Messenger just as they help their human brothers. Humans may help them in some matters without realizing it. They may help them to obey Allaah and His Messenger by teaching and reminding other humans, for the jinn may attend the lessons of humans in the mosques and elsewhere and benefit from them. Humans may also hear some things from the jinn, which benefit them; they may wake them up to pray or draw their attention to things, which may benefit them or harm them. All of this happens even though the jinn do not make themselves visible to humans. A jinn may make himself visible to some people when pointing them towards something good or something evil. This may happen, although it is rare. Usually they do not appear to humans, although their voices may be heard on some occasions when they wake a person for prayer or tell him of some things.
In conclusion, the believing jinn help the believers even though the believers may not realize it, and they love everything good for them. Similarly, believing humans love everything good for their believing brethren among the jinn, and they ask Allaah to give them everything good. They may attend lessons, and they love to listen to the Qur'aan and knowledge, as stated above. The believers among the jinn attend the lessons of humans, at some times and in some lands, and they benefit from the lessons of humans. All of this happens and is well known. This has been clearly stated by many of the scholars whom the jinn contacted and asked about some issues; they told them that they had attended their lessons. All of this is well known, and Allaah is the One Whose help we seek.
Allaah has told us that the jinn listened to the Qur'aan from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). At the end of Soorat al-Ahqaaf, He says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And (remember) when We sent towards you (Muhammad) a group (three to ten persons) of the jinn, (quietly) listening to the Qur'aan. 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'aan) sent down after Moosa (Moses), confirming what came before it, it guides to the truth and to the Straight Path (i.e. Islam)"
[al-Ahqaaf 46:29-30]
And Allaah revealed other aayahs in a separate soorah, where He says:
"Say (O Muhammad): "It has been revealed to me that a group (from three to ten in number) of jinn listened (to this Qur'aan). They said: 'Verily, we have heard a wonderful Recitation (this Qur'aan)!" [al-Jinn 72:1]
Many books have been written on this matter. Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) mentioned a great deal on this topic in his books. There is also a book by one of the scholars’ entitled al-Marjaan fi Bayaan Ahkaam al-Jaan, by al-Shibli, which is a useful book. There are other books written on this topic as well. You can look for them and ask for them in any bookstore. You could also read the books of Tafseer and learn from the commentary on Soorat al-Jinn and the other aayahs from Soorat al-Ahqaaf and elsewhere which speak of the jinn. You can learn a lot from what the mufassireen (may Allaah have mercy on them) said about the jinn, both the good and the bad among them.
Kitaab Majmoo' Fataawa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi'ah li Samaahat al-Shaykh al-'Allaamah 'Abd al-'Azeez ibn 'Abd- Allaah ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him), vol. 9, p. 373
Question:
-Can a jinn enter the body of a human?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Imaam Shaykh al-Islam said in his Fataawa after some introductory comments:
…For this reason, a group of the Mu'tazilah, such as al- Jabbaa'i, Abu Bakr al-Raazi and others, denied that the jinn enter the body of the epileptic, although they do not deny the existence of the jinn, because that is not as clearly mentioned in the reports narrated from the
Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) as their existence is mentioned. They were mistaken in this matter. Hence al-Ash'ari mentioned in Maqaalaat Ahl al- Sunnah wa'l-Jamaa'ah that they [Ahl al-Sunnah] believe that the jinn may enter the body of the epileptic, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
'Those who eat Riba will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaytaan (Satan) leading him to insanity.' [al-Baqarah 2:275]
'Abd-Allaah ibn al-Imaam Ahmad said: I told my father that some people claim that the jinn do not enter the body of a human. He said, O my son, they are lying, for a jinn may speak with the tongue of a person who is lying on his sick- bed. (Majmoo' Fataawa Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah, 19/12). He also said (may Allaah have mercy on him), in vol. 24 of his Fataawa (p. 276, 277):
"The existence of the jinn is proven by the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and by the consensus of the salaf and scholars of this ummah. Similarly, the fact that the jinn can enter human bodies is also proven by the consensus of the imaams of Ahl al-Sunnah wa'l-Jamaa'ah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
'Those who eat Riba will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaytaan (Satan) leading him to insanity.' [al-Baqarah 2:275]
In al-Saheeh it is narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: 'The Shaytaan flows through the son of Adam as his blood flows.
There is no one among the imaams of the Muslims who denies that the jinn enter the body of the epileptic. Whoever denies that and claims that Islam denies that is telling lies about the sharee'ah, for there is no evidence in sharee'ah to say that this is not the case."
From Majmoo' Fataawa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi'ah li Samaahat al-Shaykh 'Abd al-'Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him), p. 60
Question:
Some people, when they want to pray against a person, say, "O jinn, seize him, O 'ifreet seize him; may seven (jinn) seize you, may they break your back and suck your blood." What is the ruling on such words?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
This is shirk, and is a type of seeking the help of the jinn. Some people do this because they have fear of the jinn in their hearts and they are afraid of their power, and because their hearts are devoid of sincere faith and trust in Allaah. So they are content with these illusions and they seek the help of created beings which are not able to bring benefit or ward off harm for themselves, let alone for anyone else.
When Shaykh 'Abd al-'Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked about this matter, he said:
"This is even more abhorrent than associating others in worship with Allaah. We must not do this, we must beware of it, we must advise others not to do it and we must denounce those who do it. If a person is known to commit such actions of shirk, it is not permissible to let him marry a Muslim woman, to eat meat slaughtered by him, to pray over him [the funeral prayer] or to pray behind him, until he announces his repentance to Allaah, which includes devoting his du'aa' and worship sincerely and purely to Allah alone."
(Iqaamat al-Baraaheen 'ala Hukm man istaghaatha bi ghayr Allaah, p. 30)
The Standing Committee for Academic Research and Issuing
Fatwas has issued a fatwa stating that:
"seeking the help of the jinn and turning to them to meet one's needs by harming someone or benefiting him is shirk, because it is a kind of worship directed to someone other than Allaah. It is a kind of benefiting from the jinn to fulfill one's needs, in return for which the jinn benefits by having the human's veneration and trust, and being called upon by him to fulfill his desires. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
'And on the Day when He will gather them (all) together (and say): "O you assembly of jinn! Many did you mislead of men," and their Awliyaa' (friends and helpers) amongst men will say: "Our Lord! We benefited one from the other, but now we have reached our appointed term which You did appoint for us." He will say: "The Fire be your dwelling place, you will dwell therein forever, except as Allaah may will. Certainly your Lord is All Wise, All Knowing."
And thus We do make the Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers) Awliyaa' (supporters and helpers) of one another (in committing crimes), because of that which they used to earn' [al-An'aam 6:128-129]
And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
'And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the males among the jinn, but they (jinn) increased them (mankind) in sin and transgression' [al-Jinn 72:6]
When a human seeks the help of the jinn, to cause harm to another or to protect him from the evil of one whose evil he fears, all of this is shirk, and whoever is in this state, his prayer and fasting mean nothing. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"If you join others in worship with Allaah, (then) surely, (all) your deeds will be in vain, and you will certainly be among the losers" [al-Zumar 39:65]
Whoever is known to do such things, cannot be prayed over if he dies, his funeral cannot be attended, and he cannot be buried in the Muslim graveyard."
(Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa'imah, 1/407-408)
The jaahili (ignorant) nature of their seeking the help of the jinn and putting their trust in them is highlighted in the words of shirk that they utter, such as:
"By the help of Allaah and you; I am under Allaah's care and yours; I have no one except Allaah and you; I am Allaah's slave and yours; I put my trust in Allaah and in you; this is from Allaah and from you; I have Allaah in heaven and you on earth," etc.
Undoubtedly these phrases are expressions of shirk, because they make a created being the rival of the Creator. Exalted be our Lord far above that.
They even call upon Jibreel (peace be upon him) and Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) instead of Allaah, by uttering words of ignorance such as, "O Jibreel, help me," and "O Muhammad, intercede for me." And Allaah is the One Whose help we seek.
Aadaat wa alfaaz tukhaalif Deen Allaah by Dr. Muhammad ibn
Sa'eed al-Qahtaani
Question:
I have heard many stories about the jinn kidnapping human beings. I read a story, which said that a man of the Ansaar (may Allaah be pleased with him) went out to pray 'Ishaa' and the jinn took him prisoner and he was lost for years. Is this possible - I mean that the jinn could kidnap a human being?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
With regard to the question of possibility, it is possible, but it is very rare. Shaykh 'Abd-Allaah ibn Jibreen (may Allaah preserve him) answered this question as follows:
That is possible. It is well known that Sa'd ibn 'Ubaadah was killed by the jinn when he urinated in a hole in which was their dwelling place, and they said, "We have killed the leader of Khazraj Sa'd ibn 'Ubaadah; we struck him with an arrow and we did not miss his heart."
At the time of 'Umar, a man was kidnapped by the jinn and stayed with them for four years, then he came back and told the people that some mushrik jinn had kidnapped him, and he stayed with them as a prisoner, then some Muslim jinn launched a campaign against them and defeated them, and brought him back to his family. This was mentioned in Manaar al-Sabeel and elsewhere.
(See Manaar al-Sabeel, 2/88. The story of the kidnapped man was reported by al-Bayhaqi (7/445-446) and its isnaad was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Irwaa', 6/150, no.
1709).
Question:
In the last few days a controversy has arisen concerning the matter of jinn entering human bodies. Some say that this is rationally impossible, because of the difference in the essences from which they were created, as man was created from clay and the jinn from fire. It has also been said that the shayaateen (devils) have no power other than waswaas (insinuating whispers) and that Allaah has not given them any power over man. And it is said that the recorded tapes that are in circulation (recordings of jinn supposedly speaking through people) are no proof of anything. What is your response to all this?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
The fact that jinn can enter human bodies is proven in the Qur'aan and Sunnah, and by the consensus of Ahl al-Sunnah wa'l-Jamaa'ah, and by real-life events. No one disputes this apart from the Mu'tazilah who give priority to their own rational analysis over the evidence of the Qur'aan and Sunnah. We will mention a little about this below:
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Those who eat Ribaa will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaytaan (Satan) leading him to insanity. That is because they say: 'Trading is only like Ribaa'." [al- Baqarah 2:275]
Al-Qurtubi said in his Tafseer (part 3, p. 355): "This aayah is proof that those people are wrong who deny that epilepsy is caused by the jinn and claim that its causes are only physical, and that the Shaytaan does not enter people or cause madness."
Ibn Katheer said in his Tafseer (part 1, p. 32), after mentioning the aayah quoted above: "They will not rise from their graves on the Day of Resurrection except like the way in which the epileptic rises during his seizure, when he is beaten by the Shaytaan. This is because they will rise in a very bad state. Ibn 'Abbaas said: the one who consumes ribaa will rise on the Day of Resurrection crazy and choking."
According to a saheeh hadeeth narrated by al-Nasaa'i from Abu'l-Yusr, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to pray: "Allaahumma innee a'oodhu bika min al-taraddi wa'l-haram wa'l-gharaq wa'l-harq, wa a'oodhu bika an yatakhabatani al-shaytaan 'ind al-mawt ( O Allaah, I seek refuge with You from being thrown from a high place, old age, drowning and burning; and I seek refuge with You from being beaten by the Shaytaan at the time of death)." Commenting on this hadeeth in Al-Fayd (part 2, p.148), al- Manaawi said: "[The phrase] 'and I seek refuge with You from being beaten by the Shaytaan at the time of death' means, lest he should wrestle with me and play with me, and damage my religious commitment or mental state (at the time of death) by means of his insinuating whispers which cause people to slip or lose their minds. The Shaytaan could take control of a person when he is about to depart this world, and misguide him or stop him from repenting."
Ibn Taymiyah (Majmoo' al-Fataawa, 42/276) said: "The fact that jinn can enter human bodies is proven by the consensus of Ahl al-Sunnah wa'l-Jamaa'ah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 'Those who eat Ribaa will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaytaan (Satan) leading him to insanity. That is because they say: 'Trading is only like Ribaa'.' [al-Baqarah 2:275]. And in as-Saheeh it is narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: 'The Shaytaan flows through the son of Adam as the blood flows through his veins.'"
'Abd-Allaah ibn al-Imaam Ahmad ibn Hanbal said; "I said to my father, 'There are some people who say that the jinn do not enter the body of the epileptic.' He said: 'O my son, they are lying; the jinn could speak through this person.'" Commenting on this, Ibn Qudaamah said: "What he said is well known, because a person may suffer an epileptic seizure and speak in a language that no one understands, and his body may be beaten with blows that would fell a camel, but the epileptic does not feel them at all, and he is also unaware of the words he is saying. The epileptic and others may be dragged about, or the carpet on which he is sitting may be pulled, and utensils may be moved about from place to place, and other things may happen. Anyone who witnesses such a thing will know for sure that the one who is speaking through the person and moving these things is not human." And he said, may Allaah have mercy on him: "There is no one among the imaams of the Muslims who denies that jinn may enter the body of the epileptic and others. Anyone who denies that and claims that Islam denies it is lying about Islam. There is nothing in the proofs of sharee'ah to show that it does not happen."
So the fact that jinn may enter human bodies is proven in the Qur'aan and Sunnah, and by the consensus of Ahl al- Sunnah wa'l-Jamaa'ah, some of whose comments we have quoted above.
As regards the aayah (interpretation of the meaning): "but they could not thus harm anyone except by Allaah's Leave" [al-Baqarah 2:102], this is undoubtedly a clear indication that the jinn cannot harm anyone through witchcraft or epilepsy or through any other kind of disturbance or misguidance, except with the permission of Allaah. As al- Hasan al Basri said: "Whomever Allaah wills, He gives them power over him, and whomever He does not will, He does not give them power over him, and they cannot do anything to anyone except with the permission of Allaah." The Shaytaan (who is the disbelieving jinn) may gain power over the believers by making them sin and by making them neglect the remembrance and Tawheed of Allaah and sincerity in worshipping Him. But he has no power over the righteous slaves of Allaah, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Verily, My slaves (i.e. the true believers of Islamic Monotheism) - you have no authority over them. And All- Sufficient is your Lord as a Guardian" [al-Israa' 17:65]
During the Jaahiliyyah the Arabs were well aware of this and mentioned it in their poetry. For example, the poet al- A'shaa likened his she-camel's energy to that of one who was touched by the jinn, and said that it was the jinn who was giving her her energy.
As regards the causes of epilepsy, Ibn Taymiyah explained (in Majmoo' al-Fataawa, 19/39) the causes. He said: "When the jinn touch a person with epilepsy, it may be because of desire or love, just as happens between one human and another. or it may - as is usually the case - be because of hatred and punishment, such as when a person has harmed them or they think that he has harmed them deliberately, either by urinating on them or pouring hot water on them or killing them, even if the person did that unknowingly. There are ignorant and wrongdoing ones among the jinn who may punish a person more than he deserves, or they may be playing with him and mistreating him, like foolish people among mankind."
And I say: the way to save oneself from this is to remember Allaah and speak His Name at the beginning of all things, as it was reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to mention Allaah in many cases, such as when eating, drinking, mounting his riding- beast, taking off his clothes for any reason, having intercourse and so on.
As regards treatment (of one whose body has been entered by the jinn), Ibn Taymiyah said (Majmoo' al-Fataawa, 19/42): "When the jinn attack a person, they should be told of the rulings of Allaah and His Messenger, proof should be established against them, and they should be commanded to do what is good and told not to do what is evil, just as should be done in the case of people, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 'And We never punish until We have sent a Messenger (to give warning)' [al-Israa' 17:15]." Then he said: "If the jinn does not leave after being addressed in this manner, then it is permissible to rebuke him, tell him off, threaten him and curse him, as the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did with the Shaytaan when he came with a falling star to throw it in his face, and the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "I seek refuge with Allaah from you and I curse you with the curse of Allaah" - three times. (Narrated by al-Bukhaari).We may also seek help against the jinn by remembering Allaah (dhikr) and reciting Qur'aan, especially Aayat al-Kursi. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever recites it will remain under the protection of Allaah and no shaytaan (devil) will be able to approach him until the morning." (Narrated by al-Bukhaari). And al-Mi'wadhatayn (the last two soorahs of the Qur'aan) may also be recited.
As for psychiatrists who do not treat the epileptic in the manner described, they cannot do him any good at all.
This issue may be discussed in much more detail, but what we have said here is sufficient for those who want to know a little about this matter, Praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the Worlds.
Masaa'il wa rasaa'il, Muhammad Mahmoud al-Najdi, p. 23
Question:
I spoke with this guy who’s know to e have some powers to talk with Jinn I guess Muslim ones), and he told me some stuff about me. Those people use words, phrases from Quran to control Jinn. What you think about those people? And is it ok to speak with them. And those people ( Ahl el-Ketab ) who are they? Frankly, I read books, they mention how to make (TAWEEZ), and how to control Jinn, and see angles, and these books use Quran´s words I like to know more about this... I live away from my family for some years, I faced many problems, and Allah helped me to solve them... I have some (stupid) love problem, I need to talk with someone who can really tell me about it… And how to solve it…
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
It is possible to talk to the jinn, but finding about unseen matters and what is in people's hearts is haraam. Usually those who use words and phrases of the Qur'aan in order to gain control over the jinn use ways that are not Islamic. Using the jinn is a power that was given only to Sulaymaan (peace be upon him). Hence when the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) wanted to tie up a jinn whom he had overcome during his prayer, he remembered the du'aa' of Sulayman and did not do that.
So you should try to advise these people and if they respond, all well and good; otherwise the safest thing to do is to leave them alone and not speak to them.
Ahl al-Kitaab (the People of the Book) are the Jews and Christians.
It is OK to speak with the jinn if this happens without you seeking it, and in fact it is mustahabb to call them to the religion of Allaah and to adhere to His sharee'ah, just as you call people. It is not advisable to read books or to recite Qur'aan for this purpose, because the Qur'aan was not revealed for such things; it was revealed to be a light and a guide in the life of the Muslim, so that the Muslim can follow it, obeying its commandments and avoiding that which it forbids.
With regard to the angels, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and other prophets saw them, and some of the awliyaa' (close friends of Allaah) spoke with them, as it was reported from 'Imraan ibn Husayn (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the angels used to greet him with salaam until he started to use branding (cauterization for medical purposes), then they stopped. When he stopped using branding, they started to greet him again. And Allaah knows best.
Shaykh 'Abd al-Kareem al-Khudayri
STORY OF PROPHET SULAIMAN
Prophet Solomon (Sulaiman)
Solomon inherited David's prophet hood and dominion. This was not a material inheritance, as prophets do not bequeath their property. It is given away to the poor and needy, not to their relatives. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: "The prophets' property will not be inherited, and whatever we leave is to be used for charity." (Sahih Al-Bukhari).
And indeed We gave knowledge to David and Solomon, and they both said: "All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has preferred us above many of His believing slaves!"
And Solomon inherited (the knowledge of) David. He said: "O mankind! We have been taught the language of birds, and on us have been bestowed all things. This, verily, is an evident grace (from Allah)."
And there were gathered before Solomon his hosts of jinns and men, and birds, and they were all set in battle order (marching forwards). (Ch 27: 15-17 Quran).
After his father's death, Solomon became king. He begged Allah for a kingdom such as none after him would have, and Allah granted his wish. Besides wisdom, Allah had blessed Solomon with many abilities. He could command the winds and understand and talk to birds and animals. Allah directed him to teach both men and jinns to mine the earth and extract its minerals to make tools and weapons. He also favored him with a mine of copper, which was a rare metal in those days.
During his time horses were the common mode of transportation. They were very essential for defense, to carry soldiers and cart provisions and weapons of war. The animals were well cared for and well trained. One day Solomon was reviewing a parade of his stable. The fitness, beauty and posture of the horses fascinated him so much that he kept on stroking and admiring them. The sun was nearly setting, and the time for the middle prayer was passing by. When he realized this, he exclaimed: "I surely love the finer things of life than the service of my Lord! Return them to me."
Almighty Allah revealed: And to David We gave Solomon. How excellent a slave! Verily, he was ever oft returning in repentance (to Us)!
When there were displayed before him, in the afternoon, well-trained horses of the highest breed (for jihad in Allah's cause). And he said: "Alas! I did love the good (these horses) instead of remembering my Lord (in my 'Asr prayer)" till the time was over, and the sun had hidden in the veil of the night. Then he said: "Bring them (horses) back to me." Then he began to pass his hand over their legs and their necks (till the end of the display).
And indeed We did try Solomon and We placed on his throne Jasadan (a devil, so he lost his kingdom for a while) but he did return (to his throne and kingdom by the Grace of Allah and he did return) to Allah with obedience and in repentance. He said: "My Lord! Forgive me, and bestow upon me a kingdom such as shall not belong to any other after me. Verily, You are the Bestower."
So, We subjected to him the wind, it blew gently to his order whithersoever he willed, and also the devils from the jinns including every kind of builder and diver, and also other bound in fetters. (Saying of Allah to Solomon): "This is Our gift, so spend you or withhold, no account will be asked." And verily, he enjoyed a near access to Us, and a good final return Paradise. (Ch38:30-40 Quran).
One day Solomon gathered his army, which had different battalions of men, jinns, birds, and animals. He marched them to the country of Askalon.
While they were passing through a valley, an ant saw the approaching army and cried out to warn the other ants: "Run to your homes! Otherwise, unaware, Solomon and his army might crush you!" Solomon, hearing the cry of the ant, smiled. He was glad that the ant knew him to be a prophet who would not intentionally harm Allah's creation. He thanked Allah for saving the ants' lives.
Allah the Almighty narrated: And there were gathered before Solomon his hosts of jinns and men, and birds, and they all were set in battle order (marching forwards). Till, when they came to a valley of the ants, one of the ants said: "O ants! Enter your dwellings, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you, while they perceive not."
So he (Solomon) smiled, amused at her speech and said: "My Lord! Inspire and bestow upon me the power and ability that I maybe grateful for Your Favors which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds that will please You, and admit me by Your Mercy among Your righteous slaves." (Ch 27:17-19 Quran).
In Jerusalem, on a huge rock, Solomon built a beautiful temple to draw the people to worship Allah. Today this building is known as "The Dome of the Rock." From there, a large band of followers joined Solomon on pilgrimage to the Holy Mosque in Mecca. After they had completed their hajj, they traveled to Yemen and arrived in the city of San'a. Solomon was impressed by their clever method of channeling water all over their cities. He was keen to build similar water systems in his own country but did not have enough springs.
He set out to find the hoopoe bird, which could detect water under the ground. He sent signals all over the hoopoe to call on him, but it was nowhere to be found. In anger, he declared that unless the bird had a good reason for its absence, he would punish it severely.
The hoopoe eventually came to Solomon and explained the reason for its delay. "I have discovered something of which you are not aware. I have come from Sheba (Sab'a) with important news." Solomon became curious, and his anger subsided. The bird continued: "Sab'a is ruled by a queen named Bilkis (Bilqis), who has plenty of everything, including a splendid throne. But in spite of all this wealth, Satan has entered her heart and the hearts of her people. She rules their minds completely. I was shocked to learn that they worship the sun instead of Allah the Almighty."
To check the hoopoe's information, Solomon sent a letter to the queen with the bird. He instructed the bird to remain hidden and to watch everything.
The hoopoe dropped the letter in front of the queen and flew away to hide. She excitedly opened and read it: "Verily! It is from Solomon, and verily! It reads: 'In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, and Most Merciful; be you not exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit with full submission).'" ( Ch 27:30-31 Quran).
The queen was very disturbed and hurriedly summoned her advisors. They reacted as to a challenge, for they felt that there was someone challenging them, hinting at war and defeat, and asking them to submit to his conditions.
They told her that they could only offer advice, but it was her right to command action. She sensed that they wanted to meet Solomon's invasion threat with a battle. However, she told them: "Peace and friendship are better and wiser; war only brings humiliation, enslaves people and destroys the good things. I have decided to send gifts to Solomon, selected from our most precious treasure. The courtiers who will deliver the gifts will also have an opportunity to learn about Solomon and his military mighty."
Solomon's reconnaissance team brought him the news of the arrival of Bilkis' messengers with a gift. He immediately realized that the queen had sent her men on a probing mission thus, he gave orders to rally the army. The envoys of Bilqis, entering amidst the well-equipped army, realized that their wealth was nothing in comparison to that of the kingdom of Solomon's palace floors, which were made of sandalwood and inlaid with gold.
They noticed Solomon surveying his army, and they were surprised at the number and variety of soldiers, which included lions, tigers, and birds. The messengers stood in amazement, realizing that they were in front of an irresistible army.
The envoys marveled at the splendor surrounding them. They eagerly presented their queen's precious gifts and told Solomon that the queen wished that he would accept them as an act of friendship. They were shocked by his reaction: he did not even ask to open the covers of the containers! He told them: "Allah has given me plenty of wealth, a large kingdom, and prophet hood. I am, therefore, beyond bribery. My only objective is to spread the belief in Tawheed, the Oneness of Allah."
He also directed them to take back the gifts to the queen and to tell her that if she did not stop her kind of worship he would uproot her kingdom and drive its people out of the land.
The queen's envoys returned with the gifts and delivered the message. They also told her of the wonderful things they had seen. Instead of taking offense, she decided to visit Solomon. Accompanied by her royal officials and servants, she left Sheba, sending a messenger ahead to inform Solomon that she was on her way to meet him.
Solomon asked the jinns in his employ whether anyone among them could bring her throne to he palace before she arrived. One of them said; "I will bring it to you before this sitting is over." Solomon did not react to this offer; it appeared that he was waiting for a faster means. The jinns competed with each other to please him. One of them named Ifrit said: "I will fetch it for you in the twinkling of an eye!"
No sooner had this one - who had the knowledge of the Book - finished his phrase than the throne stood before Solomon. The mission had, indeed, been completed in the blinking of an eye. Solomon's seat was in Palestine, and the throne of Bilqis had been in Yemen, two thousand miles away. This was a great miracle performed by one of those sitting with Solomon.
When Bilqis arrived at Solomon's palace, she was welcomed with pomp and ceremony. Then, pointing to the altered throne, Solomon asked her whether her throne looked like that one. She looked at it again and again. In her mind she was convinced that her throne could not possibly be the one she was looking at, as hers was in her palace; et, she detected a striking similarity and replied: "It is as if it were the very one, and resembles mine in every respect." Solomon judged that she was intelligent and diplomatic. He then invited her into the great hall, the floor of which was laid in glass and shimmering. Thinking it was water, as she stepped on the floor, she lifted her skirt slightly above her heels, for fear of wetting it. Solomon pointed out to her that it was made of solid glass.
She was amazed. She had never seen such things before. Bilqis realized that she was in the company of a very knowledgeable person who was not only a ruler of a great kingdom but a messenger of Allah, as well. She repented, gave up sun worship, accepted the faith of Allah, and asked her people to do the same.
It was finished; Bilqis saw her people's creed fall apart before Solomon. She realized that the sun which her people worshipped was nothing but one of Allah's creatures.
The sun eclipsed within her for the first time, and her heart was lit by a never fading light, the light of Islam. Almighty Allah told us this story in the Quran: He inspected the birds, and said: "What is the matter that I see not a hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees? I will surely punish him with a severe torment, or slaughter him, unless he brings me a clear reason."
But the hoopoe stayed not long, he came up and said: "I have grasped (the knowledge of a thing) which you have not grasped and I have come to you from Sheba with true news. I found a woman ruling over them, and she has been given all things that could be possessed by any ruler of the earth, and she has a great throne. I found her and her people worshipping the sun instead of Allah, and Satan has made their deeds fair seeming to them, and has barred them from Allah's Way, so they have no guidance."
Al-La (this word has two interpretations) [As Satan has barred them from Allah's Way} so that they do not worship (prostrate before) Allah, or so that they may worship (prostrate before) Allah, Who brings light to what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what you conceal and what you reveal. Allah, La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Lord of the Supreme Throne!
(Solomon) said: "We shall see whether you speak the truth or you are one of the liars. Go with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them, then draw back from them, and see what answer they return."
She said: "O chiefs! Verily! Here is a delivered to me a noble letter. Verily! It is from Solomon and verily! It (reads): 'In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful; Be you not exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit to Allah with full submission)."
She said: "O chiefs! Advise me in this case of mine. I decide no case till you are present with me."
They said: "We have great strength, and great ability for war, but it is for you to command; so think over what you will command."
She said: "Verily! Kings, when they enter a town (country), they despoil it, and make the most honorable amongst its people low. And thus they do. But verily! I am going to send him a present, and see with what answer the messengers return."
So when (the messengers with the present) came to Solomon, he said: "Will you help me in wealth? What Allah has given me is better than that which He has given you! Nay, you rejoice in your gift!" (Then Solomon said to the chief of her messengers who brought the present): "Go back to them. We verily shall come to them with hosts that they cannot resist, and we shall drive them out from there is disgrace, and they will be abased."
He said: "O chiefs! Which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me surrendering themselves in obedience?"
An Ifrit (strong) from the jinns said: "I will bring it to you before you rise from your place (council). And verily, I am indeed strong, and trustworthy 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 Solomon saw it placed before him, he said: "This is by the Grace of my Lord, to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! And whoever is grateful, truly, his gratitude is for the good of his ownself, and whoever is ungrateful; he is ungrateful only for the loss of his ownself. Certainly! My Lord is Rich (Free of all wants), Bountiful!"
He said: "Disguise her throne for her that we may see whether she will be guided (to recognize her throne), or she will be one of those not guided."
So when she came, it was said to her: "Is your throne like this?"
She said: "It is as though it was the very same."
And Solomon said: "Knowledge was bestowed on us before her, and we were submitted to Allah (in Islam as Muslims before her)."
And that which she used to worship besides Allah has prevented her from Islam, for she was of a disbelieving people.
It was said to her: "Enter As-Sarh" (a glass surface with water underneath it) or a palace, but when she saw it, she thought it was a pool, and she tucked up her clothes, uncovering her legs.
Solomon said: "Verily, it is Sarh paved smooth with slab of glass."
She said: "My Lord! Verily, I have wronged myself, and I submit (in Islam), together with Solomon, to Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinns, and all that exists)." (Ch 27:20-44 Quran)
Solomon's public work was largely carried out by the jinns. This was a punishment for their sins of making people believe that they were all-powerful, knew the unseen, and could foresee the future. As a prophet, it was Solomon's duty to remove such false beliefs from his followers.
Solomon lived amidst glory, and all creatures were subjected to him. Then Allah the Exalted ordained for him to die. His life and death were full of wonders and miracles; thus, his death harmonized with his life and glory. His death, like his life, was unique. The people had to learn that the future is known neither by the jinns, nor by the prophets, but by Allah alone. Solomon's effort in this direction did not end with his life, for even his death became an example. He was sitting holding his staff, overseeing the jinns at work in a mine. He died sitting in this position. For a long time no one was aware of his death, for he was seen sitting erect. The jinns continued with their sand toil, thinking that Solomon was watching over them.
Many days later, a hungry ant began nibbling Solomon's staff. It continued to do so, eating the lower part of the staff, until it fell out of Solomon's hand, and his great body fell to the ground. People hurried to him, realizing that he had died a long time ago and that the jinns did not perceive the unseen, for had the jinns known the unseen, they would not have kept working, thinking that Solomon was alive.
Allah the Exalted revealed: And We caused a fount of molten brass to flow for him, and there were jinns that worked in front of him by the Leave of his Lord, and whosoever of them turned aside from Our Command, We shall cause him to taste of the torment of the blazing Fire.
They worked for him what he desired, (making) high rooms, images, basins as large as reservoirs, and (making) cauldrons fixed (in their places). "Work you, O family of David, with thanks!" But few of My slaves are grateful.
Then when we decreed death for him (Solomon), nothing informed them (jinns) of his death except a little worm of the earth, which kept slowly gnawing away at his stick, so when he fell down, the jinns saw clearly that if they had known the unseen, they would not have stayed in the humiliating torment. (Ch 34:12-14 Quran).
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