:
I have written this at the best of my present ability to give you all of the proper tools you need
to successfully accomplish the practise of doing Ruqyah. This is a very serious subject that
deserves much elaboration on its different branches of neccessary knowledge. Learning about
Ruqyah is a special and very fulfiling part of ones life. With the proper knowledge of it you
can by the permission of Allah help your self and others from the unneccesary oppression
of jinn, demons, sihr, envy, regular sickness and poision. I ask you to please read everything
even if you are already familiar with the material as it is always a good idea to refresh your
memory every so often to ensure that you are at your best mental capacity.
Allah says interpretation of the Quran:
“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” Quran 3:134
“And the men and women who remember Allah frequently, Allah has prepared for them
forgiveness and a great reward.” Quran 33:35
The issue of seeking treatment from spiritual warfare with prayer is called ruqyah. Ruqyah
with the Qur’an is a very serious one requiring frank discussion, due to the fact that a number
of innovations and superstitions that have no support in the Qur’an, the Sunnah of the Prophet(صلى الله عليه و سلم).
[sallallhu alayhi wa sallam(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (SAWS)], or the examples of his noble Companions are being
practiced in the name of ruqyah and healing through Qur’an.
Literal meaning of Sihr
According to Al-Azhari:
Sihr means to make something appear in a form other than the real one
According to Ibn Man dzur:
Sihr means to make something false appear to be real, or makes something appear to people
differently from its true form, it means that he has given an object a status other than its real
one.
According to A’aisha:
Arabs have given it the name sihr because it can transform good health into illness,
Definition of Sihr
Sihr is an agreement between a Sahir and a satan which stipulates that the sahir commit
certain illegal or polytheistic acts, in return for the Satans assistance and obedience in
fulfilling the sahir’s requests.
A halal way to cure the evil efffects of sihr is with Ruqyah.
Ruqyah entails reciting the Qur’an and making supplications to Allah, subhanahu wa ta’ala, in
order to aid in the treatment of illness and other problems. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalanee said that
the definition of ruqyah further includes ta’awwuth, which means to seek refuge. In his words:
“There is no disagreement whatsoever (between scholars) as to the permissibility of turning to
Allah for help and seeking refuge with Him from whatever happens or is expected to happen.”
In this spirit, the primary concern of the present article is to offer sincere advice and warn
against the evil deviations that the improper practice of ruqyah may lead to. As we will see,
the best defense against ignorance is faith in Allah and sound Islamic knowledge.
The Condition of the Heart
The heart is normally full and does not allow anything alien to enter it unless something else
leaves it first. The believing servant knows his Creator, why he was created and the journey’s
end after death. In contrast, weak faith in monotheism, weak reliance on Allah and a lack of
beneficial knowledge render the heart a breeding ground for devilish insinuations, illusions
and trivialities.
Regarding this dangerous condition, Ibnul-Qayyim wrote, “Evil spirits mostly gain control of
those having little religious inclination and those whose hearts and tongues faith has deserted
– (people) whose souls are desolate of the remembrance of Allah and of the formulas for
strengthening one’s faith.”
The Legitimacy of Seeking Medical Treatment
The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم).(SAWS) sought medical treatment and ordered his Companions to do so as well.
Jabir narrated that the Prophet(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (SAWS) said, “There is a remedy for every malady, and when
the remedy is applied to the disease, it is cured with the permission of Allah, the Exalted and
Glorious.” (Muslim)
Commenting on this hadith, Ibnul-Qayyim wrote, “The Prophet(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (SAWS) made cure
conditional on applying medicine to the (right) illness. (Just as every creature has an
opposite), every disease has an opposite remedy that can cure it…”
In fact, numerous Prophetic ahadith support the view that seeking medical treatment is
perfectly acceptable, and even encouraged, in Islam.
The Prophet’s(صلى الله عليه و سلم). Guidance Concerning Protection and Cure
Our best guidance in life comes from studying the life and habits of the Prophet(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (SAWS) who
showed us what to do in all circumstances. Allah says about him: “He is ardently desirous of
your (welfare); and to the believers he is compassionate, merciful.” [9:128]
We shall look here at some protective measures prescribed by the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم).(SAWS) in addition
to various remedies for combating the effects of the evil eye and magic.
Protective Measures
Protection against evil in general can be realized by asserting belief in the unity of Allah,
finding out about Him through His beautiful names and lofty attributes, offering sincere
worship to Him alone, obeying His commands, relying on Him, loving Him and frequently
remembering Him. What is required here is remembrance that involves both the heart and the
tongue.
Treatment of the Evil Eye
The power to harm others by a look or glance, known as the evil eye, is true. Ibn Abbas
narrated that the Prophet(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (SAWS) said, “The effect of the evil eye (al-ayn) is real for if there
were anything which could overtake destiny, it would have been (the effect of) the evil eye.”
(Muslim)
To ward off the effect of the evil eye, one should say, upon seeing someone or something that
pleases him, “maa shaa-Allah” (only that which Allah wills comes to pass!), and then he
should pray to Allah to bless that person or thing.
If the person with an evil eye is known, he should be asked to wash his body and retain ant
wasted water that he has used. The water should be poured over the affected person from the
back, and he will-with Allaah’s leave-recover.
See hadith Sahih by Al-Abani in Sahih al-Jami(3908)
Ibnul-Qayyim said, “Among the formulas of seeking Allah’s refuge and those (encompassing)
ruqyah are: frequent recitation of surah Al-Falaq, surah An-Nas, surah Al-Fatihah and Ayatul-
Kursy. One should also recite Prophetic supplications (related to seeking Allah’s refuge and
protection).”
Treatment of Magic
One should protect oneself from the effect of magic before it happens. Among other things,
this can be achieved by demonstrating sincere devotion and worship to Allah alone, and
seeking His protection by frequently remembering Him and by reciting Prophetic
supplications at suitable times. As for treating magic after its occurrence, the affected person
should be patient with Allah’s decree, repent for his sins and insist on receiving treatment only
from those (Muslims) who are known for their piety and uprightness.
In Sword against Black Magic & Evil Magicians,Wahid Abdussalam Bali had this to say
about the different types of magic (sihr):
“Types of Sihr
Number One
Sihr of Chaldeans who used to worship the seven planets, believing the planets control the
world. These are the people Prophet Ibrahiim (Abraham) was sent.
Number Two
Sihr of people who have fantasies and hallucinations. Man’s soul has been created weak and
is submissive to fantasies.
Number Three
Seeking assistance of worldly spirits (Jinn)who are of two types.
1. Believers in Islaam
2. Disbelievers who are demons
This type of sihr is known as putting a spell on someone or using assistance of jinn to to
perform acts of sihr.
Number Four
This includes magic and eye catching trickery.
Number five
Marvelous objects such as geometically-made artwork. This should not be considered as sihr
as it is the driving force behind more advanced machines and other marvelous objects.
Number Six
Use of specific medication in foods and ointments, there is no gainsaying the effect of such
medication as the effect of hypnotism is clear.
Number Seven
The Sahir will claim they know the supreme name of God and that the jinn obey their
command in many things.
Number Eight
Slandering people is one of the softer forms of sihr which is very common among the
people.”
Forbidden Supplications
Ibn Taimiyyah mentioned that Allah’s answering someone’s du’aa or fulfilling his wishes does
not necessarily mean that the method that person used is acceptable in Islam. Jabir reported
that the Prophet(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (SAWS) said, “Do not supplicate against your own selves, your children, your
servants, or your property, lest you should supplicate at a time when supplications are
accepted.” (Muslim)
Ibn Taimiyyah specified some of the errors that people may make when supplicating to Allah,
such as the following:
– Associating partners with Allah.
– Praying for unlawful or undesirable things in Islam.
– Supplicating in a manner that is not pleasing to Him, as Allah says: “Call upon your Lord in
humility and in secret. Surely, He does not love the transgressors”
[Quraan 7:55]
According to Ibn Taimiyyah, “There are (some) people who make forbidden supplications,
and they get what they ask for but with a great deal of harm. Others also make undesirable
(makrooh) supplications and they still get what they ask for…These and similar kinds of
supplications are forbidden even if those who make them get their wishes granted. Those who
believe in the effect of forbidden supplications are mostly ignorant people who do not realize
the conditions for supplication. This generally happens to people who grope in utter darkness,
namely the disbelievers, the hypocrites and those who commit major sins so much so that
their hearts have become black as a result of sins and thus, they cannot distinguish between
truth and falsehood. This is why such forbidden supplications continue to be a source of
confusion for those whom Allah has not guided and whose hearts He has not illuminated with
knowledge.”
Ruqyah and Supplication
Ruqyah is similar to supplication. While it is preferred to use supplications that the Prophetصلى الله عليه و سلم).
(SAWS) taught us, Muslim scholars agree that it is also permissible to use supplications he
did not teach us. The condition for doing so is that such supplications must not contain
forbidden words, nor be forbidden in themselves or bound to lead to forbidden things, such as
giving up the supplications that have been reported from the Prophet(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (SAWS) altogether.
However, it is better and safer to a dzere to those supplications that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم).(SAWS)
taught us.
Consider the following hadith, which illustrates this point well: Abu Hurairah(RA) narrated that a
Bedouin entered the masjid while the Prophet(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (SAWS) was sitting. He then offered two
rak’ahs of salah and said, “O Allah, have mercy on me and on Muhammad, and do not have
mercy on anyone along with us. ‘The Prophet(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (SAWS) said to him, “You have narrowed down
a thing (Allah’s mercy) that is broad.” (Ahmed and Abu Dawud)
Types of Ruqyah
There are two main types of ruqyah:
1. Lawful Ruqyah: This is the kind of ruqyah that the Prophet(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (SAWS) used. It consists of
permissible supplications as evidenced by Qur’anic verses and the authentic texts from the
Sunnah, but without any additions and without practicing it in an enigmatic manner.
2. Forbidden Ruqyah: This type of ruqyah may contain words of shirk, mysterious charms or
anything else deemed forbidden in Islam like using pork, blood and ect…
Permissible Ruqyah
Ibn Hajar said, “Muslim scholars are in unanimous agreement that ruqyah is permissible if
(the following) three conditions are met:
1. Only Allah’s Words (i.e., the Qur’an), Names or Attributes can be used.
2. It must be in (comprehensible) Arabic or intelligible words in another language.
3. Those taking part must believe that the incantation cannot have an independent effect, but
that it is Allah the Almighty who causes it to have effect.” (Fath Al-Baree)
As is the case with supplications being permissible so long as they do not contradict the
principles of Islam or lead to shirk, the same ruling applies to methods of ruqyah that have not
been reported by the Prophet(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (SAWS). However, such ruqyah should not contain mysterious
words or be performed in an enigmatic manner that is reminiscent of the practices of
magicians and charlatans.
Ibn Qudamah said, “Imam Ahmed was told about a man who claimed to neutralize magic by
putting water in a pot and reciting incomprehensible words among other things. Imam Ahmad
then disapprovingly shook his hand and said, I do not know about this (absurd practice).”‘ (Al-
Kafee)
A Muslim should be extremely careful about these matters and always refer to the Qur’an and
the Sunnah whenever he comes across something with which he is unfamiliar. Obscure
practices that find no support in the Qur’an or the Sunnah should be rejected. Therefore, one
should avoid confusion and simply go to the essence of what ruqyah actually is: a means of
supplicating to Allah, subhanahu wa ta’ala, through legitimate means coupled with the sincere
practice of Islam and belief in Allah.
We conclude our study with the following invaluable quotation from Siddeeq Hasan Khan in
his book “Sincere Devotion”:
“All acts and supplications that are bound to cure diseases are . . .permissible to practice if the
words used in them are from the Qur’an and the Sunnah, or if they are supplications and
practices reported from the early pious generation of Muslims, which are free from shirk;
otherwise, (such practices) are forbidden and constitute acts of polytheism…”
“Indeed, Allah the Almighty is sufficient for His obedient servants if they are not attached to
other than Him and (do not seek) recourse (except with) Prophetic supplications and
permissible (types of) medicine. Whoever avoids doubtful matters clears himself in regard to
his religion and his honor, but he who falls into doubtful matters falls into that which is
unlawful. Given that shirk can easily be committed without realizing it, one should exercise
extreme caution to avoid it.”
Allah Knows Best
Ok, in this section we will explore the creation of jinn (invisible beings), their
character, their vendetta against mankind, diseases of the human heart and
other actions that make us more prone to fall prey to possession, sihr (magic),
envy and low eman (faith).
In Watching for Satans Traps, Al Jumu’ah Vol. 15 Issue 05, says: “Shun the
Company of Satan’s Disciples”
Satan has human disciples, who sometimes surpass even him in evil. The
believers should avoid their company.
“And when you see those who engage in (offensive) discourse concerning Our
Verses, then turn away from them until they enter into another
conversation. And if Satan should cause you to forget, then do not remain after
the reminder with the wrongdoing people.” [Quran 6:68]”
A good way to be able to shun satan is through undestanding his existence, goal,
and his ways of trying to achieve his goal.
In interpretation of the Quran Allah says: “He created man from clay like that of
earthenware.” Quran 55:14
“Indeed We created man from sounding clay made out of black smelly mud. And
created the jinn before him, from smokeless fire.” Quran 15:26-27
“And created jinn from the flame of fire.” Quran 55:15
“And I created the jinns and men, only for them to worship Me. I do not ask any
sustenance from them, nor wish that they give Me food. Indeed it is Allah, who is
the Greatest Sustainer, the Strong, the Able.” Quran 51:56-58
Allah says, “Every soul will taste death. And we test you with evil and with good
as trial; and to Us you will be returned” [Quran 21:35]
In his explanation of this verse, Ibn Katheer says, “It means ‘We test you
sometimes by bestowing bounty on you, sometimes by bringing you misfortunes;
then We see who is thankful among you, who disbelieves, who is patient, and
who surrenders to despair’.” (Tafseer Ibn Katheer)
Of all trials, the greatest source of our misfortunes is from the Satan. Allah has
warned us of this open enmity of the Satan times and again: “O mankind, indeed
the promise of Allah is truth, so let not the worldly life delude you and be not
deceived about Allah by the Deceiver (i.e. Satan)” [Quran 35:5 – 6]
The Beginning Of Satans open animosity to mankind; our creation
“And recall when your Lord said to the angels, “I will create man from sounding
clay made out of black smelly smelly mud. Therefore when I have properly
fashioned him and breathed into him a chosen noble soul from Myself, fall down
before him in prostration.” Therefore all the angels, each and every one of them,
fell prostrate. Except Iblis (Satan); he refused to be among those who prostrated.
Said Allah, “O Iblis! What happened to you that you stayed apart from those who
prostrated?” He answered, “It does not befit me to prostrate myself to a human
whom You have created from sounding clay made out of black smelly mud.” Said
Allah, “Therefore exit from Paradise, for you are an outcast.” “And indeed you are
accursed till the Day of Judgement.” Quran 15:28-35
Describing Satan’s eternal hostility to humans, Allah says, “(Satan) said, ‘because
You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them (i.e. mankind) on Your
straight path. Then I will come to (misguide) them from before them and from
behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of
them grateful (to You)’.” [Quran 7:17-18]
Allah has warned His servants (us) against Satan saying, “He (i.e. Satan)
promises them and arouses desire in them. But Satan does not promise them
except deception” [Quran 4:1 17-120]
“The Qur’an and Sunnah (Prophet’s sayings) indicate that the jinn exist, and that
there is a purpose for their existence in this life, which is to worship Allah Alone,
with no partner or associate. Allah says (interpretation of the meanings):
“And I (Allah) created not the jinn and humans, except they should worship Me
(Alone).” [Quran Al-Thariyat 51:56]
“O assembly of jinn and mankind! Did there not come to you Messengers from
amongst you, reciting unto you My Verses…?” [Quran 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”. Allah says (interpretation of the
meaning):
“… Verily he (Syaithan / Satan) and his qabeeluhu [his soldiers from the jinn or his
tribe] see you from where you cannot see them…”[Quran al-A’raaf 7:27]
Allah 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 of fire.” [Quran Al-
Hijr 15:27]
“And the jinn did He create from a smokeless flame of fire.”[Quran al-Rahmaan
55:15]
According to a hadeeth narrated by ‘Aa’ishah, the Prophet (peace and blessings
of Allah be upon him) said: “The angels were created from light, the jinn were
created from fire, and Adam was created from that which has been described to
you (soil).” (Reported by Muslim, 5314).
Types of jinn
Allah has created different types of jinn. Among them are some that can take on
different forms, such as dogs and snakes; some who are like flying winds with
wings; and some that can travel and rest. Abu Tha’labah al-Khushani said: “The
Messenger of Allah(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
‘The jinn are of three types: a type that has wings, they fly through the air; a type
that looks like snakes and dogs; and a type that stops for a rest then resumes its
journey.” Saheeh (authentic).
The jinn and the sons of Adam
Every individual among the sons of Adam has a jinn who has been appointed to
be his constant companion (qareen). Ibn Mas’ood said: “The Messenger of Allaah(صلى الله عليه و سلم).
(peace and blessings of Allah 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 Allah?'(صلى الله عليه و سلم). He said, ‘And me too, but Allah has helped me
and he has submitted (became a believing Muslim), so that he only helps me to
do good.'” (Reported by Muslim, 2814).
Their powers
Allah has given the jinn powers that he has not given to humans. Allah has told
us about some of their powers, such as the ability to move and travel quickly. An
‘ifreet (Jenie) from among the jinn guaranteed to the Prophet Sulaymaan
(Solomon), 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. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“An ‘ifreet (strong jenie) 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…'” [Quran al-Naml
27:39-40]
The food and drink of the jinn
The jinn eat and drink. Ibn Mas’ood said: “The Messenger of Allah(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (peace and
blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘Someone from among the jinn called me,
and I went with him and recited Qur’an for them.’ He took me and showed me the
traces of where they had been and the traces of their fires. They asked him for
food and he said, ‘You can have every bone on which the name of Allah has been
mentioned that comes into your possession, as meat, and all the droppings as
food for your animals.’ The Prophet(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (peace and blessings of Allah 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).
The believing jinn may eat any bone on which the name of Allah has been
mentioned, because the Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم).(peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)
did not permit them to have anything on which Allah’s name has not been
mentioned – those are for the kuffaar (disbelievers) 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(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (peace and blessings of Allah 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(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) taught us to take
precautions when entering such places, by reciting the adzkar (prayers)
prescribed by Islam. One of these was reported by Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be
pleased with him), who said:
“When the Messenger of Allaah(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)
entered the toilet, he would say, ‘Allahumma innee a’oodzu bika min al-khubuthi
wa’l-khaba’ith (O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the evil ones, male and
female).'” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 142; and Muslim, 375).
Some jinns are Muslims and some are kaafirs (disbelievers)
Allah 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.'” [Quran Al-Jinn 72:14-15]
The Muslims among the jinn are of different levels as regards righteousness and
taqwa (God- consciousness). Allah 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.)'”
[Quran Al-Jinn 72:11]
The story of how the first jinn of this ummah ( nation) became Muslim was
narrated by ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Abbaas, who said: “The Prophet(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (peace and blessings
of Allah be upon him) went out with a group of his Companions heading for the
marketplace of ‘Ukaath. This was when the shayaateen (devils) 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 Allah be upon him) in Nakhlah, when he was on his way to
‘Ukaath, and found him leading his Companions in Fajr prayer. When they heard
the Qur’aan, they listened to it and said, ‘By Allah, 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’an). It guides to the Right
Path, and we have believed therein, and we shall never join (in worship) anything
with our Lord (Allah). [QuranAl-Jinn 72:2 – interpretation of the meaning]
Then Allah revealed to His Prophet(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (peace be upon him) the words (interpretation
of the meaning):
“Say (O Muhammad): ‘It has been revealed to me that a group of jinn listened (to
this Qur’an)…’ [Quran al-Jinn 72:1], and Allah revealed to him what the jinn had
said.” (Reported by al-Bukhari, 731).
Their reckoning on the Day of Resurrection
The jinn will be called to account on the day of Resurrection. Mujahid (May Allah
have mercy on him) said, concerning the ayah (verse) (interpretation of the
meaning):
“… but the jinn know well that they have indeed to appear (before Him) (i.e., they
will be brought to account)”[Quran al-Saffat 37:158]
“They will be brought to judgement.”[Saheeh al-Bukhari]
Protection from the harm of the jinn
Because the jinn can see us while we cannot see them, the Prophet(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (peace be
upon him) taught us many ways to protect ourselves from their harm, such as
seeking refuge with Allah from the accursed Syaithan, reciting Soorat al-Falaq
and Soorat al-Naas (the last two Soorahs of the Qur’aan), and reciting the words
taught by Allah in the Qur’an (interpretation of the meaning):
“Say: ‘My Lord! I seek refuge with You from the whisperings (suggestions) of the
shayateen (devils). And I seek refuge with You, my Lord, lest they may attend (or
come near) me.'” [Quran Al-Mu’minoon 23:97-98]
Saying Bismillah (in the Name of Allah) before entering one’s home, before eating
or drinking, and before having intercourse will also keep the Syaithan 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 (private parts)
or harming him, as the Prophet(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (peace be upon him) said,
“To put a barrier that will prevent the jinn from seeing the ‘awrah of the sons of
Adam, let any one of you say ‘Bismillah’ when entering the toilet.” (Reported by
al-Tirmi dzi, 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 Allah be pleased with him) said: “A man from among
the Companions of Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم).( peace be upon him) 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 Allah, 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:
‘Allah! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever-living, the One Who
sustains and protects all that exists…'[Quran 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
Shaytan will come out of it like a donkey breaking wind, and he will never come
back in until the next morning.'” (Reported by al-Darimi, 3247).”
This article was produced by www.islamweb.net
“So O men and jinns! Which favour of your Lord will you deny?”Quran 55:40
“We have indeed adorned the lowest heaven with stars as ornaments.And to
protect it from every rebellious devil. They cannot listen to the speech of those
on higher elevations and they are targeted from every side. To make them flee,
and for them is a never-ending punishment. Except one who sometimes steals a
part, so a blazing flame goes after him. Quran 37:7-10
“And they have appointed a relationship between Him and the jinns; and indeed
the jinns surely know that they will be brought forth.” Quran 37:158
“The angels were created from light and the Jinn from a flame of fire. However, it
is the view of most Suni Scholars, past and present that the relation of the Jinn to
fire is like the relation of man to earth. Although man’s origin is from the
elements of earth, man himself is not composed of earth.
Similarily, Jaann (Father of the Jinn)was created from the elements of fire, but
neitrher he nor his descendents are any longer composed of fire. According to
some scholars proof of this can be found in the Prophets(صلى الله عليه و سلم). statement:
“Satan appeared before me in my prayer and I chocked him and felt the coldness
of his saliva on my hand..” [Collected by Ahmed disagreed over isnaad possibly
weak]
They argued that if satan was himself a fiery being, then how could his saliva be
cold or how could he even have saliva?” [Ahkaam al-Jaann, p.27]
It is generally held that the Jinn, like the angels, were created before mankind.
This belief is based upon the apparent meaning of the following Quranic verse:
“Indeed We created man from sounding clay made out of black smelly mud. And
created the jinn before him, from smokeless fire.” Quran 15:26-27
This amy be deduced from the following Quranic text in which the creation of the
Jinn is mentioned before man:
“And I created the jinns and men, only for them to worship Me.” Quran 51:56
Ibn Kathir narrates [1300-1373] quotes a narration from the Prophets companion,
‘Abdulla ibn Umar [d 693 CE], wherein the Prophet(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (saw) stated that the Jinn,
descendents of jaann, were on earth two thousand years before the creation of
Adam [Tafseer al- Qur’aan al-‘Atheem, voli, p.108]
The Jinn are created beings, consequently they die as do humans. Evidence for
this belief may be found in the general statements from the Qur’aan which
indicate that all of creation will cease to exist:
“Everything [that exists] will perish except His [i.e.,Allah’s] face.” Quran 28:88
“Everything in the world will vanish…” Quran 55:26
Furthermore there is a verse which addresses the issue directly
“It is these upon whom the Word has proved true, among the nations that passed
away before them, of jinns and men; indeed they were losers.” Quran 46:18
Al-Aaloosee said, “The statement of [Allah], Most Great and Glorious, ‘….among
the previous generation of jinn and men that have passed away,’ is used to
prove that the Jinn die generation after generation, like humans.” [Rooh al-
Ma’aannee, vol.26, 9.21]
Proof can also be found in authentic traditions of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم).
“I seek refuge in Your power. There is no god beside You, [You are the One] who
does not die, while the Jinn and mankind die.” [Bukhari vol.9, p.357, no.480]
Satan [Arabic Syaithan]
This term is equivelent in meaning to the words “devil” or “demon” when used
indefinitely or in the plural, but with the definite article “al,” it specifically refers
to the Devil, i.e. Satan. Arabic English Lexicon, vol.2, p. 1552.
It is clearly apparent from the authentic hadeeths that satan was a jinnee and not
an angel , When taken by themselves some verses of the Quran imply that he
might have been an angel; however, there are alsomany others which infer that
he was a jinnee, an done that explicitly states that he was a jinnee:
“And indeed We created you, then designed you and then ordered the angels,
“Prostrate before Adam”; so they all prostrated, except Iblis (Satan); he did not
become of those who prostrate.” Quran 7:11
The above verse iondicates that Iblees (personal name of satan) was among the
angels. Iblees is derived from ablasa, which means, he despaired or gave up
hope for the mercy of Allah.”
Relationships with Humans
Like blood, Satan flows through man’s veins. One of his most lethal weapons is
false hopes. As we know from our father Adam’s story, Satan knows our
weakness and attacks us on the most vulnerable point. Allah says,”… and Satan
made attractive to them that which they were doing.” [Quran 6: 4]
Safiyyah reported that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم). said: “Verily, Satan flows in the blood
stream of Adams descendents.” [Bukhari vol. 3, pp.142-3]
The Jinn are able to affect the subconscious human mind, according to the
Prophets(صلى الله عليه و سلم). statement,
“Verily, the dreams which a man sees in his sleep are of three types: a dream
from the most Merciful (Allah), a sad dream from satan, and a subconscious
dream.” [Muslim, vol. 4, p. 1224, and no 5621]
Thoughts
“Satan will come to one of you and say, ‘Who created this and that? ‘ Until he
asks, ‘Who created your Lord?’ When he comes to that, one should seek refuge
in Allah and stop [such idle thoughts].” [Bukhari, vol. 4, p.320, no.496]
Birth
Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم).(saw) said: “Satan pricks with his finger every newborn child of
Adams descendents. They all begin screaming from Satans jab, except Mary and
her son Jesus (Esa) .” [Bukhari vol. 4, p.426, no.641]
Abu Hurayrah narrated: The reason for their protection is the supplication made
by Mary’s mother at Mary’s birth . [Bukhari vol. 4, p. 426, no. 641]
It is recorded in the Quran “So when she gave birth to it, she said, “My Lord! I
have indeed given birth to a girl!” And Allah well knows what she gave birth to;
and the boy she had prayed for is not like this girl; “And I have named her
Maryam and I give her and her offspring in Your protection, against Satan the
outcast.” Quran 3:36
Sickness
Some physical human sicknesses are caused by the effects of jinn.
Prophet Muhammad(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (saw) said: “[One of the causes for] the destruction of my
nation of followers will be [assassination by] stabbing and the plague, which is
harassment from you enemies among the jinn. [Death] by either way is
martyrdom.” [al-Albaanee Saheeh al-Jaami’ as Sagheer, vol 2, p. 779, no 4231]
“Can you not see that We (Allah) have set the devils on the disbelievers, excitedly
prodding them [to sin and disbelief].” Quran 19:83
The fact is that the Jinn fear those who are strong among the righteous and
therefore avoid them.
Prophet Muhammad(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (saw) said: “Surely I can see the devils among the Jinn and
mankind fleeing from ‘Umar (Ra).”
In Watching for Satans Traps, Al Jumu’ah Vol. 15 Issue 05 says,
“Find Tranquility in Remembering Allah
Allah has urged His servants to remember Him, ask His forgiveness, and to show
patience in way of observing His Deen (Religion).
“Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of
Allah. Truly, it is in the remembrance of Allah that the hearts ever find peace.”
[Quran 13:28]
The Best Defense: Supplications
The Prophet(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (SAWS) has taught us the best defense against the Satan, and that is
consistent remembrance of Allah with the help of beautiful supplications for
every occasion. These awraad (Supplications) bring us abundant reward and high
ranks with Allah. This technique has been time-tested by the Prophets and the
pious people in overcoming the Satan.
The Prophet(صلى الله عليه و سلم). (SAWS) being so merciful to his Ummah (Society), explained the
supplications, Salah (prayer) and rules in all situations, times, and places; in
deeds and in words, when eating, drinking, answering nature’s call, and when
misfortunes strike, when going to bed and even when having intercourse with
one’s spouse. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم).(SAWS) says, “If one wants to make love to one’s
spouse, and says, I seek refuge in your Name, ‘O Allah, protect us from Satan,
and save what you have bestowed upon us from Satan,’ Allah will protect his
offspring from Satan all his life.” (Bukhari)”
Ibn al-Qayyim said: “Evil spirits mostly gain control of those having little religous
inclination and those whose hearts and tongues faith has deserted; those whose
souls are desolate of the remembrance of Allah and of the formulas for
strengthening faith. When evil spirits meet a man who is isolated, weaponless
and naked, they are easily able to attack him and overcome him.” [Zaad al-
Ma’aad, p.69]
Ibn Taymeeyah suggested the following three circumstances to be main reasons
why Jinn may possess humans:
1. “The occasional possession of man by the Jinn may be due to the sexual
desires on the part of the Jinn…or even love, just as it may be among humans.”
2. ” Demonic possession sometimes also occurs as a result of horseplay, jest or
plain evil on the part of the jinn, just as eviland mischief occurs from among
humans for similar reasons.”
3. ” However, possession is most often a result of the Jinn being angry because
some wrong has been done to them. Thus, the jinn punish those who wronged
them. For example, when humans accidentaly harm or hurt them by urinating on
them, pouring hot water on them or by killing some of them, the jinn think that
they have been intentionally harmed. Although humans may not realize what
they have done, the jinn by nature are very ignorant, harsh and volatile in their
behavior, so they may vengefully punish humans much more severly than they
deserve.”
Thus, in the view of Ibn Taymeeyah, possession may occur with relative
frequency to practising Muslims as well as to weak and non practising Muslims.
Partial Possession
Ibn Taymeeyah says: “The Jinn usually communicate by either visions or voices
with those seeking information among the idol worshippers , Christians, Jews and
heretical Muslims driven astray by the devils….The devils will often respond
while taking the form of one besought , whether dead or alive…This frequently
happens to Chrisitans who call upon those whom they edify, whether dead or
alive….”
Elsewhere he said, “And among them (i.e., disbelievers, pagans, magicians, ect..)
are those who believe that when someone dies he can return and communicate
with them, pay their debts, retrieve their lost items, and advise them. Images of
those who who die come to them [doing these things], but they are actually
devils taking their forms.”
According to Islamic beliefs one of the many ways the devils lead humans astray
is to appear to them in images which reinforce their false beliefs. They become
visible as apparitions or visions.
In Majmoo’ al Fatawaa, Ibn Taymeeyah said: “The devils may appear to those who
worship them in forms which humans mistakenly identify as heavenly spirits….
Jinn 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.””
You may be wandering why devils cause so much mischief so I will now give you
some of the reasons why.
Interpretation of the Quran
“Iblis said, “Give me respite till the day when people will be resurrected. Said
Allah, “You are given respite. Iblis said, “Hence I swear by the fact that You sent
me astray, I will certainly lay in wait for them on Your Straight Path. Then I will
certainly approach them – from their front and from behind them and from their
right and from their left; and You will find most of them not thankful. Allah said,
“Exit from here, rejected, outcast; indeed whoever among them follows your
bidding, I will fill hell with all of you.” Quran 14-18
“The one whom Allah has cursed; the devil said, I swear, I will certainly take an
appointed portion of Your bondmen. And I will surely lead them astray, and I will
certainly arouse desires in them, and I will definitely order them so they will
pierce animals’ ears, and I will definitely order them so they
will alter Allah’s creation; and whoever chooses the devil for a friend instead of
Allah, has indeed suffered a manifest loss.” Quran 4:118-119
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