Jinn in Our World: Let’s Talk About Their Physical Presence

The Qur’an introduces another intelligent life form known as the jinn, distinct from mankind referred to as ins or insan. The term “jinn” signifies something hidden, unseen, or occult (Zein, Amira el-, Islam, Arabs, and the Intelligent World of the Jinn, Syracuse University Press, 2009, New York). The concept of the jinn predates the advent of Islam, with people in early times being familiar with their existence. The Qur’an affirms their presence; Chapter 72 of the Qur’an is titled “The Jinn,” and they are mentioned numerous times elsewhere in the Qur’an. Now Let’s Talk About Their Physical Presence.

The Physical Nature of the Jinn

Similar to humans, the jinn also possess a material aspect to their existence, but their form or matter differs from that of human beings. While human bodies are composed of “clay,” encompassing carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and more, the jinn are made of a “fiery substance” or a “scorching wind.” The Qur’an states:

“And He (God) created the jinn of a flame of fire.” (Qur’an, Surah al-Rahman, 55:15).

The Qur’an further elaborates:

“And the jinn race, We had created before, from the fire of a scorching wind.” (Qur’an, Surah al-Hijr, 15:27).

This distinction sets them apart as entities unlike the physical entities we encounter in our surroundings. Their physical substance is finer and subtler than that of humans, granting them a degree of invisibility in appearance and fluidity in shape. Could this fiery substance be akin to “dark matter” or something entirely new, not interacting with matter, neither reflecting nor emitting light? The exact nature of the physical aspect of their existence remains largely unknown.

Jinns are considered “pre-Adamites,” having inhabited the earth long before the advent of mankind. While they still coexist with us in various locations such as the earth, seas, and vast desolate plains, our senses do not perceive them. They possess the ability to move between the visible or material realm and the higher invisible or imaginal realm, a realm beyond the constraints of our space-time.

In terms of physical abilities, jinn surpass humans, and their sensory perception is superior, allowing them to see us while remaining unseen by us. They coexist with us in the material realm, though our lives do not typically intersect in day-to-day living:

“For he and his tribe watch you from a position where you cannot see them.” (Qur’an, Surah al-Aʿraf, 7:27).

Similar to humans, jinn possess genders, both male and female, use language, and form tribes and communities. Their lifespan can extend much longer than a typical human’s, sometimes lasting hundreds or thousands of years. As intelligent beings, they can discern between good and evil.

Jinn Listening to the Qur’an

According to the Qur’an, when Prophet Muhammad (S) began delivering his message and reciting the Qur’an, a group of jinn actively listened to it and found themselves deeply impressed by the Prophet’s recitation. After attentively absorbing the message, they shared it with their fellow jinn, highlighting their ability to comprehend human language. Surah al-Jinn explicitly mentions this event, underscoring the profound impact of the Qur’an on both humans and the unseen realm.

Say: ‘It has been revealed to me that a party of the jinn listened (to the Qur’an), so they said (to their people on their return), ‘Surely, we have heard a wonderful Qur’an. It guides towards righteousness, so we declare our faith in it. We shall no longer worship any god besides our Lord.’’ (Qur’an, Surah al-Jinn, 72:1-2).

At another instance, a different group of jinn listened to the Qur’an and compared it with the revelation that was sent before to Prophet Moses (‘a). This is how the Qur’an narrates that event:

And (Prophet! recall the time) when We brought some people from among the jinns to you. They wished to listen to the Qur’an. When they attended it (its recitation) they said (one to another): ‘Be silent (and listen).’ When this (recitation) was over they went back to their people as warners. They (having gone there) said: ‘O our people! we have listened to a Book which has been revealed after (the time of) Moses confirming that (divine Scripture) which is before it. It guides to the truth and to the right and straight path. O our people! accept the call of one calling to God and believe in Him. (If you do so) He will keep you safe from (the woeful consequences of) your sins and will screen you from the woeful punishment.’ (Qur’an, Surah al-Ahqaf, 46:29-31).

Do the Jinn Follow Religion?

Jinns, as a parallel creation to mankind, share similar attributes such as free will, knowledge, and wisdom. Like humans, some among them are believers, while others are non-believers. Interestingly, for spiritual guidance, they often choose to follow what has been revealed to mankind. The Qur’an addresses this aspect, emphasizing the diversity of belief systems within the jinn community and their inclination to seek guidance from the revelations bestowed upon humanity.

And some of us are righteous and some of us are otherwise. We follow different ways. (Qur’an, Surah al-Jinn, 72:11).

And I (God) have not created the jinn and humanity except that they should serve Me. (Qur’an, Surah al-Dhariyat, 51:56).

And some of us submit (to the will of God) while some of us are deviators (from the right course). (It has also been revealed to the Prophet that) those who submit (to God’s commandments) are actually those who earnestly aim at the right way and find it out. (Qur’an, Surah al-Jinn, 72:14).

Also Read: The Search for Alien Life: “Quran and Ahlebait (a)

Satanic Jinn

The existence of jinn predates mankind, and when God intended to appoint His vicegerent on earth in the person of Prophet Adam (S), He commanded all present in the heavenly assembly, which included not only angels but also Iblis (who is a jinn), to bow down to Adam (S). Everyone complied except Satan, who refused—bearing in mind that Satan is not one of the angels but is, in fact, a jinn:

And (recall the time) when We said to the angels: ‘Submit to Adam.’ So they all submitted (bowing), but Iblis (did not); he was one of the jinn, he disobeyed the command of his Lord. (Mankind!) would you (then) take him and his progeny (and cohorts) for friends rather than Me while they are your enemies? How evil is the substitute (of God) the unjust have chosen! (Qur’an, Surah al-Kahf, 18:50).

“Adam (‘a) as the vicegerent of God on earth holds a superior spiritual status over other creations, including the jinn. Satanic jinn and their descendants, harboring animosity towards the progeny of Adam (‘a), whisper in our ears, attempting to instigate feelings of hatred, suspicion, racism, violence, and disobedience towards God. While they lack the power to force us into actions, they can certainly incite us toward harmful behavior.

The Qur’an, a guidebook for life, warns us about Satan, urging mindfulness regarding such malevolent thoughts that frequently cross our minds. We are encouraged to seek protection from God against these satanic whisperings. In this context, the last chapter of the Qur’an serves as a reminder and guidance:

From the evil (of the whisperings) of the whisperer, the sneaking one. Who whispers evil suggestions into the hearts of mankind, From among the jinn and the (ordinary) mankind. (Qur’an, Surah al-Nas, 114:4-6).

“In al-Sahifa al-Kamila al-Sajjadiyya, a collection of supplications by the 4th Imam, ʿAli b. Husayn (‘a), he imparts a supplication warning against satanic temptations, acknowledging the enemy’s access to our inner beings. Seeking refuge in God from these whisperings, in a portion of supplication number 25, he prays:

‘You assigned to us an enemy who schemes against us,
[You] gave him authority over us in a way that You did not give us authority over him,
[You] allowed him to dwell in our breasts and let him run in our blood vessels;
He (Satan) is not heedless, though we be heedless; he does not forget, though we forget…’

The acknowledgment of the existence of other intelligent life forms helps us understand our own position in the grand scheme of things. We are one of God’s creations, not the only one. He has created other intelligent life forms that predate our existence.

Revelation in the form of the Qur’an provides insights into profound scientific questions, such as those posed by SETI. It enables us to develop a worldview that extends beyond the scope of pure empirical knowledge alone. The crucial aspect is to use the knowledge derived from revelation to guide our scientific research, leading us to a deeper understanding of the world around us, as well as our position and purpose within it.”

And (that is why) We have revealed to you this perfect Book explaining every (basic) thing and (which serves as) a guidance and a mercy, and (gives) good tidings to those who submit (to God). (Qur’an, Surah al-Nahl, 16:89).

Conclusion

Human beings, by their inherent nature, seek a higher meaning and purpose for their existence and that of the universe. Monotheism, as an ideological framework, shapes our worldview, providing significance and purpose to our lives and establishing a moral code to follow. God, an absolutely perfect Being, exists independently, detached from everything else. All entities in existence reflect God’s existence and His attributes according to their share and capacity, with any limitation or deficiency arising from the creation rather than the Creator.

Every individual, even those who deny the existence of God, is inherently seeking nothing but God, albeit they may pursue this quest through various objects and goals. We are instinctively programmed to seek nothing except Almighty God.

Thank You for Reading:

Thank you for reading! I hope you all have gained new information from this blog, and it has also increased your knowledge. All the information has been collected from the book “The Seal of the Prophets and His Message” by Sayyid Mujtaba Musavi Lari and rewritten by the Imam And Science blog writers. If you find any kind of mistake in this blog, please feel free to contact us!

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