Al-Jinn
Definition
Al-jinn — the invisible beings created from smokeless fire — were among the forces subjected to Sulayman's authority by divine decree, a gift unique to him among the prophets. They performed construction on his behalf, dove into the sea for pearls and other treasures, and were employed in building projects of extraordinary scale. Ibn Kathir notes that the subjection of the jinn to Sulayman was not through magic or forbidden arts — it was a direct divine grant, just as the subjection of the wind or the language of birds was. Sulayman did not seek power over jinn; Allah gave it to him. This distinction is crucial for Ibn Kathir, who is careful to separate the legitimate prophetic dominion over supernatural forces from the forbidden human attempts to control jinn through sorcery.
As understood in the classical tradition of Ibn Kathir and the scholars of his school.
Appears in
1 book in the library
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