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.
How the scholars use Al-Jinn.
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"It said, For the destruction of this house. Suleyman then said, O Allah, conceal my death from the jinn until the humans know that the jinn do not know the unseen. He leaned on his staff for a year, and the earthworm consumed it, and it became clear to the humans that if the jinn had known the unseen, they would not have remained for a year in the humiliating punishment as mentioned in Surah Saba. Ibn Abbas would read it in this manner, and the jinn thanked the earthworm for that as it would bring them water."
— Ibn Kathir, Volume 3 — The Sīrah: From the First Revelation to Badr
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"Islam, so I embraced it. Said Ibn Jubair, We believed that it was he about whom Allah revealed, and indeed, there were men from among mankind who sought refuge with men from among the jinn, and they increased them in sinfulness. It is narrated that Ali advised, If you are in a valley and fear a lion, say, I seek refuge with Daniel and Al-Jab from the evil of the lion. There is a story about Ali's battle with the jinn at the well of Al-Alam, located in Al-Jufa. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, sent him to fetch water, but the jinn intended to prevent him by cutting the rope. Ali descended to them. This is a"
— Ibn Kathir, Volume 2 — From the Israelite Prophets to Pre-Islamic Arabia
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"loins those who will worship Allah alone, associating nothing with Him. Chapter Muhammad ibn Ishaq recounted the event of the jinn listening to the recitation of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, during his return from Taif. While he stayed at Nakhla and prayed the morning prayer with his companions, a group of jinn was directed to him and listened to his recitation. Ibn Ishaq mentioned that there were seven of them, and Allah, the Exalted, revealed about them, and when we directed towards you a group of the jinn to listen to the Quran, as stated in Surah Al-Ahqaf. Upon returning from Taif, the Messenger"
— Ibn Kathir, Volume 3 — The Sīrah: From the First Revelation to Badr
Appears in
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