Jinn in Islam – 10 Types, Creation, History & More

Editorial Staff

Jinn, often referred to as spiritual beings or supernatural creatures, hold a significant place in Islamic beliefs.

This blog post aims to shed light on mysterious world of Jinn in Islam, types of Jinn and explore some of their fascinating names in Islam.

Derived from the Arabic word “janna,” meaning to hide or conceal, Jinn are invisible beings created by Allah.

What are Jinn in Islam?

Jinn are distinct entities created from smokeless fire, as mentioned in the Quran.

Unlike angels, Jinn are not bound by the same level of obedience to God’s commands.

In Islam, jinn are considered to be sentient beings created from smokeless fire, just as humans were created from clay.

وَخَلَقَ ٱلۡجَآنَّ مِن مَّارِجٍ۬ مِّن نَّارٍ۬ 

“And He created the jinn from a smokeless flame of fire”.

Surah Al Hijr verse 27

They are believed to possess free will and the ability to choose between good and evil.

The Quran, the holy book of Islam, mentions jinn in several verses, shedding light on their existence and purpose.

Iblis was once among the noble jinn but refused to bow down to Adam, the first human.

Consequently, he was banished and became known as the Devil or Satan.

Although Iblis is considered the ruler of evil jinn, there is no consensus among scholars regarding his status as the King of Jinn.

How Jinn created?

According to Islamic belief, Jinn were created before humans.

Allah created them from smokeless fire and granted them free will, allowing them to choose between good and evil.

The purpose of their creation, like humans, is to worship Allah and fulfill their responsibilities on Earth.

It is important to note that Jinn are not to be worshipped or feared, but rather respected as part of the unseen realm that coexists with humans.

Islam emphasizes the importance of seeking protection from evil Jinn and maintaining a strong connection with Allah through prayer and faith.

وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَا لِكُلِّ نَبِىٍّ عَدُوًّۭا شَيَـٰطِينَ ٱلْإِنسِ وَٱلْجِنِّ يُوحِى بَعْضُهُمْ إِلَىٰ بَعْضٍۢ زُخْرُفَ ٱلْقَوْلِ غُرُورًۭا ۚ وَلَوْ شَآءَ رَبُّكَ مَا فَعَلُوهُ ۖ فَذَرْهُمْ وَمَا يَفْتَرُونَ ١١٢
And thus We have made for every prophet an enemy – devils from mankind and jinn, inspiring to one another decorative speech in delusion. But if your Lord had willed, they would not have done it, so leave them and that which they invent.
6-Surah Al-An’am ( The Cattle ) 112

According to Islamic teachings, jinn, like humans, exist in a hierarchical order.

Just as humans have leaders and rulers, jinn also have their own hierarchy.

Some Islamic scholars believe that the King of Jinn is not a single entity but rather a position that changes over time, similar to earthly rulership.

Are Jinn Accepted in Islam?

In Islam, the existence of Jinn is firmly accepted and acknowledged.

They are mentioned in the Quran, and Prophet Muhammad himself encountered jinn during his lifetime.

However, Islam emphasizes the importance of worshipping and submitting to Allah alone, and associating partners or seeking assistance from jinn is considered a grave sin.

Sūrat Al- Jinn 72 reveals that there are categories of Jinn: believers, disbelievers, misguided and guided.

Different Types of Jinn

In Islamic tradition, Jinn are classified into different types based on their behavior and nature.

They exist in a parallel world to humans, but their presence can impact our lives in various ways.

Understanding the types of jinn in Islam is essential for believers to recognize their characteristics, behaviors, and potential interactions with humans.

Here are some of the commonly mentioned types of Jinn:

Shaitaan – الشيطان

Shaitaan, also known as Iblis or Devils, is a powerful and rebellious jinni.

He refused to bow down to Adam and was cast out of heaven by Allah.

Shaitaan is believed to be a master of deception and is constantly trying to lead humans astray from the path of righteousness.

Ghoul – الغول

Ghoul is a malevolent type of jinn that is often depicted as a shape- shifting creature with an insatiable appetite for human flesh.

They are believed to dwell in desolate places such as graveyards and abandoned ruins.

Ghouls are associated with darkness, death, and the consumption of corpses.

Shiqq – شق

Shiqq is a type of jinn that is half-human and half-animal in appearance.

They are known to possess great strength and are often associated with wilderness and natural habitats.

Shiqq are believed to be mischievous and can sometimes cause harm to humans.

Jann – جان

Jann, also known as jinn or genies, are often depicted as benevolent spirits in Islamic mythology.

Jann is a type of jinn that possess immense strength and are often depicted as powerful and intelligent beings.

They have the ability to shape-shift and can appear in various forms.

Jann is known for their free will and can choose to follow either good or evil paths.

Nasnas -نسناس

Nasnas are jinn that have a split body, often appearing as half-human and half-animal.

They are said to possess limited intellect and are considered weaker than other types of jinn.

Nasnas are known to be solitary creatures and are rarely encountered by humans.

Palis – باليس

Palis are a type of jinn that are shape-shifters and can take the form of animals or humans. 

They are known for their cunning nature and are skilled at trickery and deception.

Palis are believed to possess supernatural powers and can be either malevolent or benevolent towards humans.

Marid – مارد

Marid is a type of jinn that is considered one of the most powerful and rebellious.

They are known for their immense size and strength.

Marids are often associated with bodies of water, such as oceans and rivers.

Silat – صلات

Si’lat are female jinn that are known for their beauty and seductive nature.

They are believed to be capable of possessing humans and can use their powers to manipulate and control them.

Silat are often associated with temptation and are considered a threat to moral and spiritual well-being.

Hinn – هين

Hinn is a type of jinn that often takes the form of a snake or a half- human, half-animal creature.

They are known for their ability to possess humans and cause them harm.

Hinn are associated with black magic and are believed to be summoned by sorcerers to carry out their evil deeds.

Ifrit – إفريت

Ifrit is a one of the types of jinn that is associated with fire and is often depicted as a powerful and malevolent being.

They are known for their cunning nature and ability to grant wishes, but their intentions are often deceptive.

Ifrits are considered to be among the most dangerous types of jinn.

Which Prophet Had Jinn?

Among the numerous prophets mentioned in Islamic texts, it is believed that Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon) had a unique connection with jinn.

وَحُشِرَ لِسُلَيْمَانَ جُنُودُهُ مِنَ الْجِنِّ وَالْإِنسِ وَالطَّيْرِ فَهُمْ يُوزَعُونَ
And gathered for Solomon were his soldiers of the jinn and men and birds, and they were [marching] in rows. 
27-Surah An-Naml 17

Legend has it that under his command, the jinn were able to perform extraordinary tasks, such as building grand structures and retrieving precious treasures from the depths of the sea.

This affiliation with jinn showcased Prophet Sulaiman’s wisdom and dominion over creation, as bestowed upon him by Allah.

Dreams is factor that mainly from Satan, which are characterized by confusion, fear, and negativity.

Conclusion: Jinn in Islam

Understanding Jinn in Islam is a fascinating subject that offers insights into the unseen world beyond human perception.

Knowing about the different types of Jinn and their creation allows us to appreciate the complexity of Islamic beliefs and the significance of spiritual beings in the Islamic faith.

By seeking knowledge and following the teachings of Islam, we can navigate our lives with a better understanding of the unseen forces around us.

FAQs

Can a Jinn Marry a Human?

It is unclear whether jinn can marry humans. Different interpretations exist. Although religious teachings provide clear guidelines, personal beliefs and cultural legends often contradict them.
Ultimately, a jinn-human marriage will remain a matter of debate, leaving room for individual perspectives and exploration.

What Are Jinn Scared Of?

Jinn, like humans, possess free will and can choose between good and evil. According to Islamic teachings, jinn are known to be apprehensive of recitation from the Quran, particularly verses that invoke the name of Allah. Jinn are believed to fear holy places, such as mosques, where the presence of divine energy is strong. Other common characteristics include fear of iron and wolves.

What do Jinn eat?

The jinn are also mentioned in canonical hadith collections.
In the hadiths, the jinn eat like humans, but instead of fresh food, they eat rotten flesh and bones.

Who is the queen of the Jinn?

Queen of Jinn is the beautiful Bilqis (aka the Queen of Sheba) from the union of a jinn mother (or father) and a human father (or mother).