Iblis: A Rebellious Angel or a Defiant Jinn? What is the Truth?

Is Iblis an Angel or a Jinn?

In religious and Islamic discussions, Iblis is introduced as a being who refused to bow to Adam (AS) as commanded by God, and for this disobedience, he was cast out of Heaven. The question of whether Iblis was an angel or a jinn is a key topic in religious texts. In the Quran and other Islamic sources, there are details that help clarify this issue. Let’s explore this topic from the perspective of the Quran and Islamic interpretations.

Imam Sadiq (AS) was asked whether Iblis was from the angels or other heavenly beings. He replied: "He was neither from the angels nor from other heavenly beings; rather, he is a jinn, but he was among the angels. The angels also thought he was one of them, but God knew that this was not the case. This continued until the command to bow before Adam, and the hidden truth about Iblis was revealed."

Iblis is indeed a type of jinn. Jinn are beings that might seem supernatural to humans, but they do exist and their existence is neither a superstition nor a myth.

God is the Creator of angels, jinn, and humans, and we, as humans, take pride in being the most honored and noble of God’s creation.

1. Iblis According to the Quran

In the Quran, Iblis is explicitly described as a jinn. In Surah Al-Kahf, verse 50, it says:

“And [mention] when We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate to Adam,’ and they prostrated, except Iblis. He was of the jinn and departed from the command of his Lord…”

This verse clearly states that Iblis is from the jinn, and unlike angels, who are innocent and completely obedient, he defied God's command.

2. Differences Between Angels and Jinn in the Quran and Hadith

To better understand, let's examine the characteristics of angels and jinn:

Angels: According to the Quran, angels are luminous beings, completely obedient, and without the capacity for sin. They only carry out God's commands and have no personal desires or the will to disobey. This characteristic is mentioned in Surah At-Tahrim, verse 6:

“They do not disobey Allah in what He commands them, but do what they are commanded.

”Jinn: Jinn are beings with free will and the ability to choose between right and wrong, just like humans. One of the traits of jinn is the capacity for sin and the choice to either obey or defy. Jinn were created from fire, as stated in Surah Ar-Rahman, verse 15:

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

3. The Story of Iblis’s Disobedience and Expulsion from Paradise

According to Quranic verses, when God commanded the angels and Iblis to prostrate before Adam, Iblis refused, citing his superiority, being created from fire, compared to Adam, who was created from clay. This arrogance and jealousy were the main reasons for his expulsion from Paradise and his becoming the object of God’s wrath. In Surah Sad, verses 74–76, it says:

“Except Iblis, he was arrogant and became one of the disbelievers.”

“[God] said, ‘What prevented you from prostrating to that which I created with My hands? Were you arrogant, or were you [already] among the exalted?’”

These verses show that Iblis’s disobedience was due to his pride and arrogance. Unlike angels, who cannot disobey, Iblis, as a being with the ability to choose, chose to disobey.

4. The Reason for Iblis's Presence Among the Angels

A common question is why Iblis, being a jinn, was among the angels. Islamic commentators offer various explanations:

Some commentators believe that due to his great worship and the high rank he had attained, Iblis was allowed to be among the angels and come close to them.

God placed Iblis among the angels as a test for both humans and angels, so through his defiance, the concept of free will and the consequences of disobedience would be made clear.

Based on Quranic verses and Islamic interpretations, it can be concluded that Iblis is a jinn, not an angel. He is distinct from angels because of his free will and his fiery nature. Angels are luminous, innocent beings who cannot disobey, whereas jinn, like humans, can choose the path of guidance or misguidance.