SAEDNEWS: Jinn can cause harm to us, but not in the ways you might imagine—such as scaring us, stealing from us, or causing us to fall ill. God has never granted jinn such powers. If they had such abilities, life for humans would be impossible, and we would have no sense of safety.
According to the social affairs service of Saed News, Kayhan newspaper posed the question: Can jinn harm humans?
To answer, we first need to understand jinn from the perspective of the Quran:
Jinn Have Families Like Humans
Jinn, like humans, have men and women. They have children, live their lives, and interact with humans. God says through the jinn:
"And that men from among humans seek refuge with men from among the jinn, and the jinn only increased them in error and rebellion." (Quran 6:6)
Jinn Can Be Faithful or Wicked
Just like humans, jinn can be believers or disbelievers, virtuous or corrupt.
a) Believing and Virtuous Jinn:
"Say (O Prophet), it has been revealed to me that a group of jinn listened to the message. They said: ‘We have heard a wondrous Quran that guides to the right path, so we believe in it and will never associate anyone with our Lord.’" (Quran 72:1)
b) Disbelieving and Wicked Jinn:
"And humans thought—as you [jinn] thought—that God would never send anyone as a messenger." Later, it says: "Among us are the righteous and among us are the unrighteous." (Quran 72:7,11)
The Quran describes several characteristics of these unseen beings:
They were created from fire, unlike humans, who were made from clay. (Quran 55:15)
They possess knowledge, discernment, and the ability to distinguish right from wrong.
They bear responsibilities and accountability.
Some are righteous believers, others are disbelievers.
They will face resurrection and judgment.
Some have extraordinary power, just as some humans do. (Quran 27:39)
They can perform certain tasks humans need. (Quran 34:12–13)
They existed on Earth before humans. (Quran 15:27)
Thus, jinn are beings with male and female members, some of whom believe in divine prophets while others reject them. Those who go astray may interact with humans.
How Jinn Can Affect Humans
Can jinn harm humans? If so, what kind of harm?
The answer is yes—but not in the ways one might imagine. They cannot scare us, steal from us, or cause disease, because God has not granted them such power. If they had such abilities, human life would be unsafe, with constant fear and loss of necessities.
God deliberately limited their power to protect humans’ safety and peace, just as humans have no power to harm jinn. Therefore, jinn cannot disrupt our lives directly.
So how do they harm us? The Quran explains:
"Say, ‘I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind... from the evil of the whisperer who withdraws, who whispers in the hearts of mankind, among jinn and among men.’" (Quran 114:1–6)
Just as wicked humans incite others toward sin, evil and disbelieving jinn tempt humans toward wrongdoing. For instance, if a person intends to act righteously—like fighting for a just cause—these jinn may whisper discouraging thoughts: “Why risk your comfort and family? Stay home instead.” Yet following divine guidance may prevent harm, defeat injustice, and grant great reward in the afterlife.
In short, the only way malevolent jinn can harm us is through temptation and deceit. This is why humans are advised to seek refuge in God from their whispers and to follow the guidance of spiritual leaders to live safely and successfully in both this world and the next.
