The Relationship between Jinn and Satan The Arabic word “...

The Relationship between Jinn and Satan The Arabic word “ shaytan ” conveys the adjectival meaning “mischievous.” The term has been used in the Qur`an in this very meaning. However, it is also used alternatively for Iblis and for any being for whom mischief has become a deep-rooted character trait. In fact the Qur`an explicitly states that a “satan” can be from the ranks of jinn or man.

The Limits of Satan’s Power In the dualistic religion of pre-Islamic Iran, Ahriman was thought to be the creator of all evil. Some may think Satan in the Qur`an is the counterpart of Ahriman of ancient Iran. This is a mistaken belief since Satan had no role to play in creation whatsoever. Allah (awj) created everything, and no other being besides Allah (awj) can create independently.

In the Qur`an, Allah (awj) derogates such beliefs when he says, “They make the jinn partners of Allah (awj), when He has created them, and they carve sons and daughters for Him without any knowledge.” [^3] Satan has power to incite man with tempting thoughts, to call him toward evil, and to make evil seem beautiful to him. He has no power to force anyone to do anything. It is true that both angels and jinn have the power to descend upon people.

The descent of angels is not limited to the moment of death. For example, if someone says, “Allah” with full attention, angels descend upon him. Jinn also have certain such powers. For instance, they can perform feats with incredible speed. Though their power of intellect is weak, they are able to move heavy objects with great speed. Some verses of the Qur`an indicate that jinn—like humans—are physical beings.

In the story of Sulayman (ع), one jinn claims to be able to bring Bilqis’s throne to Sulayman’s (ع) court quicker than he can stand up. Though he does not actually perform this feat, Sulayman (ع) does not repudiate his claim, indicating that he did possess such an ability. In other verses, jinn are able to listen to the Qur`an being recited (a feat requiring that they have the physical faculty of hearing). Satan’s Influence Satan launches his assaults on mankind from every direction.

As the Qur`an says: “I shall approach them head on and from behind and from the right and from the left.” [^4] Satan’s exerts his influence on man’s thoughts.