Creation of Jinn and Their Types
According to Islamic teachings, jinn are an unseen creation of Allah, created from fire. The creation of jinn is mentioned at several places in the Holy Quran and Hadith. Just as human beings have different nations, tribes, and races, jinn also have various tribes, types, and classes. This article sheds light on these tribes and categories with religious, spiritual, and historical references. Allah Almighty created the jinn before mankind.
“And He created the jinn from a smokeless flame of fire.”
(Surah Ar-Rahman: 15)
Creation of Jinn in the Quran
The Quran clearly states that jinn were created from fire, unlike humans who were created from clay. This distinction highlights the unique nature, abilities, and responsibilities of jinn as a creation with free will, similar to humans.
General Types of Jinn
Islamic sources describe the following general types of jinn:
Common Jinn:
These jinn live in their own world, separate from human society, and usually do not interfere in human affairs.
Shayateen (Devils):
Disobedient and rebellious jinn whose leader is Iblis. Their primary role is to mislead human beings.
Ifrit:
Extremely powerful, aggressive, and strong jinn, often mentioned in classical Islamic and spiritual texts.
Marid:
Magician jinn who are often associated with sorcerers and practitioners of black magic.
Muslim and Non-Muslim Jinn:
Just like humans, some jinn are Muslims while others are disbelievers.
Famous Tribes of Jinn
Based on the experiences of scholars, spiritual masters, people of inner vision (Ahl-e-Kashf), and classical books of spirituality and occult sciences, several jinn tribes are mentioned. Some of the well-known tribes are:
Banu Ghazal
This tribe consists of gentle and peace-loving jinn. They rarely interfere in human matters and some are associated with righteous saints.
Banu Harith
An ancient and well-known tribe mentioned in many spiritual texts. These jinn tend to live close to humans and are sometimes linked with saints and righteous people.
Banu Najiyah
A pious and worship-oriented tribe known for following religious teachings. Some of them are said to have remained in the company of the friends of Allah.
Zuba‘ah or Zuba‘
This tribe is mostly associated with magicians and practitioners of dark and lower occult practices. Their mention frequently appears in experiences related to black magic. Zuba‘ah is sometimes referred to as the “King of Devils.”
The Jinn of Al-Ahqaf
The Quran mentions the jinn of Al-Ahqaf:
“And when We directed toward you a group of jinn, listening to the Quran…”
(Surah Al-Ahqaf: 29)
These jinn listened to the Quran, believed in it, and accepted Islam.
Shayateen al-Jinn
These are the descendants of Iblis whose mission is to misguide humans, create whispers, and cause harm. Among them are hostile tribes such as Tasootan, Laqitan, and Zubaitan, known for their hatred and destructive nature.
Relationship Between Jinn and Humans
From an Islamic perspective, certain forms of interaction between jinn and humans are possible. Some jinn attempt to mislead humans through whispers. Some people try to control or summon jinn, which is often not permissible in Shariah. On the other hand, some righteous jinn remain associated with saints and pious individuals.
Protective Measures in Islam
Islam teaches believers to protect themselves through spiritual discipline and remembrance of Allah, including:
- Reciting prescribed morning and evening supplications
- Frequent recitation of Ayat-ul-Kursi and the Mu‘awwidhatayn (Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Naas)
- Observing regular prayers and avoiding sins
- Saying “Bismillah” before entering washrooms or deserted places, especially at night
Conclusion
The tribes of jinn are part of a complex and unseen world. The Quran and Sunnah affirm their existence, but complete knowledge about them belongs only to Allah Almighty. A Muslim should approach this subject with the intention of understanding faith and seeking protection—not out of fear, curiosity, or the desire to become a spiritual practitioner. True safety lies in obedience to Allah and adherence to Islamic teachings.
