Al-Jinn (ٱلْجِنّ)

Surah Al-Jinn is the 72nd chapter of the Quran. It consists of 28 verses and 2 ruku. It is a Makki surah in the 29th juz (para) that tells the fascinating story of a group of Jinn who heard the recitation of the Quran and realized it to be the true message of Allah. This surah informs humans that jinns are real. They live in this world with humans, although most humans cannot perceive them. It is a wonderful message for humankind that the message of the Quran transcends the boundaries of humans and speaks to other creations, including the Jinn. The surah goes on to explain that all creations, whether human or Jinn, are subservient to Allah. They must believe in the oneness of Allah and follow His commandments to receive reward or punishment. 

Surah Al-Jinn declares the monotheism of Allah Azzawajal, clears misconceptions about the Jinn, affirms the authenticity of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as the messenger of Allah, and teaches the etiquettes of human-jinn interaction. Allah clearly states that Muslims should seek help and guidance only from Allah Azzawajal and refrain from using Jinn for worldly gains. 

٧٢ - ٱلْجِنّ

72 - Al-Jinn

قُلْ اُوْحِيَ اِلَيَّ اَنَّہُ اسْتَـمَعَ نَفَرٌ مِّنَ الْجِنِّ فَقَالُوْۗا اِنَّا سَمِعْنَا قُرْاٰنًا عَجَــبًا۝۱ۙ
Qul oohiya ilayya annahu istamaAAa nafarun mina aljinni faqaloo inna samiAAna quranan AAajaban

English

Ahmed Ali

SAY: "I HAVE been informed that a number of jinns had listened; then said: 'We have heard the wondrous Qur'an,

1

يَّہْدِيْۗ اِلَى الرُّشْدِ فَاٰمَنَّا بِہٖ۝۰ۭ وَلَنْ نُّشْرِكَ بِرَبِّنَاۗ اَحَدًا۝۲ۙ
Yahdee ila alrrushdi faamanna bihi walan nushrika birabbina ahadan

English

Ahmed Ali

Which guides to the right path; and we have come to believe in it, and will not associate any one with our Lord.

2

وَّاَنَّہٗ تَعٰلٰى جَدُّ رَبِّنَا مَا اتَّخَذَ صَاحِبَۃً وَّلَا وَلَدًا۝۳ۙ
Waannahu taAAala jaddu rabbina ma ittakhatha sahibatan wala waladan

English

Ahmed Ali

Exalted is the glory of our Lord; He has neither wife nor son.

3

وَّ اَنَّہٗ كَانَ يَقُوْلُ سَفِيْہُنَا عَلَي اللہِ شَطَطًا۝۴ۙ
Waannahu kana yaqoolu safeehuna AAala Allahi shatatan

English

Ahmed Ali

Certainly the foolish among us say preposterous things of God.

4

وَّاَنَّا ظَنَنَّاۗ اَنْ لَّنْ تَقُوْلَ الْاِنْسُ وَالْجِنُّ عَلَي اللہِ كَذِبًا۝۵ۙ
Waanna thananna an lan taqoola alinsu waaljinnu AAala Allahi kathiban

English

Ahmed Ali

We had in fact thought that men and jinns would never speak a lie about God,

5

وَّاَنَّہٗ كَانَ رِجَالٌ مِّنَ الْاِنْسِ يَعُوْذُوْنَ بِرِجَالٍ مِّنَ الْجِنِّ فَزَادُوْہُمْ رَہَقًا۝۶ۙ
Waannahu kana rijalun mina alinsi yaAAoothoona birijalin mina aljinni fazadoohum rahaqan

English

Ahmed Ali

But some men used to seek refuge with some jinns, and this increased their waywardness;

6

وَّاَنَّہُمْ ظَنُّوْا كَـمَا ظَنَنْتُمْ اَنْ لَّنْ يَّبْعَثَ اللہُ اَحَدًا۝۷ۙ
Waannahum thannoo kama thanantum an lan yabAAatha Allahu ahadan

English

Ahmed Ali

So they began to think, even as you do, that God would not resurrect any one.

7

وَّاَنَّا لَمَسْـنَا السَّمَاۗءَ فَوَجَدْنٰہَا مُلِئَتْ حَرَسًا شَدِيْدًا وَّشُہُبًا۝۸ۙ
Waanna lamasna alssamaa fawajadnaha muliat harasan shadeedan washuhuban

English

Ahmed Ali

We sought to pry into the secrets of the heavens, but found it full of fierce guards and shooting flames.

8

وَّاَنَّا كُنَّا نَقْعُدُ مِنْہَا مَقَاعِدَ لِلسَّمْعِ۝۰ۭ فَمَنْ يَّسْتَمِـــعِ الْاٰنَ يَجِدْ لَہٗ شِہَابًا رَّصَدًا۝۹ۙ
Waanna kunna naqAAudu minha maqaAAida lilssamAAi faman yastamiAAi alana yajid lahu shihaban rasadan

English

Ahmed Ali

We sat in observatories to listen; but any one who listened found a shooting star in wait for him.

9

وَّاَنَّا لَا نَدْرِيْۗ اَشَرٌّ اُرِيْدَ بِمَنْ فِي الْاَرْضِ اَمْ اَرَادَ بِہِمْ رَبُّہُمْ رَشَدًا۝۱۰ۙ
Waanna la nadree asharrun oreeda biman fee alardi am arada bihim rabbuhum rashadan

English

Ahmed Ali

We do not know if this means ill for the dwellers of the earth, or their Lord wishes guidance for them.

10

Shaan e Nazool (Historical Background)

The exact period of revelation of Surah Al-Jinn cannot be ascertained. However, by consensus, this is a Makki Surah. It is the only Surah in the Quran that describes matters related to Jinn in detail.

According to most scholars, Surah Al-Jinn was revealed during the last phase of the Prophet's life in Mecca, around the 10th or 11th year of his Prophethood. It is generally believed that the incident that led to the revelation of this Surah occurred while the Prophet was leading the Fajr prayer on his journey to the Ukaz market near Mecca. While he was reciting the Quranic verses, a group of Jinn passing by listened and were profoundly impressed. This group of Jinn embraced Islam. This incident is reported in many Hadiths, including Hadith 773 of Sahih Al-Bukhari.

Translation - The Prophet (ﷺ) set out with the intention of going to Suq `Ukaz (market of `Ukaz) along with some of his companions. At the same time, a barrier was put between the devils and the news of heaven. Fire commenced to be thrown at them. The Devils went to their people, who asked them, "What is wrong with you?" They said, "A barrier has been placed between us and the news of heaven. And fire has been thrown at us." They said, "The thing which has put a barrier between you and the news of heaven must be something which has happened recently. Go eastward and westward and see what has put a barrier between you and the news of heaven." Those who went towards Tuhama came across the Prophet at a place called Nakhla, and it was on the way to Suq `Ukaz and the Prophet (ﷺ) was offering the Fajr prayer with his companions. When they heard the Qur'an they listened to it and said, "By Allah, this is the thing which has put a barrier between us and the news of heaven." They went to their people and said, "O our people; verily we have heard a wonderful recital (Qur'an) which shows the true path; we believed in it and would not ascribe partners to our Lord." Allah revealed the following verses to his Prophet (Sura 'Jinn') (72): "Say: It has been revealed to me." And what was revealed to him was the conversation of the Jinns.

The first verse of this Surah also points to this incident, which proves that this Surah was revealed after the incident of hearing the Quran by a group of Jinn, when the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ was reciting it, while he was on his way to Ukaz Market. Some scholars hold that it was the same incident often associated with Surah Al-Kahf, but the majority view is that it was a separate incident that occurred when the Prophet was returning from Ta’if.

As is also evident from the content of Surah Al-Jinn, it was revealed to clarify the nature and reality of the existence of Jinn as a separate creation. The Surah also clarifies that many other creations are hidden from human sight yet exist in this Universe.

The incident that apparently caused the revelation of this Surah, as mentioned in the above-quoted Hadith, reflects that the Quranic verses are so impactful that the Jinn, who listened to it, were overwhelmed and not only embraced Islam immediately but also preached it to their fellow Jinns. This impact is discussed in detail in the first 15 verses of the Surah. The next three verses warn the polytheists of Mecca that if they continue rejecting the Divine Message of the righteous path, they will have to face punishment. Going further, in the next verses, the disbelievers are again warned about their behavior toward the Prophet, clarifying that the Prophet conveys only what is revealed by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ; hence, he does not have the power to add or remove words from it. It is also clarified that the Prophet does not claim to provide any favor or cause any harm to anyone.

The concluding verses also help us understand the purpose of the revelation of Surah Al-Jinn, whereby it has been made clear for everyone that only Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ is capable of knowing the hidden creations. The Prophet’s knowledge is only based on what Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ reveals upon him. The Surah categorically states this in its opening verse, instructing the Prophet to say, "I have received Divine revelation about Jinn listening to the Quran." It establishes that the Prophet himself did not claim that Jinn had heard his recitation of the Quran; it was revealed upon him by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.

So, the main purpose of sending down this Surah was to clarify the existence and reality of Jinn, emphasize the concept of Tawheed, and the reality about the existence of hidden creations. The Surah also clarifies that knowledge belongs to Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, and the Prophet only conveys the Message of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, without adding or removing even a single word in it.  

Makki or Madni Surah

By consensus, Surah Al-Jinn is a Makki Surah.

Place in the Quran

Surah Al-Jinn is the 72nd Surah of the Quran, placed in the 29th Juzz (Para). It comes after Surah Nuh and before Surah Al-Muzzammil. It is the 40th Surah in the order of revelation, and falls at number 72 in the sequence of recitation.

  • Number of Verses: Surah Al-Jinn has 28 verses.
  • Number of Ruku (Sections): The verses of Surah Al-Jinn are grouped in 2 Rukus (sections).

Significance of Surah Al-Jinn  

Surah Al-Jinn holds great significance in Islam, in many ways, as it clarifies quite a few basic but highly important aspects of Islamic belief.

Some of the significances of Surah Al-Jinn are summarized here:

  • Surah Al-Jinn was specifically a strong support for the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. It was revealed during one of the toughest periods of his Prophetic mission in Mecca, when disbelievers were in a denial mode about his Prophethood and the revelations. This Surah provided him with strength, as it describes how the Divine revelations (the Quran) are so powerful that even the Jinn heard them and instantly accepted the truth. It showed the extraordinary effect of the Quranic verses, which had a profound impact on the Jinn.  
  • The Surah categorically affirms the reality of hidden or unseen creations, such as Jinn. Moreover, the verses of this Surah also address superstitious misconceptions about Jinn. The Surah makes it clear that Jinn are just the creation of Allah, سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, and do not possess an extraordinary status in any case. In this way, the practice of seeking help from Jinn for personal gain and favors, which was a custom in the pre-Islamic era, is condemned.
  • The Surah gives us some lessons as well, such as:
    • Listening and understanding the Quranic verses is a rich source of guidance.
    • Truth is readily accepted and recognized by pure hearts, as it was accepted by Jinn when they heard the recitation of the Quran, whereas the stubborn disbelievers of Mecca could not apprehend the reality.
    • Not only humankind but every creation is answerable and accountable before Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
    • As a true believer, Muslims must not seek help and assistance from unseen creations like Jinn; they must completely rely on Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ for guidance.

Themes and Subject Matter of Surah Al-Jinn (ٱلْجِنّ)

Surah Al-Jinn offers a glimpse into the unseen world of the Jinn and their connection to Islam. It reinforces core Islamic beliefs and serves as a reminder for both humans and Jinn of their responsibility to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). 

Jinn Listening to the Quran

The surah confirms the existence of other creations hidden to humans, including the Jinn. It also confirms that Islam is the religion for all creation, not just humans. Allah’s message that all creations must accept and be subservient to only Allah is clear in the surah. The surah states that a company of Jinns heard the Prophet Muhammad reciting the Quran and believed it to eb the true message of Allah. They believed in it, and became Muslim. This highlights that the Quran is a source of guidance for not only humans but for the other creatures too. 

The initial verses talk about this. “Proclaim (O Mohammed (ﷺ), “I have received the divine revelation that some jinns attentively listened to my recitation, so they said, ‘We have heard a unique recital (recitation).’” (72:1)

The effect of eavesdropping on the Quran is described beautifully in this surah. In verses 2 and 3, the words of Jinn are explained as “That guides to the path of goodness, we have therefore accepted faith in it, and we shall never ascribe anyone as a partner to our Lord. ‘And that our Lord’s Majesty is Supreme – He has neither chosen a wife nor a child.”

Believers and Disbelievers Among Jinn

This surah portrays that Jinn aren’t only bad or evil as humans perceive. There are Jinn who believe in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), His messengers, His books, and the day of judgment. These are the righteous Jinns, and they do not pose harm to humankind. On the other hand, there are those among the Jinn who do not believe in the oneness of Allah and deny His message. These are nonbelievers and they can be dangerous for humankind. 

In verses 14 and 15, Allah describes the words of Jinn as “And that some among us are Muslims and some are unjust; and whoever has accepted Islam – it is they who have thought rightly. ‘And as for the unjust – they are the fuel of hell.”

Monotheism

Surah Jinn emphasizes that Islam is the only true religion and no one should be worshipped except Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). He is the creator of not only humans but also of Jinn and He alone should be worshipped. There is grave punishment ready for disbelievers. 

In verses 20 and 23, Allah commands, Say (O Mohammed (ﷺ), “I worship only Allah, and I do not ascribe any partner to Him.” “I only convey the commands from Allah, and His messages; and whoever disobeys the commands of Allah and His Noble Messenger (ﷺ) – then indeed for him is the fire of hell, in which they will remain forever and ever.”

The Final Day or the Day of Judgment 

Surah Al-Jinn concludes with the message that there is no denying Allah’s promise of the Day of Resurrection. Every creature be it human or Jinn will be evaluated based on deeds they do. No one knows when will the final day arrive as it is a Divine secret and He chooses the amount of knowledge that He gives to His Messengers. The ending verses from 24 to 28 explain this in detail.

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Al-Jinn (ٱلْجِنّ)

Among the many virtues that Surah Al-Jinn provides the most notable one is its protection against the evil eye, black magic, and evil Jinn. Prophet combined verses from different surahs including surah Al-Jinn as a source of protection.

It was narrated from 'Abdur-Rahman bin Abi Laila that his father AbuLailasaid:

"I was sitting with the Prophet (ﷺ) when a Bedouin came to him and said: 'I have a brother who is sick.' He said: 'What is the matter with your brother?' He said: 'He suffers from a slight mental derangement.' He said: 'Go and bring him.' (So, he went) and brought him. He made him sit down in front of him and I heard him seeking refuge for him with Fatihatil-Kitab; four Verses from the beginning of Al-Baqarah, two Verses from its middle: 'And your Ilah(God) is One Ilah (God – Allah),' [2:163] and Ayat Al-Kursi; and three Verses from its end; a Verse from Al 'Imran, I think it was: 'Allah bears witness that La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He),' [3:18] a Verse from Al-A'raf: 'Indeed, your Lord is Allah,' [7:54] a Verse from Al-Mu'minun: 'And whoever invokes (orworships), besides Allah, any other ilah (god), of whom he has no proof,'[23:117] a Verse from Al-Jinn: 'And He, exalted is the Majesty of our Lord,'[72:3] ten Verses from the beginning of As-Saffat; three Verses from the end of Al-Hashr; (then) 'Say: He is Allah, (the) One,'[112:1] and Al-Mu'awwidhatain. Then the Bedouin stood up, healed, and there was nothing wrong with him." (Sunan Ibn Majah 3549)

Surah Al-Jinn is highly virtuous and brings benefits for those who regularly recite it while understanding its meanings. Some of the key benefits and virtues of this Surah are as follows:

  • Regular recitation with reflection on its theme is a rich source of strengthening one’s Iman (faith). It brings clarity on the concept of Tawheed (monotheism), rejecting all forms of shirk (partnering with Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
  • Having unwavering faith in the Unseen (ghayb) is part of Islamic faith. This Surah strengthens our faith in the unseen, as it categorically clarifies the reality of the existence of hidden creations, such as Jinn.
  • When this Surah describes how Jinn heard the recitation of the Quran and instantly realized the truth, and accepted Islam, it shows how powerful and impactful the words of Allah are, which impacts the hearts in no time.
  • The Surah protects us from superstitions about the hidden creations, such as Jinn. Jinns are just a creation of Allah, سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, and hold no extraordinary powers. Hence, seeking their assistance or calling them for help is not acceptable in Islamic teachings. Instead, believers must rely solely on Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
  • The Surah also teaches us that Muslims must not rely on superstitions, black magic, fortune telling, and rituals that lead to shirk. Reciting this Surah while reflecting on its meanings also removes fears about the powers of hidden beings.

Listen to the Recitation of Surah Al-Jinn by Renowned Qaris

The recitation of the Quranic verses, including Surah Al-Jinn, with correct pronunciation, is highly important and sensitive. These are the words of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, which need utmost care while reciting. Even a minor mistake in correctly pronouncing any of the Quranic words might be a sinful act, because the words of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ have to be recited exactly in the way as taught by the Prophet. More importantly, the wrong pronunciation of a Quranic phrase may entirely change its meaning. It is even more important for non-Arabic-speaking Muslims, because they might have difficulty with the correct pronunciation of Quranic verses. The best solution to overcome this difficulty is to listen to the recitation of renowned and authentic Quran Reciters (Qaris), which is available at MuslimandQuran.

The MuslimandQuran mobile app helps you with this important issue. The recitation of the Quran by renowned and authentic Qaris is available on our website and mobile application, which you can listen to on your mobile devices or laptops at any time. You can select a Qari of your preference to listen to and learn the correct recitation of the Quran. You only need to download the MuslimandQuran mobile application to listen to any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Al-Jinn.

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Surah Al-Jinn PDF

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FAQs:

Al-Jinn refers to the hidden creation of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, who are called Jinn. Surah Al-Jinn is the only Surah in the Quran that explains the reality of Jinn in detail.

Surah Al-Jinn comprises 28 verses.

No specific benefits are associated with the recitation of Surah Al-Jinn. However, regular recitation of Surah Al-Jinn, while understanding its meanings, may strengthen our Iman on Tawheed. It also addresses fears and superstitious misconceptions about the hidden creations of Allah, سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, such as Jinn.

It can be recited at any time during the night or the day, according to your convenience and whenever you have time. No specific time is recommended by scholars for the recitation of Surah Al-Jinn.

Hadith 773 of Sahih Al-Bukhari narrates the incident when a group of Jinn heard the recitation of the Quran, while the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ was reciting the Quranic verses during Fajr prayer. This incident is directly quoted in the first part of Surah Al-Jinn. It is believed that the Surah was revealed after the occurrence of the incident as quoted in this Hadith. Similar Hadiths are also available in other collections such as Sahih Muslim and Jami At-Tirmidhi.

Yes, you can listen to Al-Jinn online, on the mobile application of Muslim and Quran. You just need to log into the mobile app of Muslim and Quran to access all the Surahs, including Surah Al-Jinn, for listening online.

No specific rewards are associated with the daily recitation of Surah Al-Jinn. However, reciting any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Al-Jinn, brings huge rewards, though not specifically recommended to be recited on a daily basis.

The Quran, including Surah Al-Jinn, is not associated with any specific language, although it was revealed in Arabic. In fact, it is for the guidance of the entire mankind, irrespective of nation or language. It brings equal benefits to whoever recites any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Al-Jinn. A non-Arabic speaker will definitely get the same benefits from the recitation of Surah Al-Jinn as an Arabic-speaking individual may get.