of Nokounam, (Session 1230)
The Noble Quran is a book that, like a radiant sun, illuminates the path of guidance for humanity and, with profound expression, unveils the mysteries of existence. Verse 128 of Surah Al-Anm, like a precious gem in this ocean of knowledge, addresses the complex relationship between the two groups of humans and jinn, presenting deep truths before the eyes of seekers of truth with clear language. This writing, through reflection upon this noble verse and its analysis, examines the interactions of these two groups, their mutual influences, and the role of nafs (psychological) and divine factors in these relationships. Its aim is to clarify the semantic dimensions of this verse with a precise and methodical approach and to open a path for better understanding the system of creation and human responsibilities.
The Noble Quran, in verse 128 of Surah Al-Anm, portrays the Day of Resurrection in which all rational beings, including humans and jinn, will gather before the Divine Presence. This verse, with the grandeur stemming from divine comprehensiveness, refers to the ultimate resurrection; a day when no creature will be exempt from the Lords reckoning.
Key Point: The final resurrection represents the precise and all-encompassing divine system that includes humans and jinn and signifies the infinite justice of the Lord in accounting for the deeds of all beings.
And the Day He will gather them all together, [it will be] as if they had not remained [in the world] but an hour of the day; they will know each other. Those who were followed will disown those who followed [them], and they will see the punishment, and all relations will be cut off.
(Translation of the essence of the verse referenced)
This verse, flowing like a clear river, emphasises the inclusiveness of this gathering:
And [mention] the Day when He will gather them all together; then He will say to the angels, Did those [whom you guided] mislead those [they guided]? They will say, Exalted are You! You are our Guardian, not them; rather, they were those who transgressed. And the Word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and justice. None will be oppressed.
(Note: The original Arabic verse quoted in the Persian text corresponds to verse 128 of Surah Al-Anm and depicts this scene.)
This verse, by referring to from the jinn and mankind in Surah An-Ns, underscores the truth that jinn and humans are two groups deeply connected within the system of creation. This connection manifests not only in worldly life but also in the hereafter.
The final resurrection acts like a mirror reflecting divine justice. This gathering brings humans and jinn before the Lord, reminding them of their responsibilities. The Qurans emphasis on the inclusiveness of this resurrection reveals the order and comprehensiveness of the system of creation that excludes no being from the reckoning.
One of the key concepts in verse 128 of Surah Al-Anm is the boastfulness (istiktr) of the jinn over humans. This term refers to the claim of superiority by the jinn in number, power, and capability. This arrogance is like a wind shaking the branches of self-conceit, leading the jinn to believe that they are superior to humans.
Key Point: The boastfulness of the jinn stems from pride and self-exaltation, which in the divine system is recognised as a factor causing misguidance and deviation.
The jinn, with the claim We are more than you, whether in number or in strength and abilities, regard themselves as occupying a lofty position. This sense of superiority manifests not only in quantity but also in authority, traits, and powers. The Noble Quran neither negates nor confirms this claim but rather narrates it as a reality within the speech of the jinn: Indeed, you have exceeded in number over mankind. This statement acts like a mirror reflecting the self-conceit of the jinn before their own eyes.
Boastfulness is like a shadow cast upon the heart of the jinn, driving them towards pride and self-glorification. This part of the verse serves as a warning to all beings that arrogance leads to misguidance, and only humility before the Lord results in salvation.
The Noble Quran describes the relationship between humans and jinn as a thread that sometimes intertwines and sometimes unravels. These two groups coexist in a shared world and can influence one another, become close, or even harm each other.
Jinn sometimes dominate humans by penetrating their psychological states such as obsession (wasws), illusion, or desire. This domination does not arise from the inherent power of the jinn but from the psychological readiness of the human. Humans can also become familiar with jinn, form bonds with them, or even harm them. These interactions sometimes lead to proximity and closeness and sometimes to separation and estrangement.
Key Point: Interactions between humans and jinn are formed upon a basis of psychological conditions and only lead to domination or closeness when appropriate circumstances exist.
This mutual relationship is beautifully depicted in the verse by the phrase some of us enjoyed [or benefited] from some [others], indicating mutual enjoyment or interaction. This mutual benefit can sometimes result in human misguidance, as Satan exploits human weaknesses, while at other times humans, through their own temptations, lead jinn towards deviation.
The relationship between humans and jinn acts as a mirror reflecting the weaknesses and strengths of both groups. If these interactions are not founded upon piety and faith, they can result in misguidance and deviation. The Quran, by this expression, calls humans to vigilance regarding these relationships.
The domination of jinn over humans is like a plant that grows only in the fertile soil of psychological weaknesses. Obsession, illusion, desire, and the commanding self (nafs ammrah) are the conditions that draw jinn close to humans. Without these predispositions, jinn cannot affect humans or lead them astray.
This view aligns with the concept of iqti (necessity or predisposition) in Islamic philosophy, meaning the innate readiness to accept influence. When a human falls into the trap of obsession or sin, they provide a foundation for jinns intrusion. This intrusion is like a shadow cast upon the heedless heart, leading it towards darkness.
Key Point: The domination of jinn over humans is the result of psychological predispositions that arise from heedlessness, obsession, or sinfulness in humans.
Psychological conditions act as a key opening the door for jinns intrusion upon humans. This part of the verse invites humans to guard their nafs and avoid temptations to remain safe from the dominance of unseen forces.
Angels, as divine guardians, oversee the relationships between humans and jinn. If a jinn harms a human unjustly, the angels punish the jinn; however, if the human has provided grounds for harm, the angels do not intervene. This supervision aligns with the verse And for him are [angels] in succession, before and behind him (Surah Ar-Rad 13:11), which speaks of the existence of divine guardians.
Key Point: Angels have a supervisory role over the interactions between humans and jinn and punish the jinn if they harm humans without justification.
This supervisory role reflects divine order within the system of creation. Angels act like torchbearers illuminating the path of truth and preventing unjust oppression.
The supervision of angels serves as a shield preserving divine justice in relationships between humans and jinn. This oversight calls humans to respect divine boundaries and avoid harming others.
Satan, whether from humans or jinn, functions as a misleading force. The jinn Satan can harm both jinn and humans, while the human Satan can also harm both groups. This duality illustrates the complexity of the system of temptation.
The influence of Satan is only possible if the human provides a basis for accepting temptation. These conditions, like fertile soil, prepare the ground for Satans infiltration. The Noble Quran, by referring to this fact, calls humans to vigilance against temptations.
Key Point: Satan, whether human or jinn, can only influence humans or jinn if psychological conditions exist for such influence.
Satan is like a shadow that grows in human heedlessness. This section of the verse invites humans to guard their nafs and avoid conditions of sin to remain safe from Satans influence.
The phrase some of us enjoyed [or benefited] from some [others] in verse 128 of Surah Al-Anm refers to the mutual enjoyment between humans and jinn. This mutual enjoyment can lead to carnal desires that
