The Holy Quran is a book whose verses portray the mysteries of creation and the order of existence with profound and sagacious expression. Verse 128 of Surah Al-Anam unveils a complex and astonishing relationship between two groups of Divine creatures, namely humans and jinn. This verse, by alluding to the final gathering, the jinn's boastfulness, the mutual enjoyment between these two groups, and the infinite Divine wisdom, opens a gateway to a deeper understanding of the system of creation. This treatise, adopting a comprehensive approach and relying on exegetical lectures and presented analyses, seeks to elucidate various dimensions of this relationship and its position within the Divine order using clear and dignified language.
"And the Day He will gather them all together, [then He will say], O company of jinn, you have [misled] many of mankind. And their allies among mankind will say, Our Lord, we enjoyed one another, but we have reached our term which You appointed for us. He will say, The Fire is your residence, wherein you will abide eternally, except for what Allah wills. Indeed, your Lord is Wise and Knowing."
This verse depicts a scene from the Day of Resurrection, when humans and jinn are assembled before their Lord and held accountable for their deeds. The Divine address to "O company of jinn" (معشر الجن) signifies the entirety of this group, as "معشر" denotes a cohesive community or congregation. This verse, being the first explicit Quranic reference to the jinn and their relation to humans, holds special significance.
Key Point: Verse 128 of Surah Al-Anam is the first verse in the Quran to directly address the relationship between humans and jinn, emphasising the inclusion of all sentient beings in the final gathering. The word "all together" (جميعاً) highlights the universality of this assembly before Divine wisdom.
This verse, by stressing "all together," indicates that no sentient creature is exempt from Divine accountability. This comprehensiveness is a sign of the wise order prevailing in the system of creation, holding both humans and jinn equally responsible before their Lord.
The Holy Quran describes the creation of humans from clay, jinn from "marij min nar" (a smokeless flame of fire), and angels from light. This distinction in the material of creation results in differences in the characteristics and abilities of these three groups. Humans, with their earthly bodies, are tangible and visible beings living in the material world and recognised through their external senses. Jinn, however, are intangible beings created from a light and subtle fire, capable of traversing celestial realms. Angels, created from light, embody purity and Divine supervision over the universe.
Key Point: The difference in the substance of creation (clay for humans, smokeless fire for jinn, and light for angels) leads to distinct abilities and roles for each group within the cosmic system. Due to their fiery nature, jinn move within the heavens, whereas humans remain bound to the earthly realm.
These differences, akin to the contrast between dense and heavy earth and light, transparent fire, endow each group with unique attributes. For instance, jinn, owing to the lightness of their essence, can traverse the celestial spheres, while humans, encumbered by their earthy bodies, remain terrestrial.
The Quran, in another verse, states: "Have there not come to you messengers from among yourselves?" (Al-Anam 6:130). This indicates that jinn, like humans, have prophets from among their own kind who convey Divine guidance. This independence in the system of guidance illustrates that each group pursues the path of salvation in accordance with its own nature.
Key Point: Jinn have their own prophets, reflecting an autonomous Divine guidance system tailored to their unique nature. This independence underscores Divine wisdom in distributing spiritual responsibilities.
Satan is an evil entity present in both humans and jinn, but Iblis is exclusively from the jinn, as the Quran states: "He was of the jinn." (Al-Kahf 18:50). This distinction reveals the complexity of the system of temptation in the universe. Satan appears within humans as internal, misleading impulses, whereas Iblis, as a distinct being among the jinn, actively guides towards corruption.
Key Point: Satan exists in both humans and jinn, but Iblis is uniquely from the jinn. This distinction illustrates the complexity of the temptation and misguidance system within creation.
The term "boasting" (استکثار) in the verse refers to the jinns claim of superiority in number and power over humans. Due to their fiery nature and celestial mobility, jinn perceive themselves as superior to humans. This arrogance, rooted in pride, is condemned by Divine judgment. Just as angels claim superiority over jinn, and jinn over humans, this hierarchy within creation only finds meaning through Divine wisdom.
Key Point: The jinns boasting, implying claims of superiority in number and power, is prideful and condemned by Divine wisdom. Such claims of superiority are meaningless before Divine wisdom.
Mutual enjoyment (استمتاع) refers to the reciprocal benefit or interaction between humans and jinn, which is a key theme in the verse. This interaction sometimes results in misguidance, as jinn influence humans towards corruption, and humans sometimes harness jinns power for their own ends. This relationship manifests as both affection and harassment. Popular terms such as "possessed by jinn" or "nightmare" refer to these interactions.
Key Point: The mutual enjoyment between humans and jinn, which can lead to misguidance and harm, highlights the complexity of their relationship. Without control, this interaction may lead to corruption and destruction.
Angels, as Divine overseers, monitor the actions of humans and jinn and discipline them when jinn inflict harm upon humans. The Quran states: "And for him are attendants [angels]." (Ar-Rad 13:11). This supervision guarantees the maintenance of Divine order in the universe and prevents any undue transgression.
Key Point: Angels maintain Divine order by overseeing humans and jinn and disciplining them in cases of harm, thus preserving cosmic equilibrium.
Humans, by virtue of intellect, can attain superiority over jinn, yet jinn possess the power of shapeshifting and influence, sometimes affecting humans adversely. This two-way interaction occasionally results in harm. Humans can protect themselves through seeking refuge in and invoking God. This intellectual superiority places humans in a special position within the system of creation.
Key Point: Humans can surpass jinn through intellect, yet jinns shapeshifting and influence make them potent. Seeking Divine refuge safeguards humans against negative effects.
In some societies, due to ignorance or the influence of materialistic cultures, the existence of jinn is either reduced to superstition or denied outright. However, the Quran in Surah Al-Jinn and other verses affirms the reality of jinn. Such neglect stems from distancing from religious sciences and misunderstanding Divine scriptures.
Key Point: Denying or trivialising the existence of jinn results from ignorance of religious sciences and failure to properly understand the Quranic verses.
Jinn, owing to their fiery essence, have a longer lifespan than humans and may live for thousands of years. Conversely, humans, due to unhealthy diets and lifestyles, have shorter lifespans. Consumption of minerals such as stones and iron can strengthen the human body and extend longevity, whereas a diet based on meat and bread weakens and makes the body fragile.
Key Point: Jinn enjoy longer lifespans, while humans shorter longevity is linked to poor diet. Mineral consumption supports human health and lifespan.
The term "ajl" in the verse denotes the appointed period of life or temporary separation. The Quran states: "Every soul will taste death." (Al-Imran 3:185). Fire is the abode of sinners; however, the exception "except what Allah wills" signifies Divine mercy, allowing for possible deliverance.
Key Point: Fire is the place for sinners, yet the exception "except what Allah wills" indicates Divine mercy providing opportunities for salvation.
Humans and jinn, through their free will, determine the outcomes of their deeds, yet ultimate causality belongs to G
