JINN AND FORMS
The jinn have the ability to assumes a variety of forms. They can transform themselves into the forms of human beings, black cats, snakes, camels, donkeys, cows, black dogs, etc. They may also appear in the form of persons who had died. Such apparitions are referred to as ‘ghosts’. ‘Ghosts’ are not the souls of the dead who appear. They are evil jinn who assume the form of the dead to scare and mislead people. Dead people do not appear to others. The jinn assume their forms to deceive.
Once a young Sahaabi on nearing his home saw his wife standing outside. He was enraged by this violation of Hijaab. His Imaani honour could not tolerate seeing his wife standing outside the house. Blinded by rage he raised his spear to strike her, but she shouted to see what was inside the house which had compelled her to come out. When the Sahaabi entered, he saw a big snake curled up on the bed. He stabbed the snake with his spear. The entire house shook violently, and both the snake and the Sahaabi died. The Sahaabi narrating this episode said: “We do not know which of the two died first – the snake or the man.”
When this incident was reported to Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), he said: “In Madinah there are jinn who have embraced Islam. Therefore, if you see any of them (in your house) warn them and give them three days notice to leave. After that if they do not leave, then kill it because it is a shaitaan.” One should say words such as: “In the Name of Allah, we warn you to leave otherwise we shall kill you.” After three days, if the snake has not left, kill it. If it is a Muslim jinn, it will assuredly depart after being warned. If it does not, then it will certainly be a devil.
However, the three days notice does not apply to all snakes. If it is known to be a poisonous snake or a python, then one may kill it immediately. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: “Do not kill snakes except the short-tailed snake with two white lines on its back, for it causes miscarriages and loss of vision. Therefore, kill it.” This order will extend to all harmful/poisonous snakes. And, Allah knows best.
JINN AND FORMS
January 10, 2011 by ummmuhammadahmad
