Question:

Does fearing the Jinn enter into natural fear or not?

Answer:

Fearing the jinn; if it is inner fear and if it is believed that the jinn can benefit and harm you, then this enters into shirk: ‘And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the masculine among the jinns, but they (jinns) increased them (mankind) in sin and disbelief.’ [Surah Al-Jinn Verse 6]

And in the most part/cases fear of the jinn – and Allah knows best – falls into the fear (that is regarded to be) worship; because it is believed that by way of it (jinn) you can be harmed or benefitted, whilst no one has the ability to cause harm or benefit except Allah, neither the jinn nor the people, as the Messenger of Allah sallaallaahu alaihi wa sallam said: “Know that if the nation were to gather together to benefit you with something, they would not benefit with anything except that which Allaah has already recorded for you. If they gather to harm you by something, they would not be able to harm you by anything except what Allaah has already recorded against you.” (Tirmidhee Hasan saheeh)

And the true believer does not fear (anyone or anything) except Allah (The Mighty and Majestic). “So fear them not, but fear me if indeed you are (true) believers” [Aali Imran verse 175]; Meaning the inner fear, the fear (that is regarded to be) worship.  As for fear of a snake, a lion or a corrupt person – meaning he who attacks you and you are not able to resist/fight him, then this is natural fear (and) it does not harm. This does not harm – Inshaa Allah – and it has no effect on the Aqeedah.

However fear of jinn in most cases is a fear established upon corrupted beliefs!  The Messenger sallaallaahu alaihi wa sallam has given you weapons and has taught you; Read ayatul kursi, read Surah al Falaq and Surah an Nas to be protected.  The remembrance of Allah (The Mighty and Majestic) protects you from them. Use the means which will protect you from them and from every type of harm—from snakes, scorpions and from other than them, (reciting):    َعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّة مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ

I seek refuge in the Perfect Words of Allah from the evil of what He has created.) (Recite three times in the evening.)  If you said this nothing will come to you (of harm), neither a jinn nor a snake nor other than them.  Nothing will harm you (by permission of Allah) and this is (when) it is done with sincerity and truthfulness.  May Allah bless you all.

Fataawa fil Aqeedah wal manhaj [Shaykh Rabee Al Madkhali]

Translated by Abu Abdir-Razzaaq Amjad

N.B everything in brackets is from the translator