Can jinn and devils harm humans?

Jinn, like humans, are created as beings responsible for their actions. (ez-Zâriyât, 51/56) There are jinn who believe in Allah, worship Him, and do good deeds, as well as disbelieving jinn who seek to harm humans and prevent them from faith and righteous deeds. The Qur’an mentions the devils among both humans and jinn: “Thus We have made for every prophet an enemy—devils from among mankind and jinn, inspiring one another with adorned speech in delusion. If your Lord had willed, they would not have done it; so leave them and their fabrications.” (al-An‘âm, 6/112) As indicated in this verse, jinn who act in a devilish manner are called devils. It is stated in verse 50 of Surah al-Kahf that Iblis, the chief of the devils, is from among the jinn: “And [mention] when We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate to Adam,’ and they prostrated, except for Iblis. He was of the jinn and departed from the command of his Lord. Will you then take him and his descendants as allies other than Me while they are enemies to you? Wretched it is for the wrongdoers as an exchange.”

In general, when we look at the Qur’an and specifically at these two verses cited in Turkish translation, it is clear that the harm intended by devils and, consequently, by evil jinn towards humans is primarily in matters of faith and deeds. According to the Qur’an and the explanations of the Prophet (peace be upon him), the enmity of devils and jinn who act devilishly is only through deceiving humans and encouraging them to evil; there is no mention of material or physical harm. For this reason, the Almighty Allah says, “Do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.” (al-Baqara, 2/208) Here, it is clear that not following the footsteps of Satan means not succumbing to the whispers of devils and jinn and not committing evil deeds. In verse 6 of Surah al-Jinn, it is stated: “And there were men from mankind who sought refuge in men from the jinn, so they [only] increased them in burden.” As explained in this verse, the harm caused by jinn to humans is due to people seeking refuge in jinn, communicating with them, and hoping for help from them, despite the clear warning of the Almighty Allah. Therefore, in Surahs al-Falaq and al-Nâs, this situation is addressed, and people are encouraged to seek refuge in the Almighty Allah, the Lord of all things, from the evil and whispers of jinn and all creatures. This means that devils and jinn have no authority, dominance, or ability to harm those who truly believe in Allah. The authority and harm of devils and satanic jinn only apply to those who take them as allies and associate partners with Allah. (see an-Nahl, 16/99-100)

Therefore, believers should seek refuge in Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) from all kinds of evil and harm from human and jinn devils and should not fear them. Those who never incline toward them and use their will only in accordance with truth and righteousness are protected from any influence or harm that may come from jinn and devils.

Source: T.C. Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı, Din İşleri Yüksek Kurulu