Is it possible for a jinn to enter a baby?

Jinn are creations of God, just like humans and angels. They are divided into good and evil. Good (Muslim) jinn promised the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم): “We do not harm people, but if a person unknowingly harms us, we may take revenge.” Evil (disbeliever) jinn, on the other hand, try to harm humans in various ways.

Shaytan is a term describing a jinn who is “cast out” or “rebellious.” Jinn and shayatin are often found in deserts and dirty places. They begin to spread out on earth at sunset. That is why the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) advised:

“When the sun sets, keep your children close to you, for at that time the devils spread out on earth. After the night has passed, you may let them go.” (Bukhari, Muslim).

According to the majority of scholars, a jinn can approach, touch, or even enter and dwell within any person. The Qur’an says:

“Those who consume usury will not stand except as one whom the devil has driven to madness by his touch.” (al-Baqarah, 2:275).

Here, “driven to madness” refers not just to being touched by a jinn, but to being under its influence, meaning a person possessed by a jinn. There are many ways a jinn can affect a person, and there are no specific signs. The causes can vary: pouring dirty water at the doorstep, sleeping outside, stepping on trash, kicking animal bones, committing sins, or being affected by magic can all be reasons for jinn possession.

Unexplained laughter or crying, feeling resistance when the Qur’an is recited, mental impairment, muscle spasms, insomnia, and frequenting dirty places are among the main signs of jinn possession.

However, just because a jinn can enter a person does not mean it can do anything it wants, nor should one be excessively afraid. Rather, a Muslim should seek ways to protect themselves from the harm of jinn and shayatin.

Remembering Allah and making dhikr are the strongest and most reliable weapons against jinn and shayatin. Especially reciting al-Fatiha, al-Kafirun, al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq, and al-Nas, as well as Ayat al-Kursi, is highly beneficial. Also, trusting Allah, relying on Him in all matters, saying bismillah before eating, maintaining wudu, bathing, and reciting ruqyah over oneself all help prevent or remove affliction. In addition, it is important to regularly recite the morning and evening sunnah supplications taught by the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) for protection from jinn.

The Qur’an says:

“Indeed, you will have no authority over My servants, except those who follow you of the deviators.” (al-Hijr, 15:42).

This means that shaytan cannot approach those who remember Allah and worship Him.

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) used to pray to Allah for the protection of his grandsons Hasan and Husayn from the harm of shaytan, poisonous creatures, and the evil eye (Bukhari).

Hasan AMANKUL,

Deputy Head of the Department of Sharia and Fatwa,

“Munara” newspaper, No. 15, 2020