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Is a Jinn capable of killing my friend during sleep?

dark room and bed

Salaams

My friend is currently dealing with black magic and jinn possession. It is getting progressively worse and I have witnessed my friend being rendered unable to breathe when the Jinn strikes.

The Jinn torments my friend in their sleep and my friend struggles to breathe; the sounds and noises my friend makes...it’s as though somebody is physically strangling them. My friend's throat hurts after it happens, and it leaves scratches and numerous bruises on my friend's body. 

The Jinn doesn’t just torture my friend in their sleep but during the day, too. It strangles my friend and it’s really, really scary. I can feel that my friend has no air in their lungs, it’s almost as if they’re slipping away. It makes my friend lose consciousness, too.

The Jinn makes my friend have nightmares...it’s usually about death, about my friend dying.

Playing Ayat Al Kursi would make the Jinn let go of my friend, as did any Quran recitation on YouTube. However, today I discovered that it continued to torment my friend throughout the Quran recitation and that scares me so much.

My friend is having ruqyah done but the raqi has said that my friend may not survive this and as I have said, my friend is unfortunately getting worse.

I read that humans are superior to Jinns and I know that if my friend is to beat this then their faith must be worked on and increased but that’s easier said than done.

I’m scared about the fact that Allah’s words didn’t cause the Jinn to flee, don’t they usually leave when the Quran is being read/recited? The Jinn is getting stronger and it’s taking its toll on my friend, my friend feels ready to give up.

Do Jinns have the power, the ability to kill a person? Do they have that direct power to take a person's life?

Is Jinn possession one of those things where it gets worse before it gets better?

I just feel dread all the time and I’m trying my best to help my friend but it keeps getting worse.

Please answer my question and please give me any advice that will help my friend beat this thing.

Thank you.

-unfortunate soul


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20 Responses »

  1. Asalamualaykum Unfortunate soul,

    You write: However, today I discovered that it continued to torment my friend throughout the Quran recitation and that scares me so much....My friend is having ruqyah done but the raqi has said that my friend may not survive this and as I have said, my friend is unfortunately getting worse.

    If your friend has done Quran recitation, already consulted a Raqi for Rukyah, and is still not better, it may be Allah's way of telling you and your friend that there is something else going on here. Your friend might want to be examined by a psychiatrist who can rule out (or in) a psychiatric disorder such a schizophrenia or psychosis. These conditions commonly manifest as religiously-themed hallucinations or delusions because when one is hanging on by a thread mentally, one tends to seek the higher power (Allah) for relief.

    So recommend or refer your friend to a doctor (psychiatrist) and see if you learn anything through that.

    Best,

    Nor
    IslamicAnswers

    • Ws,

      I understand that you are sceptical.

      I have said nothing in my post which would suggest that my friend is suffering from poor mental health. My friends physical and mental health is alhamdulilah, intact.

      My friend has disturbing nightmares and as I mentioned, something seems to take hold of my friend whereby my friend struggles to breathe - my friend is conscious throughout it. I will also add that I have heard foreign voices speak through my friend, voices that sound other worldly.

      I find it disappointing that we are quick to label somebody as being mentally unwell when they seem to be suffering from something which we can not understand.

      I used to dismiss the possibility of black magic and Jinn possession, too, until I came across this and have witnessed it for myself. Whatever this is, it certainly isn’t a mental illness, and as for schizophrenia? My own sibling suffers from this so I know what the symptoms are, and my friend and my sibling - well the difference is night and day.

      My friend is only unwell when this thing takes hold of them, otherwise they are fine. They don’t see things which aren’t there, they don’t hear voices, they don’t treat people with suspicion nor are they paranoid.

      Humans and animals are not the only beings which inhabit this earth. Jinn possession and black magic are absolutely real, but I understand that some people may have different beliefs.

      Thanks for taking the time to respond.

      • I personally do not believe in jinn possession, and I find no evidence of it in Islam. I think you have it 100% wrong. In traditional societies, when someone is mentally ill, people immediately jump to the conclusion of possession, because they do not understand mental illness. It's backward , superstitious thinking.

        Wael
        IslamicAnswers.com Editor

        • I know you don’t. I’ve read some of your unhelpful responses to other people’s questions. Jinn possession is backwards thinking but apparently labelling somebody as being mentally unwell without taking any time to understand what is going on, being presented with no evidence which suggests a deterioration in their mental health, not even considering the possibility that it could be something else - that is apparently very helpful. You have a habit of labelling people as mentally unwell when a) you either don’t understand what is happening and b) when you disagree with any other possibility being stated.

          It’s extremely insensitive and actually very bizarre to label somebody as being mentally ill based on them not being able to breathe. I am not sure which mental health condition in existence makes a person behave as though they cannot breathe and causes them to pass out.

          Personally, I think you’re 100% wrong.

          • I'm not labeling anyone mentally ill. If the person cannot breathe then let them see a doctor and do a full physical exam. But it's definitely not jinn possession, which is a fictitious superstition with no basis in Islam or reality.

            Wael
            IslamicAnswers.com Editor

          • Asalamualaykum Unfortunate Soul,

            First off, I didn't indicate any skepticism in my post. If you re-read the wording you will see that. I left that part up in the air intentionally because I don't understand it fully myself.

            Secondly, you write: It’s extremely insensitive and actually very bizarre to label somebody as being mentally ill based on them not being able to breathe. I am not sure which mental health condition in existence makes a person behave as though they cannot breathe and causes them to pass out.

            Actually, there are several mental health conditions that can render someone incapable of breathing...Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and even psychotic illnesses where someone believes they are being overtaken by a foreign being. Also, people can pass out from anxiety and stress. I have a friend who was in the emergency room this week because of having passed out due to one of these conditions.

            What I take issue with is your talking several times about mental illness as if it is something shameful...something to avoid labeling someone with at all costs. Mental illness is a valid illness like any other, needs treatment, and doesn't make someone "less than" in any way whatsoever. Once the brain chemicals and neurotransmitters are balanced out, the person is like any other. So please check your tone as it relates to mental illness. Saying things like "It’s extremely insensitive...to label somebody as being mentally ill based on them not being able to breathe" brings a sense of shame to mental illness. I hope you can see how and why.

            There is nothing that the Quran renders non-understandable. If Jinns are at work in your friend's condition, you should be able to find some answers in the Quran. If you are unable to find examples in the Quran or Hadith and all attempts at exorcising this Jinn have failed, then you should be open to alterative suggestions that could help your friend if applied. That is, after all, the end goal.

            Nor
            IslamicAnswers

  2. Ws Nor,

    I appreciate you taking the time out to respond, once again.

    You say:

    “ What I take issue with is your talking several times about mental illness as if it is something shameful...something to avoid labeling someone with at all costs. Mental illness is a valid illness like any other, needs treatment, and doesn't make someone "less than" in any way whatsoever. Once the brain chemicals and neurotransmitters are balanced out, the person is like any other. So please check your tone as it relates to mental illness. Saying things like "It’s extremely insensitive...to label somebody as being mentally ill based on them not being able to breathe" brings a sense of shame to mental illness. I hope you can see how and why.”

    I’m sorry, just why on earth, how on earth do you take my saying that you shouldn’t be so quick to judge somebody as being mentally unwell (which is actually exactly what you did in your opening post/response) as corresponding to mean that I think mental illnesses are, as you say “shameful”? I just do not think that anybody else who read my response to your comment would take that view at all. If I thought it was so “shameful”, I wouldn’t have openly, without invitation, made the admission that my own sibling suffers from schizophrenia. Your accusation makes even less sense, in fact.

    Also, perhaps you should’ve, could’ve mentioned “anxiety“ in your opening post rather than jumping the gun to schizophrenia? Especially since nothing I’ve said about my friend points to any typical symptoms of schizophrenia.

    I say this with all due respect, but perhaps it is you that needs to think before you speak/type and ask me to clarify instead of making baseless claims/levelling accusations at me without any evidence whatsoever. It is absolutely ridiculous to suggest that I am somehow belittling mental health illnesses. Literally nothing I’ve said suggests that your claims are remotely accurate. I just found your response to be, in all honesty, mostly bizarre.

    I may come across as defensive but I think I am justified in being so.

    Thank you.

  3. Asalamualaykum Unfortunate soul,

    What I said was: "If your friend has done Quran recitation, already consulted a Raqi for Rukyah, and is still not better, it may be Allah's way of telling you and your friend that there is something else going on here. Your friend might want to be examined by a psychiatrist who can rule out (or in) a psychiatric disorder such a schizophrenia or psychosis."

    As you can see, I didn't make any definitive statement...only suggestions.

    Also, why shouldn't I "jump the gun" to schizophrenia? Is anxiety "better?" Some anxious people have it worse than some people with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia can present 180 degrees differently in two people.. Saying that this friend of yours can't have schizophrenia because they are nothing like your sister is misunderstanding mental illness on your part. Also, if what I meant was schizophrenia...then why should I say "anxiety?". I should not be expected to mind-read that you would take offense at "schizophrenia" and say "anxiety" instead. Especially when I meant schizophrenia. What does it matter anyways since I eventually covered both bases?

    Also, just because you have a sister that has schizophrenia, it doesn't necessarily mean that you are not ashamed of it and that I shouldn't suggest it. That is not logical. A lot of siblings misunderstand their mentally ill siblings...some even hate them due to this misunderstanding. Maybe that is not the case with you, but I am not in the wrong for speculating, particularly because you don't want your friend to be labeled with it at all potential costs.

    Nor
    IslamicAnswers

    • Ws Nor,

      I find it rather outrageous that even after stating in no uncertain terms that I do not find mental illnesses to be “shameful”, you are still pushing your misinformed opinion that I do in fact find it shameful. Since you spoke about “logic”, do tell me, do you think you are exercising common sense and logic to your response to me? Perhaps your response was based on your emotions rather than the facts and certainly not the contents of my previous response as that seems to have just gone over your head (literally said I don’t find it “shameful” yet you still bizarrely accuse me of it).

      At no point do I state that my “sister” has schizophrenia but twice you made the claim that I did. You should exercise diligence so that you actually convey facts rather than be hasty which I think highlights carelessness.

      Also, you say that you meant schizophrenia in your opening post, but in my post I mentioned absolutely no symptoms which my friend experiences which are typical of or even a symptom at all of schizophrenia, so exactly why did you “mean” schizophrenia then? It was in your second response where you picked out one of the symptoms my friend suffers as a symptom of anxiety - so actually, anxiety is indeed what you meant and you absolutely did jump the gun when you suggested schizophrenia because there is absolutely nothing in either my post or subsequent comments which suggests that my friend is suffering symptoms of “schizophrenia” or “psychosis” for that matter.
      In all honesty, I think it’s pretty clear that it is you who misunderstands mental health illnesses.

      Further, it isn’t that I don’t want my friend “labelled (with a mental health issue) at all potential costs” - it’s the fact that indeed, that is the first thing you seem to do, right away you think the person must be suffering from poor mental health (it’s a fact, I’ve read through previous responses to questions similar to mine, it’s the first and only answer/suggestion you give). It couldn’t be something else, say, a physical problem? Nope, you label the person as being not entirely sane.

      I find it absolutely baffling that you are now attempting to accuse me of being ashamed of the fact that my sibling suffers from schizophrenia. I mean, WHAT?! Just exactly where are you getting this from?! I truly believe you are very much overstepping the mark here and being extremely defensive and disrespectful now.

      Thank you.

      • Unfortunate Soul, so it's your brother instead of your sister who suffers from schizophrenia? And this is one of the mistakes that Nor made that you are so outraged about? Honestly, at this point it feels like you are arguing just to argue. Please rein it in.

        Wael
        IslamicAnswers.com Editor

  4. I would like to request that my account be terminated along with my posts. Please tell me how I can do that if it’s something I can do myself.

    • I can delete your registration, but we typically do not delete posts or comments retroactively. Other people have taken the time to read and comment in response, and I don't like to invalidate their time and effort.

      Wael
      IslamicAnswers.com Editor

    • Unfortunate soul,

      I'm sorry that it came to this. I wish your friend complete healing whatever her/his issue. Inshallah I will make dua for them come tonight.

      And Allah knows best,

      Nor
      IslamicAnswers

  5. Wael,

    You call yourself a muslim but do not believe in jinn or jinn possession? You are not a muslim if you do not believe even one ayat of the quran and jinns are mentioned in a lot of places in the quran.

    You should stop telling people they/their friends are mentally ill when they complain about jinn/black magic. You seem to have no understanding of it whatsoever and revert to your very basic understanding that all such problems are due to mental illness. How do you know the cause of these 'mental illness' is not jinns?

    You should stop making such comments in the future. If you do not believe or have nothing useful to say about jinn possession you should keep quiet - that's what muslims do. If you do not believe in jinns what are you doing editing a muslim forum? The results of your useless interventions in this topic are plane to see.

    • Brother Hussain, In brother Wael's defense, I was the one that suggested mental illness as a possibility. But I stated it as just that...a possibility. I don't fully understand jinns and I stated that too. The original poster did state that they'd already tried Quran recitation and ruqyah to no avail. Based on that, it made sense to consider other possibilities. Also, brother Wael also specifically stated that he was not suggesting mental illness and that the poster's friend should get a full medical exam to rule out a health condition that involved shortness of breath. We are all Muslims here and come with different life experiences that mold our thinking. Islam is perfect. Muslims are not. We were all trying to help the original poster and her friend, and had good intentions and no ulterior motives. Inshallah you can see that. Best, Nor, IslamicAnswers

    • Brother Hussein, I don't know if you do not have good reading skills or what. Of course I believe in the jinn. They are mentioned repeatedly in the Quran; and in fact, I have seen a jinn myself, once.

      I said I do not believe in jinn possession. The idea that a jinn can enter a human body and control that person or make him/her do things against his will. This is certainly NOT mentioned in the Quran, nor in the seerah (and I have read Seerat ibn Hisham three times). I see no basis for such a belief, except superstition, and a lack of understanding among ignorant people when confronted by illnesses they do not understand.

      You asked what I am doing editing a Muslim forum. Perhaps because I founded this forum in 1999 and since then I have answered, or helped to answer, over 8,000 questions. Including doing the research necessary to understand the issues.

      So please moderate your tone and show some respect, or leave this forum alone.

      Wael
      IslamicAnswers.com Editor

    • Brother Hussain,

      Another thing I want to point out is that mental illness is under-reported, under-diagnosed, and under-treated in Muslim countries and the Muslim community in non-Muslim countries. But don't think for a second that it's because there is no mental illness in the Muslim community. Rather, there are a disproportionate number of people with mental illness in these communities looking for answers and seeking relief, compared to their Western counterparts who have the resources, knowledge, and social acceptance.

      It is understandable, then, that we get a lot of questions from people who likely are seeking answers for something that very much exists in them but is not supported in their culture and therefore has not been brought up by their family or support system. It may seem that we are "over-labeling" people with mental illness, when in fact, we are just uncovering or suggesting mental illness where it exists already and needs validation.

      I hope that makes sense. If not, I am willing to explain further.

      Nor
      IslamicAnswers

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