Lifespan of the Jinn

[Heba E. Husseyn]

As-Salam Alaikum to all.   In continuation of our discussion on the lifespan of the jinn, here is a more specific post on this aspect of the topic.

Though the Noble Quran does not tell us about the lifespan of the jinn, many people unanimously believe that jinn have a much longer lifespan than humans and can survive for thousands of years.

As confirmed in the Noble Quran, humans are created of clay or earth (min Salsalin-kal-Fakhari) and the jinn are created of smokeless fire (min Marij-min Narin).

“He created man of clay (salsalin) like the potter's (kal-Fakhari),  And the jinn did He create of smokeless fire (Marijin min Narin).”   55:14-15  Surah Ar-Rehman (Noble Quran).

From the term “smokeless fire” (marijin min narin), people often assume that the existence of jinn is linked more to physics than to biology.  This could be a reason for the assumption that jinn have a much longer lifespan than humans.   It could be true, but only Allah knows best. 

Satan is also of the jinn:
In Arabic, Shaytāan (‘Satan’) is used both as a proper noun and a common noun, referring to Satan himself and those of the jinn and humankind who follow him.  The plural of Shaytaan is shayateen.  Shaytaan is also often referred to as 'Iblis' meaning the one who has nothing good in him.   There are shayateen among the jinn as well as humans who inspire each other through means similar to telepathy or extrasensory perception.  As for the shayateen among the jinn, we might think they are more dangerous with their ability of keeping themselves hidden.   But actually, the human shayateen maybe still more dangerous with their ability to learn and discern which surpasses that of the jinn.

Satan is the longest surviving jinn:  
From that ensues a question in peoples’ minds that why did Allah Almighty allow Satan to live until the Day of Judgment?  As we know, the Noble Quran is complete and the answer to this question is within the Quran itself.

When Satan was commanded to prostrate before Adam and he refused, he was abandoned and banished by The Almighty.  Soon after Satan despaired of Allah’s mercy and requested Allah to grant him “respite.”

“(Satan) said, ‘Give me respite until the Day they are resurrected.’ " 7:14 Al-Araf.

“(Allah) said: Indeed!  You are of those who have respite.”  7:15 Al-Araf.

Some commentators explain that the reason Satan asked for respite was because he was afraid to die.  That could be true.  Additionally, Satan wanted respite to exist so that he could invite humankind to temptation and misguidance.  Therefore, after disobeying The Almighty, instead of asking forgiveness of Him, Satan became still more disobedient and confessed of his intentions of misleading humans. 

“He (Iblis) said: My Rab!  Because you have sent me astray, I verily shall adorn the path of error for them in the earth, and shall mislead them every one,  (15:39) Al-Hijr.

Therefore, the blasphemy committed by Satan was not denial of Allah nor the denial of the Hereafter, but his stubborn disobedience to the Command of Allah Almighty. 

“He (Allah) replied:  Get out from hence, degraded, banished. As for such of them as follow you, surely I will fill hell with all of you.”  7:18  Al-Araf.

“Indeed! as for My slaves, you have no power over any of them save such of the froward as follow you,”  15:42 Al-Hijr.

Satan thought that by begging Allah for respite until the Day of Judgment, he would escape death because he knew that after the Day of Judgment there is no death.   But Satan’s foolishness prevented him from realizing that on the Day of Judgment his fate would be even worse than death.  Thus, by acquiring ‘respite,’ Satan not only chose a life of disgrace but also everlasting torment in Hellfire on the Day of Judgment. 

“Wherein he will neither die nor live.”  87:13  Al-Ala.

“And they cry: O Malik! Let your Rab make an end of us.”  43:77  Az-Zukhruf.

“ .. and death comes unto him from every side while yet he cannot die, and before him is a harsh doom.”  14:17  Ibrahim.

In the above Verses The Almighty describes the plight of Satan’s followers in Hellfire, and Satan will be with them in the same situation.  "Malik" is the name of the guard of Hellfire. 

With the presence of Satan and his temptations in this world until the Day of Judgment, humans are put to a variety to tests with the choice whether they opt to be loyal to The Almighty Allah or to deviate and be loyal to Satan, the outcast.



Related posts:
-  Jinn in the Noble Quran
-  Difference between Jinn and "Ghost"
-  Jinn created before humans

[N. Truth Seeker]

From the term “smokeless fire” (marijin min narin), people often assume that the existence of jinn is linked more to physics than to biology.  This could be a reason for the presumption that jinn have a much longer lifespan than humans.   It could be true, but only Allah knows best.

Satan is the longest surviving jinn: 
From that ensues a question in peoples’ minds that why did Allah Almighty allow Satan to live until the Day of Judgment?  As we know, the Noble Quran is complete and the answer to this question is within the Quran itself.

These are two excellent points and very well elucidated. 

Really liked this very educational read over a late breakfast .... 

Jazek'Allah khair.  Alhumdulilah.


Thank you Sister Heba ....

[Heba E. Husseyn]

Big welcome brother!

[Ruhi_Rose]

My husband and I thoroughly appreciated reading this work.  We were always interested in getting clues about the jinn's lifespan based on Quranic logic.  This piece carries an intelligent perception of Quranic contents for understanding the lifespan of jinn.   Mash'Allah.

Thank you Sister Heba.   

This work more or less completes our previous discussion on the lifespan of jinn.

[Zainab_M]

Thank you Sister Heba.   This post is useful and educative.  

[Heba E. Husseyn]

Very welcome Sisters.