Jinn are part of Allah's creation; their affliction of humans is mentioned in the Qur'an. Understanding possession correctly prevents both fear and charlatanry.
What the Qur'an says
Allah says that the jinn were created from smokeless fire and that they, like humans, are accountable for their deeds. Shaytan and his soldiers from among the jinn whisper to people and can, by Allah's permission, afflict them.
Possible signs of affliction
- Episodes of altered speech or voice during Qur'anic recitation.
- Sudden loss of consciousness or convulsions without medical cause.
- Strong aversion to the Qur'an, adhan or mosques.
- Whisperings and intrusive thoughts that the person cannot control.
The ruqyah approach
Ruqyah for possession is performed with the afflicted person's consent, in a dignified setting, using the ayats and duas prescribed by the scholars. The practitioner never humiliates the patient, never uses forbidden methods, and stops at any sign of medical emergency.