Practical Theology

Practical Theology

A Critical Review of Sunni Exegetical and Hadith Narrations Regarding Jinn Possession of the Human Body

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Quran and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Quran and Hadith, International University of Islamic Denominations, Tehran, Iran
2 PhD student in Quran and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Quran and Hadith, International University of Islamic Denominations, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
The subject of Jinn entering the human body is one of the issues that has consistently attracted a wide range of Islamic exegetes and traditionists throughout the history of Islamic thought, sometimes permeating common folk beliefs. The significance of investigating this topic lies in its dual capacity: on one hand, it facilitates a more precise understanding of relevant Quranic verses and traditions; on the other hand, it aids in purifying religious perspectives from superstitions and misconceptions. Therefore, the present study aims to critically examine the exegetical and hadith-based evidences regarding the possibility of Jinn entering the human body. The research employs a descriptive-analytical method, relying on authoritative Sunni exegetical sources and analyzing relevant narrations within Sunni hadith collections. Initially, the Quranic evidences claimed by proponents of this theory are examined, with the correct interpretations extracted by referring to the context of the verses and the opinions of scholars. Subsequently, the relevant hadiths are analyzed, evaluating both their chains of transmission (isnad) and their semantic implications (dalalah). The findings of this research indicate that neither the Quranic verses explicitly denote the entry of Jinn into the human body, nor do authentic hadiths substantiate such a claim. Instead, most of these beliefs are influenced by literalist interpretations, cultural convictions, and occasionally, imprecise understandings of religious texts. Consequently, a critical re-examination of religious sources is essential when addressing such issues.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 July 2026