Question

Could you please provide the reference for the Hadith regarding the appearance of Jinn/Shayatin that were imprisoned by Nabi Sulayman (‘alayhis salam) in human form near the end of times who will deliver religious talks and mingle with people.

Please also provide an explanatory commentary on it, particularly on special traits to identify such Shayatin.

Answer

Imam Muslim (rahimahullah) has recorded the following narration in the foreword of his Sahih as the statement of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibnul ‘As (radiyallahu ‘anhuma):

Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibnul ‘As (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) said: “There are devils imprisoned in the ocean. They were captured by Sulayman (‘alayhis salam). Soon they will emerge and recite Quran to the masses.”

(Foreword of Sahih Muslim, after narration 7. Also see: Musannaf ‘Abdur Razzaq, Hadith: 20807)

Imam Muslim (rahimahullah) has cited this narration among other Hadiths that discuss that towards the end of times, liars will emerge who will report such [fabricated] Hadiths that you have never heard before. Therefore, the narration in question could be understood in the same light.

These Shayatin will recite Verses claiming them to be part of Quran to mislead the masses. However the true Believers will never be misled since Allah Ta’ala has promised divine protection for the Quran. They will also report fabricated Hadiths, attributing it to Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).

‘Allamah Shabbir Ahmad Al ‘Uthmani states that he has not come across many other narrations explaining this statement of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibnul ‘As (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) and that it is possible that this will occur when Dajjal emerges.

(Refer: Al Mufhim, and Fathul Mulhim, vol. 1, pg. 260, Hadith: 19)

The narration in question should therefore serve as a caution against accepting unknown Hadiths from unknown people.

Disclaimer: In principle, the signs of Qiyamah are ambiguous and nuanced and only Allah Ta’ala Knows their precise timing and exact application. One should certainly take heed from such Hadiths and signs, despite their application to specific events being open to interpretation.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar