Authored by: Dr. Raza Abdullah Pasha (حفظه الله)
How much strength do the Ifrit (rebellious) jinn possess?
Allah Almighty states:
"قَالَ عِفْرِيتٌ مِّنَ الْجِنِّ أَنَا آتِيكَ بِهِ قَبْلَ أَن تَقُومَ مِن مَّقَامِكَ ۖ وَإِنِّي عَلَيْهِ لَقَوِيٌّ أَمِينٌ"
"A powerful one from among the jinn said: I will bring it to you before you rise from your place, and verily, I am truly strong and trustworthy concerning it."
[Sūrah al-Naml: 39]
The term "ʿIfrīt" means rebellious and powerful. Since Sulaymān (عليه السلام) would remain seated from morning until noon managing judgments and administrative matters, the ʿIfrīt said, "I will bring it to you before you rise from your seat."
The phrase "وَإِنِّي عَلَيْهِ لَقَوِيٌّ أَمِينٌ" means:
“I have the strength to lift the throne and I will bring it with all its jewels and treasures intact, fulfilling the trust.”
However, Prophet Sulaymān (عليه السلام) desired it to be brought even quicker, indicating that he wished to demonstrate the magnificence of the kingdom granted to him by Allah, and to manifest the unique favor of Allah in granting him command over such an extraordinary army — a blessing not bestowed upon anyone before him.
❖ Question:
How much strength do the Ifrit (rebellious) jinn possess?
❖ Answer:
Allah Almighty states:
"قَالَ عِفْرِيتٌ مِّنَ الْجِنِّ أَنَا آتِيكَ بِهِ قَبْلَ أَن تَقُومَ مِن مَّقَامِكَ ۖ وَإِنِّي عَلَيْهِ لَقَوِيٌّ أَمِينٌ"
"A powerful one from among the jinn said: I will bring it to you before you rise from your place, and verily, I am truly strong and trustworthy concerning it."
[Sūrah al-Naml: 39]
The term "ʿIfrīt" means rebellious and powerful. Since Sulaymān (عليه السلام) would remain seated from morning until noon managing judgments and administrative matters, the ʿIfrīt said, "I will bring it to you before you rise from your seat."
The phrase "وَإِنِّي عَلَيْهِ لَقَوِيٌّ أَمِينٌ" means:
“I have the strength to lift the throne and I will bring it with all its jewels and treasures intact, fulfilling the trust.”
However, Prophet Sulaymān (عليه السلام) desired it to be brought even quicker, indicating that he wished to demonstrate the magnificence of the kingdom granted to him by Allah, and to manifest the unique favor of Allah in granting him command over such an extraordinary army — a blessing not bestowed upon anyone before him.
