How Will Jinn Be Punished Through Fire When They Are Created From Fire?

Compiled by: Dr. Raza Abdullah Pasha (Hafidhahullah)

Quranic Verses on the Creation of Jinn:​

1. Allah (SWT) says:
   
   “And the jinn, We created before from scorching fire.”
   (Surah Al-Hijr: 27)
2. Allah (SWT) also states:
   
   “And He created the jinn from a smokeless flame of fire.”
   (Surah Ar-Rahman: 15)
3. In another verse, Allah mentions:
   
   “(Allah) said: What prevented you from prostrating when I commanded you? (Iblis) said: I am better than him. You created me from fire, and You created him from clay.”
   (Surah Al-A‘raf: 12)

Hadith Evidence:​

Sayyidah Aisha (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“The angels were created from light, the jinn were created from a smokeless flame of fire, and Adam was created from what has been described to you (i.e., clay).”
(Sahih Muslim, Kitab Al-Zuhd, p. 76)

Explanation:​

From the Quranic verses and Ahadith, it is understood that:

• Jinn and devils (shaitans) were originally created from fire, but they do not remain in the form of fire. Just like humans, whose origin is clay but who now consist of flesh, blood, and bones, jinn have transformed and are no longer in their original fiery form.
• Therefore, the fact that they were initially created from fire does not make them immune to punishment by fire.

Just as humans can be harmed by clay, despite being created from it, the jinn can be harmed and punished by fire.

Transformation from Original Elements:​

This transformation is mentioned by the scholars:

• Humans were originally created from clay but are no longer clay in their current state. Similarly, jinn, despite being created from fire, have undergone a transformation, and their fiery nature no longer prevents them from feeling pain through fire.

Evidence from the Hadith of Iblis:​

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“If you had seen me with Iblis, I was choking him until I felt the coolness of his saliva between my two fingers.”
(Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 3, p. 82)

Explanation of the Hadith:​

The coolness of Iblis’s saliva is proof that his fiery essence has undergone a transformation. Therefore, just as humans can be punished by clay despite their origin, jinn and devils can be punished and harmed by fire.

Conclusion:​

• The initial creation of jinn from fire does not render them immune to punishment by fire, as they have undergone a transformation in their essence.
• Their punishment by fire, as described in Islamic teachings, is entirely possible and consistent with the nature of their creation and transformation.