What is Ghilan (غیلان)?

Compiled by: Dr. Raza Abdullah Pasha (Hafizahullah)

Explanation:​

Ghilan (غیلان) are described in Islamic traditions as magician jinn who can take different forms to mislead and harm people.

It is narrated from Abdullah bin Ubaid bin Umair that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was asked about Ghilan, and he replied:

“They are the magician jinn.”
[Al-Silsilah Al-Da'eefah, Hadith No. 1809 by Al-Albani]

Similarly, the Prophet ﷺ is reported to have said:

“When Ghilan appear in deceptive forms, recite the Adhan immediately.”

Explanation of the Hadith:​

• Ghilan are jinn who mislead people by appearing in different forms and causing confusion and fitnah (trials).
• The word “تغولت” refers to Ghilan manifesting themselves in various forms to deceive and scare people.
• The instruction “فبادروا بالأذان” (hasten to recite the Adhan) means that one should recite the Adhan loudly to drive them away.
• The reason for this is that shayatin (devils) and harmful jinn flee when they hear the Adhan, protecting the person from their evil.

Conclusion:​

Ghilan are a category of jinn known for their deceptive and harmful abilities, often appearing in different forms to lead people astray. However, by reciting the Adhan loudly, a person can be protected from their evil, as shayatin cannot withstand the sound of the Adhan.