Jinn Cannot Know the Unseen
The Verse (34:14) and Its Context:
The Qur’an clearly states in Surah Saba (34:14) that the jinn do not have knowledge of the unseen. Despite their extraordinary abilities, the jinn lack the capacity to perceive or know hidden matters unless Allah grants them such knowledge.
Jinn’s Superior Abilities:
The Qur’an describes the jinn as a creation endowed with powers far greater than humans. For instance, they could transport a throne from one country to another almost instantaneously. This shows their physical and supernatural strengths.
Eavesdropping on the Heavens:
Without the aid of airplanes or rockets, the jinn possess the ability to ascend into the skies and attempt to eavesdrop on celestial conversations among angels. Despite such remarkable capabilities, their knowledge remains limited, especially concerning unseen matters.
Story of Prophet Sulaiman (AS):
The jinn were working in fear under Prophet Sulaiman (AS) during the construction of Bayt al-Maqdis.
While Sulaiman (AS) stood watching them, he passed away, yet the jinn remained unaware of his death because he continued to lean on his staff.
It was only when termites gnawed through the staff and his body fell that the jinn realized he had already died. This incident, described in Surah Saba (34:14), highlights their inability to perceive the unseen.
Jinn’s Limitations in Perception:
The jinn, despite their close proximity to Prophet Sulaiman (AS), could not discern whether he was alive or dead.
This emphasizes their incapability of knowing hidden matters, even those occurring near them.
Implications for Beliefs in Saints or the Deceased Knowing the Unseen:
If jinn, a creation with immense power, cannot know the unseen, it is illogical to attribute such knowledge to saints, spiritual figures, or deceased individuals.
This understanding should discourage beliefs that saints or the dead possess the ability to know hidden matters.
Invalidation of Shrine Worship and Related Practices:
The belief that saints or those buried in shrines can intercede or possess knowledge of the unseen is baseless in light of this Qur’anic teaching.
To further understand the fallacy of arguments used to justify shrine worship, refer to detailed discussions in related verses and topics listed (17, 41, 49, 79, 83, 100, 104, 121, 122, 140, 141, 193, 213, 215, 245, 269, 298, 397, 427, 471).
Conclusion:
The Qur’an establishes that even the jinn, with their extraordinary powers, cannot know the unseen. This understanding invalidates claims that saints or the deceased have access to such knowledge, thereby rejecting practices like shrine worship.