Masjid al-Jinn – The Mosque of the Jinn

Masjid al-Jinn (Arabic: مسجد الجن) is one of the historic mosques in Makkah. It marks the place where Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) recited the Quran to a group of jinn who later embraced Islam. This event is significant as it highlights that the message of Islam was sent not only to humans but also to the jinn.

The Encounter with the Jinn

Narration of Abdullah ibn Mas’ood (رضي الله عنه):
While in Makkah, the Prophet (ﷺ) once said to the Sahabah (رضي الله عنهم), “Whoever wishes to see what the Jinn are all about should come along.” Abdullah ibn Mas’ood (رضي الله عنه) was the only one to accompany him.

• When they reached the Ma’la district of Makkah, the Prophet (ﷺ) drew a circle on the ground with his foot and instructed Ibn Mas’ood (رضي الله عنه) to sit inside it.

• The Prophet (ﷺ) then moved a little further and began reciting the Quran.

• Soon, groups of jinn started gathering, so many that Ibn Mas’ood (رضي الله عنه) could no longer see or hear the Prophet (ﷺ).

• The Prophet (ﷺ) conversed with them until the time of Fajr.
  (Tafseer Ibn Kathir)

The Jinn Asking for Provision

In another narration, Abdullah ibn Mas’ood (رضي الله عنه) reported:

• A caller from among the jinn invited the Prophet (ﷺ), who then went with them and recited the Quran.

• The Prophet (ﷺ) showed them their footsteps and traces of their fires.

• When they asked him for provision, he prayed to Allah (ﷻ) and said:
  “You will have every bone over which the name of Allah has been mentioned; when it falls into your hands it will have plenty of meat on it. And all droppings are food for your animals.”

• The Prophet (ﷺ) further instructed:
  “Do not use bones and dung for cleaning yourselves after relieving yourselves, for they are the food of your brothers (the jinn).”
  (Saheeh Muslim)

Other Names

Masjid al-Jinn is also known as Masjid Haras, as it is located near the area where Makkah’s guards (Haras) once used to be stationed.

FAQs about Masjid al-Jinn

1. What is Masjid al-Jinn?

It is a mosque in Makkah built at the site where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) recited the Quran to a group of jinn who later accepted Islam.

2. Why is Masjid al-Jinn important?

It marks a significant event where the message of Islam reached the jinn, fulfilling Allah’s command that the Quran is guidance for both mankind and jinn.

3. Where is Masjid al-Jinn located?

Masjid al-Jinn is located in the Ma’la district of Makkah, not far from Jannatul Mu’alla (the historic cemetery).

4. What happened between the Prophet (ﷺ) and the jinn at this site?

• The Prophet (ﷺ) recited the Quran to them.

• The jinn listened attentively and accepted Islam.

• They asked the Prophet (ﷺ) about their provision, and he explained that bones and droppings would serve as food for them and their animals.

5. Why is it also called Masjid Haras?

It is known as Masjid Haras because it is situated near the place where the guards (Haras) of Makkah used to stay.

6. Can pilgrims visit Masjid al-Jinn?

Yes, pilgrims visiting Makkah can visit this mosque. While not a formal part of Hajj or Umrah rituals, it holds great historical and spiritual value.