Let’s strive to find reality!!
The word demon is often used to represent an evil existence. It is considered a supernatural entity.
Satan is a character, Quran says may be from humans or Jins. Demons are Satanic Jins which are non-physical beings. They posses special powers, these powers are not universal but rather limited in nature and scope.
The purpose of demons is to encourage all humans to sin by challenging their faith in God. Temptations can come from the flesh(nafs), the world, and the devil.
There are two extreme behaviors about the existence of demons.
- One relates every evil,every problem to the demons
- Second deny even the existence of demons just because according to them Demons’ existence has not yet been proven by scientific method.
Let’s evaluate both viewpoints on the basis of available knowledge and strive to find reality. I would divide this discussion into two parts on the basis of sources of knowledge(this classification of sources of knowledge is very similar to the classification proposed by Ibn e Khaldun):
- Demons in History or Narrative knowledge
- Demons in Science
Demons in Narrative Knowledge
Demons in Mesopotamia(3500-550BC)
The ancient Iraq (Mesopotamians) believed that the world was populated by powerful demons—semi-divine spirits that affected many aspects of human life.
Demons in Ancient Egypt(3000-550BC)
Although it’s not clearly understood, the idea of evil spirits was also found in the ancient egypt. A notable feature about the existence of Egyptian demons is that most of them appear to have been emissaries of the gods. According to Lucarelli (2010, p.2-3), demons in ancient Egypt were subordinate to the gods and acted under the command of superior deities. This hypothesis can be considered valid with the help of a formulation in the Oracular Amuletic Decrees which refer to a spell for protection against “malevolent gods who make a wrt demon against a man” (Edwards, 1960).
Demons in Indus Valley Civilization(2500-500BC)
The beliefs of Indus valley inhabitants are still under debate.They might have also believed in magical rituals, charms and amulets, and so also in spirits and demons.
Demons in Chinese Civilization (2000BC-500AD)
The concept of evil spirits is found in some chinese Buddhist texts. Yaoguai is a term for monsters, foreigners of China, or strange creatures.
Demons in Judaism
In the Testament of Solomon {translated by C’onybeare. “.lew. (Juart, H<v.” 1S!),S, pp. 1-4.’)) anapocryphal book belonging probably to the first century-King Solomon is introduced as giving his cxjieriences(experiencs) on meeting the various demons.
Quran says about Solomon:
His armies of jinns and men and Tair assembled, formed into ranks, (and marched).
(27-17)
Demons in Christianity
The Bible tells us that demons are fallen angels who joined Satan in his rebellion against God and who were defeated and cast out of heaven along with Satan (Revelation 12:7-9).
The above statement of Bible is against the fact explained in the Quran. So, I will give priority to the Quranic statement. Because, today’s Bible is not the exact book of God. It’s corrupted. But the Quran is same as was revealed on the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). It’s not just our believe but also a proven historical fact.
Corinthians (a chapter of Bible)10:20 states:
ESV“No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons.”
Ephesians 6:12 states “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Demons in Islam
Islam endorse the existence of all the pagan demons, good and evil, protesting only against their being considered gods and also remove all superstitions belonging to demons. Here, I would like to describe a point that we have found the existence of demons througout known history of mankind and nobody challenge their existence(except a few ones such as Abraham ibn Ezra). But how can we justify those beliefs. So let’s see. At a point, Quran addresses pagans as:
Bring me an earlier Book than this, or inherited knowledge, if you are truthful.\”
Mean we can justify those beliefs by comparing these to any Divine Book or knowledge. And at that time we know that the only book of God which is uncorrupted and has provided proofs of Its privilege in every age is “The Final Word of God/The Quran”.
After keeping this point in our mind let’s see what Quran says about demons:
As We fashioned jinns before from intense radiated heat.
(15-27)
And also clarify that:
When we said to the angles: \”Bow before Adam in adoration,\” they all bowed but Iblis. He was one of the jinn and rebelled against his Lord`s command.
(18-50)
At a point Quran says:
Yet they ascribe to jinns a partnership with God, although He created them; and they ascribe to Him sons and daughters, without possessing any knowledge. All praise be to Him. He is much too exalted for things they associate (with Him).
(6-100)
It shows that pagans throughout history worship demons and as the life is test the purpose of demons is to deceive mankind about their Lord. Quran says:
Surely the (devils) obstruct them from the path, though they think they are rightly guided
(43-37)
For further study kindly check following verses from the Holy Quran:
Surah Zukhruf43(surah no)_verses 36-39,Surah Aeraf7_verse 27,179,Surah Maryam19_verse 68,83,Surah Hajar15_verses17,27,Surah Anam6_verse 100,Surah Hajar15-verses 27-31,Surah isra17-verse 88,Surah Kahaf18-verse 50,Surah Sajda32-verse 13,Surah Saba34-verse 41,Surah Suad38-verse 75-76,Surah Fussilat41-verse 25,Surah Ahqaf46-verse 18,Surah Naml27-verse 17
Demons in science
Demons do not adhere to the confines, limitations, or restrictions of the physical world. Science exists in the physical world. The only thing I can say that would give any link between a demon and science is the fact that they are comprised of energy.
Science is restricted to problems that observations can solve. Philosopher of science Elliot Sober verifies this limitation. He writes in his essay Empiricism that “science is forced to restrict its attention to problems that observations can solve.”
Descartes proposed that “some malicious demon of the utmost power and cunning has employed all his energies in order to deceive me.” Said demon could alter our senses and convince us of falsehoods, so that what we see, hear, or feel might not be real. Because anything might be a deception, we must assume everything is, and only through extreme skepticism can we distinguish the real from the unreal.
Untill now,we cannot prove demons are real, nor can you disprove demons from being real using science.
There are some science related demons which are mostly hypothetical beings such:
- Descartes Demon
- Laplace Demon
- Maxwell’s Demon
If anyone is interested to know about these can check google or other browsers.
Conclusion
Now, it’s up to you
Disclaimer
- Errors and omissions are expected
- I tried my best to keep it concise and for that left many important points too. But still it has lengthen.
- After reading this, if any question arises in your mind kindly do let me know. It will surely broaden our views and knowledge.
Written by: Habib ur Rehman
Well explained ????
very informative
Jazakillah it was very informative ❤