One afternoon during our after-school pickup runs, one of my children asked, “Are ghosts real?” It was Spooky Season – the days leading up to Halloween – and neighborhoods were decked out with ghosts and goblins, pumpkins and witches, and creepy, crawling spiders, webs, and skeletons. It was no wonder they had questions. My younger children could not quite understand why people were so invested in a holiday that we dismissed as something outside our tradition and not even valid. But even though it was not real to us, it was everywhere they looked, which made it significant. So naturally, they wondered: what was all this buzz about ghosts and ghouls? And did any of it have a place in our Islamic tradition?
I explained that we do not believe in ghosts as the lingering souls of the dead who wander the earth, but we do believe in the jinn. “I think what people call ghosts or haunted houses are probably just the jinn,” I told them. Of course, that opened a whole other can of worms! “What are the jinn?” “What’s the difference between them and ghosts?” “Are they scary?” Those were the follow-up questions. I smiled as I drove through our neighborhood streets, now blanketed with orange, brown, and yellow autumn leaves. I remembered loving this time of year when I was their age, playing dress-up, eating fall-inspired candy (candy corn was a personal favorite), and decorating pumpkins. What I did not love (and still do not) were scary decorations, movies, and shows. Once I was older and learned that no monsters were coming to get me, I could finally enjoy the season without fear. Now, explaining the jinn to my children felt like the perfect opportunity for an honest, enjoyable conversation.
How I approached this topic may help other parents do so in a comforting, age-appropriate way. In case you are wondering how to nurture their curiosity, here are some ideas:
Explain the Jinn in Simple Terms
When the questions started rolling in, I took a deep breath and began with the basics. I explained who the jinn are and what their purpose is. Just like us, they were created to worship Allah alone. Allah says:
“I did not create jinn and humans except to worship Me.” (Quran, 51:56)
I reassured my children that most jinn are just minding their own business in a different dimension. They are part of the Ghayb or the Unseen, and they do not regularly cross our paths. In fact, most have no interest in haunting or even interacting with humans. The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, did not teach us to be afraid of the jinn. He did warn us, however, that each of us has a companion from among the jinn who tries to incite us toward evil. In an authentic narration, the companions once asked him, “Allah’s Messenger, even you (have a jinn companion)?” He replied, “Yes, but Allah helps me against him, and so I am safe from his hand, and he does not command me except for good” (Sahih Muslim 2814a).
I also took the opportunity to explain who Shaytaan is and what his role on Earth has been since the beginning. I reminded them that Allah teaches us how to protect ourselves from him and his helpers through simple acts of remembrance (dhikr) and prayer. We seek refuge in Allah from him all the time, when we pray and before reading or reciting the Quran. Just being a practicing Muslim keeps the Shaytaan away, so as long as we are trying our best, we have Allah’s protection.
Help Children Understand Shaytaan’s Role
When my children asked more about Shaytaan, I told them he is just “a big hater!” We read the story of Iblis and how he became Shaytaan. Out of arrogance, he refused Allah’s command to bow to Adam, arguing that fire was superior to clay. Because of his pride and disobedience, Allah expelled him from Paradise. According to the Quran:
“Allah said, ‘Then get down from Paradise! It is not for you to be arrogant here. So get out! You are truly one of the disgraced.’” (Quran, 7:13)
Before leaving, Iblis asked Allah for time on Earth to prove that humankind could be led astray. Allah granted him that time, and Shaytaan has been trying to misguide us ever since. He even has followers among the jinn, called shayateen, who share his mission. But they do not haunt or frighten people like in movies. Their goal is to distract us from worship and encourage sinful behavior.
Talk About What Happens After We Die
Another vital point in this conversation was clarifying what happens to our souls after death. I told them that our souls do not roam the Earth as scary ghosts but rest in a place called Barzakh, a realm of waiting until the Day of Judgment. Allah says in the Quran concerning the soul:
“They ask you ˹O Prophet˺ about the spirit. Say, “Its nature is known only to my Lord, and you ˹O humanity˺ have been given but little knowledge.” (Quran 17:85)
Once children understand the Islamic perspective on the soul and the afterlife, it becomes easier for them to dismiss the idea of “ghosts” and “haunted houses” as make-believe.
Empower Children with Faith
Regardless of the scary stories that abound and the irrational fears we may have about Shaytaan and the jinn, we need not worry. The good news, I told my children, is that we can easily protect ourselves. Whenever we feel afraid or uneasy, we can say:
“Audhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim”
(“I seek refuge in Allah from Shaytaan, the rejected.”)
We also stay protected by keeping ourselves clean, remembering Allah often, and saying “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah) before we start something, and “Alhamdulillah” (All praise is to Allah) when we finish. Good hygiene and bathroom etiquette are especially meaningful when seeking Allah’s aid against any evil forces. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“A screen will be placed between the eyes of the Jinn and the nakedness of the children of Adam if one of them says as he enters the washroom: In the name of Allah” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 606).
These simple acts build confidence and faith, helping children see that Allah’s protection is always near.
Answer Kids’ Questions about the Unseen
Our children may have plenty of follow-up questions about matters of the Unseen. It cannot be overemphasized that we must approach these topics in an age-appropriate way that welcomes curiosity. As parents, it helps to prepare by reading up on the subject and strengthening our own understanding. Do not worry if you do not have all the answers right away. Jot down their questions and do some research together, or consult a knowledgeable person, such as a teacher or a local imam. Most will be happy to help, and you might even suggest that the imam address some of these questions in a khutbah or a family class.
The Quran and Sunnah contain many fascinating accounts that help us understand the nature and abilities of the jinn. From the encounters between the jinn and the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, to the Surah named after them, and the marvelous feats of Prophet Suleiman, to whom Allah granted control over the jinn, in all these, there is much for children to learn. Parents can share these stories during family time for an engaging, educational experience, especially fitting for this season. Moreover, many mosques organize family-friendly events around this time of year. For example, our local mosque hosts a bonfire night on Halloween. Families gather to roast marshmallows, sip hot chocolate, and listen to special guests share Islamic stories or lessons. We end the evening with prayer, which is an excellent way to replace a holiday we do not celebrate with something meaningful, educational, and fun. And there is nothing scary about that!
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