Qareen        قرين

A "Qareen" (قرين) is a concept in Islamic belief referring to a spiritual companion or double that is assigned to each human being at birth. The Qareen is typically understood to be a jinn that accompanies a person throughout their life, influencing their thoughts and actions. Here is a detailed description of the Qareen:

Characteristics of Qareen:

1. Nature and Origin:

   • The word "Qareen" comes from the Arabic root "qarana," which means "to accompany" or "to associate." A Qareen is a jinn assigned to each person at birth to act as their constant companion.

2. Duality of Influence:

   • Islamic tradition often speaks of two Qareens assigned to each person: one that encourages good deeds and one that encourages bad deeds. However, it is more commonly believed that the Qareen has a predominantly negative influence, urging the person towards sin and misguidance.

3. Invisibility and Presence:

   • Qareens are invisible to humans and exist in the unseen realm. Despite their invisibility, they are believed to be constantly present, influencing a person's thoughts and actions subtly.

4. Role of Temptation:

   • The Qareen's primary role is to whisper temptations and evil suggestions into the person's heart and mind, trying to lead them away from righteous behavior and towards sin.

Cultural and Religious Context:

1. Quranic References:

   • The concept of Qareen is mentioned in the Quran. For instance, in Surah Qaf (50:23-27), it is mentioned how a Qareen will testify against the person on the Day of Judgment, revealing the temptations and misguidance they imposed.

2. Hadith References:

   • Various Hadiths (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) mention the Qareen. For example, it is reported that the Prophet Muhammad said that every person has a Qareen, but his own Qareen became Muslim and only encourages him to do good.

3. Spiritual Struggle:

   • The presence of a Qareen is part of the greater spiritual struggle (Jihad al-Nafs) that every Muslim faces. Overcoming the temptations and negative suggestions of the Qareen is seen as a test of faith and character.

Interaction with Humans:

1. Whispering and Suggestions:

   • The Qareen is believed to whisper evil thoughts, doubts, and temptations into a person's heart. This internal dialogue can be a source of inner conflict, as the person strives to distinguish between their own thoughts and those influenced by the Qareen.

2. Resisting the Qareen:

   • Muslims are encouraged to seek refuge in Allah from the whispers of the Qareen. Reciting specific prayers and verses from the Quran, such as Surah An-Nas (114) and Surah Al-Falaq (113), can help protect against the Qareen's influence.

3. Strengthening Faith:

   • Strengthening one's faith through prayer, reading the Quran, and engaging in good deeds is seen as an effective way to resist the negative influence of the Qareen. A strong spiritual life can diminish the power of the Qareen's temptations.

Summary:

The Qareen is a spiritual companion in Islamic belief, typically understood as a jinn that accompanies a person throughout their life, whispering temptations and negative thoughts. The concept of the Qareen emphasizes the constant spiritual struggle that individuals face and the importance of seeking Allah's protection and guidance. By strengthening their faith and engaging in righteous behavior, Muslims can resist the negative influence of their Qareen and strive to lead a virtuous life.