Why is possession by Jinn common, particularly among young women, although they are chaste and wear the Hijaab? Why is Jinn-related magic prevalent in my country, to the extent that I feel afraid when I travel to it. It is a cause for worry and I do not know the reason behind it. Please advise.

All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.

The most important factors behind presence of devils in a country and their influence over people are as follows:

1-      People’s fear of devils and asking them for protection. Allaah the Almighty Says (what means):

•       {And there were men from mankind who sought refuge in men from the jinn, so they [only] increased them in burden.}[Quran 72:6]

•       {That is only Satan who frightens [you] of his supporters.}[Quran 3:175]

2-      Weak faith and failure to rely on Allaah the Almighty. Allaah the Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, there is for him no authority over those who have believed and rely upon their Lord (Allaah). His authority is only over those who take him as an ally and those who through him associate others with Allaah.}[Quran 16:99-100]

3-      Not asking Allaah the Almighty sincerely for protection against devils and their plotting. Devils’ plots are undermined when a person asks Allaah the Almighty for protection. Allaah the Almighty Says (what means):

•       {And if there comes to you from Satan an evil suggestion, then seek refuge in Allaah. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing.}[Quran 41:36]

•       {Say, "I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind, the Sovereign of mankind, the God of mankind, from the evil of the retreating whisperer— who whispers [evil] into the breasts of mankind— from among the jinn and mankind."}[Quran 114:1-6]

A person should mention the name of Allaah the Almighty and seek His protection from devils.

4-      Failing to protect houses by reading the Quran, mentioning the name of Allaah the Almighty, performing Salah (prayer), etc.

5-      Committing sins. Allaah the Almighty Says (what means):

•       {And thus will We make some of the wrongdoers allies of others for what they used to earn.}[Quran 6:129]

•       {Do you not see that We have sent the devils upon the disbelievers, inciting them to [evil] with [constant] incitement?}[Quran 19:83]

The more a person disobeys Allaah the Almighty, the more harm he will suffer at the hands of devils.

6-      The presence of magicians and sorcerers in a land. They are a major reason behind the prevalence of devils in a country because they deal with them and benefit from each other. Allaah the Almighty Says (what means): {And [mention, O Muhammad], the Day when He will gather them together [and say], "O company of jinn, you have [misled] many of mankind." And their allies among mankind will say, "Our Lord, some of us made use of others, and we have [now] reached our term, which you appointed for us." He will say, "The Fire is your residence, wherein you will abide eternally, except for what Allaah wills. Indeed, your Lord is Wise and Knowing."}[Quran 6:128]

This was the reason why the Jews cast a spell on the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Their presence in a place causes harm to people and thus they must be expelled.

To be preserved from their harm and the harm of those who help Jinn, a person should have confidence in Allaah the Almighty and rely on Him and believe firmly that nothing will affect a person if Allaah the Almighty does not decree it. A person should also believe that the plots of magicians and devils have no effect without the permission of Allaah the Almighty, and a person is harmed by the plots of magicians only because he does not protect himself enough and does not rely on Allaah the Almighty as he should.

And Allaah Knows best.