Can I Use Salt for Protection from Jinn?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Is it valid in Islam to place salt in the corners of a house for protection from Shaytan and Jinn, and does believing in its protection affect one’s faith? Also, is it permissible to leave the Quran open continuously at Surah al-Baqara, verse 255, as protection from the devil?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah (Most High) alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.
Placing Salt for Protection from Jinn
Placing salt in the corners of a house for protection from Shaytan and Jinn is not established in the teachings of the Quran and Sunna. While salt may be used for practical purposes, such as repelling ants or cleaning, attributing its use to protection from jinn enters the realm of the unseen, which must be strictly based on the Quran and authentic Sunna. Muslims are cautioned not to adopt beliefs or practices regarding the unseen that lack a sound basis, as this can lead to reliance on unverified methods outside the Sacred Law.
Instead, seek protection through actions grounded in the Prophetic tradition, such as reciting Ayat al-Kursi [Quran, 2:255], the last two verses of Surah al-Baqara [Quran, 2:285–286], and the prescribed morning and evening supplications. These practices have been affirmed by the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and are effective means of seeking Allah’s protection.
Leaving Devices or the Quran Open on Specific Verses
Listening to the Quran on a recording device is permissible and beneficial, especially in creating an atmosphere of baraka in one’s home. However, leaving the Quran open to a specific verse, such as Ayat al-Kursi, or focusing solely on playing it through devices as a means of protection should not replace the personal recitation of the Quran.
The prophetic practice emphasizes the recitation of verses and supplications by one’s own tongue. For example, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) would recite the Mu‘awwidhatayn (Surat al-Falaq and Surat al-Nas) three times in the morning and evening for protection and would encourage others to do the same. The act of reciting with sincerity, presence, and trust in Allah is far superior to relying on automated devices for spiritual practices.
Conclusion
Muslims are encouraged to focus on authentic, well-established practices from the Quran and Sunna for protection and blessings. Introducing unverifiable methods or relying solely on devices can distract from the personal connection to Allah through sincere acts of worship.
May Allah (Most High) guide us to that which is most pleasing to Him and protect us from all harm.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.
