What is the ruling on seeking help from trustworthy Muslim jinn to find kidnapped persons, and is it permissible to accept a reward for this, especially since Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah permits seeking help from jinn in permissible matters? And is it permissible to use Muslim jinn to treat magic that harms people, if this achieves a benefit and prevents harm from them?
Scholars have differed on the ruling concerning the use of jinn by humans. Some have absolutely prohibited it, while Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah permitted it only for what is obligatory and permissible, prohibiting it for anything else. The basis of the prohibition for those who forbid it is to block the means to polytheism, to prevent seeking their help in forbidden matters, and due to the lack of security from their deception and lies.
As for offering a reward to someone who finds a kidnapped person or helps in doing so, it is permissible and commanded by the Sharia, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Whoever does you a favor, reciprocate it."
Regarding the reward for finding a kidnapped person through the help of jinn, its ruling is based on the difference of opinion regarding the permissibility of seeking their assistance. According to the view that it is not permissible to seek their help, then neither compensation nor taking compensation for it is permissible. According to the second view, it is permissible.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/102684