In the Qur’an, Allah the Exalted says, “Those who consume usury will not stand except as one stands whom Satan has driven to madness by his touch” (al-Baqarah 2:275). This verse proves that Satan can batter a person through possession, producing what is essentially epilepsy.

In the Sunnah, Imam Ahmad relates in his Musnad that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was on a journey when he passed by a woman whose child was suffering seizures. She brought the boy to the Messenger of Allah, who addressed the jinni, conversed with him, and the jinni left. The child’s mother then offered the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) a gift in gratitude.

Similarly, scholars have long spoken with the jinn inside the possessed. Among them was Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 728 AH). Ibn al-Qayyim—his student—recounts that a man who was having seizures was brought to the Shaykh. Ibn Taymiyyah recited over him and addressed the jinni, saying to her, “Fear Allah and leave.” She replied, “I want this man; I love him.” He said, “But he does not love you—leave.” She said, “I want to take him on pilgrimage.” He answered, “He does not want you to take him on pilgrimage—leave.” When she persisted, the Shaykh continued his recitation and struck the man with heavy blows until his own hand hurt from the force of the beating.

The jinni then said, “I will leave out of respect for the Shaykh.” He replied, “Do not leave out of respect for me; leave in obedience to Allah and His Messenger.” He persisted until she left, and when she had gone