He thinks that we should not let her sleep alone in her own room even though she has done this since she was an infant and is now 20 months old.
Someone told him that it's wrong to leave her alone. She doesn't mind it, and we all sleep better this way.
Is there any ruling on this concerning the jinn and our children?
Answer
In this counseling answer:
•As parents, it is natural to feel concern for our children, but that does not mean that we have to take seriously everything that we are told.
•Suckling a child, cuddling them and being tactile as well as via one’s voice, are ways in which a child bonds with one’s mother, and/or significant others.
•This is the nature of sleep at that tender age and is how a child feels secure in this strange world that he/she has entered into.
As salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
As parents, it is natural to feel concern for our children, but that does not mean that we have to take seriously everything that we are told.
Some information is pragmatic, but without consideration of spiritual aspects, this makes pragmatism only a useful tool, not a means to an end.
Other information can be purely superstitious, but this does not make it null and void.
One should be mindful of the state of mind of the person who is conveying the information, and ascertain the intention behind conveying that information.
In traditional societies (including Muslim societies), and in natural parenting, it is considered unnatural to have one’s child sleep on one own.
Sleep Beside Daughter
One’s child comes into the world, often kicking and screaming into a reality that they do not know.
The person they come into the world through is their mother, for whom the smell of is a comforting odor. This can also apply to significant others, like the father.
Suckling a child, cuddling them and being tactile as well as via one’s voice, are ways in which a child bonds with one’s mother, and/or significant others.
This is the nature of sleep at that tender age and is how a child feels secure in this strange world that he/she has entered into.
However, on what basis this person spoke to your husband knows that your daughter can be harmed by jinn should be questioned.
“Abdullah b. Mas’ud reported that Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: There is none amongst you with whom is not an attache from amongst the jinn (devil). They (the Companions) said: Allah’s Messenger, with you too? Thereupon he said: Yes, but Allah helps me against him and so I am safe from his hand and he does not command me but for good” (Al Bukhari 39: 6757).
Check out this counseling video
Knowing that we are all susceptible might help, but in terms of ruling, you are well advised to re-submit your application to Ask the Scholar.
Salam
***
Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information that was provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, it’s volunteers, writers, scholars, counselors, or employees be held liable for any direct, indirect, exemplary, punitive, consequential or other damages whatsoever that may arise through your decision or action in the use of the services which our website provides.
Read more
Co-Sleeping with Father, Is It OK for a 7-Year-Old Daughter?