In this story found in the Holy Injil (al-kitab.org) beginning in Mark 9:14 we see a boy tormented by an unclean spirit (jinn) and his father’s desperate plea for help. Maybe the boy was cursed by an Evil Eye or maybe there is another reason the jinn is oppressing him. In this same story we also discover a great deal about ‘Isa al Masih (pbuh) and his power over the jinn.

Mark 9:14-27

¹⁴Coming to the disciples, ‘Isa saw a great multitude around them, and scribes questioning them. ¹⁵Immediately all the multitude, when they saw him, were greatly amazed, and running to him greeted him. ¹⁶He asked the scribes, “What are you asking them?”

¹⁷One of the multitude answered, “Teacher, I brought to you my son, who has a mute spirit; ¹⁸and wherever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth, and wastes away. I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they weren’t able.”

¹⁹‘Isa answered him, “Unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to me.”

²⁰They brought the boy to him, and when the child saw ‘Isa, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground, wallowing and foaming at the mouth.

²¹‘Isa asked his father, “How long has it been since this has come to him?”

He said, “From childhood. ²²Often it has cast him both into the fire and into the water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.”

²³‘Isa said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

²⁴Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, “I believe. Help my unbelief!”

²⁵When ‘Isa saw that a multitude came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to him, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!”

²⁶Having cried out, and convulsed greatly, it came out of him. The boy became like one dead; so much that most of them said, “He is dead.” ²⁷But ‘Isa took him by the hand, and raised him up; and he arose.

Study the Story

Do you have a friend with you now?  If so, then tell each other this story in your own words and help each other remember the complete story.  If you are alone, then please take a moment to retell the story to yourself in your own words.  Also, think of a friend you can share this story with later on.

As you study this story, what does it teach you about ‘Isa al Masih (pbuh)?  (Think about this before reading more.)

Key Points

First, I see that ‘Isa (pbuh) is full of compassion.  He cares about the boy, and he cares for the father.  Likewise, I think he cares about me, and he cares for you, too.

Second, it is clear that ‘Isa (pbuh) has total power over the jinn because the unclean spirit offers no resistance. When ‘Isa (pbuh) commands the spirit to leave the boy, the spirit must obey. 

Third, I also see that the faith of the father was important to ‘Isa (pbuh).  He was gentle with the father and responded to his cry of “I believe.  Help my unbelief!”  In the same way, my faith is weak sometimes, and I am thankful that I can know my prayer of “Help my unbelief” is heard and welcomed by Allah. 

Why do you think the faith of the father was important to ‘Isa (pbuh)?

While this scripture doesn’t tell us why the faith of the father was so important, it does show us that faith is important.  So, let’s hold onto the question of “why” for now.  As we explore more scripture, hopefully we will begin to understand why faith is so important.

Dua

Do you believe that ‘Isa al Masih (pbuh) has power over the Evil Eye? Do you have faith that he can help you today?  If not, would you like to have such faith?  If you would like to, say a dua like this:

Oh Allah, I believe.  Help my unbelief.  You are full of compassion.  Thank you for caring for me.  Show me the power of ‘Isa al Masih in my life.  Please help me with ________.  I trust you.  I want to live a life free from the fear of evil and full of peace and joy as I honor you.  Grant me this peace and joy.  Help me to honor you with my life.