The Qareen in Islam & How Narcissists Are Controlled by Theirs
In Islam, the Qareen is a constant companion from the jinn that is assigned to every human being at birth. The Qareen whispers evil suggestions (waswas) and encourages a person toward wrongdoing, serving as a source of temptation throughout their life. However, a righteous person can resist their Qareen and even weaken its influence through faith, self-discipline, and remembrance of Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“There is none among you but there is an assigned companion (Qareen) from among the jinn.” They (the Companions) said: ‘Even you, O Messenger of Allah?’ He said: ‘Even me, but Allah has helped me against him, so he has submitted, and he only commands me to do good.’”
(Sahih Muslim)
This means that while the Qareen naturally inclines a person toward evil, a strong connection with Allah can overpower its influence. But what happens when a person does not fight against their Qareen?
Narcissists & Their Qareen: A Wild Horse Controlling Its Rider
A narcissist is someone who has completely surrendered to their Qareen. Instead of resisting its whispers, they embrace and embody them, allowing their desires, arrogance, and impulsiveness to dominate their life. This makes them spiritually weak, easily manipulated by their own lower self (nafs), and disconnected from their fitrah (natural state of goodness).
The Qareen is like a wild, untamed horse. If a person is spiritually disciplined, they take control of the reins, guiding it toward righteousness. But if a person is weak-willed, the horse takes control, galloping recklessly in any direction, causing destruction along the way.
Narcissists do not have control over their Qareen—instead, their Qareen controls them. This is why they act impulsively, lash out in anger, lie without remorse, and manipulate others without a second thought. They lack self-restraint, which is a clear sign that their Qareen is running wild.
Why Narcissists Lack Willpower
Narcissists struggle with self-control because their entire existence is ruled by their desires (hawa). They are addicted to attention, validation, and dominance, all of which their Qareen fuels. This is why:
• They are impulsive: They react without thinking, often saying or doing things that harm themselves and others.
• They cannot handle rejection: Their Qareen feeds their ego, so when someone rejects them or sets boundaries, they feel threatened and lash out.
• They live in a cycle of self-destruction: Since they do not control their desires, they engage in toxic behaviours that eventually backfire, causing them misery.
Allah warns against following desires blindly:
“Have you seen the one who takes his own desires as his god? Allah has left him astray knowingly, sealed his hearing and heart, and placed a cover on his sight. Who then can guide him after Allah? Will you not take heed?” (Quran 45:23)
This describes the narcissist perfectly—they are so consumed by their ego and desires that they can no longer see the truth.
Why Narcissists Hate Empaths
Empaths are the opposite of narcissists. While narcissists are controlled by their Qareen and their lower nafs, empaths have mastered self-awareness and emotional control. They do not let their desires rule them; instead, they strive for balance, self-discipline, and spiritual growth.
What Makes Empaths Different?
• They control their lower nafs rather than being controlled by it.
• They have self-discipline and do not act on impulse.
• They possess strong intuition because they are spiritually in tune.
• They prioritize sincerity while narcissists live in deception.
Narcissists envy empaths because they see in them what they lack—self-mastery, emotional depth, and true connection to Allah. Narcissists, despite their arrogance, feel empty inside because they have severed their spiritual connection. Empaths, on the other hand, are filled with light and wisdom, making them a direct threat to the narcissist’s fragile ego.
How to Protect Yourself from a Narcissist’s Qareen
Since narcissists are controlled by their Qareen, dealing with them can be spiritually and emotionally draining. Their presence brings chaos, negativity, and deception. Here are some ways to protect yourself:
1. Increase Your Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah):
The more you engage in dhikr, the weaker the Qareen becomes. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The devil runs away from the house in which Surah Al-Baqarah is recited.” (Sahih Muslim)
Keep your home and heart filled with the remembrance of Allah to repel negativity.
2. Set Firm Boundaries:
Narcissists thrive on control. By setting boundaries, you disrupt their influence over you. They will resist, but your strength lies in standing your ground.
3. Avoid Emotional Engagement:
Narcissists feed off reactions. The less you respond emotionally, the less power they have over you. Stay calm and detached when dealing with them.
4. Seek Refuge in Allah:
Constantly make du’a for protection from those who are controlled by their Qareen. Recite Ayatul Kursi and the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah daily for protection.
Narcissists are ruled by their Qareen, making them spiritually blind, emotionally reckless, and devoid of self-control. They are the embodiment of unchecked arrogance, much like Iblis, who refused to humble himself before Allah.
Empaths, on the other hand, have mastered self-control and are in tune with their fitrah. This is why narcissists envy and despise them—because they represent everything the narcissist lacks.
If you are dealing with a narcissist, know that their behaviour is deeply rooted in their spiritual weakness. Protect yourself by strengthening your connection with Allah, maintaining boundaries, and remembering that true strength comes from self-discipline and faith.