Question: Why doesn’t Islam go into detailed demonology like Christianity and Judaism?
As-salamu alaykum - asking this from genuine curiosity, not to argue. In Christianity and some Jewish writings (like certain Second Temple texts and later traditions) there’s a lot about demons: named fallen angels, hierarchies of evil, cosmic battles, and even guides on recognizing or resisting demonic influence (for example, the Book of Enoch and other apocryphal materials and later church lore). In Islam we do affirm Shaytan and the jinn, and accept things like evil whispering, possession, sihr (magic), and moral corruption. But compared with those traditions, Islamic texts don’t build an elaborate demonology: we don’t really have named demon hierarchies, fallen angels in the same vein, or sprawling cosmologies of evil. The Qur’an and authentic hadith tend to be more measured and restrained on these topics. So I’m wondering why that is. Is it: - A deliberate theological decision to avoid mythologizing or glorifying evil? - A precaution to prevent obsession, fear, or speculative metaphysics among believers? - A different understanding of corruption that emphasizes human moral responsibility over a complex external demonic order? - Or simply that Islam emphasizes ethical conduct and accountability rather than grand cosmic narratives? Would appreciate thoughtful perspectives from fellow Muslims or students of comparative theology. Jazakum Allah khayr for any insights.