“And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels, ‘Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority.’ They said, ‘Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?’ Allah said, ‘Indeed, I know that which you do not know.’”
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:30)

Before the creation of Adam (peace be upon him), the Earth was not a barren, lifeless entity. Islamic traditions, particularly those compiled by scholars like Ibn Kathir in Al-Bidāyah wa al-Nihāyah, suggest that the Earth was inhabited by various beings, each with their own narratives of rise and fall.

The Hinn and Binn: Primordial Beings

Among the earliest inhabitants were the Hinn and Binn. These entities are mentioned in pre-Islamic lore and some Islamic traditions as creatures that predated the jinn. While detailed descriptions are scarce, it’s believed that they were created from subtle elements, possibly differing from the smokeless fire that constituted the jinn. Their existence was marked by disorder and bloodshed, leading to their eventual eradication by the jinn, who then took over the Earth.

The Jinn: Inheritors of the Earth

The jinn, created from smokeless fire, were granted dominion over the Earth after the downfall of the Hinn and Binn. Endowed with free will, they established civilizations and lived for extended periods. However, over time, many among them became corrupt, leading to widespread chaos. This corruption prompted the angels to question Allah’s decision to place another being (humankind) on Earth, fearing a repetition of bloodshed.

Angelic Intervention

In response to the jinn’s transgressions, Allah dispatched angels to restore order. These angels waged war against the rebellious jinn, subduing them and driving them to remote areas of the Earth. Among the jinn was Azazil (later known as Iblis), who, due to his devout worship, was elevated to the ranks of the angels. However, his pride would later lead to his downfall.

Other Pre-Adamic Beings

Islamic traditions and folklore also mention other beings that existed before humans:

• Timm and Rimm – Lesser-known entities with limited information available.
• Nasnas and Ghoul – Creatures mentioned in Arabian folklore, often associated with deserts and desolation.

These beings, while not extensively detailed in primary Islamic texts, contribute to the rich tapestry of pre-Adamic narratives.

A New Beginning

With the Earth cleansed and order restored, Allah declared His intention to create a new being: Adam (peace be upon him). This marked the beginning of human history, a new chapter in the Earth’s saga.

References:

1. Ibn Kathir, Al-Bidāyah wa al-Nihāyah
2. “Hinn (mythology)”, Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinn_(mythology)
3. “Iblis”, Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iblis