Djinn
Alternate spellings jinn, genie (anglicized form), jinneyah (feminine form), and jinni.
A class of spirits in Islamic demonology that inhabit the earth, assume various forms (see also shapeshifting), and exercise supernatural power. They are considered lower than angels, and are created from fire and/or air. They are similar to humans, and are not immortal. They have bodily needs, can reproduce their kind, and despite extremely long lifespans, are able to die. The djinn are proported to live in stones, rocks, springs and wells, and trees which were known to be dwelling places of spirits. The djinn can also live in the wilderness and desolate places, and are known to make their homes in deserted ruins and rivers and oceans. The Arab would view them as whirlwind or water spouts, or as raw, unpolished stones. They are also attributed to shooting stars, meteors that fell to the earth that resemble the Muslim concept of "stoning evil." However, the djinn's ultimate place of residence is a mysterious mountain called Kaf. In the imagination of an Arab, there was found an immense emerald, which gave an azure tint to the sun's rays so often in evidence over desert regions.
Djinn are known to enjoy punishing humans for wrongs done, and accidents and diseases are attributed to their mischievious work. Also attributed to them are the dangers of wild animals, and being tortured by traveling through wilderness and desolate lands.
However, the djinn are not all good or all evil. Djinn are also proported to be able to convert to Islam through the prayers and teachings of Muslims. It is believed that if a djinn is good, it will be beautiful. If a djinn is bad, it will be ugly. It is proported with the proper knowledge, humans can control the djinn for their own purposes.
The djinn were created before Adam, and long before the time of Adam they rebelled against their settled existence and tried to change the order of things for themselves. Because of this, djinn are regarded as negative beings unless proven by conversion to Islam.
Sources of information:
- Infopedia CD-Rom, 1995
- Djinn and Sacred Stones
- The Influence of Animism on Islam, Samual Zermer