Afrit

Afrit, also spelled ifrit or afreet, refers to a class of jinn in Arabian folklore and Islamic tradition. Afrits are usually described as powerful, often malevolent beings composed of smokeless fire. They are considered stronger than ordinary jinn and capable of great strength, shapeshifting, and magical feats. In classical accounts, the jinn were created by God from smokeless fire, and the afrit constitutes a particularly formidable subset within that realm, frequently depicted as rebellious or dangerous toward humans.

In myth and literature, afrits are commonly portrayed as bound to serve or to objects such as lamps or rings, or as beings who grant wishes with a price. The tales of the One Thousand and One Nights feature powerful ifrits that are imprisoned or summoned by magic, presenting trials for the heroes. The term has also been used more broadly in later folklore to describe powerful demon-like jinn, though it remains a distinct category within the broader jinn taxonomy. Afrits are not demons in the Christian sense, and their moral alignment varies by story; some narratives portray them as treacherous, while others allow for more nuanced or even benevolent conduct.

In modern usage, afrits appear in fantasy literature, film, and video games, where they are typically depicted as formidable supernatural beings tied to fire or to magical imprisonment. The concept continues to influence depictions of djinn and related beings across cultures, with variations reflecting regional storytelling traditions.