djinni

Djinn, also spelled jinn, are supernatural beings in Arabian and Islamic folklore and literature. The term djinn refers to a category of beings created by God from a smokeless, incandescent substance, distinct from angels and humans. In traditional belief, djinn possess free will and can be benevolent, malevolent, or morally ambiguous. They are generally considered invisible to humans but able to take various forms, and they are thought to inhabit places such as deserts, ruins, and hidden corners of the world.

In Islam, djinn are part of the created order and share responsibility with humans for moral choice. The Qur’an asserts that they, like humans, will be judged by God and may be guided to righteousness or led astray. They are regarded as a separate intelligent species with communities, languages, and religions of their own. Some narratives emphasize their intimate knowledge of magic and the natural world, while others stress their dependence on divine decree.

Folklore distinguishes several subtypes, including the ifrit, often depicted as powerful and sometimes dangerous; the marid, associated with water and seas; and the ghul, a monster-like entity. Tales frequently portray djinn as capable of granting wishes when appeased or bound, though they may twist requests or demand costly bargains. They can also possess or influence humans in certain traditions.

Culturally, djinn have influenced literature, theater, and film beyond the Middle East, shaping the Western concept of the genie. The popular image of a genie in a lamp largely derives from later adaptations of Middle Eastern tales, notably the Thousand and One Nights, and from modern adaptations in novels, comics, and cinema.