jinns

Jinn are supernatural beings appearing in Islamic theology and Arabian folklore. The term jinn (plural) refers to a distinct creation of God formed before humans. In Islamic doctrine, jinn are created from smokeless fire, humans from clay, and angels from light. Like humans, jinn possess free will and are morally responsible for their choices.

They inhabit a parallel unseen world and can influence the human world indirectly. Jinn are believed to inhabit places such as deserts, ruins, and empty structures, though they are usually invisible to people. They can take on various forms, including animals or human appearances, and may be benevolent, mischievous, or malevolent.

In Islamic tradition, Iblis (Shaytan) is a jinn who refused to bow to Adam, illustrating that jinn can be obedient or disobedient to God. The Qur'an and later hadith acknowledge jinn as a separate creation alongside humans and angels, and some jinn worship God just as humans do. Folklore also features types such as the ifrit (a powerful, often malevolent jinn), the marid (a potent entity), and the ghul or ghoul (a shapeshifting spirit).

Jinn imagery has pervaded literature and popular culture in the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond, from classical tales such as those in One Thousand and One Nights to modern novels and films. They are frequently used to explain unexplained phenomena and to convey moral lessons, while contemporary interpretations range from cautionary tales to fantasy entertainment.