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Jinni
plural Jinn, also called Genie,
Arabic Jinni, in
Arabic mythology, a supernatural spirit below the level of angels and
devils. Jinn are beings of flame or air who are capable of assuming
human or animal form and are said to dwell in all conceivable
inanimate objects—stones, trees, ruins—underneath the earth, in
the air, and in fire. They possess the bodily needs of human beings
and can even be killed, but they are free from all physical
restraints. Jinn delight in punishing humans for any harm done them,
intentionally or unintentionally, and are said to be responsible for
many diseases and all kinds of accidents; however, those human beings
knowing the proper magical procedure can exploit the jinn to their
advantage.
Belief in
jinn was common in early Arabia, where they were thought to inspire
poets and soothsayers. Even Muhammad originally feared that his
revelations might be the work of jinn. Their existence was further
acknowledged in official Islam, which indicated that they, like
human beings, would have to face eventual salvation or damnation.
Jinn, especially through their association with magic, have always
been favourite figures in North African, Egyptian, Syrian, Persian,
and Turkish folklore and are the centre of an immense popular
literature, appearing notably in The Thousand and One Nights.
In India and Indonesia they have entered local Muslim imaginations by
way of the Qur'anic descriptions and Arabic literature.
"jinni" Encyclopædia
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