Monsters of Horror 8: The Djinn
The djinn (also known as jinn or Anglicised as genies) are supernatural beings in Islamic mythology that can be good, evil, or neutral. They are said to have free will and can shape-shift into different forms. They are also believed to inhabit a parallel world that is invisible to humans, but can interact with them in various ways.
In this blog post, I will explore some of the fascinating aspects of the djinn, such as their origin, types, powers, and legends. I will also share some tips on how to protect yourself from the malicious ones and how to communicate with the benevolent ones.
The origin of the djinn
According to the Quran, the djinn were created by Allah from a smokeless fire, before he created humans from clay. They were the first inhabitants of the earth, but they became corrupted and rebellious, so Allah sent angels to fight them and drive them away. Some of them escaped to remote places, such as mountains, deserts, islands, and oceans.
The types of the djinn
There are different classifications of the djinn, based on their nature, abilities, and allegiance. Some of the most common ones are:
- Marid: The most powerful and arrogant type of djinn. They are usually blue or green in colour and can control water. They can grant wishes, but they often demand a high price or trick the wisher.
- Ifrit: A fiery and cunning type of djinn. They are usually red or black in colour and can control fire. They are very loyal to their own kind, but hostile to humans and other djinn.
- Jann: A weak and friendly type of djinn. They are usually brown or yellow in colour and can control earth. They are curious about humans and can be helpful or mischievous.
- Ghul: A wicked and cannibalistic type of djinn. They are usually dark or pale in colour and can shape-shift into animals or humans. They prey on travellers, graveyards, and corpses.
- Shaitan: A rebellious and evil type of djinn. They are followers of Iblis (Satan), who refused to bow down to Adam when Allah commanded him. They tempt humans to sin and cause mischief and harm.
The powers of the djinn
The djinn have various supernatural powers that make them formidable and mysterious. Some of their powers are:
- Invisibility: The djinn can hide themselves from human sight, unless they choose to reveal themselves or use magic to do so.
- Shape-shifting: The djinn can change their appearance into any form they desire, such as animals, humans, or objects. They can also possess living beings or objects and manipulate them.
- Teleportation: The djinn can travel instantly from one place to another, without any physical barriers or limitations.
- Telepathy: The djinn can communicate with each other and with humans through thoughts and emotions. They can also influence human minds and dreams.
- Magic: The djinn can perform various kinds of magic, such as spells, curses, illusions, enchantments, and divination. They can also grant wishes, but they often have a catch or a consequence.
The legends of the djinn
There are many stories and myths about the djinn in different cultures and traditions. Some of the most famous ones are:
- Aladdin: A popular tale from the Arabian Nights, where a young man named Aladdin finds a magic lamp that contains a marid who grants him three wishes. He uses them to win the love of a princess and defeat an evil sorcerer.
- Solomon: A biblical king who was given a ring by Allah that allowed him to control the djinn. He used them to build his temple and perform miracles. He also imprisoned some of the rebellious ones in bottles or jars.
- Sinbad: A legendary sailor who encountered many adventures and dangers in his voyages across the seas. He met various kinds of djinn, such as a giant bird-like creature called a roc, a whale-like creature called a jahannam, and a winged horse-like creature called a pegasus.
- Rumi: A famous poet and mystic who wrote about his spiritual experiences with the djinn. He described them as hidden friends who guide him to the truth and inspire him to write his poems.
How to protect yourself from the malicious djinn
While some of the djinn are harmless or helpful, others are malevolent and harmful. They can cause physical, mental, or spiritual problems for humans, such as diseases, accidents, nightmares, possessions, or curses. To protect yourself from them, you should:
- Seek refuge in Allah: said to be the best way to ward off the evil djinn, invoke Allah’s name and seek his protection. You should recite verses from the Quran or prayers that mention Allah’s attributes or names.
- Avoid places where they dwell: The malicious djinn tend to live in isolated or dark places, such as ruins, caves, forests, deserts, or oceans. You should avoid visiting or staying in these places, especially at night or during certain times of the year, such as Ramadan or Halloween.
- Be respectful and cautious: The djinn are sensitive and proud beings who do not like to be disturbed or offended. You should be respectful and cautious when dealing with them or their belongings, such as objects, animals, or plants. You should also avoid making promises or contracts with them that you cannot keep or that may harm you.
- Use charms or amulets: Some people use charms or amulets that contain verses from the Quran or symbols that represent Allah’s power or mercy. These are supposed to repel or weaken the evil djinn and attract the good ones. However, you should be careful not to rely on them too much or to associate them with Allah.
How to communicate with the benevolent djinn
While some of the djinn are harmful or hostile, others are benevolent and friendly. They can offer guidance, assistance, or companionship to humans, if they are approached in the right way. To communicate with them, you should:
- Be sincere and humble: The good djinn are attracted to people who are sincere and humble in their intentions and actions. You should be honest and respectful when talking to them or asking for their help. You should also acknowledge their existence and appreciate their gifts.
- Be curious and open-minded: The good djinn are curious and open-minded about humans and their cultures and traditions. You should be willing to learn from them and share with them your knowledge and experiences. You should also be tolerant and respectful of their differences and preferences.
- Be generous and grateful: The good djinn are generous and grateful for what they have and what they receive. You should be generous and grateful to them as well, by offering them gifts or favors that they like or need, such as food, water, perfume, or music. You should also thank them for their help or company.
- Be careful and wise: The good djinn are careful and wise in their dealings with humans and other djinn. You should be careful and wise as well, by avoiding any harm or conflict that may arise from your interaction with them. You should also follow the rules and boundaries that they set for you.
Conclusion
The djinn are fascinating creatures that have a rich history and culture. They can be good, evil, or neutral, depending on their nature and choices. They can also be helpful, harmful, or indifferent, depending on how you treat them. If you want to know more about them or interact with them, you should do so with respect, caution, and wisdom.
© Colin Lawson Books