Exposing the Djinn / Genie Myth and Legend

The subject of my most recent research into myth and legend is a legendary creature known as the Djinn, or Genie in the American vernacular.

The Djinn has its root in Islamic mythology. Several of their books actually refer to the Djinn. While some believe that Allaah created them just the same as human beings, others believe that they actually predated mankind.

There also appears to be additional disagreement over whether these creatures are a force of good or evil. However, the prevalent belief indicates that they are angry spirits born from smokeless fire whereas man was born of the earth itself.

Just like man, however, the Djinn were given free will. However, as man - - beginning with Adam - - struggled to bring out the best in his nature, the Djinn preferred to give in to the dark side. It is believed that this free will choice led to the Djinn's ultimate downfall.

The Djinn refused to act as companions and servants to Adam, as was intended, so they were barred from the Garden of Eden. They became deformed, disgusting creatures condemned to live in ruins and unclean places like graveyards, trash heaps, dark and damp caves, etc.

Although they do inhabit the earth, their dimension makes them somewhat separate and distinct from the normal human realm. This fits well within the root meaning of the Arabic word, which translates into "hidden from sight." While the Djinn's world is indeed on earth, it is said to be "not of this earth."

While the Djinn can see humans, humans don't always see them. Therefore, Allaah provides protection for unsuspecting humans in the form of a prayer that asks for refuge from the whisperings of the Djinn. More than that, however, having a strong religious faith is also necessary to subvert the Djinn's ability to influence humans.

Some believe the Djinn have learned to assimilate themselves into the realm of earth, but they cannot remain for extended periods of time. They come in the form of wizards, witches, and practitioners of black magic who are capable of either serving or plaguing mankind.

Others view them even more suspiciously and count them responsible for all of the disease and pestilence that plagues humankind. It is in this light, that humans view the Djinn; more as demons or devils sent to ruin our world in any way they can.

Supposedly, however, humans can call forth the Djinn to do their bidding. This is how the story of the Genie came about, and the idea of free wishes. However, there appears to be no evidence that Djinn can actually do more than trick magic or perform minor spells and charms. That obviously does not explain the concept that has grown over the years that Genies can somehow create great wealth, cause natural disasters, or perform huge feats of legerdemain.

Djinns cannot breed with human beings, although there are many indications that they have wanted and tried to do just that in order to gain more permanent residence inside the earthly realm.

Both the holy Qur'aan and the book of Sunnah reference the Djinn as creatures that were created for the only purpose to praise Allaah. They have powers that were not given to human beings. They can, for example, travel in the blink of an eye as well as shape shift into many different creatures.

Djinn are believed to come in three different forms:

The Ghul (or ghoul) - shape shifters who live in and like to defile graveyards;
The Sila - spirits who can appear in any form to influence man; and
The Ifrit - evil sprits that plague everything and anything that man holds precious.

I, for one, do not believe in the Djinn overall, I do believe in evil spirits (and humans) who try to dissuade us from our better nature. I don't actually count them as demons, devils, or djinn, per se, but I guess if you have to give them a name; any one of those is as good as another.