by Robin M. Strom-MackeyIn researching paranormal topics recently I’ve come across several rather oblique references to an ancient race called the djinn. It has been suggested by some that the djinn, or jinn, might be the beings responsible for all manner of paranormal activity from shadow people sightings to extraterrestrial encounters. But what were these beings? I found my answer in a comprehensive book entitled The Vengeful Djinn; Unveiling the Hidden Agendas of Genies, by Rosemary Guiley and Philip Imbrogno.
Truth be told, in the western
world the legend of the djinn has survived only marginally. The djinn or genie has been emasculated and
marginalized, becoming the popular three-wish granting, magic lamp inhabiting, genie
in the bottle. Television shows such as the now dated I Dream of Genie and the
popular Disney film Alladin have
featured friendly genies who seek to help their human counterparts with
superior magical skills. Indeed, for a westerner, the thought that this ancient
race both existed and was dangerous seemed preposterous. However, for those in the Middle East the
belief in the djinn is quite different.
History
of the Djinn
Imbrogno and Guiley are quick
to point out the Middle Eastern cultures take a very different view of this
ancient race of beings. In many
households even to say the word djinn is forbidden for fear of retribution and
harm. For Muslims the djinn are closer
to the western ideal of demon. The Qur’an describes the three tiers of beings
as angels, djinn and humans. Angels are at
the top of the pyramid as creatures of beauty and light. Created without free
will, however, they follow God’s dictates without question. Djinn, on the other
hand, are willful, sentient beings created from, smokeless flame of fire,” or
plasma Strict interpretation of the reference suggest they were created from
the “purest fire,” or created “near the fire (Wagner, Anonymous).” Humans, the weakest of the races, are said to
be created from, “sounding clay (Ar-Rahman 55:15).”
The Qur’an explains that the
ancient race once inhabited the Earth, establishing advanced
civilizations. Then God created mankind,
commanding the hosts of djinn and angels to look after his newest mewling creatures. Those of the Christian faith recall the
angelic response to this dictate which ended in Satan and his fellows being
cast out of heaven.
The Qur’an speaks of a similar
situation happening amongst the djinn. In
fact a powerful djinn by the name of Iblis was so infuriated at the idea that
he refused to bend the knee, and suffered the same fate as the biblical Lucifer. For his arrogance Iblis and his followers
were exiled from Earth, banished to Hell until Judgment Day when they would
hopefully have mended their ways. God
did grant Iblis one boon, he gave Iblis permission to tempt mankind away from
the teachings of God. Note this excerpt
from the Qur’an:
…We bade the angles prostrate
to Adam, and they prostrate; not so Iblis; He refused to be of those who
prostrate.
Allah: “What prevented thee
from prostrating when I commanded thee?”
Iblis: “I am better than he:
Thou didst create me from fire, and him from clay.”
Allah: “Get thee down from
this: it is not for thee to be arrogant here. Get out, for thou art of the
meanest. Be thou among those who have respite.
Iblis: “Because thou hast
thrown me out of the way, lo? I will lie in wait for them on thy straight way.
Then I will assault them from before them and behind them, from their right and
their left. Nor wilt thou find, in most of them gratitude.”
Allah: “Get out from this,
degraced and expelled. If any of them
follow thee, Hell will I fill with you all. “ Al-A’Raf, 11-18
According to an Arabian story,
after Iblis’ descent, his name was changed to Shaitan (adversary or enemy). Notice the similarity to the Western word for
devil, Satan. Certainly the parallels
between Islam and Christianity are unmistakable. Indeed, in some earlier Islamic accounts
Iblis isn’t categorized as being djinn at all, but is described as a once
powerful angel named Azazel. The translation for Azazel being “God
strengthens.”
Azazel may actually have been
borrowed from a Semitic god who protected shepherds and their flocks. Indeed the notion of the djinn predates the establishment of
Islam. Ancient Persians spoke of the
jainni or jaini, which were evil spirits of both genders who inhabited an
invisible world, but whom were able to interact with humans. These creatures could bestow gifts such as
gold or food, or they could mete out harm, disease or death. The Ancient Arabians worshiped god-like
beings known as the ginnaye who were the purveyors of either pleasure or pain. Among the various ancient stories note the
similarities, namely the idea of a non-human, magical spirit who offered either
great fortune or demise.
King Solomon, famous in both
the Christian and Muslim religions, apparently possessed the ability to control
the djinn to do his will – a power given Solomon by God. With this power Solomon was able to not only
call up the djinn by name, but bind them into slavery to perform his many
works. In the pseudopigraphic text, The Testament of Solomon, written
between the first and third centuries CE, the djinn are described as demons and
Solomon is said to have “mastered and controlled all spirits of the air, on the
Earth, and under the Earth (Ibid, verse1).”
Obviously many of the djinn
were unhappy being held in captivity by Solomon, and made to do what amounted
to slave labor. Therefore Solomon is said
to have imprisoned many of them in iron laced lead bottles or sealed them in
captivity with lead and talismans. Other
djinn were imprisoned in magic rings with rubies or fire opals. Notice the parallel to the traditional “genie
in a bottle” story. Incidentally, lead is an ancient remedy against all types
of paranormal entities. The metal is
believed to have the power to bind spirits or ward against evil.
Characteristics
of the Djinn
If we follow the description in
the Quran, the djinn are flameless smoke.
In other words ethereal beings to our human clay form. While we are all bones and sharp angles, these
creatures are amorphous, thus able to fit into any crevice or container because
they possess no material matter. While
in their natural state they are plasma, it appears that they can control their
shape and appearance, melding it into forms appearing both solid and
recognizable to humans. Thus it has been
speculated by those in the paranormal community that they may be the beings
responsible for strange sightings of scaled reptilian creatures, or shadow figures
and perhaps even the modern version of the humanoid-like alien - vis a vis big
eyes, bald head and tiny demeanor. It is
speculated that they may take on whatever form they desire to achieve whatever
ends they seek. If they are seeking
information they may choose to appear as “aliens.” If they choose to frighten they might appear
as scaled, speaking reptiles. If they
wish to deceive someone they may even appear in an angelic state, or take on
the appearance of a deceased loved one. (According
to the Qur’an, however, the djinn are never allowed to appear as Allah
himself. This ability they do not possess.) Consider the possibilities of an entity that
can shape-shift at will and the ramifications are both astounding and appalling.
Where
Djinn Live?
It is written that these creatures live in
remote areas to avoid interactions with humans.
According to Islamic writings, the djinn prefer to live in caves or in
remote recesses of the desert. Popular belief also suggest they reside in cemeteries[RS1] or
ruins. Apparently immune to filth, some speculate that many choose to live in
garbage dumps where they feed off the remainders of human garbage (Wagner). There are also stories that place djinn
communities at the bottom of the ocean. Being non-corporeal it appears that
they do not require the same things to survive as human beings, such as air or
possibly food.
However, another possible
explanation is that they do not reside on the Earth at all, but in another
dimension that is close to ours and affords them access via portals between the
two worlds. As crazy as this may sound,
in recent years Quantum Physicists have been working on several theories they
propose help explain the anomalies of the universe. One of the predominant
theories is String Theory which proposes that our universe is only one of many,
and that alternate universes are all around us and may interact with ours when
conditions are correct. Not a scientist
myself, forgive me a quick (and undoubtedly flawed) layman’s explanation of
string theory.
Physicists have speculated that it is possible
that other dimensions not only exist, but exist in close proximity to our
own. The different universes are on thin,
string-like constructs with all strings attached to a main structure called a
brane. I envision the cosmos as being
like a giant spider web. Consider if you will the intricacy of a spider web, in
which each gossamer string is a separate entity, resonating on its own plane of
existence. The strings don’t touch or interact with the other strings on the
web. But consider a thunderstorm blows
in, and the strings that were separate are now blown either into close
proximity with one another or worse yet become stuck together in certain spots
on the web. Where the strings come in
close contact may become what spiritualists and mystics have described as
portals, gateways to another universe or dimension or time. If the Qur’an
passage about Iblis’s descent is considered, it may be that the djinn, having
lost favor with God, were banished out of Eden (Earth) to another place (or
dimension). Considering Iblis’s anger
with God and his banishment, one might suggest that the djinn seek out portals
in order to enter our world with a view of eventually ousting humanity and reclaiming
residency in what was their home far before it was our own.
Belief that the djinn are
angling toward reclaiming their homeland is apparently the belief of many in
the Middle East, people who tend to take the threat of the djinn quite
seriously. Philip Imbrogno who actually
studied the djinn in Saudi Arabia, relates his experiences speaking with locals
in Fins. Imbrogno notes that he was
surprised that the people he met were willing to speak with him about the
subject, though they warned him repeatedly that it was dangerous to investigate
the djinn. In his words, speaking of the djinn “would invite their attention. They
would definitely investigate my intentions. The townspeople were convinced that
the djinn were returning to our world and one day, if appropriate action was
not taken, the djinn might rule human beings (Guiley, Imbrogno, 2012).”
The Qur’an encourages trepidation in dealing
with the djinn, especially those who followed Shaitan (Iblis, Satan).
It
is only Shaitan that suggests to you the fear of his supporters and friends so
fear them not, but fear me. If you are believers. And let not Shaitan hinder
you, verily, he (Shaitan, Iblis) to you is a plain enemy. Az-Zukhruf 43.62, Qur’an
The
Qur’an indicates that evil humans are not the only inhabitants of hell, but
that the real estate is also shared by the djinn who have fallen out of favor. Imbrogno suggests that the western idea of
demons, or dangerous, non-human entities may be djinn with a different name, as
certainly the bible speaks of such entities under such titles as demons,
wizards and spirits.
Creatures of Free Will
That is
not to say that all djinn are evil. They
are not human, nor have ever been human.
With their superior powers undoubtedly they find human beings as weak
and easily manipulated. However,
according to the Qur’an, the djinn were a race created with free will, as
humans were, but angels were not. This
means that the djinn can form their own ideas, worship as they will, change
their minds and make their own decisions.
Many of the djinn elect to follow the teachings of Allah. They may also
follow other religions such as Christianity or Judaism (Wagner). Iblis or Shaitan declined to bend the knee to
the humans, but not all of the djinn followed him. Thus not all of the djinn can be interpreted
as being active enemies of the human race.
However,
they are non-human entities, which may mean that their needs and the needs of
the human race may run counter to one another.
Consider the farmer with a herd of sheep, and another vying for pastureland
with his herd of cows. Cows graze on
grass that is above ground, while sheep strip the grass, roots and all. They
all need grass, but when the sheep are done with the pastureland there’s
nothing left for the cows. For two
different creatures vying for the same land humans and the djinn may find
themselves in a similar crisis for resources.
Obviously
an automatic belief in genies may be hard for westerners. However, nearly every civilization believes
in some type of non-human spirit. For those in the U.S. it nearly always falls
to angels or demons. In the British Isles fairies are believed to be prevalent.
In Native American lore it is often the trickster who is described. Guiley and Imbrogno in their book The Vengeful Djinn, make a painstakingly
clear argument from accounts of angels, demons, fairies and djinn that all have
strikingly similar characteristics.
Guiley and Imbrogno also make a strong case for a non-human entity that
is both uninterested in human progress and seems to relish foiling humans whenever
possible – the Trickster Spirit.
The Trickster Spirit
The
Trickster spirit is an archetypal character found in many cultures. For the Greeks, the God Hermes was a creature
of deceit and lies. For the Norse the
god Loki was the god of Chaos, able to change shape and gender at will. Native American tribes speak of the sneaky
Coyote as the fire-stealing god of braggadocio.
All tales of Trickster are similar in nature. These spirits work outside
the laws of order. They infinitely enjoy
chaos, especially the chaos they themselves create. They can create and destroy with equal
aplomb. A sense of humor runs
throughout; Tricksters love jokes played upon themselves and others. It doesn’t
matter because inevitably Trickster has the last laugh at the expense of the
victim. Tricksters love to stymy humans, playing both sides against
another. They lie without abandon, change
their stories often, and shift sides of a disagreement thus foiling both
sides. They love the pleasures of the
flesh especially sexual promiscuity.
They appear to have the ability to shape shift taking on different forms
and even different genders. These spirits
make no distinction between good and evil, and they’re not really concerned
with questions of the soul. Mostly they
love to have fun, fun found at the expense of destroying those with whom they
toy.
A
similar Trickster tradition runs through descriptions of the djinn especially
when interacting with humans. Described
as being more amoral than evil, the djinn can be quite dangerous when
interacting with humans, using whatever tools they have to hand. Undoubtedly they
feel when dealing with humans that the ends justify the means. Being created of amorphous smoke, it is
believed that they can travel at great speeds, be invisible to humans or show themselves
in various guises; camels, snakes or dogs being preferred shapes. They have inhuman powers; able to lift heavy
objects with ease. They can shape
dreams by whispering temptations into the ears of the sleeper. They also
possess the ability to place themselves within a dream thus controlling them. They
may even masquerade as a messenger of god.
While they enjoy foiling the weak willed, they take even greater pride
in destroying the righteous.
Perhaps
the most troubling, it is believed that the djinn are able to possess humans,
entering the body easily as they are made from smoke. A djinn may occupy a body
for a brief time in order to accomplish something, or they may attempt to take
up permanent residency. Muslim religious leaders are schooled in exorcism
rituals in order to oust unwanted guests.
Classes of Djinn
There
are thought to be different classes of djinn, with variations within
cultures. In the Western tradition are
the ghouls which are grave yard inhabiting creatures who seek to suck the blood
from their victims – blood perhaps symbolic of the life force of a person. The hinn are the weakest of the djinn, closely
related to animals, and usually appearing as dogs. These may account for the black dog
sightings.
Guiley
and Imbrogno classify the djinn by colors, the different colors signifying
their abilities and their likely behavior.
Obviously
the youngest of the djinn have the least developed powers and exhibit the most
erratic behaviors, just as adolescents in the human population often display
immaturity. The djinn advance in levels
with age and increased ability, but advancement is not a given, it must be
earned. Just as a person in a profession
advances from an entry level position to an advanced position in management, so
do djinn. A position at the top is not a
foregone conclusion in any case, it is earned with the gathering of knowledge,
the use of skills and the maturity of temperament.
Green Djinn
Typically
the young of the tribe, green djinn can still be extremely old by human
standards. A green djinn that does not master the skills necessary to
manipulate their powers may remain a green and not advance. The youngsters among the djinn are usually
the most interested in the human population, and are the most easily
summoned. They might also appear in a
pleasing form such as a dog or lovely woman. If angered or feeling vindictive,
they may appear in a hideous form to scare the caller. Summoning a djinn,
especially one that does not wish to interact, is not a wise maneuver, as they
can be dangerous.
Adolescent
djinn like to cause mischief and play pranks. They do possess the ability to change shapes
but this may be limited by their level of acquired knowledge or mastery of
skills.
They
are characterized as being playful and friendly, but may also be vengeful and
cruel. Just as every adolescent is
different, so are the young among the djinn.
They may enter our world to interact simply out of curiosity. They can shape shift, and in a material form
they can imbibe foods. They are
reportedly fond of sweet foods such as fruits and ice cream. In human form they can also drink alcohol and
smoke tobacco and may form a fondness for such things. However, despite their fondness of things of
the flesh, food does not sustain them. Djinn require energy in a purer form,
that which they can only acquire from living things.
It is
an Islamic belief that the green djinn often reside in holes in the
ground. Therefore they suggest you be
careful of throwing trash into a hole or worse yet entering a hole. It is believed that the djinn may hold
wayward visitors, or only release them upon condition.
Blue djinn
The
Marid, Nekratael, Afreet or blue djinn are the oldest and most powerful of the djinn,
with power just below that of an angel. Most
are believed to be family or clan leaders, and with expanded responsibility
they tend to take very little interest in the human race. Being thus powerful
they are extremely dangerous. According
to the Qur’an, most of the blue djinn were ordered to leave the Earth for
another realm after the conflict with Adam.
A small number of blue djinn may have escaped the extraction and may
reside in hiding. According to Persian
legend, if one meets a single old man alone in the desert, one should be very
wary. It is believed that a lone
traveler in the desert is a blue djinni in disguise. In rare circumstances the
blue djinn can be summoned. Seeking
favors from the older of the race may be fraught with danger, as their help may
turn out harming the seeker. However, the older of the djinn population isn’t
as given to temperamental outbursts or flights of fancy as are the younger of
the population.
Red djinn
The Red
djinn are followers of Iblis and sworn enemies to the human race. Having turned
their back on the word of God, they actively seek out evil. They do not follow
the teachings of Islam. Most were powerful blue djinn before siding with Iblis.
They are also labeled ghouls, Shaitan, Shayteen or Ifrit. Dangerous in the
extreme, they are the collectors of human souls, which they use to make
themselves stronger. They are
responsible for hauntings, illnesses and acts of possession, and often appear
in a frightening reptilian form. Many
modern Islamic clerics believe it is the red djinn who are responsible for
alien sightings and other types of frightening paranormal phenomenon. Dealings with a red djinn can be deadly. They are eager to answer questions and grant
wishes, but the price for such services may literally be your soul.
Black djinn
Known
only as the Shamir, dealings between the Black djinn and the human race are
very rare. It appears that the black
djinn may be the rulers, and as such are simply too busy to deal with human
beings. . There may be several of them
as the heads of clans, or there may only be one that serves as a King over the blues
and green djinn. It is written that King
Solomon possessed one black djinn, who ruled the other djinn in Soloman’s army.
The black djinn issued orders and meted out punishment as necessary.
Yellow djinn
The Yellow
djinn class is a mysterious group who appear to prefer isolation, both from the
realm of man and other djinn. Imbrogno and Guiley admit that while they found some
evidence, this was an elusive group of powerful, but busy, middle-aged, djinn.
Most are family or clan leaders who have little or no interest in the world of
man. Most yellows are known as Juzam, or the angrier as Efreeti.
The
djinn are family oriented. Offspring are
fairly rare, but family units are believed to be tight. Families are bound into
clans with clans bound into kingdoms. It is unknown whether there are several
kingdoms or only one kingdom with one single ruler ruling over all but the
rebels of the group. Red djinn who follow Shaitan are without the kingdom of
the djinn.
A Djinn by any other Name
For
many Muslims the djinn aren’t a possibility but a certainty. They believe in the existence of these
creatures that we in the west have heard very little. However, just about every culture believes in
some type of elemental spirit, a creature that is not nor has ever been
human. In the British Isles many vehemently
believe in the existence of the Fey. The Native Americans were also firm
believers in non-human spirits. In our
own culture is a sub group of stoic individuals that firmly believe in
extra-terrestrials. Consider also the
strange stories that occasionally surface. The Mothman of West Virginia, the
New Jersey Devil and Big Foot.
Imbrogno
and Guiley make painstaking comparisons between elemental spirits and the djinn
and the similarities are strong. No
matter what one calls elementals they might all be of the same ilk, perhaps
just another djinn in disguise. The
authors close by suggesting that paranormal investigators take heed. What may appear as a wacky encounter too odd
to categorize may simply be the pranks of this ancient and undoubtedly
misunderstood race of creatures.
Resources
Anonymous.
“Djinn What Are They?” Paranormal Encounters. Retrieved June 3, 2014 from
www.paranormal-encounters.com/wp/djinn-what-are-they/
Guiley,
R.E., Imbrogno, P.J. (2012) The Vengeful
Djinn; Unveiling the Hidden Agendas of Genies. Llewellen Publications.
Woodbury, MN.
Imbrogno,
P.J. “Who or What are the Djinn?” Retrieved June 3, 2014 from
www.llewellyn.com/jounal/article/2182.
Wagner,
S. “All About the Djinn” Retrieved June 3, 2014 from
paranormal.about.com/demonsandexorcism/a/aa060506.htm
