jinni

jinni [ji nē′, jin′ē]

n.

pl. jinn 〚Ar jinnī, pl. jinn〛

Muslim Folklore a supernatural being that can take human or animal form and influence human affairs

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jin·ni or jin·nee also djin·ni or djin·ny (jĭnʹē, jĭ-nēʹ) n. pl. jinn, also djinn (jĭn)

In Muslim legend, a spirit often capable of assuming human or animal form and exercising supernatural influence over people.

  [Arabic jinnī, demonic, demon, from jinn, demons, from janna, to cover, conceal. See gnn in Semitic Roots.]

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or genie plural jinn

In Arabic mythology, any of the supernatural spirits less powerful than angels or devils.

Evil spirits of air or fire, they could take animal or human form and could dwell in inanimate objects or under the earth. They had the bodily needs of human beings and could be killed but were otherwise free of physical restraints. Jinn delighted in punishing humans for any harm done to them, but people who knew the proper magical procedure could exploit them to their own advantage. The jinn were popular subjects for folklore, notably in the tale of Aladdin in The Thousand and One Nights.

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▪ Arabian mythology

plural  Jinn,  also called  Genie,  Arabic  Jinnī,  

      in Arabic mythology, a supernatural spirit below the level of angels and devils. Ghūl (ghoul) (treacherous spirits of changing shape), ʿifrīt (diabolic, evil spirits), and siʿlā (treacherous spirits of invariable form) constitute classes of jinn. 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 Muḥammad originally feared that his revelations might be the work of jinn. Their existence was further acknowledged in official Islām, 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 Qurʾānic descriptions and Arabic literature. See also ghoul; ifrit.

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