Throughout the Islamic world, the supernatural creatures known as Djinn are an ever present feature of society. From Morocco through Islamized portions of black Africa, the Middle East, and as far afield as Southeast Asia, the mysteries and workings of the Djinn create a fundamental element of the scriptural, magical, and popular magnitude of the Islamic religion.

The first mention of the Djinn appears in the Koran "where they are described as supra-human beings composed of fire and flames, not perceivable by man, and capable of emerging in a variety of forms". However, they are creatures that appeared in pre-Islamic society – they are said to be nature spirits who were believed to be able to drive people mad. They roamed the wild and lonely deserts and whilst capable of becoming invisible, they could take on the shape of any creature, whether human or animal.

When the Islamic faith emerged in the Middle East, it was said that Allah brought the majority of the Djinn under his control and were converted to the new religion. Those who did not were considered to be part of the ‘unbelieving' world and opposed Allah and his will. However, even the official Islamic view of the Djinn is very accepting of the Djinn.

The view of the Djinn amongst the general public has always been prominent, especially with the artistic viewpoints. "Muslim literature is replete with references to fairies, djinn, and spiritual forces that are either inimical to mankind or that may serve individuals through positive and enlightened guidance. Djinn in particular are described as capricious, taunting and confusing one moment, then mysteriously altering their characters to help, guide, and teach. A djinn may even come under the control of an individual, in which case it becomes his or her guiding principle, enabling the person to achieve new heights of success in both his secular and religious lives".

The Djinn feature in many different myths and legends. One legend states that King Solomon had tamed several djinn and became their ruler with the aid of his magic ring. It was said that he carried them on his back when he travelled and that he ordered them to build the Temple at Jerusalem, beautiful gardens and palaces.

The concept of the Djinn travelled outside of the Middle East, emphasising the impact they had on the general public. One scholar notes that among the descendants of African slaves in Turkey, they believed in a supernatural race of beings that have similar characteristics to the Djinn. They have both men and women, live in the world of men and can take on the shape of animals. The Djinn had such a strong influence on people that this conceptualization travelled throughout Africa, including as far south as Mali and surrounding areas.

Bibliography:

Bravmann, Rene A. (1977) Gyinna-Gyinna: Making the Djinn Manifest, African Arts, UCLA James S. Coleman African Studies Centre.