The different types of Jinns

by **Ithar Ghada Faied** Wed May 12, 2010 12:38 pm

Book - "The World of the Jinn and Devils", p. 7

Ibn Abdul Barr said, "The jinn, according to the scholars of the language, are of different types:

1. If one is mentioning the jinn purely of themselves, the are called jinni.*

2. If one is mentioning the jinn that live among mankind, they are called aamar whose plural is amaar.

3. If one is mentioning the ones that antagonize the young, they are called arwaah.

4. If one is mentioning the evil ones that antagonize humans they are called shaitan for the singular [and shayateen for plural].

5. If they cause even more harm and become strong, they are called afreet."**

*Notice the similar sound between jinni and English "genie". TV and other media have twisted the concept of jinn; however, it is interesting to note its origin is from Islam. "I Dream of Jeannie" is a TV show based around a Genie (jinni, plural of jinn). In this show, Jeannie, the genie, frequently was given a request and the requester never quite got what was requested as she was always creating unintentional mischief. However we understand that the shaitan among the jinn antagonize humans, not that they are kind beings who accidentally mess up on occasion. Those who seek aid (such as asking for favors or making request) from the jinni will find deception and a twisted type of aid that doesn't really meet the requester original request, but that satisfies the shaytaanic jinn's desire for evil.

**An Ifrît (strong) from the jinns said: "I will bring it to you before you rise from your place (council). And verily, I am indeed strong, and trustworthy for such work." [The Noble Qur'an 27]

Narration - Reported by al-Tahhaawi in Mushkil al-Athaar, 4/95, and by al-Tabaraani in al-Kabeer, 22/214

Abu Tha’labah al-Khushani said: “The Messenger of Allah May Allah's peace and blessings be on him said: ‘The jinn are of three types: a types that has wings, and they fly through the air; a type that looks like snakes and dogs; and a type that stops for a rest then resumes its journey.” [Shaykh al-Albaani said in al-Mishkaat (2/1206, no. 4148): al-Tahhaawi and Abu’l-Shaykh reported it with a saheeh isnaad]