JINNS Meaning and
Definition
-
Jinns, also spelled as "jinn" or "djinn", are supernatural creatures often mentioned in Arabian and Islamic folklore and mythology. According to Islamic belief, jinns are intelligent beings created by Allah from smokeless fire and have the ability to shape-shift, making them invisible to humans. They are believed to coexist in a parallel world with humans, residing in desolate places such as abandoned houses, ruins, and deserted areas.
Jinns are described as having free will and possess the ability to choose between good and evil, just like humans. They have their own societies, families, and possess various powers, such as the ability to possess humans and influence their thoughts and behaviors. However, not all jinns are malevolent or mischievous; some can be benevolent and helpful.
In popular culture, jinns are often depicted as mischievous creatures known for playing tricks on humans or granting wishes to those who summon or capture them. These depictions are derived from ancient Persian and Arabian folklore.
Due to their spiritual nature, jinns are an integral part of Islamic mythology and are mentioned in the Quran, the holy book of Islam. Islamic scholars have studied and written extensively about jinns, both in relation to religious beliefs and as supernatural entities in folklore and culture.
Etymology of JINNS
The word "jinn" or "jinns" is derived from Arabic and is spelled as "جِنّ" (jinn) in Arabic script. The term comes from the Arabic root word "janna" meaning "to conceal" or "to hide", which reflects the nature of jinns as unseen creatures in Islamic mythology and folklore.
The concept of jinns predates Islam and can be found in several ancient cultures of the Arabian Peninsula and the Middle East. In pre-Islamic Arabian folklore, jinns were believed to be supernatural beings that inhabited the world alongside humans but were invisible to the human eye.
When Islam emerged in the seventh century, these pre-existing beliefs were integrated into the new religion's teachings. The Quran, the central religious text of Islam, mentions jinns in several verses, establishing them as a distinct category of beings created by Allah along with humans and angels.
