Thread by @aaolomi

In Middle Eastern and Islamic folklore God creates three races: angels, humans, and djinn/jinn. While the djinn have become associated with evil spirits, there are beneficent ones as well. Legends tell of many such helpful beings.

A thread on the good djinn/jinn:

There is Itrifah ibn Shamrakh who converted to Islam and asked Muhammad to aid him against the rebellious jinn.

Muhammad sent Ali who slew the wicked ones.

Za’far a djinn ruler who rushed to fight alongside Hussein in the Battle of Karbala, but was prevented from doing so.

He wept upon hearing the death of Hussein.

Za’far isn’t mentioned in authentic Shia sources, but does feature among the folklore associated with Ashura.

Legends tell of Talu Khush a king often associated with djinn and pari alike. A good and friendly spirit, he is said to be fond of humankind.

Masidus the Christian djinn is likewise said to be a benevolent ruler.

Sidi Shamhroush is the Moroccan marabout manifestation of the djinn king of Thursday. He’s complicated, but often benevolent. Sacrifices to him in his shrine will bring swift intervention to halt a jinn possession.

Some say he was Prophet Muhammad’s qarin or djinn companion

Shahpal bin Shahrukh rules over the mountain of Qaf and its inhabitants. The benign ruler appears in the Hamzanama where he hosts baby prince Hamza as an honored guest. He is described as handsome.

Malik Gatshan is the ruler of another tribe of djinn on Qaf and also benevolent

Sahlub was an envoy jinn sent to the rebellious and wicked djinn. A diplomatic being who sought to do right, he was said to have been killed by the wicked ones.

Then there is Rasad who guards hidden treasure. Those who know the secret charms could coax him to reveal his hidden loot.

Qalis along with Masur is a spiritual leader among the djinn, often an imam, leading them in prayer.

Lalla Rekya Bint el Khamar and her sister are benevolent djinn from Morocco who guard and oversee home and hearth. They are sometimes given offerings on birthdays.

They can keep a family safe from evil and malicious djinn.

Lalla Malika is another benevolent female djinn from Morocco. Beautiful and alluring, she’s given henna and candles as an offering at her shrine, while song can be used to invoke her.

Some legends indicate Lalla Malika was a living princess at one time.

There are also djinn who could be troublesome but when invoked properly turn helpful.

The djinn Kebikaj rules over bugs, but if you invoked him in writing he would protect paper from worms. His name also referred to a medicinal plant.

We find him in various manuscripts.

The Four Elders, or the djinn of the cardinal directions could also be invoked for protection.

Mazir of the East, Kamtam, of the West, Taykal of North, and Qaswarah of the South.

Many a talisman carries their name.

I’ll continue the djinn in October with threads on djinn possession, djinn marriages/relationships, and the kingdoms of the djinn.

Next week I'll continue the dive into the esoteric and folklore, but pick the djinn back up in October