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
(Islam) an invisible spirit mentioned in the Koran and believed by Muslims to inhabit the earth and influence mankind by appearing in the form of humans or animals
According to the Quran, there are three categories of rational creatures: Angels (and demons), jinn(s) and humans The jinn may be good or evil and occupy a middle position between angels and humans
A class of creation in some ways similar to human beings Though they are non-physical beings, they possess, like humans, a free will Thus, they may choose to obey or disobey Gods commandments, and will ultimately be held accountable for their actions Occasionally they involve themselves in the lives of human beings, causing confusion and fright, though not all jinns are believed to be malevolent