Ifrit: Difference between revisions
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The term ifrit is used to describe the small animal familiars who seek out humans with magical powers in [[John Levitt]]'s "Dog Days" and "New Tricks." In the series, ifrits are creatures that take the shape of small animals and protect their human counterparts. No one understands where they come from or where they go when they leave. |
The term ifrit is used to describe the small animal familiars who seek out humans with magical powers in [[John Levitt]]'s "Dog Days" and "New Tricks." In the series, ifrits are creatures that take the shape of small animals and protect their human counterparts. No one understands where they come from or where they go when they leave. |
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In [[Niel Gaiman]]'s novel American Gods there is a downtrodden ifrit that drives a cab in New York City. |
In [[Niel Gaiman]]'s novel ''[[American Gods]]'' there is a downtrodden ifrit that drives a cab in New York City. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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Revision as of 12:17, 25 August 2009
Ifrit, also spelled efreet, also ifreet, afrit, afreet (Arabic: ʻIfrīt: عفريت, pl ʻAfārīt: عفاريت), in Islamic mythology, are a class of infernal jinn, spirits below the level of angels and devils, noted for their strength and cunning. An ifrit is an enormous winged creature of fire, either male or female, who lives underground and frequents ruins. Ifrits live in a society structured along ancient Arab tribal lines, complete with kings, tribes, and clans. They generally marry one another, but they can also marry humans. While ordinary weapons and forces have no power over them, they are susceptible to magic, which humans can use to kill them or to capture and enslave them. As with the jinn, an ifrit may be either a believer or an unbeliever, good or evil, but he is most often depicted as a wicked and ruthless being.
Ifrit in Islamic Scripture
Ifrit is mentioned in the Qur'an, Sura An-Naml (27:39-40)
- An ‘Ifrit (strong one) from the jinn said: "I will bring it to you before you rise from your place. And verily, I am indeed strong, and trustworthy for such work. One with whom was knowledge of the Scripture said: "I will bring it to you within the twinkling of an eye!" Then when Solomon saw it placed before him, he said: "This is by the Grace of my Lord - to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! And whoever is grateful, truly, his gratitude is for (the good of) his ownself; and whoever is ungrateful, (he is ungrateful only for the loss of his ownself). Certainly my Lord is Rich (Free of all needs), Bountiful. Sura An-Naml:40. (27:40)
Ifrit's mention in the Qur'an and the Hadith, the eyewitness narratives of Muhammad's words and actions, is always in the phrase “the ifrit of the jinn”. Ifrit has come to refer to an entire class of formidable, rebellious beings, but in the confused world of underworld spirits.
Ifrit in Arabic Literature
In The Thousand and One Nights, in a tale called The Porter and the Young Girls, there is a narrative about a prince who is attacked by pirates and takes refuge with a woodcutter. The prince finds an underground chamber in the forest leading to a beautiful woman who has been kidnapped by an ifrit. The prince sleeps with the woman and both are attacked by the jealous ifrit, who changes the prince into an ape. Later a princess restores the prince and fights a pitched battle with the ifrit, who changes shape into various animals, fruit, and fire until being reduced to cinders.
Ifrit in Contemporary Literature
The term ifrit is used to describe the small animal familiars who seek out humans with magical powers in John Levitt's "Dog Days" and "New Tricks." In the series, ifrits are creatures that take the shape of small animals and protect their human counterparts. No one understands where they come from or where they go when they leave.
In Niel Gaiman's novel American Gods there is a downtrodden ifrit that drives a cab in New York City.