Jinn vs. Ifrit — What's the Difference?

Supernatural beings from Islamic mythology, created from smokeless fire.

Associated with tales of magic and danger.

Known for their ability to shape-shift.

Often depicted as malevolent.

Capable of possessing and influencing humans.

Known for their strength and connection to fire.

Live in a parallel world to humans.

Portrayed with fearsome appearances.

Can be benevolent, malevolent, or neutral.

Ifrit:

Jinn (Arabic: جن‎, jinn)—also romanized as djinn or anglicized as genie (with the broader meaning of spirit or demon, depending on source)—are supernatural creatures in early pre-Islamic Arabian and later Islamic mythology and theology. Like humans, they are created with fitra, neither born as believers nor as unbelievers, but their attitude depends on whether they accept God's guidance.

A powerful and rebellious type of jinn in Islamic mythology.

In the Koran and Muslim tradition, a spirit often capable of assuming human or animal form and exercising supernatural influence over people.

See afreet.

(Muslim demonology) A genie and descendant of the jann, normally invisible to the human eye, but who may also appear in animal or human form, equivalent to demons in Jewish demonology.

(Islam) A kind of djinn mentioned in the Qur'an.

(Arab mythology) A demon, evil spirit, often associated with the underworld.

A species of passerine bird endemic to New Guinea, in full the blue-capped ifrit.

An Ifrit is a particularly powerful and rebellious class of jinn, known for their malevolence and association with fire.

Yes, both jinn and Ifrits can interact with humans, influencing their lives in various ways, though Ifrits are more likely to cause harm.

Jinn have various abilities, including invisibility, shape-shifting, and the ability to possess and influence humans.

No, jinn can be good, evil, or neutral, depending on their own will and personality.

Jinn are believed to live in a parallel world to humans, with their own communities and laws.

Jinn are supernatural beings from Islamic and Arabian folklore, created from smokeless fire, with the free will to do good or evil.

Ifrits are often portrayed as being particularly strong and fearsome, even among jinn, known for their rebellious and malevolent nature.

Yes, both can shape-shift and take various physical forms, including those of humans and animals.

Ifrits are distinguished by their great strength, malevolent nature, and close association with fire.

In many stories, jinn are said to have their own societies, complete with marriages and families.

While Ifrits are typically portrayed as malevolent, there are rare stories that depict them in a more neutral or complex manner.

Folklore suggests that jinn, including Ifrits, can be summoned or controlled through magic, though this is often depicted as dangerous.

The Quran acknowledges the existence of jinn, mentioning their creation from smokeless fire and their capacity to choose between good and evil.

Jinn play a multifaceted role in Islamic culture, featuring in folklore, religious texts, and daily life, embodying the unseen aspects of the world.