Marid and Ifreet

Tales of their role in the history of Iran, Iraq and the neighboring countries are so pervasive, one simply can't dismiss the possibility of their existence. Genies are divided into five types: Marid, Afreet, Sheitan, Ghilan and Jann. The Marid are the strongest, while the Afreet possess vast intelligence. The Sheitan are the ugliest and Ghilan are shape-shifting flesh- eaters.
Jann are mostly known for their habit of stealing cows. A free jinni – one not under the control of a human master – is said to be one of the most dangerous forces in nature.

Followers of the Prophet exercise a strong belief in jinn. Such spirit beings can be benign or frighteningly evil. In many instances, jinn are presented as instruments of temptation. There is a well-known jinn in Morocco who goes by the name Aisha Qandisha. She seeks to seduce men. If a man capitulates to her charms, then he forever becomes her slave. The way to resist such a tragic consequence is to plunge a steel knife into the ground, and break her spell over him.
In Algeria, a similar jinn-spirit is known as Betjallal. The name in Arabic means “lady of splendor.” More than a few Algerian men believe they are married to this jinn and experiance sexual intercourse with her.