Islamic Exorcism: Commanding the Genii in Classical Texts

Introduction

Islamic mysticism, often referred to as Sufism, encompasses a variety of esoteric beliefs and practices, including the summoning and command of genii (jinn). This entry elucidates one of the classical methods prescribed for calling upon these supernatural entities for exorcism, as specified in historical texts.

Etymology and Terminology

The term “genii” (Arabic: الجن, al-jinn), refers to supernatural beings created by Allah from smokeless fire. The practice of exorcism in Islamic contexts is often associated with terms like ruqya (رقية) and ta’weez (تَعْوِيذ). The Turkish word for genii is cin.

Rituals Involved

Fasting and Isolation

1. Fasting: The exorcist must fast for forty days, a common preparatory step in many Islamic mystical practices.
2. Isolation: The practitioner must isolate themselves in a chamber, ensuring it is smeared with red ochre, a substance believed to bear protective and purificatory properties.

Purification and Invocation

3. Purification: Physical and spiritual cleanliness is essential; thus, the exorcist must purify themselves before starting the ritual.
4. Reciting Formulas: The exorcist sits on a small carpet and calls the genius or demon using a specially prepared formula.

Calculations for Invocation

To successfully summon the genii in favor of a person named Bahrām (بهرام‎), for example, a detailed calculation and recital are performed:

• Letters and Corresponding Genii:

  • B (Danūsh - دَنوش)
  • H (Hūsh - حوش)
  • R (Rahūsh - رَهُوش)
  • A (Qayupūsh - قَيُوبُوش)
  • M (Majbūsh - مَجْبُوش)

• Corresponding Divine Names:

  • al-Bāqī (“the Eternal”)
  • al-Hādī (“the Guide”)
  • ar-Rabb (“the Lord”)
  • Allāh (“God”)
  • al-Malik (“the King”)

• Power of Letters and Recital Counts:

  • Combined total = 24,800 recitations.

Example Invocation Formula

1Yā Danūshu! for the sake of the Eternal One!
2Yā Hūshu! for the sake of the Guide!
3Yā Rahūshu! for the sake of the Lord!
4Yā Qayupūshu! for the sake of Allāh!
5Yā Majbūshu! for the sake of the King!

The exorcist recites this formula while facing the house of the person being affected, combined with the appropriate burning of specified perfumes.

Suggested Books for Further Study

• “Islamic Exorcism: A Traditional Practice in Modern Times” by Abu Ammaar Yasir Qadhi
• “The World of the Jinn & Devils” by Umar S. al-Ashqar
• “Qur’anic Healing” by Hani Al-Eisawy
• “A Sufi-Jinn Dialog” (Historical Text by Ghazali)

Conclusion

The practice of commanding genii through exorcism in Islam involves a blend of mysticism, ritualistic practices, and theological significance. Rooted deeply in Islamic intellectual history and theology, these rituals are carried out with meticulous attention to spiritual preparatory steps, precise invocation formulas, and esoteric knowledge.

Takeaways

• Role of Fasting and Isolation: Essential preparatory steps aimed at spiritual purification and readiness.
• Specific Formulas and Calculations: Integral for ensuring correct summoning and command of the genii, tailored to individual needs.
• Interdisciplinary: Endnotes the crossover between mysticism, theology, and ritualistic practices within Islam.

This entry offers an overview of a specific practice within Islamic exorcism traditions, laying the groundwork for deeper exploration into the intricacies and philosophical underpinnings of this mystical art.