Ifrit, also spelled efreet, also ifreet, afrit, afreet (Arabic: ʻAfrīt: عفريت, pl ʻAfārīt: عفاريت), are a kind of Jinn mentioned in the Qur'an.

Afrit in the Qur'an

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Afrit is mentioned in the Qur'an, Sura An-Naml (27:39-40)

An ‘Afrît (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 in Popular Media

In the Final Fantasy series of games, Ifrit has become a trademark representative of the element of fire, and appears to be a horned demonic entity in most of the artistic imagery of the game.

In Dungeons & Dragons there exists a creature called an Efreeti, of Lawful Evil alignment, looking vaguely similar to the Orcs found in the setting save for having fire for hair, red skin, and appearing more noble and less gangling and awkward than Orcs.

In the Original Devil May Cry video game, Ifrit is a fire demon which you can transform into temporarily after picking up his flaming gauntlets. The gauntlets give you the ability to use the fire element in your hand-to-hand combat, as well as cover you in a protective shield of fire when you jump to evade enemy attacks. Upon using your 'Devil Trigger' with the gauntlets on, the character Dante's attacks become more powerful, and he transforms into Ifrit during the attacks. Additional attacks are available in devil trigger mode, such as Inferno -- an attack that raises fire all around you, killing or damaging any enemy too close, and the ability to launch a fireball at enemies.

In the Bartimaeus Trilogy, an Afrit is one of the 5 levels of demon that can be summoned by human magicians. It is considered the second most powerful out of the list, which goes in ascending order of power; Imp, Foliot, Djinni, Afrit, and Marid. They are described as beings of fire and power, and are often employed by the elite magicians as enforcers or bodyguards.

In Sonic and The Secret Rings, it is brought forth by Erazor Djinn from the depths of Jahannam (the game says it was sealed by Iblis). The Ifrit appears as a djinn (rather then a demon) that can control fire, it also appears as the boss of the 3rd level. It would be the second boss, but appears as the 3rd due to the fact that the game says Sonic's life is tied to the flames because of Erazor Djinn giving another character judgement. Sonic took the blow though and when he tries to fight the Ifrit, Sahra (the one who was to suppost to recive the blow) says he cannot fight fire with fire, convincing Sonic to fight it later.

Ifrit in Literature

Ifrit is also mentioned in the Neil Gaiman novel American Gods. A character named Salim, who has recently come to America as a salesman from Oman, encounters Ifrit as a taxi driver in New York. The ifrit claims to be one of the jinn, and Salim sees that the ifrit has eyes of burning flames but a body of solid flesh. Salim and the ifrit have an explosive sexual encounter before the ifrit exchanges himself for Salim, leaving his identity as a taxi driver for Salim to assume, and in a way, granting Salim's wish.

In the Weather Warden series, an ifrit is the djinn equivalent of a vampire.

See also

• Jinn
• Marid