# 28 Jinn, Jeannies & the Journey Within: Arab Views on Angels, Demons, and Divine Struggle

In this rich and riveting panel discussion, Dr. Slava is joined by her cohost JD Yusef and returning guest Dr. Ihab to unpack one of the most captivating and often misunderstood elements of Arab cultural and theological tradition: the unseen world of jinn, angels, demons, and spiritual companions.

From pop culture’s portrayal of Jeannies in bottles to ancient Arabian stories of jinn, this episode explores how myth, religion, and mysticism converge in Arab thought. The panel breaks down the theological roots of Iblis (Lucifer) and his role in both Islamic and Christian worldviews, and dives into the concept of the Qareen—a spiritual double said to be born with each person and remain until death.

Is the Qareen metaphorical or real? How do Arabs perceive the constant tug-of-war between good and evil within the human soul? What does this say about our thoughts, our actions, and our spiritual testing? And how does Arab spirituality define the hierarchy of beings—from humans to angels to devils?

Dr. Slava also opens up about a personal mystical experience in Egypt, bringing these abstract beliefs into tangible, emotional territory.

If you’ve ever wondered how Arabs make sense of the invisible world, and how spirituality shapes identity across religion, culture, and conscience—this is the episode for you.