'Lawyer Wants Jinn To Testify In Court'

Most everyone has heard of the legendary creatures called 'Genie' who grant three wishes from stories such as 'Aladdin' and '1001 Arabian nights'; however, in recent times, they are being called upon in court to testify for the defense of a corrupt judge.


'A Saudi defence lawyer has asked court to summon a jinn (genie) claimed to have possessed a judge who has been arrested on corruption charges, the Saudi Arabic language daily Okaz reported on Saturday'   www.emirate247.com.


Belief in Jinn is widespread in the Khaleej and in North Africa until today. So, what are Jinn, where do you find them and how can you protect yourself? Jinn are mentioned in the Quran as creatures made from smokeless fire (as opposed to clay such as man) who are responsible for some supernatural happenings here on earth. Some of the Jinn are Muslim and benevolent and some have strayed from the Right Path. See: Surah 72 Al-Jinn.

Neiman Marcus: Genie Lamp Crystal Minaudière

Where can one find Jinn ?

• Dark places such as abandoned houses and buildings. Jinn love the dark and cannot stay in the light. Sometimes they inhabit old fort ruins. They come out at sunset.
• Mountains and farms. There are countless stories of locals who have encountered 'jinn' on their family farm in the interior.
• Filthy and dirty places such as in the bathroom and unclean people.
• Jinn can take various forms:  ‘The jinn are of three types: a types that has wings, and they fly through the air; a type that looks like snakes and dogs; and a type that stops for a rest then resumes its journey.” [Shaykh al-Albaani said in al-Mishkaat (2/1206, no. 4148): al-Tahhaawi and Abu’l-Shaykh reported it with a saheeh isnaad]

Reported acts of Jinn ?

• Jinn are notorious for stealing people from mountains and wadis. Each year, it has been reported people went missing due to Jinn. See: February 02, 2012, 'Search for young man abducted by Djinns; Omani man went missing near Mudar Mountain'
• Jinn can possess or cause people to go mad and walk around like zombies. They can attack people's bodies. 
• Jinn can hide or move things around and start fires.
• Some Jinn are benevolent, and some people can conquer Jinn and have them do favors. 

How to protect yourself ?

• Use lights (not candles). Keep clean (they're attracted to dirty things and waste). Keep the alloy steel around; it's harmful to them. They can't unlock doors or untie knots. 
• Burn luban; the Jinn don't like certain frankincense and myrrh.
• Wear talisman around your neck with Quranic verses inside.
• Recite verses from the Quran.
• Make sacrifices of animals or leave sweets out to please them.
• Don't fear them.

Some expressions for protection:

1. Say seven times: 'Audhu billah min al shaytan al rajeem' (I seek refuge in God away from Satan and curses')
2. Say 'bismillah' before entering the toilet or other dangerous activity.

Jinn may hang out in places like these.

Omani pastimes: Cow fighting, Car drifting, Soap football, and Camel racing (Oh, what fun!)

Cow Fighting in Oman
Cow fighting is a popular recreational activity in Oman where two bulls are pitted together until the loser bull flees. Men bring their bulls to the place of engagement such as in an arena or a field. The cows arrive by pick-up truck and are led by rope to their fight. Two bulls start the round by pushing with body weight and using their horns. The first bull to quit is the loser.

Some winning cows can demand prices into the thouasands of Omani Riyals. Bull fights normally take place on Fridays and is normally an all male event. A famous arena is in Barka just outside of Muscat. Smaller localities also have fighting venues.

Auto Drifting
Car Drifting has become a mainstream past time in Oman for the youth. The 'shabab' meet at a planned destination with their vehicles and partake in high speed, controlled maneuvering while the wheels are torqued in the opposite direction throughout the motion resulting in the awesome drift effect.

Although exciting, drifting has inherent safety risks for the vehicles' motorists, as well as, the spectators. To drift one engages the emergency break while sharply turning the wheel to create the sliding effect. There is a 'drifting range' near Shinas. It is illegal to drift on main roads and one could be jailed or fined (around 150 OMR) if ROP were to enforce the law.

In addition, sand sporting or dune bashing is similarly enjoyed. Near Bidiyah (just outside of Wahibi Sands), there is a sand challenge sports site set up. If you don't own your own 4X4 SUV, it is possible to rent one and take a 'dune bashing' tour.

Sabone Footall (Soap Soccer)
Popular with teenagers, sabone football is played in a float made from strong vinyl. The floor is soaped down with a detergent like slipperiness. The players enjoy sliding while chasing the ball. Many youth seem to really have a blast with it.

Camel Races
Sometimes taking place on Friday mornings or on holidays such as in honour of National Day, camel races are a traditional occasion in Oman. Getting a camel ready for racing takes great care and training, as well as, good breeding. Several camel race festivals have been held in Oman each year.

Sometimes camels are raced grouped by their ages as camels start training for racing around age two. The coat color of a camel is known to be determined by the color of its surroundings; hence darker sand 'brings out' darker haired camels. I hope you may enjoy watching a camel race.

Old Video Footage Shot in Oman

I find these video clips from the 1980's shot in Oman interesting. The first shows the Al Bustan, Ruwi and old Muscat areas. Muttrah still had its original wall, Al Bustan Palace Hotel had not been built and Ruwi was an airstrip with a vegetable sook (from youtube user: OmanAdjo).

Muscat / Ruwi / Al Bustan 1980



Camel Race 1981




Wadi Bani Khalid 1980, 1984

Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice - Nov 6



Image from Eid al-Adha



The Omani Gentleman's Attire - Part 1

Men's Fashion in Oman:

Traditional white dishdasha with fareeha

1. Dishdasha [Dishdadeesh (pl.)] - The dishdasha is a  floor-length robe with a short cord-like tassel called "fareeka" hanging from the neck area. This tassel was reportedly used for saturating with perfume, but in practice most men use bahoor (perfume-soaked wood incense) to steam the perfume into their clothes.

The traditional dishdasha is white and is required for entering and doing business in government buildings; however, tan, cream, blue and black (in Salalah region) coloured dishdasha are also popular.

In the interior regions or Batinah region, wearing a dishdasha with a longer "fareeka" is seen, as well as, dishdasha that closes at the neck with small buttons (closer to Emirati style) and sans (without) "fareeka".

Dishdasha can be purchased "ready-made", or can be custom tailored. The average cost for tailoring a dishdasha is about 20 OMR (50 USD, 33 quid). Cotton is the most common fabric used; the softer the cotton the less stiff and more comfortable the garment will be. After cleaning, dishdasha need to be ironed. It costs around 200 Bz to launder the robe. 

Under the dishdasha, men wrap a 'wazar' (not to be confused with 'wazeer' – government Minister), a thin piece of cloth reaching almost floor length from waist, snugly tied around their waists and on top wear an undershirt called "fanella" similar to Western undershirts.

Alternate style with button neck; no tassel

Alternate style with longer tassel;
worn in Buraimi, Batiniah, interior area

Examples of dishdasha 'in action'.

2. Headwear:

Omani traditional cap or kuma

To complete their outfits, Omani men cover their heads with either a cap (kuma) which is the shape of an upside-down flower pot or turban (misr). Turbans are considered more formal than kuma. The headwear can be bought in sooks or local retail stores. Most are imported.

Kumas must be sized properly to fit the head. The few hand-sown kumas made in Oman are the priciest. The average cost of a kuma is from around 10 OMR to 30 OMR depending on quality and negotiations with the merchant.

Government officials wearing classic turbans

Royal turban

Turbans can be found in many colours and varieties of quality of fabric and workmanship. Turbans are considered Kashmiri handicrafts due to the hand-embroidered design work. A white-colored turban with design work is considered classic.

High quality turbans are made from very soft pashmire or shahtoosh with intricate and meticulous embroidered patterns. Less quality turbans from a rougher and less intricate designs. The worst quality is machine-made turbans. The royal family 'Al-Said' has a signature-style, colorful turban they often wear for official business.

       

Turban tied with more "relaxed" style.
Photo of Prince Hamdan of Dubai (Emirati)

Style in wrapping the turbans also varies from region to region. In the northern regions, men tend to leave more material flowing down the back rather than tightly wrapping and tucking loose ends in like in the capital Muscat.

The following chart shows pricing guidelines for purchasing turbans. Be sure to wrap the turban to see how the design looks folded. Most every merchant is open to negotiations, and it is not expected one will buy at the first named price.

Kashmiri Turban  / Approx. merchant cost / Retail price range / Notes

Highest Quality / 150 OMR + /Shahtoosh, extreme softness and delicate, intricate design, light colors

High Quality / 55 OMR / 65-125 OMR / very soft fabric, wraps easily, check edges to make sure authentic

Mid Quality 2 / 32-35 OMR / 38-65 OMR / soft with nice design; embroidery stitches larger, many colors

Mid Quality 1/ 28 OMR / 32-45 OMR / quality level adequate, most popular sold, best deal for the money

Low Quality /<10 OMR / 10 -30 OMR / rough material, some machine made

Cotton Turbans
Cotton turbans are also popular, but usually do not have intricate embroidery. They normally come in checkered patterns such as red and white. The cost is anywhere from 1 to 12 OMR.

    This describes Omani men's traditional clothes including dishdasha and turbans,

Water systems in Oman

Modern water systems for residential units normally include a plastic water tank mounted on the roof which provides water for the house or flat. The water is either piped in or the tank must be filled each week or so by trucked-in water. There are several "tricks" to learn about the system. Refrigerated tank water is rare, so during the summer the water in the tank becomes extremely hot due to the external temperatures. This is the water which flows to the showers, sinks and toilets. 

Water tank

      Therefore, it is common for residents to turn off their hot water heaters during the summer and use the hot/cold water spigots in reverse. The "hot" water is now cooler because it rests in the hot water heater tank in the cool indoors while the outdoor tank provides the hot water naturally heated by the sun. Also, it is important to keep up with the water level in the case of having to call the "water man" before the supply is completely diminished and one is left with no household water.

      Generally, people do not drink "tap" water, but buy bottles or have spring water delivered in five gallon drums that fit into a water machine. The tap water is safe as far I as know.

Omani Falaj

The ancient type of water system is called "afalaj." which was used in most villages throughout Oman providing water for irrigation and for personal use. Afalaj water comes from wells, underground water reserves and mountain water and is channeled down to villages through small canal like structures. Some afalaj carry warm water.

Omani Falaj

Roof tops with water tank

Omani roof tops in Batinah region

الوسم : علاج بالنار AL Wasem: medicine of fire

Al wasem is a traditional Omani medical treatment used to cure a variety of illnesses.  This treatment was wide spread in use in the interior of Oman in the Dahirrah and Dakaliyya regions. Most villages had a wasem practitioner. In the past, when someone was sick the wasem "doctor" would visit the home of the patient. A steel or an iron rod about the size of a pencil was heated until red and then pressed into the flesh for two-to-three seconds at the appropriate place for healing on the patient's body. At one sitting, only two-to-three spots could be treated. Sometimes more than one session was necessary.

        Afterward, the wasaam practitioner would place ashes on the wound to seal and sooth. The wounds would take about two weeks to heal. The pain from the burns could last for six to ten days. On occasion, patients would drink milk or honey after treatments. The cost of wasm is about 10 to 15 OMR. Fire medicine has been said to be an effective treatment, and many stories of recovery have been reported. The burns caused by the treatment normally leaves scars on the patient. The treatment is rumored to have been in use for hundreds perhaps thousands of years.

       The interior villages had little access to modern medicine and hospitals until about thirty years ago.  Sometimes you can see small bald spots on the backside of men's heads in Oman. These marks maybe have been caused by scaring from wasem treatments. Wasem can be applied all over the body including feet and ears depending on the ailment. Normally, wasem is performed by a traditional healer who are experts in which areas of the body to be treated will cure the sickness. Most healers learned from their parents and grandparents. This treatment is still in practice today.  As far as I know, the Traditional Medicine Clinic in Muscat employs healers knowledgeable in the art. Some Omanis from villages are applying wasem as their primary or preferred treatment for illness.

Wasem treatment

Scars from wasem performed during childhood

Omani traditional medicine. wasm, wasem, medicine in the Sultanate of Oman. Oman Traditional Medicine Clinic.