…and he’s absolutely right. The existence of the jinn has been acknowledged for thousands of years. They are recognized in the Koran. We may not know if they exist for certain, but the point is that we don’t know that they don’t exist. Follow? There are many things in this world that remain unexplained. Just because we don’t have the answers doesn’t mean there is no substance to the question. My recent series of books, 101 Nights, explains the existence of Jinnistan and their resident jinn as a parallel dimension separated from us by the fluctuation and cohesion of electrons and protons: disassemble matter in one spot and reassemble it in another and it may very well come together as a lithe and lovely jinni named Amani or a large and fearsome figure … that would be Sumer.

There are plenty of anecdotal examples of their existence and Mr. bin Jleid mentions some in his column in the Saudi Gazette of November 29, 2014. While I sympathize with him that some of the stories seem ridiculous, isn’t that the very point he’s railing against? Who’s to decide what seems ridiculous? Check out these examples he cites. (What do you believe?)

THE international and Arab media last week published a story and photograph of a boy who is said to be Saudi. The boy’s father had taken the photograph and on seeing it several days later, discovered a smiling and naked jinn next to his son.

“And say, ‘O my Lord! I seek refuge with thee from the suggestions of the Evil Ones. And I seek refuge with Thee O my Lord! Lest they should come near me.’” (Holy Qur’an verses 23:97-98).

Science is still incapable of detecting and monitoring jinns. Some non-Muslim scientists deny the existence of jinns. Yet, some of us claim to have successfully photographed them with digital cameras?

The way the Western media portrays Saudis’ belief in jinns is a very disturbing; something needs to be done to prevent further mockery.

It is we who are responsible for this negative media coverage because it is the local media that is obsessed with publishing sensational news stories.

The practices of some of our journalists and newspapers require stern action and those guilty of ethical breaches should be banished from the profession for good.

Users on the immensely popular micro-blogging site, Twitter, regularly post jinn stories involving Saudis. I have read stories about jinns launching fireworks in Arqah Hospital and Saudis in their hundreds storming the hospital to evict them.

Then there was the Saudi sheikh who held a dialogue with a jinn live on air, and then there was the jinn who set a Saudi man’s home on fire 10 times, something that was confirmed by the Civil Defense.

Then there was the jinn in Al-Qassim who — after being cornered by a family using verses of the Quran — said, “I want to come out. I’m fed up after three years.

I have been sent by a Sudanese magician to you!” There was also the famous group of jinns who drove empty cars around Madinah.

Stories like these have made us become the laughing stock of both the Arab and foreign media. Also, let us not forget the sense of fashion displayed by some sheikhs and judges who are allegedly possessed by jinns during office hours.

These news stories are shameful and are not something that should be reported or taken seriously in an enlightened society. Such stories do not reflect the Saudi culture.

We believe in the existence of jinns as mentioned in the Holy Qur’an and by the Prophet (peace be upon him). As for the news items that are being circulated, most are simply creating confusion.

I don’t know whether we should apologize to everyone who has read such stories or the jinns whom we have wronged.

Read the text of Mr. bin Jleid’s column in the Saudi Gazette from November 29, 2014.

And if you’re intrigued by the possibility, read my books.

Best Wishes,

Kellyann