Who Is Barqan, The Powerful Jinn King?

Barqan is a major Jinn King in Islamic occult traditions and is one of the seven kings who rule the days of the week. He rules Wednesday and is connected to the planet Mercury. Many old magical texts describe him as a powerful leader of many spirits. However, he still answers to certain celestial angels.

---

---

Key Takeaways

Attribute	Details
Names	Barqan, Abu al-Abas, Barqan al-Yahudi (in some specific contexts)
Type	Ground Jinn (Ardi), one of the seven kings
Title	King of Wednesday, Malik (King)
Gender	Male
Servitors	Various sub-tribes of Jinn assigned to Wednesday
Superior Jinn	None specified (Reports to the Angel Michael/Mika’il in celestial hierarchy)
Powers	Inducing linguistic confusion, causing tremors, influence over commerce and theft, facilitating deceit
Appearance	Often depicted with multiple heads or appearing as a regal figure dressed in yellow or multi-colored robes
Etymology	Derived from the Arabic root B-R-Q, meaning “lightning” or “to shine/glimmer”
Associated Figures	Angel Mika’il (Michael), King Sulayman (Solomon)
Weaknesses	Subservience to the Great Names of God, specific seals of Solomon, the authority of the Angel Mika’il
Opposing Holy Figure	The Archangel Mika’il (Michael)
Social Structure or Tribe	Monarch of the Wednesday Jinn tribe
Followers/Tribe Size	Commands a vast legion of spirits and sub-rulers
Primary Sources	Shams al-Ma’arif al-Kubra, Manba’ Usul al-Hikma, various medieval Arabic magic manuals

Who or What is Barqan?

Barqan is a supernatural being and one of the seven Jinn kings, called al-Muluk al-Sab’a. These kings are believed to live on Earth but have a close link to the heavens. Barqan rules the middle day of the week.

Unlike regular spirits or the evil Shayatin, Barqan is viewed as a neutral or practical king in occult teachings. He does his job according to the cosmic order set by higher divine powers. On Wednesdays, he oversees spiritual forces linked to communication, intellect, and the material world.

People have often called on Barqan in old talismans to help solve tough problems or to gain influence over others by using clever speech.

“Barqan” Meaning

The name Barqan comes from the Arabic word “Barq,” which means “lightning.” The ending of the name suggests intensity or someone who shows that trait. This background hints that Barqan’s influence is quick and sudden, much like the fast movements linked to Mercury.

In manuscripts like the Shams al-Ma’arif, Barqan’s name is always linked to brightness and sudden appearances. In some regions or Hebrew-influenced occult groups, he is called Barqan al-Yahudi, but this is a special title used in certain rituals, not a general change to his identity.

The changes in Barqan’s name over time follow the Classical Arabic tradition of naming powerful spirits after natural phenomena or the sky. This shows their rank and the element they are connected to.

How to Pronounce “Barqan” in English

Barqan is pronounced as Bar-qan. The first part, “Bar,“ sounds like the English word “bar.” The second part, “qan,” starts with a deep “k” sound, like the Arabic letter Qaf, and ends with a short “an,” similar to “can” but with a stronger, throaty beginning.

What Does Barqan Look Like?

Medieval Arabic grimoires and works such as the Kitab al-Bulhan (Book of Surprises) portray Barqan as a grand and impressive entity. He is often shown wearing a crown and sitting on a throne, which shows his royal status. His clothes are usually yellow or brightly colored, matching the changing nature of Mercury, the planet he is linked to.

Some talismanic traditions show Barqan with two or three heads, which represents his ability to see in many directions or his skill with languages and secrets. Other stories say he is slim with sharp, clever features, showing that he is a spirit of intelligence and cunning, not just physical strength.

When Barqan appears in the physical world during rituals, often through smoke or mirrors, he is said to look like a tall, noble man. His eyes often have a supernatural glow, which reminds people of the lightning his name refers to.

---

---

Origins

The origins of Barqan are embedded in the pre-Islamic and early Islamic fusion of Arabian folk belief and Hellenistic astrology. Before the advent of Islam, the Arabian Peninsula was home to various beliefs regarding Jinn who inhabited specific geographical and celestial domains. As Islamic scholarship expanded, particularly during the Abbasid Caliphate, these entities were systematized into a coherent hierarchy.

Barqan became part of this system as one of the seven earthly kings. This change showed the Jinn not just as random desert spirits, but as organized beings who served under a divine order. His story was strongly influenced by Greek Hermetic texts, which linked spirits to the seven planets.

By the 13th century, when the Shams al-Ma’arif was written, Barqan’s role as the King of Wednesday was well-established in the “Science of Letters” (Ilm al-Huruf) and in talismanic magic.

Was Barqan Ever Mentioned in the Quran or Hadith?

Barqan is not named in the Quran or the main Hadith collections. The Quran describes the Jinn as beings made from “smokeless fire” and their roles, but it does not list the seven kings or mention names such as Barqan. These names and their roles over days and planets appeared later in Islamic esoteric writings and folklore.

Barqan in Other Texts

Barqan is mentioned often in several major works of Islamic esotericism and occultism.

Source	Quote
Shams al-Ma’arif al-Kubra	“And the king of Wednesday is Barqan, and he is the one who serves the planet Mercury, and the angel over him is Mika’il.”
Kitab al-Bulhan	“This is the image of Barqan, the king of the Jinn for Wednesday, who sits upon his throne and commands his hosts.”
Manba’ Usul al-Hikma	“Know that Barqan has many tribes under his hand, and he is reached through the squares of the day of Wednesday.”

Powers and Abilities

Barqan is much more powerful than common Jinn, Ghouls, or Ifrits. As a King, he usually does not act directly but commands many lesser spirits to carry out his wishes. His authority is strongest in the spiritual world, especially on Wednesdays.

• Linguistic Mastery: He is believed to have the ability to grant a person the understanding of different languages or, on the other hand, to cause someone to lose their ability to speak clearly.
• Commercial Influence: Because of his link to Mercury, he has power over trade, markets, and financial transactions, which are often used in historical talismans to bring luck in business.
• Discovery of Secrets: He is said to be able to reveal hidden information, such as the location of stolen goods or the intentions of enemies.
• Mental Manipulation: He can induce confusion, hesitation, or “foggy” thinking in targets.
• Earth Tremors: In some specialized lore, he is associated with the ability to cause minor movements in the earth or the structural shifting of buildings.

Influence on Humans and Possession

Barqan’s influence is usually intellectual or social, not just physical. He rarely “possesses” people like a Ghul or a low-level Marid might. Instead, his influence can show up as obsession, compulsive lying, or extreme indecisiveness.

Someone under the influence of Barqan’s forces might find it hard to settle on a single truth or could get caught up in complex legal or financial fraud.

Signs of his influence include sudden speech problems, a quick and uncontrollable “fluttering” of the mind, or a series of bad business decisions happening on a Wednesday. In cases of “Jinn sickness,” practitioners often look for symptoms involving the head and tongue if they suspect a spirit from Barqan’s tribe.

---

---

Protection and Exorcism Methods

Historically, people protected themselves from Barqan and his followers by using sacred geometry and divine names. Since he is a king who respects hierarchy, the most effective remedy in old texts is to call on the Archangel Mika’il, who is his celestial superior.

• Amulets (Ta’wiz): Specifically, those containing the “Seal of Solomon” or verses from the Quran that highlight God’s sovereignty over all kingdoms.
• Metals: The use of tin (sometimes associated with Mercury in certain Arabic traditions) or mercury (sealed in glass) was historically used in talismans to balance his energy.
• Incense: Burning specific resins like mastic or sandalwood during his hour was thought to appease or ward off his more volatile sub-spirits.
• Spiritual Barriers: Drawing circles with a silver or iron tool while reciting the Ayat al-Kursi is a common traditional protective measure.

Barqan Myths, Legends, and Stories

The Submission of Barqan to the Seal of Solomon

In various folklore accounts from the Solomonic cycle of Arabic literature, Barqan is described as one of the many Jinn kings compelled to serve King Sulayman (Solomon).

According to the legend, when Sulayman received the Ring (the Seal), he summoned the kings of the four corners of the world and the seven days. Barqan arrived with his host, manifesting as a brilliant flash of light that momentarily blinded the temple guards.

Sulayman demanded that Barqan use his knowledge of the world’s languages to help translate the records of ancient civilizations. Barqan, recognizing the divine authority of the Seal, pledged his loyalty and the loyalty of the Wednesday Jinn.

According to lore, he provided the king with the secrets of the “tongues of birds”. He helped construct specialized temple machines that required precise intellectual calculations.

The Trial of the Archangel Mika’il

A common theme in the Shams al-Ma’arif involves the relationship between the terrestrial Jinn kings and the celestial angels. There is a narrative concerning the “Accountability of the Kings.” According to lore, every Wednesday, Barqan must present himself spiritually before the Archangel Mika’il.

In this story, Mika’il oversees the distribution of sustenance and the flow of the celestial spheres. Barqan is required to report the actions of his tribes and ensure that they have not overstepped their boundaries by harming humans without cause.

If a member of Barqan’s tribe is found to have acted unjustly, the legend states that Mika’il strikes a great celestial drum, the sound of which causes Barqan to tremble, reminding him of his subservience to the divine order.

Barqan vs Other Jinn

Jinn Name	Associated Traits/Influence	Rank/Origin	Key Traits/Powers
Mazhab	Pride and Sunday dominion	King (Al-Madhab)	Gold, Sun, authority
Abyad	Purity or deception (Monday)	King (The White)	Moon, emotions, silver
Ahmar	War and blood (Tuesday)	King (The Red)	Mars, violence, iron
Shamhurish	Justice and law (Thursday)	King (The Judge)	Jupiter, wisdom, tin
Zoba’ah	Wind and whirlwinds (Friday)	King (The Flier)	Venus, love, copper
Maymun	Grief and delay (Saturday)	King (The Black)	Saturn, time, lead
Iblis	Ultimate rebellion/shirk	Sovereign (Quran)	Whispering (waswas), despair
Pazuzu	Famine and locusts	Demon King (Sumerian)	Wind, protection from plague
Asmodeus	Lust and gambling	King (Goetia)	Breaking marriages, invisibility
Marid	Arrogance and rebellion	High Rank (Folklore)	Water-based, immense size
Ifrit	Vengeance and fire	High Rank (Quran)	Shape-shifting, manipulation
Ghul	Gluttony and graves	Low Rank (Folklore)	Eating flesh, desert mimicry

Position Among Jinn

Barqan has in the middle among the seven kings. He is not as aggressive as Ahmar, the Red King of Tuesday, or as serious as Maymun, the Black King of Saturday.

In Jinn society, he is seen as the diplomat and the scribe. He keeps close ties with the other kings. He often acts as a mediator in spiritual disputes because of his link to Mercury, the messenger planet.

His relationship with Iblis is complicated. While Iblis is the father of the Shayatin (demons), Barqan is a ground Jinn king who works within the legal order of the cosmos. Most occultists call him a “Muslim Jinn” or a “Neutral Jinn,” meaning he follows the laws of Solomon and the Angels. However, his followers may still cause trouble if not kept in check.

Mystical Correspondences

Attribute	Details
Planet	Mercury
Zodiac Sign	Gemini and Virgo
Element	Air (occasionally Water in variant systems)
Direction	East
Color	Yellow, Turquoise, or Multi-colored
Number	8 or 4 (depending on the magic square used)
Crystal/Mineral	Agate, Emerald, or Quicksilver
Metal	Mercury (Quicksilver) or Tin
Herb/Plant	Hazel, Fennel, or Storax
Animal	Ibis, Ape, or Fox

Barqan’s mystical connections show his changeable and intellectual nature. His link to Mercury and the Zodiac signs Gemini and Virgo highlights a dual nature that is both communicative and analytical.

This duality is key to his “evil” or “testing” side. He gives tools for both great truth and harmful lies. The Air element also links him to the world of thought and the hidden whispers that move through the air.

The color yellow stands for intellect but also for the “jaundice” of deceit, while the number 8 often relates to the mind’s pathways in occult numerology. These connections are important for practitioners because they show that Barqan’s power is not in physical destruction but in subtle changes in reality through words and perception.

His use of quicksilver (mercury) as a symbol of his strange character also shows his mysterious character. He is impossible to hold onto and always changing shape.

Barqan’s Sigil

Barqan does not have one universally recognized “sigil” like in modern Western traditions. Still, he does have special Talismans and Khatams (seals) found in the Shams al-Ma’arif. These seals are usually magic squares (Wafq) filled with numbers that add up to his value, surrounded by the names of the four Archangels.

In the past, the Seal of Barqan was written on rings made of mixed metals or drawn on yellow parchment with saffron ink. These seals were used to bind the spirit to a task, like helping in a court case or protecting a merchant’s caravan from desert spirits.

Summoning and Rituals

In medieval grimoires, summoning Barqan had to be done on Wednesday during the hour of Mercury. Ritualists would prepare by becoming ritually pure and using a quiet space away from the city. They would make a mandala or circle with the names of Mika’il and the sub-commanders of the Wednesday tribe.

The practitioner would use a special incantation (Azima) that mentions the old agreements between the Jinn and King Sulayman. Tools like a hazel wand or a silver bowl were often used. The goal was not to worship Barqan, but to command or invite his help by using higher divine names.

These rituals were seen as very dangerous because any mistake in the “Science of Letters” could cause the practitioner to fall into the same mental confusion that Barqan controls.

---

---

Frequently Asked Questions