Umm Al Haylan

Element Name

Umm Al Haylan

Other Names

Al Makruhah the hate one, Al Hasudah the envious, Al Mutataffilah the meddlesome woman, Al 'Ajuz Al Shamta the evil old woman

Practice Environment

Coast

Practice Location

All Emirates of the UAE

Scope of Practice

All segments of society

Heritage Domain/ Category

Folk Literature

Element Type/ Subcategory

Folk Tales (Khararif)

Current Status

Endangered heritage

Umm Al Haylan is a mythical being represented as an old woman with grey hair, an ugly face, sunken eyes and prominent veins, filled with malice and jealousy. She appears suddenly inside homes without permission, speaks continuously and casts envious looks at people before disappearing and leaving illness or misfortune behind. Some narrators describe her as a female jinn taking the form of a woman, while others regard her as a real woman possessed by devils or as a sorceress whose eyes can cast spells. Despite variations in the accounts, they all agree that she symbolizes envy and represents a form of human evil living among people without its true origin being known.

Criteria Applicable to Nominate Element

01

Presence in Collective Memory and Intergenerational Cohesion: A cultural element is considered deeply rooted when it is held in the collective memory of the community and forms part of their daily experiences, occasions, and social relationships. It also contributes to strengthening the bonds of interaction between different generations, as it is transmitted from elders to younger members, providing a space for celebration and communal participation, thereby creating a sense of belonging and continuity.