The word Jinn in Arabic refers to something that is concealed and hidden.
Abu Umar ibn Abd Al-Barr said: According to the scholars of Arabic language, there are different categories of jinn:
- When they mention the jinn in general terms, they use the word Jinni
- If the jinn is one of those who live in houses with people, they call him 'Aamir (dweller), the plural of which is Ummaar.
- If the jinn is one of those who interact with children, they call them Arwaah (spirits).
- If the jinn is wicked then he is a Shaytaan (devil)
- If he is worse than that, they call him Maarid (demon)
- If he is even worse than that and is strong, they call him 'Ifreet, the plural of which is Afaareet