1.1. Definition of the jinn in linguistic terms
The word jinn is a collective noun; the singular is jinni. It comes from the word ijtinan, which refers to concealment and hiding. They are called thus because they are hidden and concealed from people, so they are not seen. [228] Ibn Faris: Maqayis al-Lughah, 1/421; al-Raghib: al-Mufradat, p. 203; Ibn al-Athir: al-Nihayah, 1/307.

1.2. Definition of the jinn in Islamic terminology
The jinn are rational beings who have free will and are accountable. They are created from fire, and they are hidden from our senses. They have the ability to take on different forms. They eat, drink and get married, and they have offspring. They are subject to divine commands and prohibitions, then in the hereafter they will be brought to account for their deeds. [229] See: Ibn Taymiyah: Majmu‘ al-Fatawa, 19/10; ‘Abd al-Karim ‘Ubaydat: ‘Alam al-Jinn fi Daw’ al-Kitab wa’l-Sunnah, p. 8.