A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.
The definition of the Shaytan and his relationship to the jinn.
The term Shaytan is derived from the root 'shatana', meaning to be distant.
The jinn are called Shaytan for this reason.
Because of his distance from the truth and from the mercy of Allah.
And because of his corruption and rebellion against his Lord.
And his refusal to prostrate before Adam, peace be upon him.
It is a term used in the Arabic language.
For every insolent, arrogant, and rebellious being.
Whether from among the jinn, mankind, or animals.
Allah the Exalted says:
"And thus We have made for every prophet..."
“Thus have We appointed unto every prophet an adversary - devils of humankind and jinn who inspire in one another plausible discourse through guile. If thy Lord willed, they would not do so; so leave them alone with their devising;” (6:112)
However, not every jinn is a Shaytan.
For the jinn, as previously mentioned,
Include those who are Muslims.
And include those who are disbelievers and rebels.
These latter ones are the only ones who are the Shayatin (devils).
As for the name Iblis,
It is derived from 'balasa', meaning one who possesses no good.
And 'ablasa' means to despair and be bewildered.
Allah named the Shaytan 'Iblis'
Because he despaired of the mercy of Allah.
And because there is no good in him.
A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.