sign in sign up
<<
Home , Akhirah, Din (Arabic), Iman (Islam), Mihrab, Mumin

Abd Glossary of Servant. As in Abdullah, servant of al-Fatihah The Islamic name for in the Allah. The Opener. Surah 1 of the Qur’an . language. Used in preference to the Recited at least 17 times daily during word God, this Arabic term is singular, Terms: the five times of . Also known as has no plural, nor is it associated with The first Khalifah, successor to the ‘The Essence’ of the Qur’an. masculine, feminine or neuter leadership of the Muslim community characteristics. This glossary of terms is after the death of the Prophet al-hamdu-li-Llah closely based upon the (peace and blessings of All praise belongs to Allah. Frequently Allahu Akbar SCAA Glossary of Terms for Allah be upon him). used as an expression of thanks to Allah is most great. Allah. Religious Education (originally published Adam (peace be upon him). The first al-Kafi Beings created by Allah from light. They man, and first Prophet of Allah. The title of the books of have no free will and are completely in1994) which was drawn compiled by Muhammad (peace and obedient to Allah. up in consultation with blessings of Allah be upon him) ibn- members of the Call to prayer. From the same root, Yaqub Koleini, a Shi’ah scholar. Mu’adhin (one who makes the call to Supporters. The of al-Madinah, communities concerned. prayer). al-Khulafa-ur- who welcomed, helped and supported The Rightly Guided Khalifahs. The first the Muslims who migrated from Aishah four successors to the leadership role of Makkah. Islam Glossary One of the wives of the Prophet the Prophet Muhammad (peace and Arafat Muhammad (peace and blessings of blessings of Allah be upon him). They A plain, a few kilometres from Makkah, Allah be upon him), and daughter of were Abu Bakr, Umar, and Ali where pilgrims gather to worship, pray The Qur’an was revealed in Arabic. Abu Bakr. (Radhi-Allahu-anhum – may (Radhi-Allahu-anhum – may Allah be and ask for forgiveness. This takes place Therefore Arabic is the language of Allah be pleased with them). pleased with them). on the ninth day of the Islamic month of Islam, Islamic worship, theology, ethics Dhul-Hijjah, the day before Id-ul-Adha. and jurisprudence. Islam is inextricably Akhirah al-Madinah linked with the Arabic language despite Everlasting life after death – the Madinatu’n-Nabi (The City of the Asr (Salat-ul-Asr) the variety of languages spoken by the hereafter. Prophet). The name given to Yathrib Mid-afternoon salah which may be believers. after the Prophet Muhammad (peace performed from late afternoon until a and blessings of Allah be upon him) short while before sunset. For British teachers and pupils who have Conduct, character, attitudes and migrated there in 622 CE and founded not encountered Islamic terms, this ethics. the first Islamic state. As-Salamu-Alaykum transliteration is a simplified version of Peace be upon you. An Islamic greeting. that used by contemporary scholars. An al-Amin Ali apostrophe is used to indicate a pause. The Trustworthy. The name by which Cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Ayah (sing.) The reader will note that the words Prophet Muhammad (peace and Muhammad (peace and blessings of A unit within a Surah of the Qur’an. salah and zakah end in ‘h’ when they blessings of Allah be upon him) was Allah be upon him); husband of appear alone. When part of a phrase, generally known, even before the Zahrah; father of Hassan, Hussein, and Barakah these words are written with a ‘t’ at revelation of Islam. Zainab; the fourth of ‘al-Khulafa-ur- Blessings. the end, for example, Salat-ul-Zuhr, Rashidun’ according to Sunnis, and the -ul-Fitr, as a guide to al-Aqsa first successor accepted by Shi’ah Islam Bilal pronunciation. Masjid-ul-Aqsa (The Farthest ) in (Radhi-Allahu-anhum – may Allah be The first Mu’adhin of Islam (see . Located near the of pleased with them). Adhan), a companion of Prophet

the Rock. Muhammad (peace and blessings of

1

Allah be upon him), formerly an -ul-Fitrah recounted by his household, progeny Hijrah Abyssinian slave (Radhi-Allahu-anhu – A description of Islam as the natural and companions. These are a major Departure; exit; emigration. The may Allah be pleased with him). way of life. source of Islamic law. Some Hadith are emigration of the Prophet Muhammad referred to as Hadith Qudsi (sacred (peace and blessings of Allah be upon Bismillah Du’a Hadith) having been divinely him) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 In the name of Allah. Varying forms of personal prayer and communicated to the Prophet CE. The commences supplication. Muhammad (peace and blessings of from this event. Bismillah-ir-Rahman ir-Rahim Allah be upon him). In the name of Allah – All Gracious, All Fajr (Salat-ul-Fajr) Hira Merciful. The preface to all Surahs of Dawn salah which may be performed Hafiz The name of a place near Makkah, the Qur’an except the ninth one. It is from dawn until just before sunrise. Someone who knows the whole Qur’an where the Prophet Muhammad (peace usually said by Muslims before eating or by heart. and blessings of Allah be upon him) beginning any action. went for solitude and worship. It was Obligatory duty according to divine law, Hajar there that he received the first Dar-ul-Islam for example, offering salah five times a Hagar. Wife of the Prophet Ibrahim, revelation of the Qur’an. House or abode of Islam. Sometimes day. and mother of the Prophet Isma’il used to refer to lands ruled by Islamic (peace be upon them). Shari’ah. Fatihah All acts of worship. Any permissible See al-Fatihah. action performed with the intention to Da’wah Annual pilgrimage to Makkah, which obey Allah. Call. Inviting people to Islam, whether Fatimah (al-Zahrah) each Muslim must undertake at least by literal invitation and preaching, or by Daughter of the Prophet Muhammad once in a lifetime if he or she has the the example of good actions. (peace and blessings of Allah be upon health and wealth. A Muslim male who The who defied Allah by refusing to him); wife of Ali; mother of Hassan, has completed Hajj is called Hajji, and bow to Adam (peace be upon him), and Dawud Hussein and Zainab (Radhi-Allahu- a female, Hajjah. later became the tempter of all human (peace be upon him). A Prophet anhum – may Allah be pleased with beings (see Shaytan). of Allah to whom the (the Book them). Halal of ) was given. Any action or thing which is permitted Ibrahim Fatwa or lawful. (peace be upon him). The legal guidance of a pious, just, A Prophet of Allah to whom the ‘scrolls’ Remembrance. Remembrance of Allah knowledgeable Muslim scholar and were given. in one’s heart or by reciting His names jurist, based on the Qur’an, Anything unlawful or not permitted. or sections from the Qur’an. and Islamic Shari’ah. Id Haram Sharif Recurring happiness. A religious The grand mosque in Makkah, which holiday; a feast for thanking Allah and A non-Muslim living freely under the Understanding. Islamic jurisprudence. encompasses the Ka’bah, the hills of celebrating a happy occasion. protection of an Islamic state. Safa and Marwah and the well of Zamzam. Id Mubarak Dhul-Hijjah Greater ablution. Formal washing of the Id blessings! Greeting exchanged during The month of the Hajj, last month of whole body prior to worship (see Islamic celebrations. the Islamic year. ). Veil. Often used to describe the head scarf or modest dress worn by women, Id-ul-Adha Din Hadith who are required to cover everything Celebration of the sacrifice, Way of life, together with its Saying; report; account. The sayings of except face and hands in the sight of commemorating the Prophet Ibrahim’s practices. the Prophet Muhammad (peace and anyone other than immediate family. willingness to sacrifice his son Isma’il blessings of Allah be upon him), as for Allah (peace be upon them). Also

2

known as Id-ul-Kabir – the Greater Id – , al-Muntazar and Qurban Bayram (Turkish) - feast of Injil Ka’bah The (rightly) guided one who is awaited sacrifice. . A book given to Prophet Isa A cube-shaped structure in the centre and will appear towards the end of time (peace be upon him). of the grand mosque in Makkah. The to lead the Ummah and restore justice Id-ul-Fitr first house built for the worship of the on Earth. The one who is promised in Celebration of breaking the fast on the Iqamah One True God. the Judaic, Christian and Islamic day after ends, which is also Call to stand up for salah. traditions. the first day of Shawal, the tenth Khadijah Islamic month. Also known as Id-ul- Isa First wife of the Prophet Muhammad Makkah Saghir - the Lesser Id – and Sheker . A Prophet of Allah, born of the (peace and blessings of Allah be upon City where the Prophet Muhammad Bayram (Turkish) – sugar feast. virgin Mary (peace be upon them). him). Mother of Fatimah Zahrah (Radhi- (peace and blessings of Allah be upon Allahu-anhum – may Allah be pleased him) was born, and where the Ka’bah is Ihram Isha (Salat-ul-Isha) with them). located. The state or condition entered into to Evening salah which may be performed perform either Hajj or . During from just over an hour after sunset, Khalifah this period, many normally permitted until midnight. Successor; inheritor; custodian; vice- Mary. The virgin mother of the Prophet actions are placed out of bounds to regent (see al-Khulafa-ur-Rashidun). Isa (peace be upon them). Muslims. Also, the name of the two Islam plain white unsewn cloths worn by male Peace attained through willing Khilafah Masjid pilgrims to indicate the brotherhood, obedience to Allah’s divine guidance. The institution of the Khalifah. Place of prostration. Mosque. equality and purity of the pilgrim. For women, the dress of Ihram consists of Isma’il Mihrab their normal modest clothing. . A Prophet of Allah. Son of the Contribution (additional to zakah) of Niche or alcove in a mosque wall, Ijma Prophet Ibrahim and Hajar (peace be one fifth of surplus annual income paid indicating the Qiblah – the direction of General consensus of scholars, upon them). by Shi’ah Muslims. Sunni Muslims only Makkah, towards which all Muslims face expressed or tacit, on matters of law apply Khums to booty. to perform salah. and practice. Isnad Chain of transmission of each Hadith. Mina Speech. Talk delivered on special Place near Makkah, where pilgrims stay Leader. A person who leads the Jibril occasions such as the Jumu’ah and Id on the 10th, 11th and 12th of Dhul- communal prayer, or a founder of an . The who delivered prayers. Hijjah and perform some of the Islamic school of jurisprudence. In Allah’s messages to His Prophets. activities of the Hajj. Shi’ah Islam, Imam is also the title of Laylat-ul-Qadr Ali (Radhi-Allahu-anhu – may Allah be The Night of Power, when the first pleased with him) and his successors. Personal individual struggle against evil revelation of the Qur’an was made to Rostrum; platform; dais. The stand from in the way of Allah. It can also be Prophet Muhammad (peace and which the Imam delivers the khutbah or Imamah collective defence of the Muslim blessings of Allah be upon him). It is speech in the mosque or praying Office and function of an Imam. community. believed to be one of the last ten nights ground. Religious authority in Shi’ah Islam; of Ramadan. successor to the Prophet Muhammad Jinn Miqat (peace and blessings of Allah be upon Being created by Allah from fire. Madinah See al-Madinah. Place appointed, at which pilgrims him) as leader of the Muslim enter into the state of ihram. community. Jumu’ah (Salat-ul-Jumu’ah) Maghrib (Salat-ul-Maghrib) The weekly communal salah and Sunset salah which is performed after Mi’raj attendance at the khutbah performed sunset until daylight ends. The ascent through the heavens of the Faith. shortly after midday on Fridays.

3

Prophet Muhammad (peace and Qadar Sahih al-Bukhari (peace and blessings of Allah be upon blessings of Allah be upon him). Allah’s complete and final control over The title of the books of Hadith him) and eleven of his most pious, the fulfilment of events or destiny. compiled by Muhammad ibn Isma’il al- knowledgeable descendants. Mu’adhin Bukhari, a Sunni scholar. The collection Caller to prayer (see Adhan). Known in Qiblah is described as Sahih (authentic). English as ‘muezzin’. Direction which Muslims face when Association. Regarding anything as performing salah – towards the Ka’bah Sahih Muslim being equal or partner to Allah. Shirk is Muhammad (see Mihrab). The title of the books of Hadith forbidden in Islam. Praised. Name of the final Prophet. compiled by Abul Husayn Muslim ibn al- Qur’an Hajjaj, a Sunni scholar. The collection Shura Muharram That which is read or recited. The is described as Sahih (authentic). Consultation of the people in the First month in the Islamic calendar, Divine Book revealed to the Prophet management of religious and worldly which is calculated from the time the Muhammad (peace and blessings of Salah affairs. A duty prescribed in the Qur’an Prophet Muhammad (peace and Allah be upon him). Allah’s final Prescribed communication with, and to leaders at all levels, from family to blessings of Allah be upon him) revelation to humankind. worship of, Allah, performed under government. migrated to Yathrib (Madinah). specific conditions, in the manner Rak’ah taught by the Prophet Muhammad Sirah Musa A unit of salah, made up of recitation, (peace and blessings of Allah be upon Biographical writings about the conduct (peace be upon him). A Prophet standing, bowing and two prostrations. him), and recited in the Arabic and example of the Prophet Muhammad of Allah to whom the Tawrah () language. The five daily times of salah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon was given. Ramadan are fixed by Allah. him). The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which fasting is Sawm Subhah Faithful. A believer, a practising Muslim required from just before dawn until Fasting from just before dawn until String of beads used to count recitations who wholeheartedly yields to Allah’s sunset, as ordered by Allah in the sunset. Abstinence is required from all in worship. guiding wisdom and is thus in harmony Qur’an. food and drink (including water) as well with His will and at peace with himself as smoking and conjugal relations. Sunnah and fellow creatures. Rasul Model practices, customs and traditions Messenger of Allah. Shahadah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and Muslim Declaration of faith, which consists of blessings of Allah be upon him). This is One who claims to have accepted Islam Sa’y the statement, ‘There is no god except found in both Hadith and Sirah. by professing the Shahadah. Walking and hastening between Safa Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of and Marwah, as part of the Hajj, in Allah’. Sunni Place where pilgrims on Hajj stop for a remembrance of Hajar’s search for Muslims who believe in the time during the night of the day they water for her son Isma’il (peace be Shari’ah successorship of Abu Bakr, Umar, spend at Arafat. upon them). Islamic law based upon the Qur’an and Uthman and Ali (Radhi-Allahu-anhum – Sunnah. may Allah be pleased with them) after Nabi Sadaqah the Prophet Muhammad (peace and Prophet of Allah. Voluntary payment or good action for Shaytan blessings of Allah be upon him). charitable purposes. Rebellious; proud. The (see Iblis) Surah Intention. A legally required statement Safa and Marwah Shi’ah Division of the Qur’an (114 in all). of intent, made prior to all acts of Two hills in Makkah, near the Ka’bah, Followers. Muslims who believe in the devotion such as salah, Hajj or sawm. now included within the grand mosque Imamah, successorship of Ali (Radhi- (see Sa’y). Allahu-anhu – may Allah be pleased Saying ‘Allahu Akbar!’ Recited during with him) after the Prophet Muhammad

4

salah, Id and other celebratory Zabur occasions. The Book of Psalms given to Prophet Dawud (David) (peace be upon him). Tawaf Walking seven times around the Ka’bah Zakah in worship of Allah. Also, a part of Hajj Purification of wealth by payment of and Umrah. annual welfare due. An obligatory act of worship. in the Oneness of Allah – absolute Zakat-ul-Fitr monotheism as practised in Islam. Welfare payment at the end of Ramadan. Tawrah The Torah. The book given to the Zamzam Prophet Musa (Moses) (peace be upon Name of the well adjacent to the him). Ka’bah in Makkah. The water first sprang in answer to Hajar’s search and Ulama prayers (see Hajar and Sa’y). Scholars of Islamic law and jurisprudence (sing. Alim). Zuhr (Salat-ul-Zuhr) Salah which can be performed after Umar ibn ul-Khattab midday until afternoon. The second Khalifah of Islam.

Ummah Community. World-wide community of Muslims; the nation of Islam.

Umrah Lesser pilgrimage which can be performed at any time of the year.

Uthman The third Khalifah of Islam.

Wudu Ablution before salah.

Yathrib Town to which the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) migrated from Makkah (see al- Madinah).

5