Glossary

Glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

ADHAAN
The call for the daily prayers are called Adhan. The person who calls the Adhan is called a Mu'adhin. A Mu'adhin calls the Adhan five times a day before Muslims are to perform their daily Salah (Prayer).
AL-ASHARATU MUBASHSHIRUN
The ten people who were given the glad tidings of entering Paradise: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali, Abdur Rahman ibn Awf, Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah, Talhah ibn Ubaydullah, az-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam, Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, Sa'id ibn Zayd.
ALLAH
The proper name for the Creator and Sustainer whose will is supreme in the universe. "There are ninety-nine names of Allah; he who commits them to memory would get into paradise." (hadith)
ASTAGHFIRALLAH
An expression asking for Allah’s forgiveness meaning "I ask Allah forgiveness." It is recited frequently and after every Salah.

B

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
A phrase recited before reading the Qur'an or starting any activity. It means "In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful."

C

COVENANT
A solemn agreement between two or more parties, a compact between God and man. In the Old Testament, it refers to the covenant the Jews made with Allah.

D

DA'WAH
Inviting others to Islam; missionary work.
DHIKR
Remembrance for the sake of Allah.

E

EID
An Arabic term for festivity, celebration, or recurring happiness. In Islam, there are two major 'Eids: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adhha.

F

FARD
An obligatory act in Islam, such as certain parts of the prayer (salaah).
FIQH
The understanding and jurisprudence of Islamic law. A jurist is known as a Faqih. Notable scholars include Imam Malik, Imam Ash-Shafi'i, Imam Abu Hanifah, and Imam Ahmad.

G

GHAZI
A Muslim soldier or warrior.
GHAZWAH
A military expedition.

H

HADITH
Reports on the sayings and practices of Prophet Muhammad, which explain the Qur'an. Collections include those by Imam Al-Bukhari, Imam Muslim, among others.
HAJJ
The pilgrimage to Makkah, one of the five pillars of Islam, performed during the month of Zul-Hijjah.

I

IMAM
A religious leader who leads congregational prayers and sometimes community affairs.
INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAY
Short for "INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAYHI RAJI'UN" – a phrase recited in times of loss or calamity meaning "We are from Allah and to Him we return."

J

JAHILIYYAH
Refers to the pre-Islamic era in Arabia marked by ignorance of divine guidance.
JAZAKALLAHU KHAYRAN
A phrase of gratitude meaning "May Allah reward you for the good," used when someone does a favor.

K

KA'BAH
The first house of worship built for mankind, originally built by Adam and later rebuilt by Abraham and Isma'il in Mecca.
KHALIFAH
The successor or representative of Prophet Muhammad. Early successors are known as the "Rightly Guided Caliphs."
KHUTBAH
A sermon typically delivered during the Friday congregational prayer.
KUFR
The act of showing ingratitude to Allah or denying His existence.

L

LA HAWLA
LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH – "There is no power and no strength except with Allah." Said in times of hardship.
LA ILAHA ILLALLAH
The core creed of Islam meaning "There is no god worthy of worship except Allah." Often followed by the testimony regarding Muhammad.
LUNAR CALENDAR
The Islamic calendar based on lunar cycles, roughly 12 days shorter than the solar year. It governs Ramadan, Eid, and Hajj dates.

M

MADINAH
The first city-state under Islam, where the Prophet's mosque and grave are located.
MU'MIN
A person of deep faith who is obedient to Allah.
MUSHAWARAH
Means consultation.
MUSHRIK
A polytheist; one who ascribes partners to Allah.

N

NABI
A prophet who receives revelation from Allah and serves as His messenger.
NASIHAH
Means sincere good advice. (Noorul Islam Alumni)

O

OBLIGATORY
Acts or duties that are compulsory, such as certain prayers (Fard).

P

P.B.U.H.
An abbreviation for "Peace Be Upon Him" used after the name of a prophet; however, it is recommended to use the full expression "Salla Allahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam."

Q

QARI
A person who recites the Qur'an.
QUR'AN
The holy book of Islam, revealed to Prophet Muhammad over 23 years through Angel Gabriel. It consists of 114 Surahs and is recited in Arabic.
Quraysh
The prominent tribe in Arabia during the Prophet’s era, custodians of the Ka'bah, and central to early Islamic history.

R

RADHIALLAHU 'ANHU
A phrase used when mentioning the companions of Prophet Muhammad meaning "May Allah be pleased with him."
RASUL
Means messenger; prophets such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad are referred to as Rasul.
RUKU'
The act of bowing during prayer, where a Muslim glorifies Allah.

S

S.A.W
SALLALLAHU 'ALAIHI WA SALLAM – An expression used when mentioning Prophet Muhammad meaning "May the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him."
SABIRIN
Those who are patient and steadfast.
SIRAH
The biography and life story of Prophet Muhammad, detailing his character and actions.
SUBHANAHU WA TA'ALA
An expression meaning "Glory be to Allah, the Exalted," used to acknowledge His perfection.

T

TAHAJJUD
The optional night prayer performed after a short sleep between Isha and Fajr.
TAQWA
The love and fear of Allah; striving to remain within His prescribed limits.
TAUHID
The affirmation of the oneness of Allah, the central principle of Islam.
TORAH
The holy scripture revealed to Moses in the Jewish tradition.

U

ULAMA
Scholars or learned individuals in Islam; plural of alim.
UMM AL-MU'MINEEN
Means "Mother of the Believers" – a title given to the wives of Prophet Muhammad as mentioned in the Qur'an.
UMMAH
The community of believers in Islam.

V

No entries available.

W

WA 'ALAIKUMUS SALAM
An expression used in response to a greeting of peace meaning "And upon you be peace."
WALI
A guardian or protector, whether legally or spiritually.
WUDU
The ritual purification (ablution) performed before prayer or reciting the Qur'an.

X

No entries available.

Y

No entries available.

Z

Zakah
One of the five pillars of Islam; an act of almsgiving that purifies wealth.