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Badiyyah
A desert or semi-arid environment.
Badr
The first full military confrontation between the Muslims and the enemies of Allah. The battle took place between the Muslims and the Quraish of Makkah in the second year of Hijrah (624 C.E.). Even though the Muslims were outnumbered, the final result was to their favour.
Baghdad (Bagh-dad Shareef)
Meaning of the Name "Baghdad" The origin of the name "Baghdad" is under some dispute. Some say it comes from an Aramaic phrase that means "sheep enclosure" (not very poetic..). Others contend that the word comes from ancient Persian: "bagh" meaning God, and "dad" meaning gift. "The gift of God.." During at least one point in history, it certainly seemed so.
The city's roots date back to ancient Babylon, a settlement as far back as 1800 B.C. However, its fame as a center for commerce and scholarship began in the 8th century A.D. In about 762 C.E., the Abbasid dynasty took over rule of the vast Muslim world and moved the capital to the newly-founded city of Baghdad. Over the next five centuries, the city would become the world's center of education and culture. This period of glory has become known as the "Golden Age" of Islamic civilization, when scholars of the Muslim world made important contributions in both the sciences and humanities: medicine, mathematics, astronomy, chemistry, literature, and more. Under Abbasid rule, Baghdad became a city of museums, hospitals, libraries, and mosques.
Baghdad is home to the shrine of the great Saint of all saints, al-Ghawth al-A'zam Shaykh Abd'al-Qadir al-Jilani Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu, as well as many other tombs of the Ahl al-Bayt and Awliya-Allah (May Allah be pleased with them all.)
Most of the famous Muslim scholars from the 9th to 13th centuries had their educational roots in Baghdad. One of the most famous centers of learning was Bayt al-Hikmah (the House of Wisdom), which attracted scholars from all over the world, from many cultures and religions. Here, teachers and students worked together to translate Greek manuscripts, preserving them for all time. They studied the works of Aristotle, Plato, Hippocrates, Euclid, and Pythagoras. The House of Wisdom was home to, among others, the most famous mathematician of the time: Al-Khawarizmi, the "father" of algebra (which is named after his book "Kitab al-Jabr").
While Europe festered in the Dark Ages, Baghdad was thus at the heart of a vibrant and diverse civilization. It was known as the world's richest and most intellectual city of the time, and was second in size only to Constantinople.
Bai al-urbun
'Urbun refers to the deposit or earnest money that the buyer gives the seller, on the understanding that it will be part of the buying price once the sale is finalised. In the event that the sale falls through the seller keeps this initial amount. Amongst the four Sunni Imam's of Fiqh (jurisprudence), only the Hanbali'yah school of thought have validated al'urbun.
Bai Mu'ajjal (Bay Mu'ajjal )
Sale based on deferred payment, either in a lump sum or instalments.
*A sale in which the parties agree that the payment of price shall be deferred is called a Bai Mu'ajjal.
*Bai Mu'ajjal is valid if the date of payment is fixed in an unambiguous manner.
*The date of payment can be fixed either with reference to a particular date, or by specifying a period, like three months, but it cannot be fixed with reference to a future event where the exact date is unknown or uncertain. If the time of payment is unknown or uncertain, the sale is void.
*If a particular period is fixed for payment, like one month, it will be deemed to commence from the time of delivery, unless the parties have agreed otherwise.
*The deferred price may be more than the cash price, but it must be fixed at the time of sale.
*Once the price is fixed, it cannot be decreased if it was paid earlier, nor can it be increased in the case of default.
*In order to ensure the buyer pays the installments promptly, the buyer may be asked to promise that in the case of default, he will donate some specified amount for a charitable purpose. In such cases, the seller may receive such an amount from the buyer, not as part of his income, but to use it for charitable purposes on behalf of the buyer.
*If the commodity is sold on installment, the seller may put a condition on the buyer that if he fails to pay any installment on its due date, the remaining installments will become due immediately.
*In order to secure the payment, the seller may ask the buyer to furnish a security whether in the form of a mortgage, a lien or a charge on any of his existing assets.
The buyer can also be asked to sign a promissory note or a Bill of Exchange, but the note or the bill cannot be sold to a third party at a price different from its face value.
Bai Salam (Bay Salaam)
This term refers to the advance payment for goods which are delivered later. Normally, no sale can be effected unless the goods are in existence at the time of the bargain. But this type of sale is the exception to the general rule provided the goods are defined and the date of delivery is fixed. The objects of this type of sale are mainly tangible but exclude gold or silver as these are regarded as having monetary value. Barring these, bai al-salam covers almost all things which are capable of being definitely described as to quantity, quality and workmanship. One of the conditions of this type of contract is advance payment; the parties cannot reserve their option of rescinding it but the option of revoking it on account of a defect in the subject matter is allowed. It is also applied to a mode of financing adopted by Islamic banks. It is usually applied in the agricultural sector, where the bank advances money for various inputs to receive a share in the crop, which the bank sells in the market.
Bai'
Literally means sale. Commonly used as a prefix in referring to different types of sales: Muajjal, Murabahah, Tawliyah and Wadi'ah.
Baqi (Jannat al Baqi)
The cemetery where a good many of the Sahabah al kiram (ridwan'allah ta'ala alayhi m'ajmain) are buried, as well as thousands of pilgrims. It is in the south-east side of the blessed city of the Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) Madinah t'al Munnawarrah.
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Dhikr 'Allah
Remembrance of Allah Ta’ala. Refers to every deed or action, intended or carried out, that is aimed at gaining Allah Ta’ala’s pleasure. The five pillars of Islam are its foundation. Recitation of Qur’an is its heart, and invocation of single Name of Allah, it's end.
Dhul Hijjah (Zul Hijja)
The 12th month of the Islamic Calendar. See Hijri.
The 11th month of the Islamic Calendar. See Hijri
Dome of the Rock
Name of the famous masjid in Jerusalem built around 691 C.E. by the Umayyad caliph Abd al-Malik Rehmatullahi ’Alaih. The rock within the Masjid structure is the point from which the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) was miraculously ascended to Heaven in 619 C.E. (al-Isra w'al Miraj)
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Eid (EED 'EID)
The word 'Eid is an Arabic name to mean a festivity, a celebration, a recurring happiness, and a feast. In Islam, there are three major 'Eids namely the feast of Ramadhan ('EId Al-Fitr), the Feast of Sacrifice ('Eid Al-Adhha), and the third Eid is known as Eid Milad an-Nabi.
The first 'Eid is celebrated by Muslims after fasting the month of Ramadhan as a matter of thanks and gratitude to Almighty Allah. It takes place on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the lunar calendar.
The second 'Eid is the Feast of Sacrifice and it is to be celebrated for the memory of Prophet Ibrahim (alayhi asalam) trying to sacrifice his son Isma'il (Ishmael). This 'Eid lasts four days between the tenth and the thirteenth day of Zul-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the lunar calendar.
The third major Eid recognised and commemorated by the vast majority of muslims worldwide is the 'Eid Milad an-Nabi' or 'Mawlid', and is a celebration of the birth and life of Allahs Most Beloved Final Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam). Hadrat Muhammad Mustufa (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) was born on the 12th of Rabbi Awwal, and Muslims mark the occasion of praising the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) by visiting the Mosque, listening to lectures and Na'at Shareef held throughout the month of Rabbi al-Awwal.
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Fa'idah
Benefit. In investment context it means return on investment.
Fadl (Riba)
A type of interest. Taking something of superior quality in exchange for the same kind of thing of poorer quality. Allah (Subhana wa Ta'ala) has strictly prohibited any kind of Riba and has warned of severe punishment for those who have any association with it. See the Noble Qur' an, Surah Al-Baqara (2):275-280
Fajr (Fajar)
The obligatory salah, prayer, before sunrise.
Falas
Bankrupt
Faqeeh
An Islamic scholar who can give an authoritative legal opinion or judgement.
Faqih
A person who is an expert on Islamic jurisprudence (law), fiqh.
Faqir (fakir)
A poor person. Fakr means poverty.
Fard (furd or farz)
A term designating that which is an obligatory (required) belief or practice in Islam. For example, under normal circumstances, performing wudhu (ritual washing) before offering formal worship is fard for Muslims.
Fard 'Ain
An action which is obligatory on every Muslim.
Fard al-Kifayah
Collective duty. A duty on the whole community. However, if the duty has been fulfilled by a part of that community then the rest are not obliged to fulfill it.
Faruq (Farooq Farouk Farook)
This was the name given to Caliph Hadrat Umar ibn Al-Khattab (Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu) . It means 'One who distinguishes the truth from falsehood'.
Fasad (fah-saad)
Fasad, literally 'corruption', in Qur'anic terminology, means creating disorder and corruption on earth by following a path other than God's. Islam maintains that true peace and happiness emanate only through the observance of God's commands and through making a conscious effort to see that His laws alone are implemented in every sphere of life. Fasad occurs when man violates God's laws and disobeys Him. Fasad may therefore be partial as well as total; partial when one disregards God's law in one aspect of life while acknowledging His sovereignty in other spheres. If a society is based on the denial of God, that society is bound to be a corrupt and exploitative society - hence full of fasad.
Fasting
See Sawm.
Fatah (fat-ah)
Means conquest or struggle to victory
Fatwa
A legal verdict given on a religious basis. The sources on which a fatwa is based are the Noble Qur'an, and all authenticated Ahadith. Plural: Fatawa.
Fidyah
Compensation for missing or wrongly practising necessary acts of worship. Fidyah usually takes the form of donating money or foodstuff, or sacrificing an animal.
Fiqh ( FIQAH FIQHA)
The meaning of the word fiqh is understanding, comprehension, knowledge, and jurisprudence in Islam. A jurist is called a Faqih who is an expert in matters of Islamic legal matters. Literally "understanding," this term refers to the body of knowledge and legal opinions developed by Muslim jurists and scholars from the primary sources in Islam, the Qur'an al kareem and the Sunnah of the Most Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam). Fiqh is essentially the interpretation and application of Shari'ah to specific circumstances or issues.
A Faqih is to pass verdicts within the rules of the Islamic Law namely Shariah.
The most famous scholars of Fiqh in the history Muslims are the founders of the four schools of thought in Islam: Imam Abu Hanifah Imam Malik, Imam Ash-Shafi'i, and Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal (May Allah be pleased with them).
Anything or action in Islam falls within the following five categories of Fiqh:
1] Fardh (Must): This category is a must for the Muslim to do such as the five daily prayers. Doing the Fardh counts as a good deed, and not doing it is considered a bad deed or a sin.
It is also called Wajib except for Imam Abu Hanifah Rehmatullahi ’Alaih who makes Wajib a separate category between the Fardh and the Mubah.
2] Mandub (Recommended): This category is recommended for the Muslim to do such as extra prayers after Zuhr and Maghrib. Doing the Mandub counts as a good deed and not doing it does not count as a bad deed or a sin.
3] Mubah (Allowed): This category is left undecided and left for the person, such as eating apples or oranges. Doing or not doing the Mubah does not count as a good or bad deed.
Intention of the person can change Mubah to Fard, Mandub, Makruh, or Haram.
Other things could also change the status of the Mubah. For example, any Mubah becomes Haram if it is proven harmful, and any necessary thing to fulfill a Fardh is a Fardh too.
4] Makruh (Hated): This category is a detested and hated such as growing fingernails or sleeping on the stomach. Not doing the Makruh counts as a good deed and doing it does not count as a bad deed.
5] Haram (Prohibited): This category is prohibited for the Muslim to do such as stealing and lying. Doing the haram counts as a bad deed and not doing it counts as a good deed.
Imam Abu Hanifah Rehmatullahi ’Alaih also puts another category between the Makruh and the Haram. It is called Karahah Tahrimiyyah which means hated almost to the level of Haram.
Fisq (Fisq)
Fisq is transgression. It consists of disobedience to the command of God.
Furqan (Foor-kan)
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Hadith (Hadis Hadeeth)
Reports on the sayings and the traditions of the Most Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) or what he witnessed and approved are called Hadith. These are the real explanation, interpretation, and the living example of the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) for teachings of the Qur'an al karim. His sayings are found in books called the Hadith books.
Some famous collectors of Hadith are Imam Al-Bukhari, Imam Muslim, Imam An-Nasa'i, Imam Abu Dawood, Imam At-Tirmidhi, and Imam Majah (May Allah be pleased with them). There are many others.
Hadith qudsi
The Hadith Qudsi are hadith's in which the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) says that Allah says so and so. The meaning of the these hadith was revealed to the Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) but he put them in his own words, unlike the Qur'an al karim which is the word of Almighty Allah and the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) conveyed it exactly as it was revealed to him.
Hafiz (haa-fiz)
One who has memorized the entirety of the Qur'an al karim. Thousands of Muslim men and women throughout the world dedicate their time and energy to this tradition, which serves to maintain the Qur'anic scripture as it was revealed to the Most Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam), over 1,400 years ago.
Hajar (haa-jer)
One of Abraham's wives who, along with her infant son Isma'il, was settled in Arabia by Abraham. She may be considered the founder of the city of Makkah, since it was a desolate valley prior to her arrival and discovery of the sacred well known as ZamZam.
Hajar Al-aswad (Al)
The 'Black Stone', a stone which is said to have fallen from heaven, set into one corner of the Ka'abah in Mekkah by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (Alayhi asalam), which pilgrims, in imitation of Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam), kiss while performing the Hajj or Umrah.
Hajj (HAJ)
The pilgrimage (journey) to Makkah (in modern-day Saudi Arabia) undertaken by Muslims in commemoration of the Abrahamic roots of Islam. The Hajj rites symbolically reenact the trials and sacrifices of Prophet Abraham (alayhi asalam), his wife Hajar, and their son Isma'il over 4,000 years ago.
Hajj is an Arabic word which means the performance of pilgrimage to Makkah in Arabia. It is one of the five pillars of Islam. A Muslim is to perform Hajj at least once in his/her life, if means and health allow.
There are rules and regulations and specific dress to be followed. It is to take place during the last month of the lunar calendar called the month of Dhul-Hijjah. The Hajj is performed annually by over 3,000,000 pilgrims from all corners of the globe.
There are three types of Hajj:
*Hajj at-Tamattu' (interrupted). Umrah followed by Hajj, but taking off the Ihram in between these two stages.
*Hajj al-Qiran (combined). Umrah then Hajj without taking off the Ihram
*Hajj al-Ifrad (single). Hajj without Umrah.Hanafi
Halal
An act or product that is lawful and permitted in Islam, based on the two authoritative sources, the Qur'an al kareem and the Sunnah of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam).
Halif
A person who enjoys the protection of a tribe but does not belong to it by blood.
Halqah
A group of students involved in the study of Islam.
Hamzah (hum-zah)
Uncle of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) and one of his Sahabah. He is fondly remembered by Muslims for his support of the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) at a time when most other relatives turned away from him because he called on people to worship God alone.
Hanafi
Islamic school of law founded by Imam Abu Hanifa Radi Allahu anhu. One of the four main schools of thought of the Ahl as-Sunnah w'al Jama'at. Followers of this school are known as the Hanafis.
Hanif (HANEEF)
People who during the time of Jahiliyyah (ignorance) rejected the idolatry in their society. These people were in search for the true religion of Prophet Ibraham (ABRAHAM) (alayhi asalam). Means ; Upright and true to faith in the Unity of Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala.
Haq (Haqq)
The truth. Legal right.
Haraam (Ha-raam, haram)
Arabic term designating that which is deemed unlawful or forbidden in Islam, based on the two authoritative sources, the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Most Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam). Muslims must refrain from all things or actions designated haram. Something which is unlawful or prohibited in Islam.
Hawwa
Eve, the wife of Prophet Adam (alayhi asalam). The Qur'an al kareem indicates that Hawwa was created as an equal mate for Adam, and that both Adam and Hawwa sinned equally when they disobeyed God by eating fruit from the forbidden tree in their garden abode. Upon turning to God in repentence, both were likewise equally forgiven.
Hegira
See Hijrah.
Hifz
The Arabic root of this word is Hafiza which means to memorize. In the religious sense, Muslims try to memorize the whole Qur'an al karim. Any person who achieves this task is called Hafiz.
A Hafiz is recognized by his community and is given certain privileges. There are millions of Muslims who make 'Hifz' of the entire Qur'an al kareem.
Hijab (hee-jaab)
Commonly, the term hijab is used to denote the scarf or other type of head-covering worn by Muslim women throughout the world. However, the broader definition of the term refers to a state of modesty and covering that encompasses a woman's entire body, excluding hands and face.
Hijrah
Means migration. The Hijrah refers to the Beloved Prophet's (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) migration from Makkah to Madinah. This journey took place in the twelfth year of his mission (622 C.E.). This is the beginning of the Muslim calendar. The word hijrah means to leave a place to seek sanctuary or freedom from persecution or freedom of religion or any other purpose. Hijrah can also mean to leave a bad way of life for a good or more righteous way.
Hijri
Name of the Islamic lunar calendar. It took its name from the early Muslims who migrated from Makkah to Madinah, and commences from the date of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad's (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) Hijra, which he made with Hadrat Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu), in 622AC. Often abbreviated to A.H. (After Hijra). The months of the Islamic calendar are:
1)Muharram.
2)Safar.
3)Rabi'i al-Awal.
4)Rabi'i al-Akhira.
5)Jumada al-Awal.
6)Jumada al-Akhira.
7)Rajab.
8)Sha'ban.
9)Ramadan.
10)Shawal.
11)Dhul Qu'dah.
12)Dhul Hijjah
Hikmah (hick-ma)
Arabic word meaning wisdom.
Hira (hee-ra)
The cave on the outskirts of Makkah where the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam), at the age of forty, received the first revelations of the Qur'an al kareem, beginning with the word "Iqra" which means "read." The cave was a favourite place of retreat for Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam). Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) prior to his call to Prophethood, where he could contemplate alone and seek God free from the distractions of the city below.
Hudud
The limits ordained by Allah. The boundary between what is Halal (lawful) and what is Haram (unlawful), set by Allah. Whoever transgresses these limits may be punished or forgiven by Allah. This includes the punishment for crimes.
Hujjaj
Pilgrims. Persons who have been on the pilgrimage to Mekkah during the Hajj season in the month of Dhul Hijjah. Singular: Haj = a male pilgrim, Hajah = a female pilgrim.
Hukum
The closest equivalent in the English language is "verdict". It usually applies to a judgement on legal issues, especially with regard to religious matters.
Huquq
Plural of haq'
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