SHAYKH AL ISLAM
JANASHEEN - MUHADDITH AL A'ZAM AL HIND
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A'uzu billahi minashaitanir rajim
This is an expression and a statement that Muslims have to recite before reading the Qur'an al kareem, before speaking, before doing any work, before making a supplication, before taking ablution, before entering the wash room, and before doing many other daily activities. The meaning of this phrase is: I seek refuge from Allah from the outcast Satan. Allah is the Arabic name of God.
Satan (shaytan) is the source of evil and he always tries to misguide and mislead people. The Qur'an states that Satan is not an angel but a member of the Jinn, which are spiritual beings created by Allah. So the belief that Satan is a fallen angel is rejected in Islam.
A.H. (After Hijrah)
Means After Hijrah. It is the reference used in the Islamic calender, instead of A.D. which is used in the Christian calender.
Abd
A prefix used in many Muslim male names in conjunction with a divine attribute of God, meaning "servant." Examples include Abd-Allah ("servant of God"), Abd al-Rahman ("servant of the Most Merciful"), and Abd al-Khaliq ("servant of the Creator").
Abraham
see Ibrahim.
Abu Bakr as-Sideeq (aboo back-er as-saa-dik)
One of the closest companions ofthe Most Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam), given the appelation as-Sadiq, "the Truthful." Upon the passing away of the Noble Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) in 632 C.E., Abu Bakr (Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu) became the first Caliph (successor) and served as leader of the Muslim community until his death in 634 C.E.
Adam (aa-dum)
The first human being, created by God as His vicegerent (responsible deputy) on Earth. Muslims believe Adam(alayhi asalam) was the first Prophet of God as well, establishing monotheism as the original spiritual system of humankind. Islam does not share with Christianity the doctrine of "Original Sin," instead maintaining that each individual person is born sinless and is responsible for his or her own spiritual state, independent of the actions of other persons, past or present.
Adhan (AADHAN ADHAAN AZAN)
The Muslim call to worship. This call for the daily prayers is called the 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).
The Adhan is composed of specific words and phrases to be recited loudly in the Arabic language so that the neighbors can recognize the time schedule for the prayers.
Adl (adil)
Justice and equity. A fundamental value governing all social behaviour and forming the basis of all social dealings and legal framework.
Afdal
The best.
AH
After Hijra. Hijra means emigration. The Islamic calendar starts from the day the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam), emigrated from Makkah to Madinah, in 622 A.D.
Ahadeeth (ahadith)
Sayings and traditions of the Most Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam). Singular: Hadith.
Ahl ar-ra'y
Means people of opinion. It is refers to people that are consulted on Islamic matters. These people are highly learned in Islam.
Ahliyah
Legal capacity.
Ahliyat al-add'
Legal capacity for execution.
Ahl al-Hadith
Refers to a heretical group who some say pay greater importance to 'traditions' than to other sources of Islamic doctrine such as al-Quran, and tend to interpret their own philosophy and traditions. Very closely related to the Wahhabis and salafis.
Ahliyat al-wujub
Legal capacity for the acquisition of rights and obligations.
Ahl as-Suffa
Sufism begins with the "people of the bench" - ahl as-suffa. Poor who practiced asceticism, or zuhd (sg. zahid, pl. zuhhad); and lived at Mosque in Madinah during the life of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam)
Ahl as-Sunnah wa' Jama'ah
The people of the traditional way and of the
congregation. Meaning: The people who follow the Prophetic Sunnah and adhere to the largest mass of the Muslims beginning with the congregation of the Noble Companions of the Most Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam).
Antonym: "Ahl al-Bid`a wa al-Dalala" = the people of innovation and misguidance, i.e. all non-Sunni Muslims.
Some proof-texts: “My Community shall divide into seventy-three sects, all of them in the Fire except one: [Those that follow] that which I and my Companions follow.” A sound narration from 'Abd Allah ibn 'Amr by al-Tirmidhi (h.asan gharib).
Ahzab
Means parties. Ahzab is used to describe the different tribes that fought the Muslims in the Battle of the Ditch in 627 C.E., 5 A.H..
Aisha (eye-ee-sha)
Daughter of Hadrat Abu Bakr Sideeq (Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu) and one of the wives of the Most Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam). Hadrat Aisha (Radi Allahu ta'ala anha) transmitted a large number of the Beloved Prophet's (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) hadith, which were compiled by scholars in early Islamic history.
Ajmer
City in Rajasthan state in India, home to Hadrat Khawaja Muinuddin Hasan Chisti Ajmeri Radi Allahu anhu, the great saint also affectionately known as Khawaja Gharib Nawaz. Millions of pilgrims flock to his shrine in Ajmer City on his URS (anniversary) during the blessed month of Rajab.
Ajrul Mithl
A remuneration based on what is customary in the community.
Al-Aamilu - Alaz-Zakah
Zakah collector.
Al-asharatu mubashshirun
The ten people that were given the glad tidings of assurance of entering Paradise. They were Hadrat Abu Bakr as-Sideeq, Hadrat Umar ibn al-Khattab, Hadrat Uthman al-Ghani, Hadrat Maula Ali al-Murtaza, Hadrat Abdur Rahman ibn Awf, Hadrat Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah, Hadrat Talhah ibn Ubaydullah, Hadrat az-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam, Hadrat Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, Hadrat Sa'id ibn Zayd (May Allah bless them all).
Al-Asma al-Husna
Al-Asma al-Husna, literally meaning the 'most excellent names' used of God, express His greatness and paramountcy, holiness, purity, and the perfection and absoluteness of all His attributes.
Al-hamdu l'illah
Al-hamdu l'illah (Praise be to God)
Al-hamdu lillahi rabbil 'alamin (AL-HAMDO LILLAHI RABBIL 'ALAMIN)
This is a verse from the Qur'an al-kareem that Muslims recite and say many times per day. Other than being recited daily during prayers, a Muslim reads this expression in every activity of his daily life. The meaning of it is : Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.
A Muslim invokes the praises of Allah before he does his daily work; and when he finishes, he thanks Allah for His favours. A Muslim is grateful to Allah for all His blessings. It is a statement of thanks, appreciation, and gratitude from the creature to his Creator.
Al-Kahf (kaaf)
Cave
Al-Qard al-Hassan
Loans fixed for a definite period of time without interest or profit sharing.
Al-Wadi'ah
This refers to deposits in trust, in which a person may hold property in trust for another, sometimes by implication of a contract.
Al-Wakalah al Mutlaqa
Resale of goods with a discount on the original stated cost.
Alaihis Salaam
May Allah's peace be upon him. Sometimes abbreviated as (A.S.) A phrase which is usually read after the name of a Prophet other than the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) is mentioned.
Ali ibn Abi Talib (alee ibin abee taa-lib)
Sayyadina Hadrat Ali-e-Murtaza (Sher-e-Khuda - Lion of Allah) Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu One of the most faithful Companions of the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam), he was also Prophet Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law. He became the fourth Caliph of the early Muslim state in 656 C.E. He is the fourth of the "Rightly-Guided" caliphs in Islam.
Alim (AALIM)
A learned person in Islam, scholar. One who has knowledge. This term refers commonly to a Muslim religious scholar. (pl. Ulama [oo-la-ma] ).
Allah (ALLA, ALAH)
The true name for the creator of the Universe is Allah. He is the Merciful, the Beneficent, the Knowledgeable, the Protector, the Mighty, the God, the Provider, the Exalted, the Lord, the All-Knowing, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing, the Magnificent, the Wise, the Loving, the First, the Last, and the Eternal. The One deserving all worship", the One to Whom all hearts submit in love, fear, reverence, desire, trust and sincerity, and to Whom all limbs submit in all forms of worship such as prayers, supplications, sacrifices, invocations, etc.
The Qur'an al kareem mentions around 100 beautiful names for Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) through which Muslims may understand and recognize Him, and His responsibilities for the whole Universe.
Allahu Akbar (ALLAHOO AKBAR, ALLAHU AKBER, ALLAHOO AKBER, ALLAH AKBAR)
This phrase, known as the Takbir, means "God is Greatest" ! This statement is said by Muslims numerous times. During the call for prayer, during prayer, when they are happy, and wish to express their approval of what they hear, when they slaughter an animal, and when they want to praise a speaker, Muslims do say this expression of Allahu Akbar. Actually it is most said expression in the world. Its meaning:Allah is the Greatest. Muslims praise Allah in every aspect of life; and as such they say Allahu Akbar.
Almsgiving Tax
See Zakah.
Amanah
Something given to someone for safekeeping. Trust. The contract of amanah gives rise to fiduciary relationships and duties.
Ameen (Amin)
Custodian or guardian.
Amir
Means leader or commander.
Amir al-mumineen
Means commander of the believers. This title was given to the Khalifah.
Amwal
Wealth. In business context, Amwal means wealth that is contributed as capital in a partnership. Plural: mal.
Angels
See Mala'ikah.
Ansar (ANSAAR)
Means helpers. These were the people of Madinah who responded to the Beloved Prophet's (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) call to Islam and offered Islam a city-state power.
Aqabah
A place just outside of Makkah, in Mina where the first Muslims from Yathrib Madinah pledged allegiance to the Most Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) in the year 621 C.E.. A similar meeting took place the next year when more Muslims from Yathrib pledged their allegiance to the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam).
Aqd
A contract.
Aqd Sahih
A legal contract.
Aqeeda (Aqida Akeeda Akida)
Literally means belief. In Islamic terms, it means the following six articles of faith: 1. Belief in Allah, the One God. 2. Belief in Allah's angels. 3. Belief in His revealed Books. 4. Belief in His Messengers. 5. Belief in the Day of Judgement. 6. Belief in Fate and the Divine Decree.
Ar-Rahmaan
The Keeper of the stores of Mercy
Arabic
The language of the Qur'an al kareem. Arabic is a Semitic language, used throughout the world by Muslims and non-Muslims, Arabs and non-Arabs. Historically, in Muslim civilization Arabic became the language of learning and scholarship, and was the common language for people living as far apart as Spain and China.
Arafat
A plain north of Makkah. It is on this plain that humanity will be raised on the Day of Judgement for questioning and judgement. During the Hajj on the ninth day of the month of Dhu-l-Hijjah, Muslim pilgrims gather on this plain for one day.
Arif (Ar-if)
'Arif: "knower" or "gnostic" who has actually experienced the reality of the Tawhid
Arkan
The elements or essential ingredients of an act, without which the act is not legally valid.
Ash'aris (ash-sha-rees)
Adherents to the doctrinal tenets of Abu al-Hasan al-Ash'ari, mostly from the Shafi`i and Maliki Schools of Law, and forming the massive majority of the Ulema of Ahl al-Sunna wal-Jama'ah.
Assalamu 'Alaykum
The traditional, time-honoured greeting of Muslims, meaning "Peace be upon you." The appropriate response is "Wa Alaykum As-Salaam," meaning, "And upon you be peace also." Assalamu 'Alaykum - (ASSALAMO ALAIKUM ASALAMO ALAIKUM) This is an expression Muslims say whenever they meet one another. It is a statement of greeting with peace.
Muslims try to establish peace on earth even through the friendly relation of greeting and meeting one another. The other forms are: Assalamu 'Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi, which means: May the peace and the Mercy of Allah be upon you, and Assalamu 'Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu, which means :May the peace, the mercy, and the blessings of Allah be upon you.
Asabiyyah
Means tribal loyalty, nationalism.
Asr
The late afternoon obligatory Salah, prayer.
Astaghfirullah (ASTAGHFIRALLAH)
This is an expression used by a Muslim when he wants to ask Allah forgiveness. The meaning of it is: I ask Allah forgiveness. A Muslim says this phrase many times, even when he is talking to another person. When a Muslim abstains from doing wrong, or even when he wants to prove that he is innocent of an incident he uses this expression. After every Salah (payer), a Muslim says this statement three times.
Awqaf
Property voluntarily transferred to a charity or trust so that it is use for public benefits.
Awliya (Awliya-Kiram, Awliya-Allah)
The truly pious friends of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala). Those who Allah has blessed.
Awqiyyah
Means weight, like the ones used to weigh items.
Awrah (aurat)
Parts of the body that are not supposed to be exposed to others. For men this is from the navel to the knee. For the women it is all of her body except the hands, feet, and face.
Ayaat
It is the plural form of Ayah.
Ayah (AYA AYYAH) (EYE-YAH)
The Arabic meaning of Ayah is a miracle and a sign. The Qur'an al kareem is considered to be a miracle itself. Each verse or sentence is called an Ayah or a miracle. The plural of Ayah is called Ayat, which means miracles. There are over 6,600 ayahs in the Qur'an al kareem.
Ayat-ul-kursi
Surah Baqara, Ayah 256 of the Quran al kareem. It is called the throne of the Qur'an al kareem.
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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.
Bai' Bithaman Ajil (Al) (Al-Bay-Bithaman Ajil (BBA) financing)
In modern Islamic banking, the term refers to a buying and selling transaction between the bank (or financial institution) and the customer, whereby the former buys a property (or an asset, e.g. a house) at the prevailing market price and sells it to the customer at a mark-up price where payments are made by installments over a period of time agreed upon by both parties. The profit earned by the bank is legitimate from the Shari'ah point of view since the transaction is based on a sale contract rather than a loan contract. Any predetermined profit arising from the loan is prohibited in Islam as it amounts to Riba.
Ba'it (Bay'ah)
Oath. See Bay'ah
Baitul Mal
An Islamic treasury intended for the community development as well as provision for Masakeen (needy Muslims).
Bakka'in
Means weepers. These were the people that could not accompany the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) on his campaign to Tabuk because they lacked the resources to do so. They started to weep when they could not go.
Baligh
One who is has reached the age of maturity.
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.
Barakah (Ba-ra-kat)
Means blessing or Divine Grace. The transformative blessing power, or the transformative presence of a teacher.
Barak-Allah (BARAKALLA BARAKALAH)
This is an expression which means: May the blessings of Allah (be upon you). When a Muslim wants to thank another person, he uses different statements to express his thanks, appreciation, and gratitude. One of them is to say Baraka Allah.
Bareilly (Bar-relwi) Barelwi Shareef
Famous City in Uttar Pradesh (state) Northern India, the birth and resting place of the great Mujaddid-e-Azam of the 20th century Ala'Hadrat Azeem al Barkat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Rehmatullahi ’Alaih.
Basmalah ( bus-mal-lah)
Name for the Arabic formula pronounced by Muslims at various times for various reasons. The formula 'Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem' means "In the Name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful" and is said before any act or activity of importance, such as travelling, eating a meal, rising from sleep, etc.
Batil
Means false or falsehood.
Batil
Null and void.
Batul
Means ascetic. It is ascribed to Sayyidah Hadrat Fatimah (Radi Allahu ta'ala anha - the Beloved Prophets daughter) and the Virgin Mary.
Bawadi
Plural form of Badiyyah.
Bay'ah (Ba'it)
It is an oath of allegiance. To make a pledge. As from a mureed (disciple) to a Pir (Shaykh)
Bayaan (takreer)
Speech or talk
Bayt al-mal
The State Treasury in an Islamic State.
Bi'thah
The beginning of the Beloved Prophet's (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) mission, his call to Prophethood in 610 C.E..
Bilal ibn Rabah (bee-laal ibin ra-baah)
An early convert to Islam, he was one of the Sahabah (companions) of the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam). He was also the first mueddhin (caller to prayer) in Muslim history.
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
This is a phrase from the Qur'an al kareem that is recited before reading the Qur'an. It is to be read immediately after one reads the phrase: A'uzu Billahi Minashaitanir Rajim.
This phrase is also recited before doing any daily activity. The meaning of it is: In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
Buraq (boo-raak)
A winged creature, unknown to earth, which transported the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) from Makkah to Jerusalem and then to Heaven during his miraculous Night Journey and Ascension (Isra' and Mir'aj) in 619 C.E.
Busr
Means partially ripe dates.
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C.E.
Stands for Christian Era/Common Era. It is used instead of A.D. in Islamic text referring to the dates before the Hijrah.
Caliph
See Khalifah
Call to Prayer
See Adhan.
Charity
See Sadaqah.
Covenant
A solemn agreement between two or more persons or groups, a compact between God and man. The Old Testament tells of the covenant the Jews made with Allah.
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Da'iy
Muslim missionary involved in Da'wah. It can also have a general meaning reffering to someone who calls others to a certain belief.
Da'wah
Inviting others to Islam. Missionary work.
Daff
Tambourine oroginated in Arabia. Used to welcome the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa 'aalaihi wa Sallam) when Rasoollallah returned to Madinah t'al Munnawara.
Darood (Dur00d -darud)
The sendings of salutations upon the Beloved of Allah, the Final Messenger Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa aalihi wa Sallam)
Daroorah
Necessity.
Day of Judgement
Belief in the Day of Judgement is a basic article of faith in Islam. After God ends the present world and order of creation, a day will follow on which He will judge every person according to his or her intentions, deeds, and circumstances. Judgement by God is followed by punishment in Hell or eternal reward in Paradise.
Dayn
Loan or debt.
Declaration of Faith
See Shahadah.
Deen
A term commonly used to mean "religion," but actually referring to the totality of Muslim beliefs and practices. Thus, Islam as a deen is a "complete way of life."
Dhaman al-'Amal
Liability underlying a partnership formed on the basis of labor, where the partner is liable for performing the contract or completing the work accepted by either partner.
Dhaman al-Thaman
Liability underlying a partnership formed on the basis of credit-worthiness where each partner is liable, jointly and severally, for paying the price of goods bought on credit.
Dhikr (Zikr) (dhik-er)
Remembrance for the sake of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala). Remembrance of Allah [God] through verbal or mental repetition of His divine attributes or various religious formulas, such as "Soob-han Allah," meaning "Glory be to God." Dhikr is a part of traditional Islam and is common practice amongst all Muslims, but is especially emphasised in tasawwuf. ..."Mention God often" (al-Qur'an 3:41)
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.
Dhimmi (dhim-mee)
A non-Muslim living under the protection of a Muslim state. He is exempt from duties of Islam like military and zakah but must instead pay a tax called jizyah.
A person belonging to the category of "protected people" (ahl ad-dhimmah) within the Islamic state. Historically, Jews and Christians traditionally received this status due to their belief in One God, but others such as Zoroastrians, Buddhists and Hindus were also included. Dhimmis had full rights to practice their faith and implement their own religious laws within their communities. In exchange for a guarantee of protection and exemption from military service, dhimmis payed a specific tax to the state, just as their fellow Muslim citizens did.
Dhul Hijjah (Zul Hijja)
The 12th month of the Islamic Calendar. See Hijri.
Dhul Qadah (Zul Qada)
The 11th month of the Islamic Calendar. See Hijri
Dhu-n nurayn (ZHU-N NURAYN)
It means 'Possessor of the Two Lights'. It is used to refer to Uthman ibn Affan Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu because he married two of the Beloved Prophet's (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) blessed daughters.
Diminishing Musharakah
Another form of Musharakah (a financing mode), developed in recent years. According to this concept, a financier and his client participate either in the joint ownership of a property or equipment, or in a joint commercial enterprise. The share of the financier is further divided into a number of units and it is understood that the client will purchase the units of the share of the financier one by one periodically, thus increasing his own share until all the units of the financier are purchased by him so as to make him the sole owner of the property, or the commercial enterprise, as the case may be.
Din (deen)
Means way of life or religion.
Dinar
Gold coinage; one dinar is 4.4 grams of gold.
Dirham
A silver coin. Name of a unit of currency, usually a silver coin used in the past in several Muslim countries and still used in some Muslim countries, such as Morocco and United Arab Emirates.
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)
Du'a (doo-ah)
A prayer. Term designating personal prayer, supplication, and communication with God, as distinct from salah (formal worship). Muslims make du'as for many reasons and at various times, such as after salah, before eating a meal, before retiring to sleep, or to commemorate an auspicious occasion such as the birth of a child. Personal du'as can be made in any language, whereas salah is performed in Arabic.
Du'at
Plural of da'iy.
Dunya
This world or life, as opposed to the Hereafer.
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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.
Eve
See Hawwa
F
F
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.
Fasiq (FA-SIK)
One of corrupt or evil moral character who engages in various sins.
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.
Fitnah
Means trouble, civil strife, war, riots.
Fitrah (fit-rah)
An Arabic term designating the innate, original spiritual orientation of every human being towards God the Creator. Muslims believe that God endowed everything in Creation with a tendency towards goodness, piety and God-consciousness, and that one's environment, upbringing, and circumstances serve to enhance or obscure this tendency.
Five Pillars of Islam, The
A term referring to the five core religious practices incumbent upon all Muslims, and which demonstrate a Muslim's commitment to God in word and in deed. They are as follows.
Fuqaha
Plural form of faqih. Jurists.
Furqan (Foor-kan)
G
G
Gabriel
See Jibraeel (alayhi asalam)
Gharar
Uncertainty, hazard, chance or risk, ambiguity and uncertainty in transactions. Technically, the sale of something which is not present at hand; or the sale of something where the consequences or outcome is not known. It can also be a sale involving risk or hazard in which one does not know whether it will come to be or not, such as fish in water or a bird in the air; or an event where assurance or non-assurance is subject to chance and thus not known to parties of a transaction. Can also mean uncertainty or a hazard that is likely to lead to a dispute in a contract.
Gharim
A person in debt.
Ghazi
Muslim soldier, warrior.
Ghazwah
Military expedition.
Ghusl
The full ritual washing of the body with water alone to be pure for the prayer. To do Ghusl: 1. Wash your private parts, 2. Do Wudu (ablution), 3. Wash your entire body without touching your private parts again
God
See Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala)
Gog and Magog (Hajuj and Majuj)
Two evil empires. They are mentioned in the Qur'an al karim and Ahadith (Bukhari and Muslim) when mentioning some of the scenes just before the final hour. See Quran, Surah Al-Anbiyaa (21:96), Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Fitan wa Isharat as-Say'ah.
H
H
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'
I
Ibadah (ee-baa-dah)
Literally, "worship," this term refers to any and all acts which demonstrate obedience and commitment to God. Thus in Islam, visiting the sick, giving charity, hugging one's spouse, or any other good act is considered an act of ibadah.
Iblis (ib-lees)
The personal name of Satan (shaitan), or the devil, as found in the Qur'an al kareem. Iblis is believed to be a prominent member of the jinn, a class of God's creation. He rebelled against God and was cast out from Heaven. God warns human beings repeatedly in the Qur'an al kareem that Iblis is an avowed enemy of humankind, whose temptations must be resisted in order to stay on the "Straight Path."
Ibn (ib-un)
Arabic term meaning "son of." Many famous Muslim men in history are known by a shortened version of their names begining with ibn. Examples include, Ibn Khaldun (a historian), Ibn Sina (a physician), Ibn Rushd (a judge and philosopher), and Ibn Battuta (a world traveler).
Ibrahim (ib-raa-heem)
Abraham (alayhi asalam), a Prophet and righteous person revered by Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike as the patriarch (father-figure) of monotheism. Muslims commemorate Abraham's (alayhi asalam), devotion, struggles, and sacrifices during the annual Hajj rites.
Ifrad (Hajj al)
"Single Hajj". Performing Hajj without performing the Umrah.
Ihram (ih-raam Ihraam)
State of consecration into which Muslims enter in order to perform the Hajj or Umrah (lesser pilgrimage). The term also refers to the specific dress, made of white, unstitched, seamless cloth, donned by pilgrims while in this state. During the Hajj, the ihram worn by pilgrims serves to reinforce a sense of humility and purity, and human equality in the eyes of God.
Ihsan (ehsan, ehsaan, ihsaan)
Ihsan or "spiritual virtues"! Kindness, Goodness. Ihsan has two literal meanings, doing something well and perfectly and doing someone a favour, and is sometimes used in the Qur'an al kareem and the Sunnah with either meaning. According to a Prophetic saying, Ihsan (perfect goodness or doing what is beautiful) means that you worship God as if you see Him; for even if you do not see Him, He certainly sees you.
Ijarah (ijara)
Literally means "to give something on rent".
Ijarah wa iqtina
Contract of renting, hiring or leasing. This term refers to a mode of financing adopted by Islamic banks. It is a contract under which the Islamic bank finances equipment, a building or other facility for the client against an agreed rental together with an undertaking from the client to purchase the equipment or the facility. The rental as well as the purchase price is fixed in such a manner that the bank gets back its principal sum along with some profit, which is usually determined in advance.
Ijma (ij-maa)
Consensus of opinion among scholars and leaders. Ijma is one of the means employed by Muslims for joint decision-making, and for interpreting the Shari'ah.
Ijtihad (IJTEHAD IJTIHAAD IJTEHAAD)
Exerting the sum total of one's ability attempting to uncover Allah's rulings on issues from their sources (Qur'an, Sunnah, Ijma', etc.). Sometimes divided into complete ijtihad (the ability of one to independently arrive at Allah's rulings in all areas of fiqh) and partial ijtihad (the ability of one to do so only in certain areas of fiqh in which they have exerted such efforts).
Ikhlas (Ikh-laas)
Ikhlas "absolute sincerity" is critical, seeker must believe in the inner truths of the path.
Ikraam (ikram ekram ekraam)
Bounty, Generosity.
Ilm
Arabic term meaning "knowledge." The Qur'an al kareem and Hadith encourage Muslims to constantly strive to increase their knowledge, of both religious and worldly matters.
Imam (ee-maam)
Generally, the term Imam refers to one who leads congregational worship. More broadly, the term also applies to religious leaders within the Muslim community. Imams lead worship, give sermons, and perform other duties such as officiating marriages, they are not ordained clergy, nor do they belong to any kind of hierarchy. He is responsible for his mistakes to all the members of the community and above all he is responsible to Almighty Allah.
Iman (IMAAN EMAAN)
Faith and trust in Allah. Arabic term referring to a state of belief in God and other articles of faith, as well as actual demonstration of belief in practice and behaviour.
Insha-Allah (INSHA'ALLAH)
When a person wishes to plan for the future, when he promises, when he makes resolutions, and when he makes a pledge, he makes them with permission and the will of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala). For this reason, a Muslim uses the Qur'anic instructions by saying Insha-Allah. The meaning of this statement is: If Allah wills. Muslims are to strive hard and to put their trusts with Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala). They leave the results in the hands of Allah.
Injeel
Arabic name for the holy scripture revealed to Prophet Isa - (Jesus) alayhi asalam. The Injeel is roughly analogous to the Evangelium of Christianity, and refers to a divine book provided to Jesus alayhi asalam by God, as distinct from the Christian Gospels, which are viewed as records of Jesus' life written by his closest contemporaries. It is refered to as the New Testament.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un (INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAHI RAJIOON)
When a Muslim is struck with a calamity, when he loses one of his loved ones, or when he has gone bankrupt, he should be patient and say this statement, the meaning of which is :We are from Allah and to whom we are returning.
Muslims believe that Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) is the One who gives and it is He takes away. He is testing us. Hence, a Muslim submits himself to Allah. He is grateful and thankful to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) for whatever he gets. On the other hand, he is patient and says this expression in times of turmoil and calamity.
Insan (insan ensan ensaan)
Gender-free Arabic for 'human being'
Insan al-Kamil
Al-Insan al-Kamil "perfect man" who is the great spiritual teacher of the age, called qutb or "pole"
Iqamah (IQAAMAH)
Iqamah is an Arabic word that refers to the second call for the prayer which follows the first call (Adhan). Iqamah means that the prayer is ready to start. It is to be recited in Arabic before every obligatory prayer. It is composed of specific words and phrases very closely related to the Adhan.
Iqra (ik-raa)
Arabic word meaning "to read" or "recite," it was the first word of the Qur'an al kareem revealed to the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) during one of his retreats to the cave of Hira above Makkah. Muslims refer to this word to remind themselves of the importance of acquiring knowledge, "from the cradle to the grave" as Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) said.
Isa (ee-sa)
Jesus - Isa (alayhi asalam), an eminent Prophet in Islam. Muslims believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus(alayhi asalam), was a chaste and pious woman, and that God miraculously created Jesus in her womb. After his birth, he began his mission as a sign to humankind and a prophet of God, calling people to righteousness and worship of God alone. Muslims do not believe Jesus was crucified, but rather that God spared him such a fate and ascended him to Heaven.
Isha (ISHAA)
The obligatory salaah, prayer, after sunset later in the evening.
Ishtirak
Equivocally; participation; partnership. Istidanah: Raising or building up credit through credit purchases. It however does not apply to the raising of cash loans.
Islam
Islam is an Arabic word the root of which is Silm and Salam. It means among others: peace, greeting, salutation, obedience, loyalty, allegiance, and submission to the will of the Creator of the Universe.
Islam is the last and final religion to all mankind and to all generations irrespective of colour, race, nationality, ethnic background, language, or social position.
The religion of Islam is not to be confused with Mohammedanism. The latter is misnomer to Islam. Muslims do not accept this name as it gives wrong information about Islam and Muslims.
Isma'il (iss-ma-eel)
The elder son of Prophet Abraham (alayhi asalam), born to his wife Hajar. When he was about thirteen years old, Isma'il (alayhi asalam) helped Abraham (alayhi asalam) build the Ka'bah as a place for monotheists to worship the One God. He, along with his younger brother Is'haq (alayhi asalam) (Isaac), are considered by Muslims to have been Prophets in their own right.
Isra' and Mi'raj (iss-raa, me-raaj)
The miraculous "Night Journey" and "Ascension" of the Most Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam), respectively, which took place in 619 C.E. This important event, which took place in the year of Muhammad's (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) wife Hadrat Sayyeda Khadijah's (Radi Allahu ta'ala anha) death, gave strength to him by reaffirming God's support for him. During this event, instructions for the formal Muslim prayer were revealed to Muhammad, making them a cornerstone of Muslim faith and practice.
Istighfar
To seek Allah's forgiveness. It is something that must be done continuously in a Muslims life.
Istisna'
This is a kind of sale, where a commodity is transacted before it comes into existence. It means to order a manufacturer to manufacture a specific commodity for the purchaser. If the manufacturer undertakes to manufacture the goods for him with material from the manufacturer, the transaction of Istisna' comes into existence. But it is necessary for the validity of Istisna' that the price is fixed with the consent of the parties and that necessary specification of the commodity (intended to be manufactured) is fully settled between them. This kind of sale, used as a mode of financing, is also called 'Parallel Istisna'.
Itikaf (Ittekaf itekaf ittikaf)
Itikaf is one of the many observances that are related exclusively to Ramadan. The basic aim of Itikaf is that a person retreats to the Mosque cut off from the daily routine of worldly life and spends time praying and worshiping The Creator. The practice of Itikaf takes place in the last ten days of Ramadan which encompasses "The Night of Power" when a Muslim’s devotion is brought to its climax. Linguistically “I'tikaf” means to commit oneself to doing something to the exclusion of everything else. In a religious context, it means to stay in a Mosque for worship. Reference to it is made in the Qur'an al kareem in Verse 187 of Surah 2. All scholars agree that it is a Sunnah, following the practice of the Most Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam). Abdullah ibn Umar (Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu), a learned companion of the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam), reports that “Allah’s Messenger (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) used to stay in the Mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan.” (Related by Al Bukhari).
Iwad
Compensation or counter-value.
J
J
Jahalah
Uncertainty in a contract that may lead to a later dispute; see gharar.
Jahannam (ja-hun-num)
Means Hell. A term found in the Qur'an al kareem in reference to Hell, described as a place of torment, sorrow, and remorse. Islam teaches that God does not wish to send anyone to Hell, yet justice demands that righteous people be rewarded and those who insist on evil living without repentance and on denial of God be punished.
Jahiliyyah (jaa-he-lee-yah)
A term designating a state of ignorance and immorality. This term is commonly used by Muslims to refer to the pre-Islamic era in Arabia, when immorality, oppression, and evil were rampant. Some may use the term to describe aspects of modern living as well.
Jalaal (jalal)
Majesty, Power, Wrath
Jalbab
This is a long loose fitting garment worn by the Arabs.
Janazah (ja-naa-zah)
The Muslim funeral prayer, performed as a sign of respect and goodwill for a deceased Muslim, immediately prior to burial. The prayer reminds all Muslims of their ultimate mortality, thereby reinforcing an ethic of righteous and God-conscious living.
Jannah (jun-nah)
Means Paradise. A term found in the Qur'an al kareem in reference to Heaven, described as a place of happiness, contentment, and vitality. A reward for the righteous and God-conscious, Paradise is often described as a blissful garden, where people live in eternal comfort and joy.
Jazak-Allah khayran (JAZAKALLAH KHAIR JAZAKALLAHU KHAIR)
This is a statement of thanks and appreciation to be said to the person who does a favour. Instead of saying thanks (Shukran), the Islamic statement of thanks is to say this phrase. Its meaning is:May Allah reward you for the good.
It is understood that human beings can't repay one another enough. Hence, it is better to request Almighty Allah to reward the person who did a favour and to give him the best.
Jerusalem
See (al)-Quds
Jesus
See Isa.
Jibreel (Jibra-eel)
Muslims believe that angels are among God's many creations. Jibreel (alayhi asalam) (Gabriel in English) is believed to be one of the most important angels, as he was reponsible for transmitting God's divine revelations to all of the human Prophets, ending with the Most Beloved Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam). Due to his special role in bridging the divine and human realms, he is referred to in the Qur'an as a Spirit (ruh) from God.
Jihad (JIHAAD)
It is an Arabic word the root of which is Jahada, which means to strive for a better way of life. The nouns are Juhd, Mujahid, Jihad, and Ijtihad. The other meanings are: endeavor, strain, exertion, effort, diligence, fighting to defend one's life, land, and religion.
Jihad should not be confused with Holy War; the latter does not exist in Islam nor will Islam allow its followers to be involved in a Holy War. The latter refers to the Holy War of the Crusaders.
Jihad is not a war to force the faith on others, as many people think of it. It should never be interpreted as a way of compulsion of the belief on others, since there is an explicit verse in the Qur'an al kareem that says: 'There is no compulsion in religion' Al-Qur'an: Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256).
Jihad is not a defensive war only, but a war against any unjust regime. If such a regime exists, a war is to be waged against the leaders, but not against the people of that country. People should be freed from the unjust regimes and influences so that they can freely choose to believe in Allah.
Not only in peace but also in war Islam strictly prohibits terrorism, kidnapping, and hijacking, when carried against civilians. Whoever commits such violations is considered a murderer in Islam, and is to be punished by the Islamic state. during wars, Islam prohibits Muslim soldiers from harming civilians, women, children, elderly, and the religious men like priests and rab'ies. It also prohibits cutting down trees and destroying civilian constructions.
Jinn (JIN GINN)
A class of creation in some ways similar to human beings. Though they are non-physical beings, they possess, like humans, a free will. These are spiritual beings that inhabit the world and are required to follow the orders of Allah and are accountable for their deeds. They can be good or bad, just like people. The word Jinn in Arabic means hidden, which indicates that they are invisible creatures. They were created by Allah from fire.
Jizya
A tax imposed on non-Muslims who are under Muslim country.
Jo'alah (Joaalah)
The undertaking of one party (the Jael, bank or employer) to pay a specified amount of money to another party in return for rendering a specified service in accordance with the terms of contract.
Jum'ah (joom-ah)
The congregational worship performed on Fridays in place of the midday worship. On this special day, Muslims make a extra effort to go to their local masjid (Mosque) to listen to the khutbah (community address) by the Imam (worship leader) and to perform the formal worship with their fellow Muslim brothers. Muslims must perform Ghusl, wear clean clothes before attending the Mosque. It is compulsory for all Muslim males to attend Jum'ah.
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Ka'bah (KABAH)
An empty cube-shaped structure located in the city of Makkah (in modern-day Saudi Arabia) to which all Muslims turn to in their five daily prayers. Built by Prophet Abraham (alayhi asalam) and his son Prophet Ishma'il (alayhi asalam)about 4,000 years ago, the Ka'bah stands as the first building dedicated to the worship of the One God. The Ka'bah is made of stone, and is covered by a black and gold cloth embroidered with verses from the Qur'an al kareem.
Kafalah bi al-Thaman
Surety for paying the price or sum if unpaid by the person originally liable.
Kafil
A person providing surety or a guarantor.
Kafir
A person who refuses to submit himself to Allah (God), a disbeliever in God.
Kahf (kaaf)
Cave
Kalam (KALAAM)
Talk or speech as inkalamu Allah; has also been used through the ages to mean logic or philosophy.
Karamat (Ka-ra-mut)
Karamat means miracle. Karamat is something bestowed by Allah upon those believers who fear Allah (Subhanahu wa ta' ala).
Khadijah (kha-dee-jah)
The first wife of the Most Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam), and during her lifetime, the only one. Hadrat Khadijah Radi Allahu ta'ala anha was a successful businesswoman in Makkah who employed the Beloved Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam) as a merchant/trader because of his well-known reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. The Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) was married to her for 25 years until her death at the age of 65 in 619 C.E. They had two sons [both died in infancy] and four daughters together.
Khalifah (kha-lee-fah)
An Arabic term meaning "successor," it refers to the rightful successor of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) as leader of the ummah (worldwide Muslim community). The Khalifah (caliph) is not a Prophet; rather, he is charged with upholding the rights of all citizens within an Islamic state and ensuring application of the Shari'ah (Islamic Law). The immediate successors of the Most Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam), known as the Khalifaa-e-Rashidun, "Rightly-Guided" Caliphs, were Hadrat Abu Bakr as-Sadiq, Hadrat Umar ibn al-Khattab, Hadrat Uthman ibn Affan, and Hadrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (Radi Allahu anhumul ajma'in).
Another title for the Khalifah (English = Caliph) is Amir Al-Mu'mineen which means 'the leaders of the believers'.
Khandaq
Means ditch.
Kharaj
Tax imposed on the revenue from land taken from non-muslims to ensure their equal rights under Islamic law.
Khatib (KHATEEB)
Orator, speaker.
Khirqa (Khir-qah)
Khirqa "cloak", usually patched garment representing renunciation of worldly value.
Khiyar-al-shart
The khiyar-al-shart is an option of stipulation on a contract that the Sunnah validates. It grants the buyer the option either to accept or nullify a contract, within a stipulated time frame (three days or so).
Khutbah (khut-bah)
A speech or sermon. Also refers to the weekly community address given by an Imam immediately prior to the Jum'ah (Friday) midday worship service. The address serves as a venue for leaders to share with members of the congregation religious insights, to discuss Islamic viewpoints on important contemporary issues, and to reinforce teachings of Islam.
Koran
See Qur'an (al kareem).
Kuffar
Plural form of kafir.
Kufr
To show ungratefulness to Allah and not to believe in Him and His religion.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z
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La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah
The meaning of this expression is: There is no power and no strength save in Allah.This expression is read by a Muslim when he is struck by a calamity, or is taken over by a situation beyond his control. A Muslim puts his trust in the hands of Allah, and submits himself to Allah.
La ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasool-Allah (LAA ILAHA ILLALLAH MUHAMMAD-UR RASULALLAH )
This expression is the most important one in Islam. It is the creed that every person has to say to be considered a Muslim. It is part of the first pillar of Islam. The Shahadah; The Testimony of Faith. The meaning of which is: There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.
Laat
A chief goddess in the religion of the pre-Islamic Arabs during the days of Jahiliyyah.
La'nat
Means curse.
Laylat al-Qadr (layl-at al-cud-er)
Literally, "Night of Power." This term is used in reference to the night in Ramadan, 610 C.E. on which the Most Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) received the first revelations of the Qur'an al kareem, during his retreat in the cave of Hira above Makkah. Muslims commemorate this night, believed to be the 27th of Ramadan by offering additional prayers and supplications late into the night.
Lunar Calendar
The hijrah (migration of the Most Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 C.E.), marks the starting point of the Muslim calendar, comprised of twelve lunar months (a lunar year is roughly eleven days shorter than a solar year (365 days), since each lunar month begins when the new moon's crescent becomes visible every 29 or 30 days). Muslims use such a Hijri calendar for various religious obligations such as fasting during Ramadan, celebrating the two Eid holidays, and performing the Hajj. Many contemporary sources on Islam include both the Gregorian (C.E.-common era or A.D.-anno domini) and Hijri (A.H.-after hijrah) dates for historical events. For example, a citation of 974/1566 corresponds to the date of death of the Ottoman sultan Sulayman "The Magnificent" in A.H. and C.E./A.D. values.
The names of the lunar months are: Muharram, Safar, Rabi' Al-Awwal, Rabi' Al-Thani, Jumada Al-Ula, Jumada Al-Akhirah, Rajab, Sha'ban, Ramadhan, Shawwal, Dhul-Qi'dah, and Dhul-Hijjah.
The timing of the daily prayers depend on the solar system.
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Mabrur (Mub-roor)
A Hajj that is accepted by Allah because of its perfection in both inward intention and outward observation of the traditions of the Most Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam).
Madhab (madh-hub)
An Arabic term used in reference to a particular "school of thought" in Islam. As Islam spread to new regions outside the Arabian penisula and new social, economic and religious issues arose, many scholars studied the sources of Islam to find permissible and practical solutions that believers could employ to address these issues.
Over time, the teachings and thoughts of four respected scholars gained prominence, and all Muslims adhere to the "school of thought" of one or another of these scholars. Each school's opinions, are considered equally valid as a source of practical guidance for the "lay" Muslim. The four schools are the Hanafi, Shafi'i, Maliki and Hanbali (May Allah be pleased with them) all named after the respected scholars.
Madhjub (Maj-zoob)
Majdhub "attracted" spontaneously, but also "crazed",
by powerful religious visions (God Intoxicated)
Madinah (Ma-dee-nah)
The second most sacred city in Saudia Arabia, many say the first. Formerly named Yathrib, Madinah became the centre of the first Islamic community and political state after the Most Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) migrated there from Makkah in 622 C.E. The people of Madinah welcomed the persecuted Muslims of Makkah with open arms, establishing a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood viewed as a tangible ideal for Muslims today.
The blessed city is also called Madinah al-Munawarra - the Illuminated, or the Enlightened City - where the revelation of the Qur'an al kareem was completed, and where Allah's Most Beloved Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) shrine (rawda Mubarak) is located - near to Masjid-al Nabwi (the Prophets Mosque).
Maghazi
The military campaigns of the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam).
Maghrib
The obligatory salaah, prayer, that is performed right after the sun sets over the horizon.
Mahr
A dowry given by the man to the woman he is about to marry. It is part of the Muslim marriage contract. It can never be demanded back under any circumstances.
Mahram (MAHRIM)
A mahram refers to the group of people who are unlawful for a woman to marry due to marital or blood relationships. These people include:
Her permanant Mahrams due to blood relationship, and those seven are: her father, her son (who passed puberty), her brother, her uncle from her father's side, her brother's son, her sister's son, and her uncle from her mother's side.
Her Radha' Mahrams due to sharing the nursing milk when she was an infant, and their status is similar to the permanent seven Mahrams (i.e. nothing can change their status).
Her (in law) Mahrams because of marriage and they are: her husband's father (father in law), her husband's son (step son), her mother's husband (step father), and her daughter's husband.
These categories of people, along with the woman's husband, form the group of allowable escorts for a Muslim woman when she travels.
Maiser
Gambling. Literally means getting something too easily.
Makkah (mak-ah) (MECCA)
An ancient and blessed city of Arabia where Hadrat Abraham (alayhi asalam) and Hadrat Ishma'il (alayhi asalam) built the Ka'bah. The Most Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam), a member of the Quraysh tribe, which traced its lineage back to Abraham (alayhi asalam), was born in Makkah in 570 C.E.
After migrating to Madinah to further the message of Islam, the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) returned to Makkah in 629 C.E. with fellow Muslims to reinstitute the age-old monotheistic Hajj. In 630 C.E., after the Quraysh violated a peace treaty, Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) marched on Makkah and gained control of the city peacefully, thereafter clearing the Ka'bah of idols and reintegrating the city into the fold of Islam.
Makrooh (Makruh)
Disapproved of, but not prohibited by Allah (Subhana wa Ta'ala).
Mala'ikah (ma-laa-ik-ah, Malaikh)
Angels, a class of God's creations. Angels inhabit the unseen world, and constitute a group of beings who do God's bidding and who perpetually engage in His glorification. Muslims believe each human being is assigned two special angels as recorders - one records a person's good deeds while the other records a person's evil deeds. These records will be summoned on the Day of Judgement and each individual will be called to account for his or her deeds. A few angels are named in the Qur'an al kareem, such as Jibraeel (angel of revelation), Mika'il (protector of holy places), and Israfeel (angel who sounds the horn on Judgement Day, calling all souls to account).
Malamatiyya
Malamatiyya - those who "draw blame" or delibrately draw the contempt of others while preserving purity of heart, those who do not care if other Muslim accept their faith or actions as legitimate. This can lead to exaggeration and excess and gave bad reputation to other Sufis, drew distain from other orthodox Muslims
Manarah (ma-naa-rah)
A tower-like structure, more commonly called a "minaret," from which the mueddhin (caller to worship) calls out the adhan (call to prayer). The manarah is usually located adjacent to the masjid, though for architectural reasons they may be placed at various places on the masjid grounds for practical as well as decorative effect.
Mandub (mun-doob)
A Sunnah or recommended act.
Maqaam (maqam muqam muqaam moqam)
Station, Abode, Standing place.
Marjaan (marjan )
Small pearls or corals.
Marwah
A mound near the Ka'bah Shareef that is referred to in the Qur'an al kareem as one of the symbols of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala). It is in conjuction with Safa.
Maryam (mur-yum)
Mary, the mother of Jesus. Maryam is considered by Muslims to be the most favoured of women to God, for her chastity, piety and dedication. Muslims believe she miraculously bore Prophet Isa (Jesus) (alayhi asalam) in her womb and gave birth to him, while remaining a chaste virgin. The fact that an entire chapter of the Qur'an al kareem is titled "Maryam" indicates that the lessons of her life are extremely important for Muslims.
Mashaikh (ma-shaikh)
Means something like "Elder among Shaikhs." In the old system of initiations in the Sufi Order, a rank equivalent to Murshid. "Shaikh ul-Mashaikh" is a rank equivalent to Pir-o-Murshid.
Mashallah (maa-shaa-'Llah)
Loosely, " 'Tis God Who has done it!" Equivalent to Alhamdu-Lillah.
Masjid (mus-jid)
A term meaning "place of prostration," Masjid designates a building where Muslims congregate for communal worship. The term comes from the same Arabic root as the word sujud, designating the important worship position in which Muslims touch their forehead to the ground. Often, the French word Mosque is used interchangeably with Masjid, though the latter term is preferred by Muslims. The Masjid also serves various social, educational, and religious purposes. There are three sacred Masjids in the world which Muslims hope to visit and pray within.
Masjid al-Haram
The Grand Masjid in Makkah where the Kaa'bah Shareef is located.
Masjid an-Nabawi
Another name for the Masjid ar-Rasool in Madinah t'al Munnawarah. It is also where the Rawadah Mubarak (shrine) of the Most Beloved Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) is situated adjacent to the Mosque. It is the second greatest Masjid in Islam, the first being the Masjid al-Haram in Al-Makkah al-Mukaramah, and the third being the Masjid al-Aqsa in AI-Quds, Palestine (Jerusalem).
Maturidis (mut-toor-ridi)
Adherents of the doctrinal school of Abu Mansur al-Maturidi, mostly from the Hanafi School of Law. They differ with Ash'aris on a small number of issues.
Mawaqeet
Plural of Miqat. Mina: A place five miles from Makkah and approximately ten miles from 'Arafat. An essential place to visit during the Hajj.
Mawla (MOULA)
A person of slave origin who does not have tribal protection. It is a word with dual meaning. It can mean either master or servant.
Mawlaya
A form of address to a ruler implying protector.
Mecca
See Makkah.
Medina
See Madinah.
Meezaan (mizan meezan)
The balance, order.
Mekkah
See Makkah. (A city in Saudi Arabia where the Kaa'bah is located).
Mevlana (mev-la-na)
Americanization of Persian, mev-la-na and Arabic, maw-la-na. (Lit., "our master.") Usually referring to Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi Rehmatullahi ’Alaih, the Sufi master in whose name the Mevlevi (mev-lev-i or mev-le-vi) Order (known in the West as the "Whirling Dervishes") was founded.
Mihrab
A niche in the wall of a Masjid that indicates the Qiblah, the direction of Makkah, towards which all Muslims turn during the formal worship. Architecturally, the Mihrab serves to amplify the voice of the Imam as he leads the worshippers in prayer.
Millat (Milla)
Faith, Religion or could also mean community.
Mina (MINNA)
A plain within the bounds of the haram of Makkah, within five kilometers outside the city. During the Hajj the pilgrims pass the night between the eighth and ninth day proceed to Arafat on the ninth day.
Minaret
See Manarah.
Minbar (Min-bar)
A pulpit.
Miqat (Miqaat)
One of the designated places for entering into Ihram during Umrah or Hajj. Miqat (pl. mawaqeet) denotes the points which an outsider intending to perform Pilgrimage may cross only in the state of consecration (ihram). These points were fixed according to directions from God.
Moses
See Musa.
Moslem
See Muslim.
Mosque
See Masjid.
Mu'amalah (mu-am-alah)
A term used for the transaction or agreement concluded by the Most Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) with the people of Khaybar.
Mu'min (mo-min)
A person who has deep faith in Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) and is a righteous and obedient servant of His.
Mu'sir
A Mu'siris a person who intends to do the Hajj or an Umrah, but is unable to do so due to some obstacle.
Muadh-dhin (mu'ahzzin)
The person who calls the adhan.
Mubah (mu-bah)
Things or acts permissible in Islamic law.
Mudharabah (moo-dhar-abah)
An agreement between two or more persons whereby one or more of them provide finance, while the other(s) provide enterpreneurship and management to carry on any business venture whether trade, industry or service with the objective of earning profits. The profit is shared in an agreed proportion. The loss is borne by the financiers only in proportion to their share in the total capital.
Mudharib (moo-dha-rib)
The partner who provides entrepreneurship and management in a Mudharabah agreement.
Mueddhin (moo-ed-dhin) (Mo'ezzin)
One who makes the adhan [call to worship] from a minaret or other suitable location near a masjid prior to the five daily worship times. The Mueddhin may also perform other duties, such as reciting the Qur'an al kareem while worshippers assemble at the Masjid and perform the wudu (ritual washing) a few minutes prior to commencement of congregational worship.
Mufawadah (moo-fawa-dah)
A basic contract of partnership based on wakalah and kafalah. It requires full commitment from the partners. In order to achieve this purpose, the partners must try to maintain equality in the capital, labor, liability and the legal capacity and also declare each partner to be a surety for the other.
Mufti
One who passes verdicts.
Muhaddith (Moo-hud-dith)
A scholar of Ahadeeth. Plural: Muhaddithin.
Muhaddhitheen
Scholars of Ahadith (sayings and traditions of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Singular: Muhaddith. Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) Believed by Muslims to be the Final Messenger of Allah (Subhana wa Ta'ala)
Muhajir (moo-haj-jir)
A person who does Hijrah.
Muhammad (Moo-hum-mud)
The Most Beloved Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) and Final Messenger of God. A righteous Person whose predecessors include the Prophets Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus (May Allah Bless them) and others. Born in 570 C.E., Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa grew up to become a well-respected member of Makkan society.
In 610 C.E., he received the first of many revelations that would eventually form the content of the Qur'an al kareem. Soon after this initial event, he was conferred Prophethood and began calling people to righteousness and belief in One God. The Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) passed away in 632 C.E., after successfully (re)establishing the religion known as Islam and providing Muslims with a model for ideal human behaviour.
Muhammad ar-Rasulu'llah (Muhammad ar-Ra-sool-u 'Llah)
(Lit., "The Praiseworthy One is the Prophet of God.") Esoterically, an attunement to, or invocation of the prototype of the Perfected Human in the world of form.
Muhrim
One who assumes Ihram.
Muhrima (Mu-rhim-ah)
A female who assumes Ihram.
Mujahid (mu-jah-hid)
Someone who is active and fights for Islam. A Muslim fighter. The opposite of qaideen.
Mu'jiza (moojeezah)
A 'staggering' miracle performed by a Prophet. Plural, - Mu'jizat.
Mujtahid (muj-ta-heed)
Qualified to exercise ijtihad. A mujtahid mut.laq or "absolute mujtahid" is one that attained the rank of the Four Imams in knowledge of Arabic, qualification to apply legal reasoning, draw analogies, and infer rulings from the evidence independently of the methodology and findings of the Sunni Schools, through his own linguistic and juridical perspicuity and extensive knowledge of the texts, both the primary and those dealing with Jurisprudential khilaf from the Sahaba to his time.
Multazam (Mool-taz-am)
The area between the Black Stone and the door of the Ka'abah where it is recommended to make Du'a.
Mumutma'inn (Moot-ma-een)
Mutma'inn means at peace
Munafiq (Mu-na-fik)
A hypocrite, one whose external appearance is Islam (praying, fasting, activism, etc.) but whose inner reality conceals kufr - often unbeknownst to the person themselves. (See Al-Baqarah: 8-23). A Munafiq is more dangerous and worse than a Kafir.
Muqaradah (Mukar-adah)
Another name for Mudharabah used by the Malikis.
Murabahah (Mu-raba-hah)
Sale at a special profit margin. The seller purchases the goods desired by the buyer and sells them at an agreed mark-up price. The payment being settled within an agreed time frame, either in instalments or lump sum. The seller undertakes all management needed for the purchase and also bears the risk for the goods until they have been delivered to the buyer.
Murabit (Mu-rabit)
A person who is on the road spreading Islam.
Murid (Moor-eed)
A murid is a disciple, one who has taken bayt (oath of allegiance) to follow a Shaykh or Pir (Spiritual teacher of tasawwuf)
Murshid (Mur-sheed)
A spiritual guide, (Shaykh) teacher and example; those whose presence is an inspiration to spiritual development, maturity and illumination.
Musa (moo-sa)
Moses - known to Muslims as Hadrat Musa (alayhi asalam) an eminent Prophet in Islam. The Qur'an al kareem contains accounts similar to those in the Hebrew Bible regarding Moses' early life and upbringing. Muslims believe Moses was chosen as a Prophet by God, and his mission was to call Pharoah and the Egyptians to believe in One God and cease oppression of the Hebrew peoples. Muslims believe the Torah, a divine scripture, was given to Moses as a guidance for those who heeded his leadership.
Musad'afin (Musa-dif-in)
A weak and oppressed person.
Musaddiq (Musad-diq)
The person discharging voluntary charity.
Musalaymah (Musal-ay-mah)
Undefined.
Mushahada (Moo-shaha-dah)
Mushahada means silent contemplation
Mushaf (mus-shaf))
A copy of the Qur'an al kareem
Musharakah (mush-ara-kah)
A temporary equity participation agreement between a bank and a client for effecting a certain operation within an agreed period of time. Both parties contribute to the capital of the operation in varying degree and agree to divide the net profits or losses in proportions agreed upon in advance.
Mushawarah (mush-awa-rah)
Means consultation.
Mushrik (Mush-rik)
A polythiest. A person who ascribes partners to Allah.
Muslim (moos-lim)
Literally (and in the broadest sense), the term means "one who submits to God." More commonly, the term describes any person who accepts the creed and the teachings of Islam. The word "Muhammadan" is a pejorative and offensive misnomer, as it violates Muslims' most basic understanding of their creed - Muslims do not worship Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam), they praise him and obey him by following his Sunnah (tradition). The word "Moslem" is also incorrect, since it is a corruption of the word "Muslim."
Mustahab (mustahab)
Recommended, but not obligatory.
Mutasawwif (Muta-saw-weef)
A "novice" (murid) or one who "wills" to follow a spiritual teacher; also called Faqir "poor one" or world renouncing.
Muzdalifah (Muz-dali-fah)
A site between 'Arafat and Mina where the Hujjaj (pilgrims) spend the night on the 9th of Dhu'l-Hijjah (after coming down from 'Arafat) during the Hajj period.
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Nabi (NABBI NABEE)
The meaning of the word Nabi is a Prophet. To be a Prophet he should receive a revelation from Allah that does not necessarily mean a revealed book. When a Prophet is instructed to deliver his Message to a certain group of people, he is a Messenger. It is stated in the Qur'an al kareem that there are no more Prophets and Messengers after the Most Beloved Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam).
Nafs (nufs)
The soul or spirit. Muslims believe that humans are ultimately spiritual beings, housed temporarily in a physical body. The nafs represents that core of each individual which exhibits an innate orientation towards God, called fitrah, and which passes into a different unknown realm upon a person's physical death in the present world.
Nafs al-Mutma'inna
an-Nafs al-Mutma'inna means "soul at peace" with God
Nasab (nas-ab)
Means lineage or geneology.
Nasihah (nas-see-ha)
Means sincere good advice.
Nation of Islam
An organization formed in the United States in the 1930s by Elijah Poole (later known as Elijah Muhammad), which gained prominence during the nascent civil-rights movement in the 1950s. In its efforts to uplift and provide self-worth to African-Americans, the nationalist organization espoused a doctrine of black superiority, and posited that God manifested Himself as a human being by the name of W.D. Fard, Elijah Muhammad's instructor. Such doctrines and teachings of the Nation are incompatible with the universal outlook and absolute monotheism of Islam. Unfortunately, much confusion has resulted and continues to exist due to this group's appropriation of certain Arabic terms, values, and ideas from mainstream Islam. Followers of the Nation, often incorrectly called "Black Muslims" number less than 10,000 today. Many thousands of former members entered the fold of universal Islam after the death of Elijah Muhammad in 1975 under the leadership of his son Warith Deen Muhammad.
Nifaas (nee-fus)
Means the flowing of blood after childbirth.
Night Journey and Ascension
See Isra' and Mi'raj.
Nis'a (Riba al) (Nee-sa)
A type of interest. Taking interest on loaned money. An act which Haram. See the Noble Qur'an al kareem, Al-Baqara (2):275-280 and Ali'Imran (3):13O.
Nisab (Nee-sab)
A threshold of wealth of which any excess is subject to Zakah
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Ottoman (otto-man)
The Ottoman Empire (Ottoman Turkish: دولتِ عَليه عُثمانيه, Devlet-i Aliye-i Osmaniye, literally "Ottoman Sublime State") was an imperial power, centered around the borders of the Mediterranean Sea, that existed from 1299 to 1922. At the height of its power in the 16th century, it included Anatolia, the Middle East, parts of North Africa, and much of south-eastern Europe to Caucasus. It comprised an area of about 19.9 million km², though much of it was under indirect control of the central government. The Empire was situated in the middle East and West, and interacted throughout its six-century history with both the East and the West.
It was established by a tribe of Oghuz Turks in western Anatolia and was ruled by the Osmanlı dynasty, the descendants of those Turks. The Empire was founded by Osman I (in Arabic Uthmān, عُثمَان , hence the name Ottoman Empire). In 1453, after the Ottomans captured Constantinople (modern İstanbul) (the last remnant of the Byzantine Empire), it became the Ottomans' third capital. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Ottoman Empire was among the world's most powerful political entities, and the countries of Europe felt threatened by its steady advance through the Balkans and the southern part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
P
P
Pir (Peer)
Shaykh (Pir in Persian). A Shaykh usually belongs to a spiritual order. Each order takes name from a "master," "teacher" or "healer" part of *silsala*, or "chain" of traditional teacher-student realtionships.
P.B.U.H. (Peace be Upon Him)
Abbreviation of 'Peace be Upon Him', attributed to the Most Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) which is the translation of the Arabic expression 'Alaihis Salam' or (A.S.), which is an expression that is said when the name of a Prophet is mentioned. This expression is widely used by English speaking Muslims. It is to be noticed here that this expression does not give the full meaning of "Salla Allahu ta'ala 'Alayhi wa Sallam". Therefore it is recommended that people do not use (p.b.u.h.) after the name of the Most Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam); they should use "Salla Allahu ta'ala 'Alayhi wa Sallam" instead, which is more rewarding and courteous than the abbreviated form of (S.A.W.) in writing.
People of the Book
See Ahl al-Kitab.
Pilgrimage
See Hajj.
Prayer
See Salah and Du'a
Q
Q
Qadi (Kadee)
A Muslim judge.
Qaideen (kai-deen))
People who remain inactive and do not actively fight. The opposite of mujahid.
Qalb (kalb)
Qalb means heart.
Qard (Kard)
A loan given for a good cause in the name of Allah, in hopes of repayment or reward in the Hereafter.
Qard al Hassan
A loan extended without interest or profit-sharing
Qari (kar-ee)
Literally, "a reciter." This term refers to a class of Muslim religious leaders who, due to vocal beauty and skill, publicly recite verses from the Qur'an al kareem. Such recitations serve to inspire and comfort believers, and are often performed early in the morning or prior to the daily worship services, and also to solemnize important occasions and events.
Qarn al-Manazil (Karn-al-munzil)
The Miqat of the pilgrims travelling through Najd, in Arabia (from the east).
Qiblah (kib-lah)
The term used in reference to the direction Muslims face during salah, the formal worship. The Qiblah's focal point is the Ka'bah, the house of worship located in the city of Makkah. Depending upon where one is at any given time upon the earth, the Qiblah direction may vary.
Qiran (Hajj Al) (kee-ran)
'Combined Hajj'. Performing the Umrah, followed by the Hajj, without taking off the Ihram.
Qisas (Kee-sas)
Retaliation in kind (eye for an eye). In Islam though, retaliation should be forgone as an act of charity Surah 5, Ayah 48.
Qiyaas (kee-yaas)
According [the Islamic scholar al Shafi`i Rehmatullahi ’Alaih], Qiyaas is a method for reaching a legal decision on the basis of evidence (a precedent) in which a common reason, or an effective cause, is applicable.
Qiyamah (kee-yam-ah)
Day of Judgement, resurrection.
Qiyas (key-yaas)
Using analogies for the purpose of applying laws derived from the Qur'an al kareem and Sunnah to situations not explicitly covered by these two sources. Qiyas is one of the most important tools for interpreting and implementing the Shari'ah (Islamic Law).
Quadaa (Ku-adah)
Paying in a debt.
Qudah (Ku-dah)
Plural form of Qadi.
Qudsi (as in Hadith Qudsi - (kudsi)
Hadith Qudsi are "divine sayings" or Allah Almighty speaking through the Beloved Muhammud Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam).
Qur'an (koor-an)
The word Qur'an (al kareem) means "the recitation" or "the reading," and refers to the divinely revealed scripture of Islam. It consists of 114 surahs (chapters) revealed by God to the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) over a period of twenty-three years. The Qur'an al kareem continues to be recited by Muslims throughout the world in the language of its revelation, Arabic, exactly as it was recited by the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) nearly fourteen hundred years ago. The Qur'an al kareem is viewed as the authoritative guide for human beings, along with the Sunnah of Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam). Translations of the Qur'an al kareem are considered explanations of the meaning of the Qur'an al kareem, but not the Qur'an al kareem itself. The spelling "Koran" is phonetically incorrect; the more accurate Qur'an should be used.
Quraysh (kur-aysh)
One of the major tribes in Arabia, to which the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) belonged. When the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) persisted in calling people to worship God alone, most of the Quraysh disavowed him and attempted to thwart his efforts, even going so far as to attempt killing him. Until the Noble Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) gained control of Makkah in 630 C.E., the Quraysh continued to plot Prophet Muhammad's (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) downfall, after which they acquiesced and entered the fold of Islam.
Qurbani (Kur-bani)
Qurbaani: Literally means "sacrifice". In Islam it refers to the sacrificing of animals solely for the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala on the day of Eid ul-Ad'haa and the two days following it.
R
R
Ra'kat (Rakat)
An individual unit of salaah. See Rak'ah.
Rabb al-ard (Rub)
Owner of the land in Musaqah or Musaqat and Muzara'ah contracts.
Rabb al-mal
A person who invests in Mudarabah or Musharakah
*Radi Allahu anhu (RadhiAllaho'anho)
This is an expression to be used by Muslims whenever a name of a Sahaba (companion) of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) is mentioned or used in writing. The meaning of this statement is: 'May Allah be pleased with him'.
Muslims are taught to be respectful to the elderly and to those who contributed to the spread and success in Islam, especially including Saints and Wali-Allah. They are to be grateful to these noble companions of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) and scholars of Islam for their sacrifices, their leadership, and their contributions. Muslims are advised to use this phrase when such names are mentioned or written.
*Radi Allahu anhu (for male)
*Radi Allahu anha (for female)
Rahn (raan)
Pledge or mortgage.
Rak'ah (ruck-ah)
An individual unit of salaah. Literally, "a bowing." This term designates one complete cycle of standing, bowing, and prostrating during salah (formal worship). Verses from the Qur'an, special prayers and phrases are stated in these different positions. Each of the five formal worship times are comprised of varying numbers of such cycles.
Ramadan (Ramazan Ramadhan)
The ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan is important because it is the month in which the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah Almighty Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam). Thus, it is considered a blessed and sacred month. Furthermore, Ramadan is the month in which Muslims fast daily from dawn to sunset to develop piety and self-restraint.
Ra's al-mal (Raas)
Capital invested in Mudarabah or Musharakah.
Rasul (Ras-ool)
The meaning of the word Rasul is a Messenger. Allah sent many Prophets and Messengers to mankind. Amongst them, the names of twenty-five are mentioned in the Qur'an al kareem. From within the list, the Qur'an al kareem states the names of five Rasul who are the Mighty ones. These are: Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus), and the final Rasul Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam). (May Allah Almighty bless them all)
Riba (reeba)
Increase, addition, expansion or growth. However, not every increase or growth is prohibited by Islam. Under the Shari'ah, Riba technically refers to the premium that must be paid without any consideration. According to the jurists of Islam, this definition covers the two types of Riba, namely Riba Al Fadhl and Riba Al Nasi'ah.
Example 1 of Riba: If A sells $100 to B with $110. The premium of $10 is without any consideration or compensation. Therefore, this amount of $10 will be Riba.
Example 2 of Riba:If A lends $100 to B (a borrower) with a condition that B shall return him $110 after one month. In this case, the premium paid that must be paid by the borrower to the lender along with the price is Riba because the premium of $10 is without any consideration.
Riba aI-Fadhl
An extension of Riba to trade because while trade is allowed, not everything in trade is permissible. The prohibition of Ribaal-fadl closes all back doors to Riba through trade; unlawful excess in the exchange of two counter-values, where the excess is measurable through weight or measure. According to some Ahadith, (Sayings of the Beloved Prophet) if six things i.e. gold, silver, wheat, barley, dates and salt are exchanged against themselves, they should be spot and be equal and been specified. If these conditions are not found, this transaction will become Riba Al Fadhl.
Riba al-Nasi'ah
It refers to the 'premium' that must be paid by the borrower to the lender along with the principal amount as a condition for the loan or an extension in its maturity. It is thus equivalent to interest. The 'addition' of the 'premium' which is paid to the lender in return for his waiting as a condition for the loan and is technically the same as interest.
Rukn (rook-un)
Pillar. Singular of Arkan.
Ruku' (Rooku)
The root of this word is Raka'a which means bow down. During prayers (Salah), a Muslim is to make Ruku' in respect to Allah: he or she bows forward at the waist, and stands with the hands on the knees and the back parallel to the ground.
While in a position of Ruku' a Muslim is to glorify Allah three times.
Rummaan (ruman)
Pomegranates. (A fruit)
Rutb (rutab)
Ripe dates, opposite busr.
Ru'yat al-Qalb
Means "vision of the heart" (ru'yat al-qalb), direct spiritual intuition.
S
S.A.A.S. / S.A.W.S.
These letters are abbreviations for the words (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam), which means : May the blessing and the peace of Allah Ta'ala be upon him.
When the name of the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah Almighty Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) is mentioned, a Muslim is to respect him and invoke this statement of 'peace upon him'. It is considered more respectful to use the full phrase (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) rather than the abbreviation S.A.W.S.
S.W.T
These letters are abbreviations for the words of "Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala". When the name of Almighty Allah is pronounced, a Muslim is to show his respect to Him by reciting this. The meaning of this statement is that Allah is purified of having partners or a son. It is considered more respectful to use the full phrase (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) rather than the abbreviation S.W.T.
Sa'i (Sa'ee)
The act of going back and forth seven times between Safa and Marwa which is done during the Hajj or the Umrah. It is done to symbolize Hajar's search for water for her son Ismael (alayhi asalam).
Sabirin (sabir-een)
People who are patient and steadfast.
Sabr (Sabar)
Patience, steadfastness.
Sadaq (Sad-aq)
Same meaning as mahr.
Sadaqah (Sad-daq-qah)
Anything given away in charity in the name of Allah Almighty. Literally, "righteousness." This terms refers to the voluntary giving of alms (charity). Sadaqah is distinct from zakah, which is a mandatory contribution paid yearly and calculated based on one's wealth or assets. Sadaqah can consist of any item of value, and can be provided to any needy person. The Qur'an al kareem states that God loves those who are charitable and promises great reward and forgiveness for those who give regularly to others in need.
Safa and Marwa (sa-faa / mar-waa)
Two small hills in Makkah, in Al-Haram as-Shareef (The Grand Masjid) to the east. It is an essential part of an Umrah and the Hajj to walk seven times between the two places, quickening one's step briefly between the two hills. This is called Sa'i. See Qur'an al kareem, Surah al-Baqarah (2)
Sahabah (sa-haa-bah)
A term meaning "companions," commonly used in reference to those followers of the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah Almighty Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) who were closest to him in his lifetime, kept frequent company with him, and strove to emulate his sayings and doings. The Sahabah's piety, knowledge and love for the Prophet were important factors in the perpetuation of his teachings and the painstakingly careful recording of the his hadith in the years following his death.
Sahib al-Mal (sa-hib-al-mal)
The financier in the mudharabah form of partnership agreement. Plural of Ashab al-mal. The sahib al-mal (also, rabb al-mal) provides the finance while the mudarib provides the entrepreneurship and management. There can be many ashab al-mal and mudaribs in a given muddrabah agreement.
Sahifah (Sahee-fah)
A page or manuscript.
Sahur (sa-hoor)
A light meal taken by Muslims before dawn prior to beginning the daily fast of Ramadan. Arising for this meal is an emulation of the Most Beloved of Allah Almighty Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam), since it was his practice to do so, and thus is part of his Sunnah. Commonly known as 'sehri'.
Salaat (Salaat Salaah)
Salah is an Arabic word to mean a spiritual relationship and communication between the creature and his Creator. Salah is one of the five pillars of Islam. A special communication (Salah) is to take place five times a day for a Muslim: Fajr (Dawn), Zuhr (Noon), 'Asr (Afternoon), Magrib (Sunset), and 'Ishha' (Late Night).
Salah is to be performed with mental concentration, verbal communication, vocal recitation, and physical movement to attain the spiritual uplift, peace, harmony, and concord. There is a congregational prayer on Friday noon (Salatul Jum'ah) with a sermon (Khutbah) to be delivered by a religious leader (Imam) called Khatib.
To perform Salah, a Muslim has to have ablution (Wudhu'). He/she should make sure that cleanliness of body, clothing, and place are attained before performing Salah.
Salah is not to be confused with prayer; the latter could be interpreted as supplication (Du'a).
Salafi
The word salafi or "early Muslim" in traditional Islamic scholarship means someone who died within the first four hundred years after the Beloved Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), including scholars such as Abu Hanifa, Malik, Shafi'i, and Ahmad ibn Hanbal. Anyone who died after this is one of the khalaf or "latter-day Muslims".
The term "Salafi" today has been hijacked as a guise by the modern day wahabi movement ! "Salafis" are essentially Westernized modernists striving to distance themselves from their own authentic but "messy" Islamic past in favour of an inauthentic but "hygienic" past which they identify, in youthful, revisionist fashion, with the pious Salaf.
Like similar movements that have historically appeared in Islam, its basic claim was that the religion had not been properly understood by anyone since the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and the early Muslims--and themselves.
Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam
This is an expression that Muslims use whenever the name of the Most Beloved of Allah Almighty Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) is mentioned or written. The meaning of it is: May the blessings and the peace of Allah be upon him (Muhammad).
Another expression that is alternatively used is: Alaihis-salatu Wa'salam. This expression means: On Him (Muhammad) are the blessings and the peace of Allah.
Allah (Almighty is He) has ordered Muslims, in the Qur'an al kareem, to say such an expression. Muslims are informed that if they proclaim such a statement once, Allah will reward them ten times.
Sama (Sa maa)
Sama, "audition/hearing".. recitations (mystical poetry, Qur'an,) which leads to 'wajd' - "trance"
Saqifah (sakeefah)
A shelter with a roof. The companions of the the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) met in a Saqifah in Madinah to pledge their loyalty to Hadrat Sayyadina Abu Bakr Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu after the passing away of the Beloved of Allah (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) .
Sawm (so-um)
Sawm refers to the daily fast Muslims undertake during the month of Ramadan, and is one of the "five pillars" of Islam. For Muslims, fasting means total abstinence from all food, drink, and marital sexual relations from dawn to sunset. Muslims fast for many reasons, including to build a sense of will-power against temptation, to feel compassion for less fortunate persons, and to re-evaluate their lives in spiritual terms.
Sayyad (syed, sayed, sayyid)
Literal meaning : leader or chief. Sayyad refers to someone from the noble family, lineage, descendancy of the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah Almighty, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam)
Shahadah (sha-haa-duh)
An Arabic word meaning "witnessing," Shahadah refers to the declaration of faith ("La-Ilaha-Illa-Lah Muhammadur-Rasul-Allah") which all Muslims take as their creed - namely, that there is no deity but God and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God. The Shahadah constitutes the first of the "five pillars" of Islam.
Shaheed (shahid)
Means a *martyr or witness. &Someone who dies in the way of Allah.
Shaikh (SHEIKH)
The word Shaikh is a title for an elderly religious scholar or spiritual guide. See Shaykh.
Shaitan (SHAITAAN)
Shaitan (Satan) is the source of evil in the world. The plural name is Shayatin. He always tries to misguide and mislead people. The Qur'an al kareem states that Satan is not an angel but a member of the Jinn. His other name is Iblis.
When Allah (Exalted is He) created Adam (alayhi asalam), He ordered the angels as well as Iblis to prostrate for Adam (alayhi asalam). They all obeyed the order of Allah (alayhi asalam) except Iblis. His argument was that Allah created Adam (alayhi asalam) from clay and Iblis from the flame of fire. Accordingly, Iblis thought that he was better than Adam (alayhi asalam). Hence, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) told him that he will dwell in Hell. Iblis asked Allah for a postponement until the hereafter. Allah Almighty granted his request. Iblis swore that he would mislead and misguide all the people except those sincere and devoted worshipers of Allah. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) told him that only the misguided ones would follow him and that He would fill Hell with him and his followers.
Shari'ah (sha-ree-ah)
The root of this word is Shara'a; and some other names of it are Shar', Shir'ah and Tashri'. The Shari'ah is the revealed and the canonical laws of the religion of Islam. Literally "the path," this term refers to guidance from God to be used by Muslims to regulate their societal and personal affairs. The Shari'ah is based upon the Qur'an al kareem and the Sunnah of the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah Almighty Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam), and is interpreted by scholars in deliberating and deciding upon questions and issues of a legal nature.
Sharikah (sha-rik-ah)
The term is used for joint-stock companies and corporations as well, but is qualified with an adjective to indicate its nature. Thus, sharikah musahamah for a public limited company or a corporation whose capital has been subscribed to by the general public.
Sharikat 'ammah
A partnership in which each partner is a general attorney for the other partner; a partnership that permits trading in all types of goods.
Sharikat al- 'inan
A basic contract of partnership based on agency in which participation may either be on the basis of wealth or labor or credit-worthiness, and in which, equality of contribution or legal capacity is not necessary.
Sharikat al-abdan
Another name for sharikat al-a'mal.
Sharikat al-amwal
A partnership in which participation is based on the contribution of wealth by all partners, but the partnership has to be of the type 'indn or mufdwadah.
Sharikat al-jabr
Mandatory co-ownership created by an act of law, like inheritance.
Sharikat al-mafalis
A partnership between persons, whose assets have been reduced to copper coins and who have to buy on the basis of credit-worthiness; see sharikat al-wujuh.
Sharikat al-Wujuh
Partnership based on credit-worthiness of the partners in which the ratio of profit and loss is based on the liability borne, but the partnership has to be of the type 'inan or mufawadah.
Sharikat al-zimam
It is a term used by the Malikis to indicate a situation, where two or more persons are buying goods on credit. It is different from the Hanafi sharikat al-wujuh insofar as it requires the physical presence of all the partners at the time of purchase.
Sharikat khassah
Partnership for a single venture or for trading in a particular item; partnership in which each partner is a special attorney of the other partner.
Shaykh
Shaykh (Pir in Persian). A spiritual guide of an order. Each order takes name from a "master," "teacher" or "healer" part of *silsala*, or "chain" of traditional teacher-student realtionships. Also now commonly associated with a religious scholar in a community.
Shi'a (shee-ah)
Literally, "party" or "partisans," this term designates those Muslims who believe that the rightful successor to the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah Almighty Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) should have been Hadrat Ali ibn Abi Talib Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu, rather than the first caliph Hadrat Abu Bakr as-SadiqRadi Allahu ta'ala anhu. Shi'a Muslims may be found mainly in Iran, Iraq but also in some areas of Afghanistan, Lebanon, Syria, and some Gulf States. The largest group in Shi'ism believes that Hadrat Ali Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu was the first of twelve Imams, and that the last one continues to exist, albeit miraculously and in a state of occultation (concealment from human view).There are numerous other sub-sects of shi'a Muslims from mildy moderate to very extreme compared to mainstream traditional Sunni Islam.
Shirikat al- 'aqd
A partnership created through contract as opposed to co-ownership that may be the result of a joint purchase or agreement or it may result from inheritance or from some other legal situation.
Shirk (sherk)
Literally, "association," this term is commonly used to mean association of something other than God with God. For Muslims, God is Absolute, Complete, and Self-Sufficient. To set anything alongside or in place of God as Reality is to commit the sin of association, which is the only sin that God does not forgive, according to the Qur'an al kareem. Thus, paganism, or even atheism, are viewed as expressions of shirk.
Shirkah (shirk-ah)
Partnership between two or more persons, whereby unlike mudarabah, all of them have a share in finance as well as entrepreneurship and management, though not necessarily equally.
Shukuk (shookuk)
Check, certificate of debt, certificates of investment; plural of Shak.
Shura (shoora)
Consultation.
Shurut (shoo-rut)
Terms and conditions in Islamic law.
Sin al-bulugh
This is the age of maturity and puberty. It is the age at which the Muslims are considered an adult and becomes accountable for his/her duties in Islam. There is no fixed age for that in terms of years and it is decided by three signs: having a menstruation, period or pregnancy for girls, and being physically mature or having a wet dream for boys, growing pubic hair, or reaching the age of fifteen, whichever comes first.
Sin at-tamyiz
This is the age of distinguishing. This age is used in Fiqh to decide the age before which the mother has the right to keep the child after divorce. It varies from one person to another. The age is reached when the child can take care of himself or herself and no longer needs an adult to help him eat, get dressed, and clean himself or herself. In the school of thought of Imam al-A'zam Abu Hanifah Rehmatullahi ta'ala ’Alaih, it is seven years for the boy and nine years for the girl. The girl is given longer time so that she can learn more of the habits of women.
Sirah (SEERAH)
The writings of the companions of the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah Almighty Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) about him, his personality, his life story. and his ways of handling different situations is called Sirah. The famous collections of the Sirah are At-Tabari, Ibn Ishaq, and Ibn Hisham.
The Sirah is a source of reference that Muslims rely on in their daily life situations and problems.
Sirwal (SARWAL)
Long under garment worn by Arabs and many Asians.
Siwak (see-wak)
A piece of a branch or root of a tree that is used as a toothbrush. Also called a miswak.
Subha (soob-ha)
Tasbih (subha) "rosary" used as prayer beads used to count repetitions (33 or 99 for Names)... Three types of repetition, daily after at least two of the five required prayers, a) 33 repetitions of Subhan Allah (Glory to God), b) al-hamdu l'illah (Praise be to God), and c) Allahu akbar (God is great)..."said from the heart"
Subhan-Allah (SOOB-HAN-ALLAH)
Subhan-Allah means Glory to God
Subhanahu wa Ta'ala (soobh-anahu-wa-ta'ala)
This is an expression that Muslims use whenever the name of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) is pronounced or written. The meaning of this expression is: Allah is pure of having partners and He is Exalted from having a son.
Muslims believe that Allah is the only God, the Creator of the Universe. He does not have partners or children. Sometimes Muslims use other expressions when the name of Allah is written or pronounced. Some of which are:'Azza Wa Jall: He is the Mighty and the Majestic; Jalla Jalaluh: He is the exalted Majestic.
Suffah (SOOF-FAH)
A raised platform that was used by the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah Almighty Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) as a welcomming point for newcomers or destitute people. It was part of his masjid.
Sufi (soo-fee)
"SUFI"... a follower of the mystical path, those who seek experience of the tawhid ... the term applies only to the most advanced practitioners. One who endeavors to achieve direct inward knowledge of God through adherence to various spiritual doctrines and methods. These may include dhikr, na'at shareef, reciting other religious expressions, living an austere lifestyle, and participating in various spiritual gatherings usually formed around a spiritual master with the title of Shaykh. Historically, Sufis have been grouped into organizations known as tariqahs. The four main tariqahs of the Ahl as-Sunnah w'al Jama'ah are Qadiriyah, Chistiyah, Naqshbandiya and Suhrawardiya. There are other sub-tariqahs but those are the four main ones.
Sufi Orders
Sufi Orders - there many different orders, or "brotherhoods" (turuq, sg. ta'ifa "association or order").
Sufism (soof-ism)
The spiritual path and lifestyle inherited from the time of the Most Beloved Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam). Sufis adopted by some Muslims (known as sufis), rather than a distinct branch of Islam. Sufism holds that direct and intimate knowledge of God can be achieved through spiritual discipline, exertion, and austerity. Essentially, Sufism is seen as an "inward" path of communion with God, complementing the Shari'ah, or "outward" religious law.
Suhuf (suhoof)
Pages or manuscripts.
Sujud (SOOJUD)
The root of those word is Sajada which means that a person makes prostration to Allah in his daily prayers. While in the position of Sujud, a Muslim is to praise Almighty Allah and glorify him.
During the position of Sujud, a Muslim is to make sure that his/her forehead , nose, hands, knees, and toes, are all touching the floor.
Sunnah (soon-nah)
In general, the word Sunnah means habit, practice, customary procedure, or action, norm and usage sanctioned by tradition. In specific, any time the word Sunnah is mentioned, it is to refer to the Most Beloved Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam). Here it means his sayings, practices, living habits. The Hadith are reports on the Sunnah. The two major legal sources of jurisprudence in Islam are the Qur'an al kareem and the Sunnah.
The Sunnah may confirm what is mentioned in Qur'an al kareem, interpret and explain it, specify what is meant by some general verses, limit and restrict the meaning of some verse in it, or may explain something that has been revealed in Qur'an al kareem.
The Sunnah has a high authority in Islam; and Allah Almighty in many places in the Qur'an al kareem orders the Muslims to obey follow the teachings of the Most Beloved Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam).
Sunni (soon-nee)
Sunni is short for one who is with or follows the Ahl as-Sunnah w'al Jama'at. The Ahl as-Sunnat Wal Jama'at is the largest group of Muslims in the world today and the only group whose beliefs and teachings are truly in accordance with the Noble Qur'an and Sunnah of the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah Almighty Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa aalihi wa Sallam).
The Sunni's also strongly believe in the love and reverence of all the Ahl al-Bayt (Family of the Prophet), of the Sahaba-e-kiram or Noble Companions of the Most Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu alaihi wa Sallam) and the Salf-e-Saliheen (our great pious predecessors). The Sunni's believe in the four rightly guided Caliphs, the (Madhabs) four main Schools of thought, and the utmost respect for the Awliya-Allah (Freinds of Allah), of all the saints and walis.
Today Sunnis comprise the majority of Muslims, numbering approximately about 85-90% of the total worldwide Muslim population.
Sukr
Sukr - "Intoxication" of Fana' school, new life in God is one of ecstatic union, joy and wonder.
Surah (soo-rah)
A distinct chapter of the Qur'an al kareem, designated by a title. An individual verse within a surah is called an ayah. The Qur'an al kareem is comprised of 114 surahs of varying lengths.
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Tafsir (tuf-seer)
Any kind of explanation, but especially a commentary on the Qur'an al kareem. Translations of the Qur'an al kareem from Arabic into other languages such as Spanish, Urdu, or English are considered tafsirs of the Qur'an, since only the original Arabic text actually constitutes the content of the Qur'an al kareem.
Tahajjud (ta-haj-jud)
The Tahajjud prayer is an optional prayer that is supposed to be performed in the middle of the night. It is required that a person sleep a little before he gets up for the Tahajjud prayer. It can be performed anytime between Isha and Fajr salaat.
Tajweed (taj-weed)
It is a saying or an act of reciting Al-Qur'an al kareem in accordance with the established rules of Nutq, pronunciation and intonations, such as tafkheem, velarization, Ghunnah, chanting, and Iqlaab, transposition.
Takaful (ta-kaf-ul)
Islamic Insurance. A scheme of mutual support that provides insurance to individuals against hazards of falling into unexpected and dire need.
Takbir (tuck-beer)
See "Allahu Akbar."
Talaq (talagh (Urdu))
Divorce
Talbiya (tul-bee-yah, Talbiyah)
The name for the set of phrases attributed to Prophet Abraham (alayhi asalam) and uttered by Muslims in emulation of him during the annual Hajj. This is the central, ritual recitation of the pilgrimage, recited from the moment pilgrims don the ihram, the pilgrim's plain white attire. One of the phrases of the talbiyah is "Here I am, Oh Lord, at Thy service. Here I am!"
Tamattu' (Hajj) (tam-attu)
"Interrupted Hajj". Umra, followed by Hajj, but taking off the Ihram in between these two stages.
Tameen (tam-een)
Another name for Takaful
Tamr (TAMAR)
Means dates.
Taqwa (tuck-waa)
Condition of piety and God-consciousness that all Muslims aspire to achieve or maintain. It can be said that one's taqwa is a measure of one's faith and commitment to God. A person with taqwa desires to be in the good pleasures of Allah and to stay away from those things that would displease Allah. He is careful not to go beyond the bouds and limits set by Allah.
Tariqah (TAR-EE-QAH)
... in Islam, the "spiritual path"
Tarteel
Chanting Al-Qur'an; the the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah Almighty, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) has recommended it saying: Whoever does not chant the Qur'an al kareem is not among us. (Abu - Dawud).
Tasawwuf (Ta-sa-wuf)
Tasawwuf - Surrendering one’s soul to the care of the inviolability of religion; Tasawwuf is nothing but Shari’at. It is just this clear road.
Taslim (tus-leem)
Name for the greeting of Muslims, "As-Salaam Alaykum," meaning "Peace be unto you." The taslim is also used at the completion of the ritual worship performed five times daily.
Tauhid (TAWHEED)
Confirming the Oneness of Allah. It is the basis of Islam.
Tawaf (ta-waf)
The circumfering of the Ka'bah seven times. People usually do this during Umrah or Hajj. Tawaf is done in sets of seven circuits, after each of which it is necessary to pray two Rak'at, preferably at or near the Maqaam al-Ibrahim.
Tawaf al-Ifadah
The Tawaf of the Ka'abah by the Hujjaj (pilgrims) after they come from Mina to Makkah on the 10th of Dhu'l-Hijjah. This Tawaf is one of the Rukn (essential rites) of the Hajj.
Tawaf al-Qudum
The 'Tawaf on Arrival', the Tawaf of the Ka'abah that the pilgrim must do on first entering the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. It is one of the essential rites of both the Hajj and an Umrah.
Tawaf al Widaa
The 'Tawaf of Farewell'. The Tawaf of the Ka'aba Shareef that every visitor to Makkah should do before leaving Makkah. It should be connected directly to the trip of departure, and whoever is delayed and stays on afterwards should do it again.
Tawakkul
Tawakkul means trust only in God.
Tawbah (tow-bah)
Repentence, turning to God to seek forgiveness of sins or other wrong actions. Often a component of the personal prayer known as du'a.
Tawhid (tow-heed tawheed)
The doctrine of the "Oneness of God." This is a central tenet of Islam, upon which all other beliefs and doctrines are based. Acknowledging the Unity (Oneness) of God is the primary basis for salvation in Islam.
Tayammum (tay-am-mum)
Dry ablution. Literally tayammum means "aim, purpose." In Islamic law, it refers to "aiming for or seeking soil to wipe one's face and hands with the intention of preparing oneself to pray, and so on." .
Thawab (SAWAAB)
Reward of blessing.
Tijaarah (TIJA-RAAH)
Trade. Act of buying and selling.
Torah (tow-rah)
Arabic name for the holy book revealed to Prophet Moses (alayhi asalam) thousands of years ago. It is the Jewish Holy Book. For Muslims, the Torah was a scriptural precursor to the Qur'an al kareem, just as Moses was a predecessor of Alah's Most Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) in the history of divinely revealed monotheism.
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Ulama (oo-la-mah)
The learned, knowledgeble people in Islam. Plural form of alim.
Umar ibn al-Khattab (oo-mer ibin al-khut-taab)
Hadrat Sayyadina ' Umar (Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu). A close companion (sahaba) of Allah's Most Beloved Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) and the second of the four "Rightly-Guided" caliphs. He ruled from 634 to 644 C.E. and developed many institutions, such as a police force and treasury, for the early Muslim state.
Umm al-mu'mineen (UM AL-MU'MINEEN)
Means 'Mother of the Believers'. This was the title of the Prophet's wives; (Surah 33 Ayah 6 stipulated that they could not marry after the Most Noble Prophet's (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) death because all of the believers were their spiritual children.
Ummah (oom-mah)
An ummah is a community or a people. It is used in reference to the community of Believers or Muslims.
Ummi (Umme)
The 'unlettered'. It is also used to refer to those who do not possess Divine revelation. Also means mother in urdu.
Umrah (oom-rah)
The "lesser" pilgrimage to Makkah. This journey to worship at the Ka'bah and offer prayers can be performed by Muslims at any time during the year, unlike the Hajj, which takes place during a specified period in the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Umrah al-Qada
The fulfilled 'Umrah - the 'Umrah which the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam)performed in the seventh year after Hijrah which he intended to do in the sixth year but which the Quraysh unbelievers had not allowed him to complete.
Urdu (oordu)
The official language of Pakistan.
Ushr (ooshar)
Ten percent (in some cases five percent) of the agricultural produce payable by a Muslim as part of his religious obligation, like zakah, mainly for the benefit of the poor and the needy.
Uthman ibn Affan (ooth-maan ibin af-faan)
Hadrat Sayyidina Uthman-e-Ghani (Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu). One of the close companions (sahaba) of the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam), he became the third of the "Rightly-Guided" caliphs. He ruled from 644 to 656 C.E., and is responsible for ensuring the retention of the Qur'an in a singular Arabic textual form, which still exists to this day.
Uzzah (OOZAH)
A chief goddess in the religion of the pre-Islamic Arabs during the days of Jahiliyyah.
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Wa 'alaykum Assalam (WALAY KUMUS SALAM)
This is an expression that a Muslim is to say as an answer for the greeting. When a person greets another with a salutation of peace, the answer for the greeting is an answer of peace. The meaning of this statement is: And upon you is the peace. The other expressions are: Wa Alaikums Salam Wa Rahmatullah, and Wa 'Alaikums Salam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh.
Wadi-ah (wadiah)
Deposit.
Wahm
Wahm - "opinion" "conjecture" "illusion" or the veil of ignorance.
Wajh-Allah
Wajh Allah*: "Face of God" is an allusion (*isharah*) referring to the essence and attributes, invisible and eternal.
Wajib (wa-jib)
Compulsory.
Wajud (Wajd)
Wajd means "trance"
Wakil (WAKEEL)
A person who is an authorised repesentative or proxy. Also can mean lawyer in Urdu.
Wali (WALEE)
A saint, (Awliya ) A friend or protector. Wali possesses a direct experience of the reality of God demonstrated through extraordinary spiritual knowledge or miracles becomes spiritual guide (Shaykh). Can also mean legal guardian.
Walimah (WAL-LEE-MAH)
A feast after the wedding. The reception. A traditional dinner feast provided to wedding guests by the groom's family after a marriage ceremony. Providing a walimah was highly recommended by the Most Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam), whether it be a grand or humble affair.
Waqf (wuk-uf)
Endowment. A charitable trust in the name of Allah, usually in perpetuity, and usually for the purposes of establishing the Deen of Islam, teaching useful knowledge, feeding the poor or treating the sick. Properties with waqf status, such as schools or hospitals, remain so perpetually, providing endless benefit to the community and endless Heavenly blessings to the donor.
Witr (whitar)
'Odd number'. Witr rakahs are odd number of rakahs such as 3 - which are said after Isha - the last Prayer at night.
Wudhu (woo-doo) (wu-zu)
The act of ritual purification performed with clean water in preparation for the formal worship, salah. Wudhu serves as an act of physical cleansing as a well as a precursor to the mental and spiritual cleansing necessary when in the "presence" of God. If clean water is unavailable, a ritual purification known as Tayyamum, which involves symbolically touching clean earth, may be substituted.
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Yathrib (yuth-rib)
The former name of Madinah, the city in northern Arabia to which Allah's Most Beloved Prophet, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) migrated from Makkah in 622 CE.
Yawm ad-Deen (yowm-ad-deen)
Literally "Day of Faith," one of several Arabic terms for Judgement Day. See Day of Judgement.
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Zabur (za-boor)
Arabic name for the holy scripture revealed to Prophet David (alyhi asalam) thousands of years ago. For Muslims, the Zabur, analogous to the Christian Psalms, was a scriptural precursor to the Qur'an al kareem, just as David was a predecessor of Allah's Most Beloved Prophet, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) in the history of divinely revealed monotheism.
Zakah (za-kaah) (zakaat)
Zakah literally means "purification," and refers to an almsgiving tax, roughly 2.5% of one's accumulated wealth, that eligible Muslims pay annually. Zakah is one of the "five pillars" of Islam, and is usually collected by local masjids or charitable organizations. The funds are distributed to poor and needy persons in the Muslim community. Paying the zakah reminds Muslims of the duty to help those less fortunate, and that wealth is a trust from God rather than something to be taken for granted.
Zakah al-Fitr (Sadqa al-Fitr)
A small obligatory head-tax imposed on every Muslim who has the means for himself and his dependants. It is paid once yearly at the end of Ramadan before Eid al-Fitr.
Zakah Al-Mal
The Muslims' wealth tax: One must pay 2.5% of one's yearly savings above a certain amount to the poor and needy Muslims. The Zakah is compulsory on all Muslims who have saved (at least) the equivalent of 85g of 24 carat gold at the time when the annual Zakah payment is due.
Zakatu-rid Tijaarah
Zakah of profits of merchandise.
Zakatul Huboob
Zakah of grain/corn.
Zakatul Ma'dan
Zakah of minerals.
Zakatur Rikaaz
Zakah of treasure/precious stones.
Zalim (Thalim)
The wrong-doer, he who exceeds the limits of right, the unjust.
Zamzam (zum-zum)
The sacred well inside Al-Haram ash-Shareef in Makkah.
Zendiq (zindiq)
One who goes so far into innovated and deviant beliefs and philosophizing, etc. without sticking to the truth found in the Qur'an al kareem and the Sunnah to such an extreme extent that they actually leave Islam altogether.
Zina (Zena)
Illegal sexual intercourse and embraces both fornication and adultery.
Zuhd
Asceticism
Zuhr (DUHAR)
The obligatory salaah, prayer, that is performed in the afternoon right after the sun moves away from it's zenith.
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