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Adhan
Adhan is an Islamic way of calling
Muslims to the five obligatory Prayers. The Adhan is announced daily
from the Mosques. See Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 583, Vol. 1.
A.H.(After Hijrah)
Hijrah means emigration. The Islamic
calendar starts from the year Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) emigrated from
the city of Makkah to Madinah, in 622 C.E.
Ahl al-Bait
Ahl al-Bait literally means 'the people
of the house', a polite form of addressing the members of the family,
including husband and wife. The words occur in the Holy Quran when angels
came to give glad tidings to Prophet Abraham (S.A.W.) of a son at an
old age. See Surah Houd (11:73).
Ahl al-Dimmah
(or Dhimmis)
are the non-Muslim subjects of an Islamic
state who have been guaranteed protection of their rights- life, property
and practice of their religion, etc.
Ahl al-Hadith
Refers to the group of scholars in
Islam who pay relatively greater importance to 'traditions' than to
other sources of Islamic doctrine such as qiyas, and tend to interpret
the traditions more literally and rigorously. The term has also come
to be used lately for a group of Muslims in the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent
who are close to the Hanbali school in theology, and claim to follow
no single school on legal matters.
Ahl al-Kitab
literally 'People of the Book,' refers
to the followers of Divine Revelation before the advent of the Prophet
Muhammad (S.A.W.).
Ahmad
Ahmad is another name of Muhammad (S.A.W.).
See Holy Quran, As-Saff (61:6). See Muhammad for more details.
Al-Akhirah
(After-Life, Hereafter, Next World).
the term embraces the following ideas.
- That man is answerable to
God.
- That the present order of
existence will some day come to an end.
- That when that happens,God
will bring another order into being in which He will resurrect all human
beings, gather them together and examine their conduct, and reward them
with justice and mercy.
- That those who are reckoned
good will be sent to Paradise whereas the evil-doers will be consigned
to Hell.
- That the real measure of
success or failure of a person is not the extent of his prosperity in
the present life, but his success in the Next.
'Alim (pl. Ulamah)
An Islamic religious scholar.
Allah
Allah - the greatest and most inclusive
of the names of God. It is an Arabic word of rich and varied meaning,
denoting the one who is adored in worship, who creates all that exists,
who has priority over all creation, who is lofty and hidden, who confounds
all human understanding. It is exactly the same word as, in Hebrew,
the Jews use for God (Eloh), the word which Jesus Christ used in Aramaic
when he prayed to God. God has an identical name in Judaism, Christianity
and Islam; Allah is the same God worshipped by Muslims, Christians and
Jews.
"He is God, the One God, Independent
and Sought by all; He begets not, nor is He begotton, and there is none
like unto Him." (The Holy Qur'an, Surah Al-Ikhlas)
Islam teaches that all faiths have,
in essence, one common message: the existence of a Supreme Being, the
one and only God, whose sovereignty is to be acknowledged in worship
and in the pledge to obey His teaching and commandments, conveyed through
His messengers and prophets who were sent at various times and in many
places throughout history.
Allahu Akbar
Allah is the Greatest.
Amirul Mumineen
Commander of the faithful. Title of
the leader of the Islamic dominion after the death of Prophet Muhammad
(S.A.W.).
Ansar
Ansar means the 'Helpers.' (singular:
Ansari). In Islamic parlance the word refers to the Muslims of Madina
who helped the Muhajirin (immigrants) of Makka in the process of the
latter's settling down in the new environment.
'Aqeeda
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.
Al-A`rab
Al-A`rab signifies the bedouin - whether
of the desert or the countryside - in the vicinity of Madina. For a
long time they had followed a policy of opportunism with regard to the
conflict between Islam and unbelief. However, as Islam established its
sway over the greater part of Hijaz and Najd and the power of the tribes
hostile to Islam began to weaken, they saw their interests lay in entering
the fold of Islam. For details see Surah 9.
Arafat
Arafat is a pilgrimage site, about
25 kilometers east of Makkah al-Mukaramah. Standing on 'Arafat on the
9th of Dhul-Hijjah and staying there from mid-day to sunset
is the essence of the Hajj (the Pilgrimage).
Ashab al-A`raf
Ashab al-A`raf (Heights) will be the
people who are neither righteous enough to enter Paradise nor wicked
enough to be cast into Hell. They will, therefore, dwell at a place
situated between the two.
Ashab al-Suffah
Ashab al-Suffah consisted of about
three or four hundred Companions who spent most of their time in the
company of the Prophet (S.A.W.). They acquired knowledge and had dedicated
themselves wholly to serving Islam.
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.
'Asr
'Asr is the late afternoon Prayer,
the third compulsory Prayer of the day. It can be prayed between midafternoon
and a little before sunset. It is also the name of Surah 103 of the
Holy Quran.
Assalamu 'Alaikum
Assalamu 'Alaikum means 'Peace be on
you.' Greeting of the Muslims. The response to this greeting is 'Wa
'Alaikum Assalam,' and on you be the Peace.
Athar
Sayings of the Sahabah, the companions
of the Prophet (S.A.W.).
Ayah (pl. ayat)
Ayah means a sign (or 'token') which
directs one to something important. In the Quran the word has been used
in four different senses: (1) sign or indication; (2) the phenomena
of the universe (called ayat of God for the reality to which the phenomena
point is hidden behind the veil of appearances); (3) miracles performed
by the Prophets; and (4) individual units (i.e. verses) of the Book
of God.
B
Bab Al-Raiyan
The name of one of the gates of Heavens
(Jannah) through which the people who often observe fasting will enter
on the Day of Judgement.
Badr
Site of the first great battle between
Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and the pagans of the Quraish in 2 A.H. Badr
is located about 150 kilometers south of Madinah (Saudi Arabia). The
Muslim army consisted of 313 men and the Quraish had a total of about
1,000 soldiers, archers and horsemen. See Holy Quran, Al-Anfal (8:5-19,
42-48), Ale Imran (3:13).
Bahimah
Bahimah (plural baha'im) signifies
every quadruped animal (of which the beasts of prey are excluded). Bahimah
thus refers to goats, sheep, and cows.
Baitul Mal
An Islamic treasury intended for the
benefit of the Muslims and the Islamic state and not for the leaders
or the wealthy.
Baitul Maqdis
Al-Aqsa Mosque, the famous Masjid in
Al-Quds (Jerusalem). It was the first Qiblah of Islam. Then Allah Ta'ala
ordered Muslims to face the first House of Allah, the Ka'aba, at Makkah
(Saudi Arabia). Baitul Maqdis is the third greatest Masjid in the Islamic
world, the first being the Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah, and the second
being the Masjid al-Rasool (the Mosque of the Prophet (S.A.W.)). It
is from the surroundings of Baitul Maqdis that Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)
ascended to heaven. See Holy Quran, Al-Isra (17:1).
Bakka
Another name for Makkah. See Holy Quran,
Ale Imran (3:96).
Al-Baqi'
A cemetry in Madinah. Many of the Sahabiyeen
(companions) and family members of the Prophet (S.A.W.) are buried here.
Barzakh
Literally means partition or barrier.
In Islamic terminology it usually means the life in the grave, because
the life in thegrave is the interspace between the life on earth and
the life in the Hereafter. Life in the Barzakh is real, but very different
from life as we know it. Its exact nature is known only to allah Ta'ala.
It is during our life in the Barzakh that we will be asked about Allah,
our faith and the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.). We will also be shown the Jannah
(the Heavens) and the Nar (the Hell) and which of these two places we
will occupy after we are judged.
Bid'a
Any innovated practice introduced in
the religion of allah. the Prophet (S.A.W.) said that every Bid'a is
a deviation from the true path and every deviation leads to Hellfire.
Bismillah Hir
Rehman Nir Rahim
"In the name of Allah, the Most
Kind, the Most Mericful." This utterance is usually made by every
Muslim who is about to embark on something lawful (Halal), regardless
of the magnitude of the task. This is also the first verse of Surah
Al-Fatehah (Chapter 1) of the Holy Quran.
Buhtan
A false accusation, calumny, slander.
D
Dajjal
Anti-Christ. Also known as Maseeh ad-Dajjal.
See Ahadeeth regarding "the Final Hour" in both Sahih books.
Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 649, 650, Vol. IV. Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Fitan
wa Isharat as-Say'ah.
Dar al-Harb
Dar al-Harb (Domain of War) refers
to the territory under the hegemony of unbelievers, which is on terms
of active or potential belligerency with the Domain of Islam, and presumably
hostile to the Muslims living in its domain.
Dar al-Kufr
Dar al-Kufr (Domain of Unbelief) refers
to the territory under the hegemony of the unbelievers.
Dawah
Propagation of Islam through word and
action, calling the people to follow the commandments of Allah and His
Messenger Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.).
Dhihar
Dhihar is a type of divorce which was
common in pre-Islamic Arabia, but was made unlawful by Islam. It was
a way when the husband wanted to divorce his wife he would selfishly
say to her, "You are like my mother." This way she would have
not conjugal rights, but at the same time she would still be bound to
him like a slave. See Holy Qur'an, Al-Ahzab (33:4), Mujadilah (58:1-5).
Dhimmi
(See Ahl al-Dhimmah).
Dhu'l-Hijjah
The 12th month of the Islamic
calendar. The month in which the great pilgrimage to Makkah takes place.
Dhu'l Qa'da
The 11th month of the Islamic
calendar.
Din
The core meaning of din is obedience.
As a Quranic technical term, din refers to the way of life and the system
of conduct based on recognizing God as one's sovereign and committing
oneself to obey Him. According to Islam, true din consists of living
in total submission to God, and the way to do so is to accept as binding
the guidance communicated through the Prophets. See the following verses
of the Qur'an for reference: 3:83, 12:76, 16:52, and 51:6.
Diyah
Blood money, paid by the guilty as
a compensation for killing, wounding, etc. (pl. Diyaat).
Du'a
Supplication: invoking Allah for whatever
one desires.
Duhr
Noon. The second obligatory prayer
(Salah) of the day. It can be prayed at any time between noon and mid-afternoon.
E
Eid Al-Adha
A four-day festival that completes
the rites of pilgrimage and takes place on the 10th-13th
of Dhul Hijjah (the 10th is the day of Nahr and 11th-13th
are the days of Tashriq.) Literally means "the feast of the sacrifice."
This feast commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's obedience to Allah by being
prepared to sacrifice his only son Ismael, peace be on both of them.
See Holy Quran, as-Saffaat (37:100-103).
Eid Al-Fitr
Three day festival marking the end
of Ramadan. It takes place on the 1st of Shawal, the 10th
month of the Islamic calendar.
F
Fadal (Riba)
A type of interest. Taking something
of superior quality in exchange for giving less of the same kind of
thing of poorer quality. See Holy Qur'an, Al-Baqarah (2:275-280), Ale-Imran
(3:130).
Fai
War booty gained without fighting.
Fajr
"The Dawn". The time of the
first obligatory prayer (Salah). It can be prayed at any time between
the first light of dawn and just before sunrise. Also called Subh (morning).
See Surah 89 of the Holy Qur'an.
Faqeeh
An Islamic scholar who can give a legal
opinion or judgement.
Fard 'Ain
An action which is obligatory on every
Muslim.
Fard bi al-Kifayah
It signifies a collective duty of the
Muslim community so that if some people carry it out no Muslim is considered
blameworthy; but if no one carries it out all incur a collective guilt.
Fasad
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
transgressor, evil doer, disobedient.
The one who commits fisq.
Fatwa
A legal verdict given on a religious
basis. The sources on which a fatwa is based are the Holy Qur'an, and
the Sunnah of the Prophet.
Fawahish
Fawahish applies to all those acts
whose abominable character is self-evident. In the Qur'an all extra-marital
sexual relationships, sodomy, nudity, false accusation of unchastity,
and taking as one's wife a woman who had been married to one's father,
are specifically reckoned as shameful deeds. In Hadith, theft, taking
intoxicating drinks and begging have been characterized as fawahish
as have many other brazenly evil and indecent acts.
Fidya
Compensation for missing or wrongly
practicing necessary acts of worship. Fidya usually takes the form of
donating money, foodstuffs, or sacrificing an animal. Contrast with
Kaffara (making amends).
Fiqh
Islamic jurisprudence.
Fi sabil Allah
Fi sabil Allah (in the way of Allah)
is a frequently used expression in the Qur'an which emphasizes that
good acts should be done exclusively to please God. Generally the expression
has been used in the Qur'an in connection with striving or spending
for charitable purposes.
Fisq
Fisq is transgression. It consists
of disobedience to the command of God.
Fitnah
Fitnah has been used in the Quran in
two meanings. It refers, firstly, to persecution, to a situation in
which the believers are harassed and intimidated because of their religious
convictions. Secondly, it refers to the state of affairs wherein the
object of obedience is other than the One True God.
Furqan
Furqan signifies that which enables
one to distinguish between true and false; between real and fake.
G
Ghair
Muakkada (Salah)
Unascertained prayers. These types
of optional Salah (prayers) were much, but not always, practiced by
the Prophet (S.A.W.). Gharar Selling something which has
not yet been obtained. For example, selling eggs which have not yet
been hatched.
Ghayy
Deception. Name of a pit in Hellfire.
Ghazawat
Plural of Ghazwa. Also called al-Maghazi.
See Ghazwa.
Ghazi
A person who has taken part in a Ghazwa.
Ghazwa
A battle for the cause of Allah in
which Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) himself took part.
Gheebah
Talking evil about someone in his or
her absence. Backbiting. See Holy Qur'an, Al-Hujurat (49:12).
Ghulool
Stealing from the war booty before
its distribution.
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.
Gog and Magog
Two evil empires. They are mentioned
in the Qur'an and Ahadeeth (Bukhari and Muslim) when mentioning some
of the scenes just before the final hour. See Quran, Al-Anbiyaa (21:96),
Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Fitan wa Isharat as-Say'ah.
H
Hadi
A cow, sheep or a goat that is offered
as a sacrifice by a pilgrim during the Hajj.
Hadith
The word hadith literally means communication
or narration. In the Islamic context it has come to denote the record
of what the Prophet (S.A.W.) said, did, or tacitly approved. According
to some scholars, the word hadith also covers reports about the sayings
and deeds, etc. of the Companions of the Prophet in addition to the
Prophet himself. The whole body of Traditions is termed Hadith and its
science 'Ilm al-Hadith.
Hadith Qudsi
A saying of Allah Ta'ala narrated by
the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.), that is not part of the Qur'an.
Hajar Al-Aswad
The 'Black Stone', a stone which some
say fell from heaven, set into one corner of the Ka'bah in Makkah by
Prophet Ibrahim(S.A.W.), which the pilgrims, in imitation of Prophet
Muhammad (S.A.W.) kiss, so unifying all the Muslims throughout the ages
in one place.
Hajj (Major Pilgrimage)
Hajj is one of the five pillars of
Islam, a duty one must perform during one's life-time if one has the
financial resources for it. It must be performed during certain specified
dates of Dhu al-Hijjah. In addition to tawaf and sa'y, there are a few
other requirements but especially one's standing (i.e. stay) in 'Arafat
during the day-time on 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Halal
Lawful as defined by Allah the Almighty.
Hanif
Hanif, literally 'one who is inclined',
is used in the Qur'an in ten places, six with reference to the Prophet
Abraham and the rest for one who is sincere and sound in his faith.
The term as such connotes sincerity, uprightness and singlemindedness
in one's inclination, dedication and commitment to God or to His faith.
Haram
1. Any act or deed which is prohibited
by Allah and will incur His wrath and punishment.
2. Sanctuary or boundary of any Masjid (mosque), but usually used with
regard to the sanctuaries of the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid
al-Rasool in Madinah. This is why they are referred to as 'Al-Haramain
al-Sharifain,' the two Holy Sanctuaries.
Hashr (Al)
1. Another name for the Day of Judgement,
Yaum al-Hashr, "Day of the Gathering."
2. "The Exile". Surah 59 of the Holy Qur'an.
Hawd
The watering-place of Prophet Muhammad
(S.A.W.), whose pure drink will refresh those who have crossed the Siraat
before entering the Garden on the Last Day.
Hawiyah
The sixth level of Nar (Hellfire).
This will be the home of the Christians.
Hijab
Any kind of veil-it could be a curtain,
a facial veil, etc. The facial Hijab is divided into two types:
1. Niqab: full facial covering.
2. Khimar: partial facial covering, i.e., it covers the face, but leaves
the eyes exposed. It is said that the universe is what veils the Creator
from the creation. If you find the veil awe-inspiring, how much more
awe-inspiring is the One behind the veil!
Hijaz
The region along the western seaboard
of Arabia, in which Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Ta'if are situated.
Hijrah
Hijrah signifies migration from a land
where a Muslim is unable to live according to the precepts of his faith
to a land where it is possible to do so. The hijrah par excellence for
Muslims is the hijrah of the Prophet (S.A.W.) which not only provided
him and his followers refuge from persecution, but also an opportunity
to build a society and state according to the ideals of Islam.
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 Prophet Muhammad's Hijrah, (S.A.W.),
which he made with Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him),
in 622 C.E. The months of the Islamic calendar are:
1. Muharram 2. Safar 3. Rabi al-Awal
4. Rabi al-Thani 5. Jumada al-Awal 6. Jumada al-Thani 7. Rajab 8. Sha'ban
9. Ramadan 10. Shawal 11. Dhul Qi'da 12. Dhul Hijjah
Hubal
Hubal, the chief of the minor deities,
was an image of a man, and was aid to have been originally brought to
Arabia from Syria. It was one of the so many false gods of Arabs housed
in the Kabah.
Hukm
Hukm, literally judgement, decision,
(6:57) sometimes gives the meaning of wisdom, discretion, knowledge
and the power to see things in their true perspective (26:83).
I
'Ibadah
'Ibadah is used in three meanings:
(1) worship and adoration; (2) obedience and submission; and (3) service
and subjection. The fundamental message of Islam is that man, as God's
creature, should direct his 'ibadah to Him in all the above-mentioned
meanings, and associate none in the rendering of it.
Iblis
Iblis literally means 'thoroughly disappointed;
one in utter despair.' In Islamic terminology it denotes the jinn, who
refused the command of Allah to prostrate before Adam out of vanity.
He also asked God to allow him a term when he might mislead and tempt
mankind to error. This term was granted to him by God whereafter he
became the chief promoter of evil and prompted Adam and Eve to disobey
God's order. He is also called al-Shaytan (Satan). He is possessed of
a specific personality and is not just an abstract force.
'Iddah
'Iddah denotes the waiting period that
a woman is required to observe as a consequence of the nullification
of her marriage with her husband or because of the husband's death.
For details see the Qur'an, Al-Baqara (2:228-235), At-Talaq (65:47).
Iftar
Breaking of the fast immediately after
sunset. Iftar takes place at Maghrib as soon as the Call to Prayer (Adhan)
is called.
Ihram
Ihram denotes the state of consecration
which is essentiallyrequired for performing Hajj and 'Umrah. The outward
garb which consists in the case of men of just two sheets of cloth instead
of tailored clothes is one of the conditions of ihram but not identical
with it. Apart from donning that garb, one is required to pronounce
talbiyah (Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk...). In the state of ihram the pilgrim
is required to observe many prohibitions; e.g. he may not hunt, shave
or trim his hair, shed blood, use perfume, or indulge in sexual gratification.
Ihsan
Ihsan literally denotes doing something
in a goodly manner. When used in the Islamic religious context, it signifies
excellence of behavior arising out of a strong love for God and a profound
sense of close relationship with Him. According to a Tradition the Prophet
(S.A.W.) defined ihsan as worshipping God as though one sees Him.
Ijma
Ijma refers to the consensus of eminent
scholars (mujtahidun) of Islam in a given age. Ijma comes next to the
Quran and the Sunnah as a source of Islamic doctrines.
Ijtihad
To exercise personal judgement based
on the Qur'an and the Sunnah.
Ila'
Ila' denotes a husband's vow to abstain
from sexual relations with his wife. The maximum permissible limit for
abstaining from sexual relations in wedlock under such a vow is four
months, after which ila' would automatically mean repudiation of the
marriage.
Imam
1. Imam signifies the leader, and in
its highest form, refers to the head of the Islamic state.
2. It is also used with reference to the founders of the different systems
of theology and law in Islam.
3. A person who leads the prayer.
Iman
Trust, faith and acceptance. Having
faith and belief in Allah according to the Qur'an.
Imsak
Start of the fasting time. Imsak begins
when the first light of dawn becomes visible, and ends at Fajr when
the Adhan is called.
Injil
Injil signifies the inspired orations
and utterances of Jesus (S.A.W.) which he delivered during the last
two or three years of his earthly life in his capacity as a Prophet.
The Injil mentioned by the Quran should, however, not be identified
by the four Gospels of the New Testament which contain a great deal
of material in addition to the inspired statements of the Prophet Jesus.
presumably the statements explicitly attributed to Jesus (S.A.W.) constitute
parts of the true, original Injil. It is significant, however, that
the statements explicitly attributed to Jesus in the Gospels contain
substantively the same teachings as those of the Quran.
Insha Allah
"If Allah wills."
Iqamah
The call to prayer that announces to
the congregation that the obligatory prayer is just to begin.
Isha'
Isha' (Night) Prayer signifies the
prescribed Prayer which is performed after the night has well set in.
Islam
Literally means "submission to
the will of Allah." The most important and pivotal concept in Islam
is the oneness of God. See Allah for more on the conept of God. Islam
teaches that all faiths have, in essence, one common message:
*the existence of a Supreme Being,
the one and only God, whose sovereignty is to be acknowledged in worship
and in the pledge
*to obey His teaching and commandments,
conveyed through His messengers and prophets who were sent at various
times and in many places throughout history.
Islam demands a commitment to submit
and surrender to God so that one could live in peace; peace (salam)
is achieved through active obedience to the revealed Commandments of
God, for God is the Source of all Peace. Commitment to Islam entails
striving for peace through a struggle for justice, equality of opportunity,
mutual caring and consideration for others' rights, and continuous research
and acquisition of knowledge for the better protection and utilization
of the resources of the universe. The basic beliefs of Islam are:
- the Uniqueness of the one
and only God who is Sovereign of the universes;
- the Revelation of the teaching
and commandments of God through Angels in heaven to Prophets on earth,
and written in sacred writings which all have the same transcendent
source; these contain the will of God which marks the way of peace for
the whole universe and all mankind;
- the Day of judgement which
inaugurates the Afterlife in which God rewards and punishes with respect
to human obedience to His will.
Islam teaches that human diversity
is a sign of the richness of God's mercy, and that God wills human beings
to compete with each other in goodness in order to test who is the finest
in action; this is, according to Islam, the reason for the creation
of the universe. A person who enters the fold of Islam is called a Muslim.
Isra
1. "The Night Journey", refers
to the journey of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) from Makkah to Masjid Al-Aqsa
in Jerusalem.
2. Another name for Surah Bani Israel (Surah 17) of the Holy Qur'an.
Istikhara
Asking Allah the Almighty to guide
one to the right decision and action regarding a particular problem.
The Istikhara Prayer consists of two Rakahs. A special invocation is
said. See Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 263, Vol. 2.
Istisqa
Invoking Allah Ta'ala for rain in the
time of a drought. The Istisqa Prayer consists of two rakahs. See Sahih
Bukhari, Hadith 119, Vol. 2.
I'tikaf
I'tikaf refers to the religious practice
of spending the last ten days of Ramadan (either wholly or partly) in
a mosque so as to devote oneself exclusively to worship. In this state
one may go out of the mosque only for the absolutely necessary requirements
of life, but one must stay away from gratifying one's sexual desire.
The minimum period for i'tikaf is twenty-four hours. I'tikaf is not
valid if one is not keeping the fast or if it is done outside the month
of Ramadan.
Ithm
Ithm denotes negligence, dereliction
of duty and sin.
J
Jahanam
Most commonly understood to mean Hell.
In fact, it is one of the levels of Hell. There are seven levels of
Hellfire:
1. Jaheem - the shallowest level of Hell. It is reserved for those who
believed in Allah and His Messenger (S.A.W.), but who ignored His commands.
2. Jahanam - a deeper level where the idol-worshippers are to be sent
on the Day of Judgement.
3. Sa'ir - is reserved for the worshippers of fire.
4. Saqar - this is where those who did not believe in Allah will be
sent on the Day of Judgement.
5. Ladha - will be the home of the Jews.
6. Hawiyah - will be the abode of the Christians.
7. Hutama - the deepest level of Hellfire. This is where the religious
hypocrites will spend eternity. The worst of Allah's creation are the
Munafiqeen (Hypocrites), wether they be mankind or Jinn, for they outwardly
appear to accept, but inwardly reject Allah and His Messenger (S.A.W.).
Jaheem
See Jahanam.
Jahiliyah
Jahiliyah, literally 'ignorance', is
a concise expression for the pagan practice of the days before the advent
of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). Jahiliyah denotes all those world-views
and ways of life which are based on rejection or disregard of heavenly
guidance communicated to mankind through the Prophets and Messengers
of God; the attitude of treating human life - either wholly or partly
- as independent of the directives of God.
Ayyam al-Jahiliyah, or 'The Days of
Ignorance' in the books of history, indicate the period before the Prophethood
of Muhammad when the people in Arabia forgot the teachings of their
Prophets and indulged in stupid practices.
Jamra
White hot coal. The term used to describe
the three pillars built od stone at Mina. Plural: Jimar.
Jamarat Al-Aqaba
One of the three stone pillars at Mina.
One of the rites of Hajj is
to throw pebbles at these stone pillars,
which represent Satan.
Jannah
Paradise. A created abode in the Hereafter
for those who believe in the Unity of Allah and in all His Prophets
and Messengers, and who follow the way of life of the Prophets. Jannah
has eight gates around it and each of these eight gates has eleven doors.
The names of the eight gates are:
1. Bab al-Iman.
2. Bab al-Jihad.
3. Bab al-Kadhemean al-Gaidh.
4. Bab ar-Raiyan.
5. Bab ar-Radiyeen.
6. Bab as-Sadaqa.
7. Bab at-Taubah.
8. Bab as-Salat.
Janaba
The state of a person after sexual
discharge, whether intentional or otherwise. A person may not perform
Salah (Prayer) or recite or touch the Qur'an until he performs Ghusl
or Tayammum.
Jewj wa Majewj
See Gog and Magog.
Jibt
Jibt signifies a thing devoid of any
true basis and dereft of usefulness. In Islamic terminology the various
forms of sorcery, divination and soothsaying, in short all superstitions,
are called jibt.
Jihad
Jihad literally means 'to strive' or
'to exert to the utmost.' In islamic parlance it signifies all forms
of striving, including armed struggle, aimed at making the Word of God
prevail.
Jinn
Jinn are an independent species of
creation about which little is known except that unlike man, who was
created out of earth, the jinn were created out of fire. But like man,
a Divine Message has also been addressed to them and they too have been
endowed with the capacity, again like man, to choose between good and
evil, between obedience or disobedience to God. See Surah 72 of the
Holy Qur'an.
Jizyah
Unbelievers are required to pay jizyah
(poll tax) in lieu of security provided to them as the Dhimmis (Protected
People) of an Islamic state, and their exemption from military service
and payment of Zakah. Jizyah symbolizes the submission of the unbelievers
to the suzerainty of Islam.
Jum'ah
"Friday." The Muslims' day
of gathering together, when all Muslim males must go to the Masjid to
hear the Friday Khutba (sermon) and to do the Jum'ah Salat (prayer),
which is prayed instead of Dhur. Surah 62 of the Holy Qur'an.
Jumada al-Akhira
The sixth month of the Islamic calendar.
Junub
Junub - a person having Janaba - means
to be in a state of ceremonial impurity or defilement. A male becomes
junub on having sexual intercourse or simply on the emission of semen
in sleep or otherwise. A female also becomes junub as a result of sexual
intercourse as well as when she is menstruating or having postnatal
bleeding. These are the general causes of janaba, which is also referred
to in the books of jurisprudence as hadath akbar. A full bath is required
for a junub to receive purification or tahara, without which a man or
woman is not allowed to touch or read the Qur'an, enter the mosque or
offer the prayers. In the absence of water, however, one is allowed
to resort to tayammum. Tayammum substitutes for both a full bath (ghusl)
and ablution (wudu).
K
Ka'aba
The cube-shaped stone building whose
foundations were built by the angels and completed by Prophet Ibrahim
(Abraham) and his son, Prophet Ismael, peace be on them, in Makkah.
It was rebuilt with the with the help of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.).
It is the focal point towards which all Muslims face when praying.
Kabair (al)
Major sins; such as Shirk (see Shirk),
Qatl (murder), Zinah (fornication and adultery), the taking of Riba
(usury), Sirq (theft), etc.
Kaffarah
Kaffarah means atonement, expiation.
Kafir
Kafir signifies one who denies or rejects
the truth, i.e. who disbelieves in the message of the Prophets. Since
the advent of Muhammad (S.A.W.), anyone who rejects his Message is a
kafir.
Kafura
Literally means camphor. It is a special
heavenly perfume that will be mixed with non-intoxicating, pure wine
and be given to the righteous in the Hereafter. See the Holy Qur'an,
Al-Insan (76:5).
Kalalah
Kalalah, according to some scholars,
refers to those who die leaving neither issue nor father nor grandfather.
According to others it refers to those who die without issue (regardless
of whether they are succeeded by father or grandfather).
Kawthar (al)
1. "The fountain of Kawthar."
A sacred fountain in Jannah (Paradise). It is the source of all the
four rivers of Jannah, and feeds the Hawd of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.).
Surah 108 of the Holy Qur'an.
2. The Hawd which is filled by Al-Kawthar
is at the end of the Siratul Mustaqeem. It is a gift from Allah to the
Holy Prophet (S.A.W.). It is to quench the thirst of true believers.
Khalifah
Khalifah or vicegerent is one who exercises
the authority delegated to him by his principal, and does so in the
capacity of his deputy and agent. This term has been used in the Quran
with reference to man: 'Just think when your Lord said to the angels:
Lo! I am about to place a vicegerent on earth...' (2:30). At certain
places in the Qur'an, khulafa (pl.) also means (a) people with power
to mobilize all that is on earth (27:62); (b) successors or inheritors
who will inherit the earth and succeed one after another (24:55; 38:26).
In the political history of Islam, khalifa became the title of the successors
of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), notably the first four Rightly-Guided
Caliphs known as al-Khulafa al-Rashidun (11-35 A.H., 632-655 C.E.).
With the establishment of the Umayyad hereditary rule immediately after
this, the institution of the Caliphate changed into monarchy. Yet the
rulers called themselves Caliphs. Formally the institution of the Caliphate
came to an end in 1924 C.E. when Kamal Ataturk of Turkey arbitrarily
declared its abolition.
Khamr
Khamr literally means 'wine', and has
been prohibited by Islam. This prohibition covers everything that acts
as an agent of intoxication. See Holy Qur'an, Al-Baqarah (2:219), Al-Ma'idah
(5:93).
Kharaj
Tax imposed on the revenue from land
taken from non-Muslims to ensure their equal rights under Islamic law.
Khul'
Khul' signifies a woman's securing
the annulment of her marriage through the payment of some compensation
to her husband. For reference see verse 2:229.
Khums
Khums, literally one-fifth. One-fifth
of the spoils of war is earmarked for the struggle to exalt the Word
of God and to help the orphans, the needy, the wayfarer and the Prophet's
kinsmen. Since the Prophet (S.A.W.) devoted all his time to the cause
of Islam, he was not in a position to earn his own living. Hence a part
of khums was allocated for the maintenance of the Prophet (S.A.W.) as
well as for his family and the relatives dependent upon him for financial
support. See Al-Qur'an, Al-Anfaal (8:41).
Khutbah
Sermon. The greatest sermon in the
history of mankind was called al-Khutbatul Wida' (the farewell address),
given by the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), during his last Hajj in 10 AH.
There are various types of sermons:
1. Khutbatul Jum'ah (the Friday Sermon).
This is given immediately before the Jum'ah Salah (Friday Prayer).
2. Khutbatul Eid (the Eid Sermon) This
is given immediately after the prayer of the two Eids.
3. Khutbatul Nikah (the marriage sermon).
This is given during the marriage ceremony.
Kufee
An Arabic script. Angular writing style
often used for early hand-written copies of the Qur'an.
Kufr
Its original meaning is 'to conceal'.
This word has been variously used in the Quran to denote: (1) state
of absolute lack of faith; (2) rejection or denial of any of the esentials
of Islam; (3) attitude of ingratitude and thanklessness to God; and
(4) non-fulfilment of certain basic requirements of faith. In the accepted
technical sense, kufr consists of rejection of the Divine Guidance communicated
through the Prophets and Messengers of God. More specifically, ever
since the advent of the last of the Prophets and Messengers, Muhammad
(S.A.W.), rejection of his teaching constitutes Kufr.
L
Lailatul-Qadr
'The Night of Power,' concealed in
one of the odd nights in the last ten days of Ramadan; the night on
which the Qur'an was first revealed by Jibraeel to the Prophet Muhammad
(S.A.W.), and which the Qur'an itself describes as "better than
a thousand months." See the Holy Qur'an, Al-Qadr (97:3).
Al-Lat
Al-Lat was the chief idol of the Thaqif
tribe in al-Taif, and among the most famous idols in pre-Islamic Arabia.
See the Holy Qur'an, An-Najm (53:19).
Al-Lateef
The Subtle One Who is All-Pervading.
One of the ninety-nine Attributes of God. The exact meaning of this
word is very difficult to fully understand. It includes all of the following
meanings: 1. So fine that He is imperceptible to the human sight. 2.
So pure that He is unimaginable to the human mind. 3. So kind that He
is beyond human comprehension. 4. So gracious that He is beyond human
grasp. 5. So near that He is closer to us than our jugular veins. See
the Holy Qur'an, Al-Hajj (22:63), Ash-Shura (42:19).
Lauh al-Mahfudh
A guarded tablet in the Seventh Heaven.
The Holy Qur'an was first written on the Lauh al-Mahfudh in its entirety
before it was sent down to the Baitul 'Izza in the First Heaven.
Luqata
Article found by a person other than
the one who lost it.
M
Maghazi (al)
Plural of Ghazwa. See Ghazwa.
Maghreb
Sunset. The fourth obligatory Prayer
of the day. It consists of three Rakahs and can be offered between just
after sunset and before the stars appear in the sky.
Mahr
Mahr (bridal gift) signifies the amount
of payment that is settled between the two spouses at the time of marriage,
and which the husband is required to make to his bride. Mahr seems to
symbolize the financial responsbility that a husband assumes towards
his wife by virtue of entering into the contract of marriage.
Mahram
A man whom a woman can never marry
because of closeness of relationship (e.g. father, brother, uncle, son,
etc.). Her husband is also her Mahram.
Al-Majeed
"The Most Glorious." One
of the ninety-nine Attributes of Allah.
Majoos
Fire worshippers. These people lived
mainly in Persia and the eastern Arabian peninsula in the pre-Islamic
period of ignorance. See Holy Qur'an, Al-Hajj (22:17).
Makr
Makr signifies a secret strategy of
which the victim has no inkling until the decisive blow is struck. Until
then, the victim is under the illusion that everything is in good order.
See Holy Qur'an, Aali-Imran (3:54).
Malaikah
"Angels". Another name for
Suratul Fatir, Surah 35 of the Holy Qur'an.
Malak
Angel.
Al-Manat
Al-Manat was the chief idol worshipped
by the Khuza’ah and Hudhayl tribes.
Ma'ruf
Ma'ruf refers to the conduct which
is reckoned fair and equitable by the generality of disinterested people.
Mash'ar al-Haram
The boundary of Al-Masjid al-Haram
in Makkah. It is prohibited to kill any game, or to damage any plant
or tree, or to act in any manner that will violate the sanctity of the
Holy Masjid.
Masjid
Mosque. Plural Masajid.
Masjid al-Aqsa
(al)
The 'Furthest Mosque' built by the
early Muslims in Jerusalem, on or near where the Temple of Solomon once
stood. See Baitul-Maqdis.
Masjid Al-Haram
(al)
The Grand Masjid in Makkah. The Ka'bah
(the Qiblah of the Muslims) is situated within it.
Masjid an-Nabawi
(al)
Another name for the Masjid ar-Rasool
in Madinah. It is the second greatest Masjid in Islam, the first being
the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, and the third being the Masjid al-Aqsa
in Al-Quds (Jerusalem).
Masjid al-Rasool
(al)
See Masjid an-Nabawi.
Maula
Literally means protector. Allah T'ala
describes Himself as the Maula of the believers. See The Qur'an, Al-Baqarah
(2:256), Aali 'Imran (3:152), Al-Hajj (22:78). Maula also has the meaning
of 'master'.
1. Satan is the Maula to the unbelievers.
2. The master is a Maula to his slave.
Maula is also the term used to describe a freed slave who remains as
part of the family.
Mawaqeet
Plural of Miqat. See Miqat.
Mihraab
Prayer niche of a Masjid, in front
of which the Imam stands when leading the congregational prayers.
Mimbar
Steps on which the Imam stands to deliver
the Khutbah (address) on the day of the Jumah (Friday).
Mina
A place five miles from Makkah and
approximately ten miles from 'Arafat. An essential place to visit during
the Hajj.
Miqat
Migat (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.
Mi'raj
The Night Journey of the Holy Prophet
(S.A.W.) from Makkah to Jerusalem and then through the realms of the
seven heavens, beyond the limit of forms, the Sidrat al-Muntaha, to
within a bow-span's length or nearer to the presence of Allah. See the
Qur'an, Al-Isra (17:1), Bukhari Hadith 345, Vol. 1, 227, Vol. 5.
Miskin
Miskin (pl. masakin) denotes helplessness,
destitution. Thus masakin are those who are in greater distress than
the ordinary poor people. Explaining this word the Prophet (S.A.W.)
declared that masakin are those who cannot make both ends meet, who
face acute hardship and yet whose sense of self-respect prevents them
from asking for aid from others and whose outward demeanour fails to
create the impression that they are deserving of help.
Muadhen
The man who calls the Adhan loudly
before each obligatory Salat, calling the people to prayer.
Muhadith
An Islamic scholar of Ahadeeth. Plural:
Muhaditheen.
Muhammad (S.A.W.)
Muhammad (peace be upon him), the last
Messenger of God.
Muharram
1. The first month of the Islamic calendar.
2. An act that is strictly forbidden
in Islam.
Muhsanat
Muhsanat means 'protected women'. It
has been used in the Qur'an in two different meanings. First, it has
been used in the sense of 'married women', that is, those who enjoy
the protection of their husbands. Second, it has been used in the sense
of those who enjoy the protection of families as opposed to slave-girls.
Mujahid
One who takes active part in a Jihad.
Plural: Mujahideen. See Jihad.
Mulhid
Atheist.
Mumin
1. Believer.
2. Al-Mumin: Another name for Al-Ghafir,
Surah 40 of the Qur'an.
Munafiq
Hypocrite.
Munkar wa Nakir
(peace be on them)
The names of the two angels who will
question the dead in the graves.
Muqarraboon
Literally means, "those who have
been brought near." One the Day of Resurrection, Allah Ta'ala will
sort out the good and the evil into three groups:
1. Muqarraboon - the exalted class,
those who will be nearest to Allah. Also described as the Sabiqoon,
meaning "those who outstrip the rest."
2. Ashab al-Maimana - literally means,
"the Companions of the Right." The righteous people destined
to enter Paradise.
3. Ashab al-Mashama - literally, "the
Companions of the Left." These will be the inheritors of the Hellfire.
See Al-Waqi'ah (56:11-56).
Murtad
Apostate.
Mushrik
A person who commits Shirk. See Shirk.
Muslim
A person who accepts Islam as his or
her way of life.
Mustahab
An act in Islam that is recommended,
but not obligatory.
Mut'a
A temporary marriage. A custom common
in Arabia. It was abrogated by the Prophet (S.A.W.) at Khaibar, as is
related by Ali ibn Abi Talib in Sahih Muslim and Sahih Bukhari.
Muttaqi
Muttaqi is derived from its noun taqwa,
which signifies God-consciousness, a sense of responsibility and accountability,
dedication and awe - those things that prompt one to fulfil one's duty.
Taqwa, or heedfulness, is the main criterion by which God values the
deeds of a Muslim (49:13).
Muzdallifa
A site between 'Arafat and Mina where
the pilgrims spend the night of the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah during
Hajj.
N
Nabi
Prophet of Allah. Plural: Anbiyaa.
Nafl
A voluntary act of supererogatory devotion
such as Nafl Prayer or Nafl Fast.
Nasara
Nasara is the name given to the followers
of the Christian faith both in the Qur'an and Hadith.
Nasi
Nasi was a practice in vogue among
the pre-Islamic Arabs: they altered the duration of the four sacred
months. Whenver they wished to start fighting or to loot and plunder
- and they could not do so during the sacred months - they carried out
their expedition in one of the sacred months and then later on compensated
for this violation by treating one of the non-sacred months as a sacred
month.
Naskh
A style of curved writing often used
for early hand-written copies of the Qur'an.
Nifaq
Hypocrisy.
Nikah
Marriage.
Niqab
A type of veil that covers the entire
face including the eyes.
Niyyah
Intention.
Nubuwah
Nubuwah means prophethood.
Nur (an)
"The Light." One of the ninety-nine
Attributes of Allah. See An-Nur (24:35-36).
Nusub
Nusub signify all places consecrated
for offerings to others than the One True God, regardless of whether
they are images of stone or something else.
Nusuk
Nusuk signify ritual sacrifice as well
as other forms of devotion and worship.
P
P.B.U.H.
Peace be upon him. Somewhat English
equivalent of S.A.W. used whenever the name of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)
is read or heard. See S.A.W.
Q
Qabr
Grave.
Qadr (al)
"The Power." The night of
Allah's power. Surah 97 of the Qur'an.
Qasr
Qasr, which literally means 'to shorten',
is technically used to signify the Islamic rule that during one's journey
it is permissible, and indeed preferable, to pray only two rak'ahs in
those obligatory Prayers in which a person is required to pray four
rak'ahs.
Qawwam
Qawwam or qayyim is a person responsible
for administering or supervising the affairs of either an individual
or an organization, for protecting and safeguarding them and taking
care of their needs.
Qiblah
Qiblah signifies the direction to which
all Muslims are required to turn when offering their prescribed Prayers,
namely towards the Ka'bah, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Qisaas
Law of equal retaliation when punishing
a person for injuries intentionally inflicted on someone else. See Al-Baqarah(2:178-179).
Quraish
The Arab tribe to which the Prophet
(S.A.W.) belonged.
R
R.A.A.
Radhi Allah 'Anhu (May Allah be pleased
with him). Said whenever the name of a Sahabi (companion) is read or
heard.
Rabb
Rabb has three meanings: (i) Lord and
Master; (ii) Sustainer, Provider, Supporter,
Nourisher and Guardian, and (iii)Sovereign
and Ruler, He who controls and directs. God is Rabb in all the three
meanings of the term. The rational of the basic Qur'anic message - 'serve
none but God' - is that since God is man's Rabb - Lord, Sustainer, Provider,
Nourisher, etc. He alone should be the object of man's worship and service.See,
for example, Qur'an 2:21.
Rabi al-Awal
The third month of the Islamic calendar.
Rahim
Rahim is from the root rhm (rahm) which
denotes mercy. In the Qur'an this attribute of God has been used side
by side with Rahman (which is also from the same root rhm). As such
Rahim signifies God's mercy and beneficence towards His creatures. Moreover,
according to several scholars, the word Rahim signifies the dimension
of permanence in God's mercy.
Rahman
Rahman (literally 'merciful') is one
of the personal names of God. According to scholars of the Arabic language
and some commentators of the Qur'an, the word has the nuance of intensity
regarding Divine Mercy. Thus the word does not just signify the One
Who has mercy; it rather denotes the One Who is exceedingly merciful;
the One Who is overflowing with mercy for all. Ar-Rahman: Surah 55 of
the Qur'an.
Rajab
The seventh month of the Islamic calendar.
Rajm (ar)
Stoning. In Islamic law the Hadd punishment
is Rajm.
Rak'ah
Rak'ah (pl. raka'at) represents a unit
of the Prayer and consists of bending the torso from an upright position
followed by two prostrations.
Ramadan
The ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
Fasting is obligatory during this month for all Muslims.
Rasool
Messenger and prophet of Allah.
Rawi
A narrator. In Hadith literature, it
means the narrator of Ahadeeth.
Rea'
A minor shirk. Carrying out a religious
act for worldly gains and not for the pleasure of Allah.
Riba
Riba literally means 'to grow; to increase.'
Technically, it denotes the amount that a lender receives from a borrower
at a fixed rate in excess of the principal. It is of two kinds:
1. Riba Nasi'a - taking interest on
loaned money.
2. Riba Fadal - taking something of
superior quality in exchange for giving less of the same kind of thing
of poorer quality.
Rooh al-Qudus
“The Holy Spirit.” Another name
for the Angel Gabriel (Jibreel), peace be on him.
Ruku'
Ruku' means to bend the body to bow.
This bowing is one of the acts required in Islamic Prayer. Additionally,
the same word denotes a certain unit in the Qur'an. The whole Book,
for the sake of the convenience of the reader is divided into thirty
parts (ajza', sing. juz'), and each juz' consists usually of sixteen
ruku'.
Rushd
Rushd from the verb rashada means the
right way (2:256). It also implies integrity and maturity in thought
and action (21:51).
S
S.A.W.
See Sallallahu 'Alaihe wa Sallam.
Sabbath
Sabbath, which means Saturday, was
declared for the Israelites as the holy day of the week. God declared
the Sabbath as a sign of the perpetual covenant between God and Israel.
(Exodus 31:12-16.) The Israelites were required to strictly keep the
Sabbath which meant that they may not engage in any worldly activity;
they may not cook, nor make their slaves or cattle serve them. Those
who violated these rules were to be put to death. The Israelites, however,
publicly violated these rules. For further details, see Surah 7.
Sabiqoon
See Muqarraboon.
Sabr
Sabr is a comprehensive term having
various shades of meaning. It implies (a) patience in the sense of being
thorough, dedicated and devoted, (b) constancy, perseverance, steadfastness
and firmness of purpose, (c) disciplined and planned effort with confidence
and belief in the mission itself and (d) a cheerful attitude of acceptance
and understanding under suffering and hardship and in times of strife
and violance, and thankfulness to God in happiness, success and chievement.
Sadaqa
Anything given away in charity for
the pleasure of Allah.
Saffah
A verandah attached to the Prophet's
Masjid in Madina where poor Muslims, including some of the most exalted
companions, used to sleep.
Sahabi
A companion of the Prophet (S.A.W.).
Plural: Sahabiyeen.
Sahih Bukhari
A book of Ahadeeth compiled by Imam
Bukhari.
Sahih Muslim
A book of Ahadeeth compiled by Imam
Muslim.
Sa'i
Going seven times between the small
hills of Safa and Marwa; an essential rite of Hajj and Umra.
Sajdah
1. Prostration. The act of prostration,
particularly in the Salat.
2. As-Sajda: Surah 32 of the Qur'an.
Sajdah Sahu
Prostration to recompense forgetting
a required act of Salah.
Salah
Prayers. There are five daily obligatory
prayers. These prayers and their time zones are:
1. Fajr (morning prayer); After dawn
but before sunrise;
2. Duhr (early afternoon or noon prayer);
early afternoon till late afternoon;
3. 'Asr (late afternoon prayer) late
afternoon prayer till sunset;
4. Maghrib (sunset prayer); just after
sunset;
5. Isha (late evening prayer); late
evening till late at night.
Consult a prayer manual for full details.
Each prayer consists of a fixed set of standings, bowings, prostrations
and sittings in worship to Allah.
Salat al-Janaza
Funeral prayer. The prayer is done
in standing position only and consist of four takbirs: 1. After the
first Takbir, read Al-Fatihah. 2. After the second takbir, recite Tashahhud
and Salat al-Ibrahimiya. 3. After the third Takbir, pray for the deceased
person, his or her relatives, and all Muslims in general. 4. After the
fourth Takbir, finish the prayer by uttering Assalamu Alaikum while
turning to the right.
Salat al-Khawf
Salat al-Khawf means Prayer in the
state of insecurity. For its procedure see Surah al-Nisa 4:102.
Salih
Salih, from the root S-L-H meaning
to reconcile, to put things in order, signifies behavior that is righteous,
just and dignified. 'Amal salih, honorable or righteous action, is often
combined in the Qur'an with Iman and made a condition for success in
this world, as well as in the Hereafter. A prophet of Islam, peace be
on him.
Sallallahu 'Alaihe
wa Sallam (S.A.W.)
"May the peace and blessings of
Allah be upon him." This is said whenever the name of prophet Muhammad
(S.A.W.) is mentioned or read. Th equivalent English phrase is usually
abbreviated as S.A.W. (peace be upon him).
Samad (as)
One of the ninety-nine Attributes of
Allah. It means Absolute, Eternal, and Everlasting. It refers to the
One to Whom all created beings turn to for all their needs, and Who
is not dependent on anything or anyone for any need. The Most Perfect
in His Attributes.
Sariya
A small army sent by Prophet Muhammad
(S.A.W.) in which he did not personally take part.
Sawm
Fasting. Plural: Siyam.
Sha`a'ir Allah
Sha`a'ir Allah refer to all those rites
which, in opposition to polytheism and outright disbelief and atheism,
are the characteristic symbols of exclusive devotion to God.
Sha'ban
The eighth month of the Islamic calendar.
Shahid
Shahid in Islamic parlance means martyr.
Plural: Shuhadaa.
Shaitan
Satan. Plural: Shayateen. See Iblis.
Shari'ah
Shari'ah signifies the entire Islamic
way of life, especially the Law of Islam.
Shawal
The tenth month of the Islamic calendar.
Shirk
Shirk consists of associating anyone
or anything with the Creator either in His being, or attributes, or
in the exclusive rights (such as worship) that He has against His creatures.
Sidrat al-Muntaha
"The lote-tree of the furthest
limit." A tree over the seventh Heaven near Paradise, the place
where form ends and beyond which no created being may pass. See An-Najm
(53:14-18).
Sijjin
It is a "prison" where the
records of the evil doers are kept. See Al-Mutafifeen (83:7-9).
Siratul-Mustaqeem
"The straight path," the
path that the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) demonstrated to mankind by way
of the Holy Qur'an. The path that leads to the Paradise.
Siwak
A piece of branch or root of a tree
called al-Arak used as a toothbrush.
Subhan Allah
"Glory be to Allah."
Subhana wa Ta'ala
"May He be Glorified and Exalted."
Suffa (as)
A shaded place in Masjid al-Rasool,
in Madinah where poor Sahaba used to take shelter during Prophet Muhammad's
time.
Suhur
A meal taken before Fajr in the month
of Ramadan to begin fasting.
Sunnah
Ahadeeth and the way of Prophet Muhammad
(S.A.W.).
Sunnah Prayers
Sunnah Prayers are prayers which are
considered highly recommended in view of the fact that the Prophet (S.A.W.)
either performed them often and/or made statements about their meritorious
character.
Surah
A chapter of the Qur'an. Literally
means "a form". There are 114 Surahs in the Holy Quran. Plural:
Suwar.
T
Tabi`un
Tabi`un (sing. Tabi`i), Successors,
are those who benefited and derived their knowledge from the Companions
of the Prophet (S.A.W.).
Tafsir
A commentary, usually referring to
the commentary of the Holy Quran.
Taghut
Taghut literally denotes the one who
exceeds his legitimate limits. In Qur'anic terminology it refers to
the creature who exceeds the limits of his creatureliness and abrogates
to himself godhead and lordship. In the negative scale of values, the
first stage of man's error is fisq (i.e. disobeying God without necessarily
denying that one should obey Him.) The second stage is that of kufr,
(i.e. rejection of the very idea that one ought to obey God.) The last
stage is that man not only rebels against God but also imposes his rebellious
will on others. All those who reach this stage are taghut.
Tahajjud
Voluntary Prayer that is done any time
at night after Isha but before Fajr.
Tajweed
Recitation of the Qur'an with precise
articulation and exact intonation.
Takbir
Saying "Allahu Akbar" (Allah
is the Greatest).
Talaq
Talaq means repudiation of marriage.
Talbiya
The pronouncement pilgrims make to
Allah during Hajj:
"Labbaik, labbaik, Allahumma labbaik.
La shareeka laka labbaik. Innal hama wa n'imata laka walmulk. La shareeka
lak."
(I am totally at Your service,I am
totally at Your service, O Allah I am totally at Your service. You have
no partner,I am totally at Your service. Truly, the praise and the blessing
are Yours, and the dominion. You have no partners.)
Taqwa
Fearing Allah as He should be feared.
A major sign of being a faithful Muslim. See Qur'an, Aali 'Imran (3:102-103),
Al-Hashr (59:18-19).
Taraweeh
Prayers done after Isha during Ramadan,
the fasting month.
Tarteel
Measured recitation of the Qur'an taking
extreme care with regard to the rules of slow reading, pausing and stopping
at every indicated point.
Tashahhud
Tashahhud literally 'testimony', is
a declaration of the Muslim faith towards the end of the Prayers, immediately
after the recitation of Tahiyah, while sitting with the first finger
of the right hand extended as a witness to the unity of God.
[Ayyam] al-Tashriq
This term signifies four days of the
month of Dhu al-Hijjah, viz. 10th through 13th.
Tawaf
The circling of the Holy Kabah. Tawaf
is done in sets of seven circuits.
Tawbah (Repentence)
Tawbah basically denotes 'to come back;
to turn towards someone.' Tawbah on the part of man signifies that he
has given up his disobedience and has returned to submission and obedience
to God. The same word used in respect of God means that He has mercifully
turned to His repentant servant so that the latter has once more become
an object of His compassionate attention.
Tawhid
Oneness of God. The Divine Unity. Allah
is One in His Essence and His Attributes and His Acts. The centermost
concept of Islam.
Tayammum
Tayammum literally means 'to intend
to do a thing'. As an Islamic legal term, it refers to wiping one's
hands and face with clean earth as a substitution for ablution when
water cannot be obtained.
U
Ulu al-amr
Ulu al-amr include all those entrusted
with directing Muslims in matters of common concern.
Ummah
Ummah, community, or nation, is a special
name given to Muslim brotherhood and unity. The Qur'an refers to Muslims
as the best Ummah raised for the benefit of all mankind (3:110). At
another place, (2:143), it calls them 'the middle nation' (Umma Wasat)
a unique characteristic of the Islamic community which has been asked
to maintain equitable balance between extremes, pursue the path of moderation
and establish the middle way. Such a community of Muslims will be a
model for the whole world to emulate.
Ummi
Ummi signifies the 'unlettered'. It
is also used to refer to those who do not possess Divine revelation.
Ummul Mumineen
"Mother of the Faithful."
A title given to each of the wives of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.).
'Umrah
'Umrah (Minor Pilgrimage) is an Islamic
rite and consists of pilgrimage to the Ka'bah. It consists essentially
of ihram, tawaf (i.e. circumambulation) around the Ka'bah (seven times),
and sa`y (i.e. running) between Safa and Marwah (seven times). It is
called minor Hajj since it need not be performed at a particular time
of the year and its performance requires fewer ceremonies than the Hajj
proper.
Al-Uzza
Al-Uzza has been identified with Venus,
but it was worshipped under the form of an acacia tree, and was the
deity of the Ghatfan tribe.
W
Wa Alaikum Assalam
"And on you be peace." The
reply to the Muslim greeting of "assalamu alaikum." (peace
be on you).
Wahy
Wahy refers to Revelation which consists
of communicating God's Messages to a Prophet or Messenger of God. The
highest form of revelation is the Qur'an of which even the words are
from God.
Wali
Wali means guardian.
Walima
A marriage banquet.
Waqf
Endowment, a charitable trust in the
name of Allah.
Witr
Witr means 'odd number'. Witr rakahs
are odd number of rakahs such as 1, 3, 5, etc. - usually 1 or 3 - which
are said after the last Prayer at night.
Wudu
Wudu refers to the ablution made before
performing the prescribed Prayers. it requires washing (1) the face
from the top of the forehead to the chin and as far as each ear; (2)
the hands and arms up to the elbow; (3) wiping with wet hands a part
of the head; and (4) washing the feet to the ankle.
Z
Zaboor
The Holy Book revealed to Prophet Dawood
(David), peace be on him.
Zakah
Zakah (Purifying Alms) literally means
purification, whence it is used to express a portion of property bestowed
in alms, as a means of purifying the person concerned and the remainder
of his property. It is among the five pillars of Islam and refers to
the mandatory amount that a Muslim must pay out of his property. The
detailed rules of zakah have been laid down in books of Fiqh.
Zalim
Zalim is the wrong-doer, he who exceeds
the limits of right, the unjust.
Zamzam
The sacred well inside Al-Haram ash-Shareef
in Makkah.
Zanjabil
A special mixture that will be in one
of the drinks of the people of the Paradise. See the Qur'an, Al-Insan
(76:17).
Zaqqum
An extremely bitter and thorny tree
that grows at the bottom of the Heelfire. See the Qur'an, Al-Isra (17:60),
for example.
Zina
Zina means illegal sexual intercourse
and embraces both fornication and adultery.
Zulm
Zulm literally means placing a thing
where it does not belong. Technically, it refers to exceeding the right
and hence committing wrong or injustice.
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