Search Islamic Glossary
Displaying 1 through 50 of
70 terms found. (50 terms displayed).
(al-) Fatihah
(al-faa-ti-hah)
-
249
Arabic name meaning "The Opening," and referring to the opening chapter of the Qur'an. This chapter, recited during the daily formal worship, is comprised of seven short verses and summarizes the essential beliefs of Muslims and the obligation of human beings to seek guidance and aid from God alone. (Source:CIE)
Arabic name meaning "The Opening," and referring to the opening chapter of the Qur'an. This chapter, recited during the daily formal worship, is comprised of seven short verses and summarizes the essential beliefs of Muslims and the obligation of human beings to seek guidance and aid from God alone. (Source:CIE)
(al-) Quds
(al-koods)
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329
Literally, "The Holy," this is the name used by Muslims for Jerusalem. al-Quds is the third holiest city in Islam, following Makkah and Madinah, because of its significance to Islamic history in the broadest sense (Source:CIE)
Literally, "The Holy," this is the name used by Muslims for Jerusalem. al-Quds is the third holiest city in Islam, following Makkah and Madinah, because of its significance to Islamic history in the broadest sense (Source:CIE)
A'uzu billahi minashaitanir rajim
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2
This is an expression and a statement that Muslims have to recite before reading to Qur'an, 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 in Allah from the outcast Satan.Allah is the Arabic name of God.
Satan 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.
(Source:MSA-USC)
This is an expression and a statement that Muslims have to recite before reading to Qur'an, 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 in Allah from the outcast Satan.Allah is the Arabic name of God.
Satan 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.
(Source:MSA-USC)
Abd
-
214
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"). (Source:CIE)
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"). (Source:CIE)
Abu Bakr as-Sadiq
(aboo buck-er as-saa-dik)
-
216
One of the closest companions of Prophet Muhammad, given the appelation as-Sadiq, "the Truthful." Upon the death of the Prophet in 632 C.E., Abu Bakr became the first Caliph (successor) and served as leader of the Muslim community until his death in 634 C.E. (Source:CIE)
One of the closest companions of Prophet Muhammad, given the appelation as-Sadiq, "the Truthful." Upon the death of the Prophet in 632 C.E., Abu Bakr became the first Caliph (successor) and served as leader of the Muslim community until his death in 634 C.E. (Source:CIE)
Adhan
(ad-haan)
-
218
The Muslim call to worship. The adhan consists of specific phrases, recited aloud in Arabic prior to each of the five daily worship times. Upon hearing the adhan, Muslims discontinue all activity and assemble at a local masjid for formal communal worship. (Source:CIE)
The Muslim call to worship. The adhan consists of specific phrases, recited aloud in Arabic prior to each of the five daily worship times. Upon hearing the adhan, Muslims discontinue all activity and assemble at a local masjid for formal communal worship. (Source:CIE)
Adhan
(AADHAN ADHAAN AZAN)
-
3
The call for the daily prayers are called Adhan. The person who calls the Adhan is called a Mu'adhin. A Mu'adhin calls the Adhan five times a day before Muslims are to perform their daily Salah (Prayer).
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.
(Source:MSA-USC)
The call for the daily prayers are called Adhan. The person who calls the Adhan is called a Mu'adhin. A Mu'adhin calls the Adhan five times a day before Muslims are to perform their daily Salah (Prayer).
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.
(Source:MSA-USC)
Ahl al-Kitab
(ahl al-kee-taab)
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219
Literally, "People of the Book." This term, found in the Qur'an, describes adherents of divinely revealed religions that preceeded Islam. Most commonly, the term refers to Jews and Christians, and confers upon these two groups a special status within Muslim society, owing to the monotheistic basis of their religions. (Source:CIE)
Literally, "People of the Book." This term, found in the Qur'an, describes adherents of divinely revealed religions that preceeded Islam. Most commonly, the term refers to Jews and Christians, and confers upon these two groups a special status within Muslim society, owing to the monotheistic basis of their religions. (Source:CIE)
Ahzab
-
5
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..
(Source:MSA-USC)
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..
(Source:MSA-USC)
Aisha
(eye-ee-sha)
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220
Daughter of Abu Bakr and one of the wives of Prophet Muhammad. Aisha transmitted a large number of the Prophet's hadith, which were compiled by scholars in early Islamic history. (Source:CIE)
Daughter of Abu Bakr and one of the wives of Prophet Muhammad. Aisha transmitted a large number of the Prophet's hadith, which were compiled by scholars in early Islamic history. (Source:CIE)
Al-asharatu mubashshirun
-
6
the ten people that were given the glad tiddings of assurance of entering Paradise. They were Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali, Abdur Rahman ibn Awf, Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah, Talhah ibn Ubaydullah, az-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam, Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, Sa'id ibn Zayd.
(Source:MSA-USC)
the ten people that were given the glad tiddings of assurance of entering Paradise. They were Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali, Abdur Rahman ibn Awf, Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah, Talhah ibn Ubaydullah, az-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam, Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, Sa'id ibn Zayd.
(Source:MSA-USC)
Al-hamdu lillahi rabbil 'alamin
(AL-HAMDO LILLAHI RABBIL 'ALAMIN)
-
7
This is a verse from the Qur'an 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 favors. 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.
(Source:MSA-USC)
This is a verse from the Qur'an 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 favors. 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.
(Source:MSA-USC)
Ali ibn Abi Talib
(alee ibin abee taa-lib)
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221
One of the companions of the Prophet, he was also Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law. He became the fourth Caliph of the early Muslim state in 656 C.E. He is considered the last of the "Rightly-Guided" caliphs by Sunni Muslims, and the first of the Imams by Shi'ah Muslims. (Source:CIE)
One of the companions of the Prophet, he was also Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law. He became the fourth Caliph of the early Muslim state in 656 C.E. He is considered the last of the "Rightly-Guided" caliphs by Sunni Muslims, and the first of the Imams by Shi'ah Muslims. (Source:CIE)
Alim
(aa-lim)
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222
One who has knowledge. This term refers commonly to a Muslim religious scholar. (pl. Ulama [oo-la-ma] ). (Source:CIE)
One who has knowledge. This term refers commonly to a Muslim religious scholar. (pl. Ulama [oo-la-ma] ). (Source:CIE)
Allah
(ALLA ALAH)
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9
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 Qur'an mentions around 100 beautiful names for Allah through which Muslims may understand and recognize Him, and His responsibilities for the whole Universe.
(Source:MSA-USC)
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 Qur'an mentions around 100 beautiful names for Allah through which Muslims may understand and recognize Him, and His responsibilities for the whole Universe.
(Source:MSA-USC)
Allah
(al-lah)
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223
Literally, "The God." Muslims use this Arabic term as the proper name for God. Muslims view Allah as the Creator and Sustainer of everything in the universe, Who is transcendent, has no physical form, and has no associates who share in His divinity. In the Qur'an, God is described as having at least ninety-nine Divine Names, which describe His attributes. (Source:CIE)
Literally, "The God." Muslims use this Arabic term as the proper name for God. Muslims view Allah as the Creator and Sustainer of everything in the universe, Who is transcendent, has no physical form, and has no associates who share in His divinity. In the Qur'an, God is described as having at least ninety-nine Divine Names, which describe His attributes. (Source:CIE)
Allahu Akbar
(al-lah-hu uck-bar)
-
224
This phrase, known as the Takbir, means "God is Greatest" and is uttered by Muslims at various times. Most often it is pronounced during the daily worship, but Muslims also use it to express happiness, surprise, regret, thankfulness, fear, or approval, thereby reinforcing their belief that all things come from God. (Source:CIE)
This phrase, known as the Takbir, means "God is Greatest" and is uttered by Muslims at various times. Most often it is pronounced during the daily worship, but Muslims also use it to express happiness, surprise, regret, thankfulness, fear, or approval, thereby reinforcing their belief that all things come from God. (Source:CIE)
Allahu akbar
(ALLAHOO AKBAR ALLAHU AKBER ALLAHOO AKBER ALLAH AKBAR)
-
10
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.
(Source:MSA-USC)
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.
(Source:MSA-USC)
Amin
(AAMIN AAMEEN AMEEN)
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11
means custodian or guardian. Someone who is loyal or faithful.
(Source:MSA-USC)
means custodian or guardian. Someone who is loyal or faithful.
(Source:MSA-USC)
Amir al-mumineen
-
13
means commander of the belivers. This title was given to the Khalifah.
(Source:MSA-USC)
means commander of the belivers. This title was given to the Khalifah.
(Source:MSA-USC)
Aqabah
-
15
a place just outside of Mecca, in Mina where the first Muslims from Yathrib Madinah pledged allegiance to the Prophet in the year 621 C.E.. A similar meeting took place the next year when more Muslims from Yathrib pledged their allegiance to the Prophet.
(Source:MSA-USC)
a place just outside of Mecca, in Mina where the first Muslims from Yathrib Madinah pledged allegiance to the Prophet in the year 621 C.E.. A similar meeting took place the next year when more Muslims from Yathrib pledged their allegiance to the Prophet.
(Source:MSA-USC)
Arafat
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16
a plain north of Mecca. 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 Zhu-l-Hijjah, Muslim pilgrims gather on this plain for one day.
(Source:MSA-USC)
a plain north of Mecca. 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 Zhu-l-Hijjah, Muslim pilgrims gather on this plain for one day.
(Source:MSA-USC)
As-Salaam Alaykum
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229
The traditional, time-honored greeting of Muslims, meaning "Peace be upon you." The appropriate response is "Wa Alaykum As-Salaam," meaning, "And upon you be peace also." (Source:CIE)
The traditional, time-honored greeting of Muslims, meaning "Peace be upon you." The appropriate response is "Wa Alaykum As-Salaam," meaning, "And upon you be peace also." (Source:CIE)
Assalamu alaikum
(ASSALAMO ALAIKUM ASALAMO ALAIKUM)
-
19
This is an expression Muslims say whenever they meet one another. It is a statement of greeting with peace. The meaning of it is:Peace be upon you.
Muslims try to establish peace on earth even through the friendly relation of greeting and meeting one another.
The other forms are:Assalamu 'Alalikum Wa Rahmatullah,which means:May the peace and the Mercy of Allah be upon you,andAssalamu Alalikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,which means :May the peace, the mercy, and the blessings of Allah be upon you.
(Source:MSA-USC)
This is an expression Muslims say whenever they meet one another. It is a statement of greeting with peace. The meaning of it is:Peace be upon you.
Muslims try to establish peace on earth even through the friendly relation of greeting and meeting one another.
The other forms are:Assalamu 'Alalikum Wa Rahmatullah,which means:May the peace and the Mercy of Allah be upon you,andAssalamu Alalikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,which means :May the peace, the mercy, and the blessings of Allah be upon you.
(Source:MSA-USC)
Ayah
(AYA AYYAH)
-
23
The Arabic meaning of Ayah is a miracle and a sign. The Qur'an 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.
(Source:MSA-USC)
The Arabic meaning of Ayah is a miracle and a sign. The Qur'an 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.
(Source:MSA-USC)
Ayah
(eye-yah)
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230
Literally, "miracle" or "sign." The term is used to designate a verse in the Qur'an. There are over 6,600 ayahs in the Qur'an. (Source:CIE)
Literally, "miracle" or "sign." The term is used to designate a verse in the Qur'an. There are over 6,600 ayahs in the Qur'an. (Source:CIE)
Barakallah
(BARAKALLA BARAKALAH)
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31
This is an expression which means:May the blessings of Allah (be upon you).When a Muslim wants to thank to another person, he uses different statements to express his thanks, appreciation, and gratitude. One of them is to sayBaraka Allah.
(Source:MSA-USC)
This is an expression which means:May the blessings of Allah (be upon you).When a Muslim wants to thank to another person, he uses different statements to express his thanks, appreciation, and gratitude. One of them is to sayBaraka Allah.
(Source:MSA-USC)
Bismillahir rahmanir rahim
-
38
This is a phrase from the Qur'an 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.
(Source:MSA-USC)
This is a phrase from the Qur'an 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.
(Source:MSA-USC)
Du'a
(doo-ah)
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244
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. (Source:CIE)
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. (Source:CIE)
Eid
(eed)
-
245
Eid is an Arabic term meaning "festivity" or "celebration." Muslims celebrate two major religious holidays, known as Eid al-Fitr (which takes place after Ramadan), and Eid al-Adha (which occurs at the time of the Hajj). A traditional greeting used by Muslims around the time of Eid is "Eid Mubarak," meaning "May your holiday be blessed." A special congregational Eid worship, visitation of family and friends, new clothing, specially-prepared foods and sweets, and gifts for children characterize these holidays. (Source:CIE)
Eid is an Arabic term meaning "festivity" or "celebration." Muslims celebrate two major religious holidays, known as Eid al-Fitr (which takes place after Ramadan), and Eid al-Adha (which occurs at the time of the Hajj). A traditional greeting used by Muslims around the time of Eid is "Eid Mubarak," meaning "May your holiday be blessed." A special congregational Eid worship, visitation of family and friends, new clothing, specially-prepared foods and sweets, and gifts for children characterize these holidays. (Source:CIE)
Eid
(EED 'EID)
-
53
The word 'Eid is an Arabic name to mean a festivity, a celebration, a recurring happiness, and a feast. In Islam, there are two major 'Eids namely the feast of Ramadhan ('EId Al-Fitr) and the Feast of Sacrifice ('Eid Al-Adhha). 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 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.
(Source:MSA-USC)
The word 'Eid is an Arabic name to mean a festivity, a celebration, a recurring happiness, and a feast. In Islam, there are two major 'Eids namely the feast of Ramadhan ('EId Al-Fitr) and the Feast of Sacrifice ('Eid Al-Adhha). 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 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.
(Source:MSA-USC)
Fitrah
(fit-rah)
-
252
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. (Source:CIE)
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. (Source:CIE)
Hadith
(HADIS HADEETH)
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66
Reports on the sayings and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) or what he witnessed and approved are called Hadith. These are the real explanation, interpretation, and the living example of the Prophet (s.a.w.) for teachings of the Qur'an. 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-Tirmizi, and Imam Majah. There are many others.
(Source:MSA-USC)
Reports on the sayings and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) or what he witnessed and approved are called Hadith. These are the real explanation, interpretation, and the living example of the Prophet (s.a.w.) for teachings of the Qur'an. 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-Tirmizi, and Imam Majah. There are many others.
(Source:MSA-USC)
Hadith
(ha-deeth)
-
257
Unlike the verses contained in the Qur'an, Hadith are the sayings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad himself, and form part of the record of the Prophet's Sunnah (way of life and example). The Hadith record the words and deeds, explanations, and interpretations of the Prophet concerning all aspects of life. Hadith are found in various collections compiled by Muslim scholars in the early centuries of the Muslim civilization. Six such collections are considered most authentic. (Source:CIE)
Unlike the verses contained in the Qur'an, Hadith are the sayings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad himself, and form part of the record of the Prophet's Sunnah (way of life and example). The Hadith record the words and deeds, explanations, and interpretations of the Prophet concerning all aspects of life. Hadith are found in various collections compiled by Muslim scholars in the early centuries of the Muslim civilization. Six such collections are considered most authentic. (Source:CIE)
Halal
(ha-laal)
-
261
Arabic term designating that which is deemed lawful in Islam, based on the two authoritative sources, the Qur'an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad. (Source:CIE)
Arabic term designating that which is deemed lawful in Islam, based on the two authoritative sources, the Qur'an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad. (Source:CIE)
