Glossary of Terms Khaleelpudur00:08 0 comments

Glossary of Terms

 

Allah

The Creator of the Universe known as "God the Father" to Christians and "El" or "Yahweh" to the Jews. Allah^(SWT) is singular and is not human nor part of a Trinity, as in Christianity. The Holy Quran contains around 100 beautiful names (attributes) for Allah^(SWT) through which Muslims may understand and recognize the Creator of the Universe.

Allahu Akbar

Literally means "Allah is the Greatest". This is perhaps the most frequently used expression around the world. Muslims use it to praise Allah^(SWT) throughout the day.

Alham Dolellah

Literally means "Praise be to Allah" or "Thanks to Allah".

Aqeedah

One's belief or way of thinking.

Asr

The obligatory late afternoon prayer.

Assalamu Alaikum

Literally means "Peace be Upon You". It is the expression used by Muslims to greet each other.

Astaghforellah

Literally means "I ask forgiveness from Allah".

Auzo Bellahe Menash Shaitaner Rajim

Literally means "I seek Allah refuge from the treachery of the outcasted Satan".

Ayah

Literally translates as a "miracle or sign". This is the smallest unit of revelation (verse) contained in the Holy Quran.

Ayat

Literally translates as "miracles or signs". This refers to several verses in the Holy Quran.

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

Literally means "In the name of Allah the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful". It is recorded at the beginning of all, except one, chapter of the Holy Quran.

Dajjal

A great liar or deceiver. (Anti-Christ)

Dawah

Missionary work to invite all people to Islam.

Deen

Way of life or religion.

Dua

A prayer.

Dunya

Human life in this world and current form.

Eid

Islamic Religious holidays and occasions for celebration. Muslims have two such days: The first occurs after the month of fasting and the second in remembrance of the Prophet Abraham^(pbuh).

Fajr

The obligatory prayer to be offered before sunrise.

Fard

Something that every Muslim has to perform. (5 daily prayers, fasting, helping the needy, pilgrimage, etc.).

Fatwa

Legal opinion concerning Islamic Law.

Fiqh

Having a complete understanding of Islamic jurisprudence.

Fitnah

Translates into "civil strife, war, riot, or satanic act".

Hadith

This word literally means "sayings" and could refer to the recorded quotes of anyone. Usually, it is the title given to the collection of recorded words and actions of the prophet Muhammad^(SAW) which serve as an explanation of the meaning of the Holy Quran (the way Prophet^(SAW) taught it). Some well-known collectors of Hadith are Imam Al-Bukhari, Imam Muslim, Imam An-Nasa'i, Imam Abu Dawood, Imam At-Tirmizi, and Imam Majah.

Hajj

The mandatory pilgrimage to Mekkah during a predefined period of time. Each Muslim, who has the means, is required to perform this trip at least once in his/her life time.

Halal

Something lawful or permitted in Islam.

Haraam

Something unlawful or forbidden in Islam.

Imam

Imam is a religious scholar or someone very knowledgeable about Islam who leads the congressional prayers.

In Sha Allah

"If Allah wills" or "I pray that Allah wills".

Isha

The obligatory prayer to be offered after sunset in late evening.

Islam

Literally means "Submission to the Creator of the Universe". In this context, Islam is the only religion recognized by God. Its message (There is no Deity but God) was the same Message delivered by all Prophets. This divine religion was completed with revelations (Quran) given to the last Prophet Muhammad^(SAW) of Arabia.

Istighfar

To ask for God's forgiveness.

Istekhara

Prayer to request guidance from Allah^(SWT) on a matter of great importance.

Jahannam

Hell.

Jazakallahu Khayran

Literally means "May Allah reward you for your good deed."

Jannah

Paradise.

Jihad

To strive hard for a better way of life or to fight to defend one's life, property, freedom, and religion. It can also refer to attempt to free other people from oppression and tyranny. Islam strongly opposes Kidnapping, Terrorism, or hijacking against civilian targets, even at the time of war.

Kabah

The cubed looking structure in Mekkah toward which all Muslims pray. This is the first house of worship built by Abraham^(pbuh) to glorify The Creator of the Universe.

Kafir

Literally means "to cover up the truth". It is used to refer to someone who is made aware of the Truth of Islam but refuses to worship Allah^(SWT) or submit to the will of God.

Kalima

Khatmay Nabuwat

It translates into "The Finality of Prophethood".  It is the Quranic message to humanity that the Prophet Muhammad^(SAW) of Arabia was the last Prophet or Messanger commissioned by Allah^(SWT) to humanity.

Khalifah

The religious and political head of the state for the Muslims.

Kuffar

Plural of Kafir meaning "Unbelievers".

Kufr

Blasphemous act or speech which shows one's ungratefullness to The Creator.

La Ilaha Illallah

Literally means "There is nothing worthy of worship except Allah".

Madinah/Medina

The city which was the first political center of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad^(SAW) grave site and mosque are located in this city.

Maghrib

The obligatory prayer to be offered right after sunset.

Masjid

The place of worship and prayer. Also called "Mosque".

Mekkah

The sacred city located in Saudia Arabia where Kabah is situated.  This is also the city where millions of Muslims perform their pilgrimage to.

Moemen

A Muslim with deep devotion and belief in Allah^(SWT) and Islam.

Mosque

The place of worship and prayer. Also called "Masjid".

Mubahala

This is a Quranic prayer duel in which two parties who differ on fundamental Islamic teachings get together and pray face to face asking for the intervention of Allah^(SWT).

Muhammad

The last Messenger of God to humanity. He was the last of the Prophets in a line which included such great prophets as Abraham, Noah, Moses, Jesus^(pbut). No new Prophets or Messengers will ever be sent to humanity. Muhammad^(SAW) was a direct descendant of Abraham(pbuh).

Munafiq

A Hypocrite Muslim who will be punished worst than an Unbeliever in the hereafter.

Mushrik

A polytheist or someone who puts something ahead of his/her obligation to The Creator.

Muslim

The name given to the followers of the divine religion of Islam. This name was first used by Abraham who is recognized as the father of Islam.

pbuh

Acronym for "Peace Be Upon Him or Her". Used most often in reference to prophets of God.

pbut

Acronym for "Peace Be Upon Them". Used most often in reference to prophets of God.

People of the Book

This is the term used by God in the holy Quran to refer collectively to the Jews and Christians.

Qiblah

The direction to Kabah in Mekkah. Muslims should face the Kabah during every formal prayer.

Qiyamah

The day of resurrection and judgment.

Quran

The infallible holy book of the Muslims. It contains the word of God in its original form and without any modifications. Refuting one single verse if the Holy Quran is equivalent to denouncing one's faith.

RA

This Acronym for "Radhiallahu anhu" is used when referring to close companions of the Prophet^(SAW). It translates into "May Allah be pleased with him or her."

SAW

Acronym for Arabic "Salla Allahu alaihi Wa Sallam". It means "peace be upon him", but it is used when referring to Prophet Muhammad^(SAW).

Sahabah

The term referring to the close companions of the Prophet^(SAW).

Salah

One the five formal and required daily prayers to be offered by all Muslims.

Sawm

Abstinence from food, drink, and bad habits, acts, or words from sunrise to sunset for an entire month. Fasting is required from all Muslims who are not ill.

Seerah

A recount of the life and accomplishments of the Holy Prophet of Islam.

Shaikh

A wise or elderly person.

Shaitan

Satan; the source of all evil in this world.

Sharia

The Set of Rules of Islam

Shirk

The act of holding any object, concept, or person in higher esteem or devotion than Allah^(SWT).

Shura

Consultation.

SWT

This is the Acronym for "Subhanahu wa ta'ala" meaning "Allah is pure of having partners and He is exalted from having a son."

Sunnah

A recount of the way prophet Muhammad^(SAW) conducted his life. It is meant to serve as an example for Muslims to follow.

Surah

One of the 114 chapters of the Holy Quran.

Ulama

The learned Muslim scholars.

Ummah

The community of Muslims.

Wudu

Purification (ablution) to be done prior to reading Quran or offering formal prayers.

Zakah

The portion of one's savings (after expenses) that needs to be donated to poor and the needy.

Zuhr

The obligatory prayer to be offered at noon, after sun moves always from its zenith.