Dictonary of Terms
Dictionary Of Terms
Name |
Meaning |
AALI ‘IMRAN: |
"The
family of ‘Imran". ‘Imran was the father of Mariam (Mary), the mother of
the Prophet Isa (Jesus), peace be upon them. Surah 3 of the Holy Qur’an. |
ABAA WASS STAKBARA MA’ AL-TASDEEQ (KUFR
AL): |
A
Major disbelief. Refusing to bow to Allah due to pride, even though
acknowledging the Divine Truth. It is the type of Kufr that Iblis
committed. Those Muslims who do not pray are committing this same sin.
See Kufr. |
ABADA: |
Forever. See Khalideen. |
ABU AL-QASIM: |
It
is the Kunya (see Kunya) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless
him and grant him peace. It is prohibited to have the Kunya of the Holy
Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. See Sahi Bukhari,
Hadith 205, Vol, 8. Sahi Muslim, Kitab-ul Adab. |
ABU BAKR, MAY ALLAH BE PLEASED WITH HIM: |
Also
spelled Abi Bakr. He was one of the greatest companions of Muhammad, May
Allah bless him and grant him peace. His full name is Abu Bakr as-Siddiq.
The Holy Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, called him
as-Siddiq because he always believed in Muhammad, may Allah bless him
and grant him peace, without any reservation. He was the first of the
four rightly guided Khalifaas (al-Khulafaa al-Rashideen) from 1113 AH.
The other three, may Allah bless them, were:
1). Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be
pleased with him 13-23 AH.
2). Uthman ibn ‘Affan, may Allah be
pleased with him, 24-36 AH.
3). Ali ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be
pleased with him, 36-40 AH. See Khalifaa. |
ABU LAHAB: |
Fiercest enemy of Islam and paternal uncle of Muhammad, may Allah bless
him and grant him peace. Surah 111 of the Holy Qur’an. Known as Suratul
Masad. |
ADAM, PEACE BE ON HIM: |
The
first man and a Prophet. He was created neither in paradise nor on
Earth, but in the realm of Allah’s mercy. From there he was sent to
Jannah (Paradise), from where later he was sent down to Earth. He had
many offsprings, the most famous ones are Habil (Abel ) and Qaabil
(Cain). See Holy Qur’an, Al-Baqarah (2):30-39, al-Maidah (5) 30-34. |
ADHAN: |
Islamic way for calling Muslims to prayer. The Adhan that is announced
today was formulated and formalized in 1AH. See Sahi Bukhari, Hadith
583, Vol.1. |
ADHKHAR: |
A
special type of good-scented grass found in the Hijaz area of Saudi
Arabia. Also known as Idhkhir. |
ADIAT (AL): |
"The
coursers". "Coursers" refer to war horses when they charge, stamp their
hooves, breathe heavily and snort in the course of the confusion of
battle. Surah 100 of the Holy Qur’an. |
AH: |
After Hijra. Hijra means emigration. The Islamic calendar starts from
the day Holy Prophet Muhammad, May Allah bless him and grant him peace,
emigrated from Makkah to Madinah, in 622 A.D. |
AHAD: |
1).
One.
2). The Incomparable. When referring to
Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala, this means: a. That He has no comparison in His
Essence or in any of His Attributes. b. that there is no deity (worthy
of worship) but Allah. |
AHADEETH: |
Sayings and traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him
and grant him peace, Singular: Hadith. |
AHKAM: |
Literally means "orders". In Islam, orders are subdivided into six
distinct categories:
1). Compulsory, (Fard) = severe
punishment if disobeyed. This takes two forms: a). Fard'ain = Compulsory
on every person, e.g. Salat. b). Fard Kifaya = Compulsory on at least
one person in the community, e.g. Salat al-janaza.
2). Necessary but not cumpulsory (Wajib),
e,g. Salat al-Juma'.
3). Recommended but not compulsory (Mustahab),
e.g. Sunnah prayers, Sadaqa.
4). Legal and allowed (Halal), e.g.
eating good food, marriage.
5). Dissaproved of, but not forbidden (Makrouh),
e.g. smoking tobacco.
6). Forbidden (Muharram, Haram), e.g.
Zina (fornication and adultery). |
AHLUL ABAIT: |
Literally means "the People of the House". A polite way of addressing
the wife and the members of the household. Sometimes used to refer to
the family of the Prophet Muhammad, may the blessings and peace of Allah
be upon him and on his family and on all his companions. The blessings
here are addressed to the entire household. See Holy Qur’an, Houd
(11):73. |
AHLUL KITAB WA SUNNAH: |
Literally means "The people of the Book (the Holy Qur’an) and the
sayings and traditions, (the Sunnah of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and
grant him peace)." This refers to the people who strive to follow
exactly the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and Muhammad, may Allah bless
him and grant him peace, without any deviations. |
AHLUL KITAB: |
Literally means "the People of the Scripture". It refers to Yahoud
(Jews), Nasara (Christian) and Saabe-een (Sabians). Those who believe in
the trinity and that Jesus is God and or the Son of God are considered
as Kuffar (unbelievers), even though they are Ahlul Kitab. See Maghdoub
and Daaleen. See Holy Qur’an, Yusuf Ali, Al-Maida (5):19, 75-76. See
Holy Qur’an, M. Pickhall, Al-Maida (5):17, 72-73. |
AHMAD: |
Another name of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.
Prophet Isa (Jesus), peace be on him, prophesied his coming. See
Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. See Holy Qur’an, As-Saff
(61):6. |
AHQAF (AL): |
Name
of Village in Yemen. Home of the people of ‘Ad. See "Ad. Surah 46 of the
Holy Qur’an. |
AHZAB: |
"The
Clans". A famous battle between the early Muslims and the rejectors, in
which the Muslims, under the directions of Salman al-Farisi, dug a
trench around the city of al-Madinah al-Munawarha to thwart the advance
of the unbelievers in 5AH. The battle is also known as the Battle of the
Khandaq(Battle of the Trench). See Holy Qur’an, An-Nur (24):55, Al-Ahzab
(33):920.Surah 33 of the Holy Qur’an. |
AISHA (MAY ALLAH BE PLEASED WITH HER): |
Daughter of Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him ) and wife
of Muhammad, may Allah bless and grant him peace. |
AJAL: |
1).
Yes.
2). Appointed time. In Islamic
terminology it refers to the (appointed) time of death. Allah Ta’ala
says in the Holy Qur’an that He will not, (and therefore no-one else
can), alter the time of someone’s death. Muslims reject such statements
as "the doctor saved his life", or "he would have lived longer if..."
Such statements are made by those who do not believe in Allah or do not
have the understanding of the necessity to believe in Allah, thus
exposing themselves and saying that the power over life and death is
within human capability. |
AJTANIBOU: |
"Leave it!" Gambling and intoxicants were prohibited by Allah in the
strongest terms possible, "Ajtanibou!". It is the highest level of
forbidding what is haram. Haram = not only haram, but also a direct
prohibition ordered by Allah Ta’ala. "Ajtanibou!" = not only haram, but
also a direct command not to approach or be near it for any reason
whatsoever. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Baqarah (2):219, Al-Maida (5):93. |
AJWAH: |
A
kind of Dates. |
AJZA: |
Parts. the Holy Qur’an is divided into thirty parts. Singular: Juz. |
AKALA: |
Literally means "ate". In Islamic theology, it usually means:
1). devouring what is forbidden,
whether it be mental, moral, social, physical or spiritual. See Holy
Qur’an, Al-Maida (5):69.
2). Spiritual "eating" of the good
things in the hereafter in Jannah (Paradise). See Holy Qur’an, Ar-Ra’d
(13):35. |
AKBAR (SHIRK AL): |
Major Shirk. This is divided into four categories:
1). Shirk Ad-Du’a.
2). Shirk al-Niyyah wal Iraada wal
Qasd.
3). Shirk-al-Ta’a.
4). Shirk al-Muhabbah. For full
explanation see Shirk. |
AKHIRA: |
The
Hereafter. Not the life in the Barzakh (the life of the grave), but the
life in Jannah (Paradise) or the Nar (Hellfire). |
AL-’ARSH: |
Throne of Allah al-Malik al-Qudus, al-Aziz al-Hakeem. See Surah Taha
(20):5 |
AL-’UZZA: |
A
famous goddess in the Hijaz used to be worshipped by the pagan Arabs in
the pre-Islamic period of ignorance. See Holy Qur’an, An-Najm (53):19. |
ALAIKA SALAAM: |
Peace be on him. This is said whenever the name of a malak (an Angel), a
nabi (a Prophet) or a rasool (a Messenger) of Allah is mentioned, except
for the name or title of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallahu ‘aliehe wa
sallam). See Sallahu ‘alaihe wa sallam. |
ALAM: |
World. Singular of ‘Alameen. See 'Alameen. |
AL-AMANAH: |
The
trust or the moral reponsibility or honesty, and all the duties which
Allah has ordained. |
ALAMEEN: |
Takes its root word from "Alam", meaning world. The Qur’anic meaning of
‘Alameen varies from verse to verse, depending on the context in which
it is placed.
1). In Surah 1:2, it means "of all the
worlds".
2). In Surah 3:42, it means "of all
nations"
3). In Surah 3:97, it means "of all
created beings". "Wa ma arsalna illa rahmatan lil ‘Alameen." (We have
not sent you [O Muhammad] but as a mercy to all creation.) Surah Al-Anbiya
21:107. |
AL-AQIQ: |
A
valley 7km west of al-Madinah al-Munawarah. |
AL-ARBA'AH: |
The
four compilers of - Abu Da'ud, Nasa'i, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah. |
AL-GHURRU AL-MUHAJJALUN: |
A
name that will be given to those Muslims who, on the Day of
Resurrection, will have parts of their bodies shining due to their
perfect ablution practices. Read Bukhari, Hadith 138, Vol. 1. |
AL-HAMD: |
1).
All praise (is to Allah).
2). Another name for Suratul-Fatiha.
Surah 1 of the Holy Qur’an. |
AL-HAMD: |
1).
All praise (is to Allah).
2). Another name for Suratul-Fatiha.
Surah 1 of the Holy Qur’an. |
AL-HAMDU LILLLAH: |
Praise be to Allah. Should be said on all occasions and especially after
sneezing. Abu Huraira related that the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless
him and grant him peace, said: ‘When any one of you sneezes, then he
should say "Al-Hamdulillah", and his brother or friend (who listens)
should respond by saying "Yarhamuk Allah", (Allah have mercy upon you).
and then the person sneezing should reciprocate by saying "Yahdikumullah
wa yuslahu balakum" ( may Allah guide you and improve your condition).
Sahi Bukhari. |
ALI IBN ABI TALIB, MAY ALLAH BE PLEASED
WITH HIM: |
One
of the greatest companions of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him
and grant him peace. The last of the four rightly guided Khalifs
(al-Khulafaa al-Rashideen), may Allah bless with him, he ruled from 36AH
to 40AH. He was martyred while praying in the Masjid (mosque). See
Khalifaa |
ALIF LAM MIM: |
Abbreviated letters, called al-Muqtta’at, revealed at the start of
certain Suwar of the Holy Qur’an. |
AL-INFITAR: |
"The
Cleaving". Surah 82 of the Holy Qur’an. |
AL-JUHFA: |
Miqat of the people of Shaam. See Miqat. |
AL-KURSI: |
The
seat of Allah, Al-Hayyu al-Qayoum. The size of His seat extends over all
the heavens and earth. Even though it is such a huge creation, it is
still much smaller than the ‘Arsh (the Throne) of Allah Ta’ala. Surah
2:225 is called Ayatul Kursi. See Surah al-Baqara (2):255 see ‘Arsh. |
ALLAH AKBAR: |
Allah is the Greatest. |
ALLAH HUMMA: |
"O
Allah". This is said when invoking Allah Ta’ala. For example, "Allah
humma atina fid dunya hasana wa fil akhirati hasana wa qin a ‘adhab
an-nar". "O Allah, give us the good of this world and the good of the
Hereafter and preserve us from the Hellfire." |
ALLAH TA’ALA: |
Allah the Exalted. See Subhana wa Ta’ala. |
ALLAH: |
The
name of the Creator of the universe and all that it contains.It is
derived from the word "Ilah" which means "the One deserving all
worship", the One to whom all hearts submit in love, fear, reverence,
desire, trust and sincerity, and to whom all limbs submit in all forms
of worship such as prayers, supplications, sacrifices, invocations, etc.
Allah has decreed that His Holy name is "Allah" and has ordained that
all His creation call upon Him by the name of "Allah". In the original
Bible and Taurat (in the Hebrew text), the name "Allah" is used. In
Islam, the name God is not used for fear of misunderstanding. To the
Christians, it will give them a mental image of a human being (the
Prophet Jesus, son of Mary, Peace be on him), to some Hindus it creates
a mental picture of an animal (a cow). To the Zoroastrians it creates a
picture of a fire. Allah, there is none but He, King of universe, the
Creator and Originator of all that there is, He has no beginning nor
end. He was not begotten nor did He beget. He is not like anything. |
AL-MAQAM AL-MAHMOOD: |
The
highest station in Jannah (Paradise). This place will be granted to the
Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and to
no-one else. Sahi Bukhari, Hadith 242, Vol. 6. |
AL-YAS, PEACE BE ON HIM: |
Elisha. A Prophet of Islam. See Holy Qur’an, Al-An’aam (6):36 Saad
(38):48. |
AMIN: |
O
Allah, accept our invocation. |
AMIRUL MUMINEEN: |
Commander of the Faithful. Title of the leader in the Islamic nation
after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant
him peace. The first four faithful commanders of the new Islamic nation
were called Al-Khulafaa al-Rashideen, "the rightly-guided Khulafas" (see
Khalifaa). They were given this title because they carried out their
duties perfectly according to the Holy Qur’an and the practices and
teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him
peace. |
AMMA BA'DU: |
An
expression used for separating an introductory main topic in a speech;
the introductory topic is usually concerned with Allah's Praises and
glorification. Literally it means, "whatever comes after." It is
generally translated as "then after" or "to proceed." |
AMR BILL MA’ROOF: |
Enjoining the good. The full version is "Amr bill Ma’roof wa nahi ‘anil
Munkar". (enjoining the good and forbidding the evil). |
AN’AAM: |
The
Cattle". Surah 6 of the Holy Qur’an. |
ANBIYAA (AL): |
"The
Prophets". Surah 21 of the Holy Qur’an. |
ANFAAL (AL): |
"The
Spoils of War." Surah 8 of the Holy Qur’an. |
ANSAAB: |
Idols. See Holy Qur’an, Al-baqara (2):219. |
ANSAR: |
Literally means "Helpers".
1). The Inhabitants of Madinah, the Aus
and the Khazraj tribes, who embraced Islam and supported the Muslim
emigrants against the pagan Quraish and other tribes who made war on the
Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. See Ansari.
2). Helpers of the Prophet Isa (the
Prophet Jesus, son of Mary), peace be on him. See Holy Qur’an, As-Saff
(61):14 Singular: Ansari |
ANSARI: |
An
inhabitant of Madina who embraced Islam and supported the Muslim
emigrants who had fled from persecution in Makkah and other places
during the time of greater repression against the Holy Prophet Muhammad,
may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and his companions, may Allah
be pleased with them all. See Holy Qur’an, Suwar Al-Hashr (59):9, Al-Munafiqun
(63):7. |
AQIQ (AL): |
A
valley in Al-Madina about seven kilometers west of it |
AQIQAH: |
It
is the Sacrificing of one or two sheeps on the occasion of the birth of
a child, as a token of gratitude to Allah. See Sahi Al-Bukhari, The Book
of 'Aqiqah, Vol. 7, Page No. 272. |
AQRA HALQA: |
It
is just an exclamatory expression, the literal meaning of which is not
meant always. It expresses disapproval. |
ARAAK (AL): |
A
tree from Siwak is made. See Siwak. |
ARAF (AL): |
"
The Heights". Surah 7 of the Holy Qur’an. |
AREEM: |
May
be translated as dams or embankment. The ‘Areme (dam) that is referred
to in Surah 34:16 is the Maarib Dam whose traces still exist in Yemen. |
ARKAN: |
Pillars. This refers to the indispensable pillars of Islam. There are
five Arkan of Islam: 1. Shahadatain, bearing witness. All Muslims must
believe in and utter the Shahadatain.
1). The first Shahada is: Ashhadu an la
illaha illal ‘lah. (I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of
worship except Allah.)
2). The Second Shahada: Ashhadu anna
Muhammadar Rasoolullah. ( I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger
of Allah.) Singular: Shahada = bearing witness, Dual: shahadatain =
Bearing witness. 3. Seeam, fasting. Also spelled as Saum. To fast in the
month of Ramadan. 4. Zakat, wealth dues. To pay 2.5% of one’s yearly
savings to the poor and needy Muslims. The Zakat is compulsory on all
Muslims who have saved (at least) the equivalent of 85g of 24 carat gold
at the time when the annual Zakat payment is due. Zakat is also due on
other things such as silver, animals, crops, etc. For full explanation
on Zakat refer to the relevant books written on the subject. 5. Hajj,
pilgrimage. To perform the pilgrimage to the Holy City of Makkah at
least once in one’s lifetime (if one is able to afford it). |
ARKAN: |
Pillars. This refers to the indispensable pillars of Islam. There are
five Arkan of Islam: 1. Shahadatain, bearing witness. All Muslims must
believe in and utter the Shahadatain.
1). The first Shahada is: Ashhadu an la
illaha illal ‘lah. (I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of
worship except Allah.)
2). The Second Shahada: Ashhadu anna
Muhammadar Rasoolullah. ( I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger
of Allah.) Singular: Shahada = bearing witness, Dual: shahadatain =
Bearing witness. 3. Seeam, fasting. Also spelled as Saum. To fast in the
month of Ramadan. 4. Zakat, wealth dues. To pay 2.5% of one’s yearly
savings to the poor and needy Muslims. The Zakat is compulsory on all
Muslims who have saved (at least) the equivalent of 85g of 24 carat gold
at the time when the annual Zakat payment is due. Zakat is also due on
other things such as silver, animals, crops, etc. For full explanation
on Zakat refer to the relevant books written on the subject. 5. Hajj,
pilgrimage. To perform the pilgrimage to the Holy City of Makkah at
least once in one’s lifetime (if one is able to afford it). |
AS: |
See
‘Alaihe as-Salam. |
ASABAH: |
All
male relatives of a deceased person from the father's side. |
ASBAB AN-NAZUL: |
The
specific reason and circumstances for the revelation of various verses
of the Holy Qur’an. For example: Surat at-Tauba, Ayat 79-80 (the story
of Abu ‘Aqeel). In 9AH Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him
peace, asked for contributions to finance his Tabuk expedition. Being
very poor, but still yearning to contribute, Abu ‘Aqeel decided to offer
his services, which lasted from dusk till dawn. He received only two
handfuls of barley in payment. He took the entire payment and presented
it to Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. A group of
Munafiqeen (Hyprocrites) saw this and started to deride Abu ‘Aqeel by
saying. "Look at Abu ‘Aqeel, does he think that Allah is in need of such
a pathetic donation?" Allah Ta’ala become so angry with them that He
immediately sent down the Holy Spirit Jibreel (The Angel Gabriel), peace
be on him, to reveal Surah 9:79:80 to Muhammad, may Allah bless him and
grant him peace. |
ASGHAR (KUFR AL): |
A
minor disbelief. Being unappreciative of what Allah Ta’ala has provided.
See Kufr: |
ASGHAR (SHIRK AL): |
A
Minor Shirk: 1. Shirk ar-Rea’. It is carrying out a religious act for
worldly gains and not for the pleasure of Allah. For example, giving
Zakat (charity) for the sake of fame or praise. 2. Shirk At-Tasmee’: a).
Swearing by other than Allah. b). To say: "I depend on Allah and you."
c). To depend on any man. d). To say: "Oh Allah, by the honour of
Muhammad do such and such for me." e). Any belief, saying or action that
might lead to Al-Shirk al-Akbar (Major Shirk). See Shirk. |
ASHAB AL-MAIMANA: |
Literally means "companions of the Right", the righteous people. On the
Day of Resurrection, Allah Ta’ala will sort out the good and evil. They
will be divided into three groups: Muqarraboon - the exalted class,
those who are nearest to Allah Ta’ala. Ashab al-Maimana - the righteous
people, those who are destined to enter Jannah (Paradise). Ashab al-Ma-Mash’ama
- literally means "companions of the left"; these people will be the
inheritors of the Nar (Hellfire). For full explanations of; Muqarraboon,
see Surah Al-Waqi’ah (56): 11-26; Ashab al-Maimana, see Surah 56:27-40.
Ashab al-Mash’ama see Surah Al-Waqi’ah (56):41-56. |
ASHAB AL-MASH’AMA: |
Literally means "companions of the left", the evil-doers. These people
will be the companions of the Nar (Hellfire) on the Day of Resurrection.
For full explanation: See Ashab al-Maimana. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Waqi’a
(56):41-56. |
ASHAB AS-SUNNA: |
The
Compilers of the Prophetic Ahadith on Islamic Jurisprudence. |
ASHABUL AIKA: |
Dwellers of the wood. Another name for the Midianites. See Madyan. See
Holy Qur’an, Al-Hijr (15):78, Al-Shu’ara (26):176-191. |
ASHARAFUL MURSALEEN: |
The
Most Honoured of all the Prophets. One of the titles of the Holy
Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. |
ASH-SHAJARA: |
A
famous place between Madinah and Makkah. |
ASIYA: |
The
wife of Fir’aun (Pharoah). She is one of the four greatest created
females, the other three being;
1). Mariam (Mary), may Allah be pleased
with her, the mother of the Prophet Isa (Jesus), peace be on him.
2). Khadija, may Allah be pleased with
her, the first wife of Muhammad, may Allah bless and grant him peace.
3). Fatima, may Allah be pleased with
her, the daughter of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. |
ASLAHA: |
Reformed, mended, corrected, improved ways of behavior. See Holy Qur’an,
Al-Anbiyaa 921):90. |
ASMA WA SIFAAT (TAWHEED AL): |
Unity of Names and Attributes of Allah Ta’ala. To believe that:
1). None can qualify or name Allah
except as He or Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, named
or qualified Him.
2). None can be named or qualified with
Names of the Attributes that belong only to Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala. For
example, none may be called ‘Al-Muhyee" (the Giver of Life) except for
Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala himself.
3). We must believe in all the Ayat and
Ahadeth (sahih) regarding the attributes of Allah without altering their
meaning in any way whatsoever.For full list of the attributes of Allah
Ta’ala: See Tawheed. |
ASMAUL HUSNA (AL): |
The
Ninety-nine Beautiful Names (Attributes) of Allah Ta’ala. It is haram to
add or to delete from the list of Attributes of Allah. It is also haram
to give such attributes to anyone else. For the full list of Al-Asmaul
Husna:See appendix 1 |
ASSALAMU ‘ALAYKUM: |
"Peace be on you". Greeting of the Muslims. The response to this
greetings is "Wa ‘Alaikum Assalam wa Rahmatul-lahi wa Barakatuh", And on
you be the Peace and Mercy of Allah and His Blessing. |
AS-SIDDIQ: |
"The
Truthful". This title was given to Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with
him, by the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him
peace. When Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, related
his experience of Al-Isra (his night journey to Masjidil Al-Aqsa in
Jerusalem) Wal Mi’raj (and his ascension through the seven heavens) to
Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, he immediately and without any
reservation replied "Sadaqt": "You have spoken the truth". From that on
Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, came to be known as Abu Bakr
as-Siddiq. |
ASTAGHFIRUL’LLAH: |
I
seek forgiveness from Allah: |
ATHAR: |
Sayings of the Sahabah, the companions of the Prophet Muhammad, may the
peace and blessing of Allah be on him and them. |
AWLIYAA: |
Protectors, friends, supporters, helpers. Comes from the same root word
as Maula. Singular: Walee. |
AYAH: |
A
verse of the Holy Qur’an. Literally means "a sign". Plural: Ayat. |
AYAT AL-KURSI |
Allah! There is no god but He, the Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal.
No slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things In the heavens
and on earth. Who is there that can intercede in his presence except As
He permitteth? He knoweth What (appeareth to His Creatures As) before or
after Or behind them. Nor shall they compass Aught of His knowledge
Except as He willeth. His Throne doth extend Over the heavens And the
earth, and He feeleth No fatigue in guarding And preserving them For He
is the Most High, The supreme (in Glory). Al-Baqara (2):255
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
AYAT AL-KURSI: |
The
255th verse of Surah al-baqarah (2) in the Holy Qur’an. See the
beginning of Section (A) of this book. |
AYAT: |
Literally means signs (of Allah Ta’ala).
1). Verses of the Holy Qur’an are
called Ayat because each one is a sign from Allah Ta’ala for those who
understand.
2). Within the Ayat (verse) themselves
Allah gives us numerous Ayat (signs), amongst which are: a) His power b)
His creation (earth, heavens, universe, etc..) c) What is in store for
those who reject Allah and His messengers and what is in store for the
righteous who accepted Allah and His messengers. |
AYOUB, PEACE BE ON HIM: |
Job.
A Prophet of Islam. He was renowned for his patience, hence the idiom "Sabr
Ayoub" (the patience of Job), which means complete patience and
constancy. |
AYYAM AT-TASRIQ: |
It
is a term used for eleventh, twelfth and thirteen of Dhul-Hijjah. |
AYYIM: |
A
woman who already has had a sexual experience, who maybe widowed or
divorced. |
AZLAAM: |
Literally means "arrows". It was used in divination to seek good fortune
in any decision taken by the pre-Islamic pagan Arabs. See Holy Qur’an,
al-Maida (5):90. |
AZWAJA: |
Pairs, as in Husband and wife. |
B
Name |
Meaning |
BA’ATH: |
In
Islamic terminology, this means the resurrection of the Muslims and the
Kuffar (unbelievers). The Ba’ath of the Kuffar (unbelievers) and the
subsequent stages leading to the Nar (Hellfire) is in five stages: (1).
The Kuffar will be raised with all their senses being active, i.e. they
will be able to feel, see, hear, smell and taste. (2). On their way to
the place of judgment they will still have their senses active. (3).
They will be judged with all their senses intact.(4). On their way to
Nar (Hellfire) they will lose all their senses. (5). When put into the
Nar (Hellfire), they will regain all their senses so as to feel Allah
Ta’ala's wrath. |
BAATIL: |
Evil, False. |
BAATIN (AL): |
"Al-Baatin".
Has no literal meaning, but indicates "the Inwardly Hidden". It also
means the One Who is close to his Creation by His Knowledge, Sight and
Hearing. One of Ninety-nine Attributes of Allah Ta’ala. |
BAATIN: |
Baatin has no exact translation, but the closest translation is "what is
inwardly hidden, unseen; the thing or feeling that is being hidden away
from human vision or knowledge." No created being has the ‘Ilm al-Baatin
(the knowledge of the unseen), except with the permission of Allah
Ta’ala. The knowledge of the unseen belongs to Allah Ta’ala only. Anyone
who claims to have or claims that someone else has the knowledge of the
unknown is in fact Shirk (associating a created being with Allah Ta’ala
in his Attributes). Antonym Dhahir. |
BAB AL-RAIYAN: |
The
name of one of the eight gates of Jannah (Paradise) through which the
people who often observes fasting will enter on the Day of Judgment. See
Jannah. |
BABU AL-ASFAR: |
The
Byzantines. |
BADANA: |
A
she-camel offered as a sacrifice. Plural: Budn. |
BADR: |
Site
of the first battle between early Muslims and the pagans of the Quraish
in 2AH. Badr is located about 150km South of al-Madinah al-Munawara. The
Muslim army consisted of 313 men and the Quraish had a total of 1000
soldiers, archers and horsemen, See Holy Qur’an, Al-Anfal (8):5-19,
42-48, Aali Imran (3):13. |
BAGHIA: |
Prostitute. This is the accusation that the Jews levelled against the
Virgin Mary (mother of Prophet Isa (Jesus), peace be upon them , when
she conceived the prophet Isa, peace be on him, without a father. May
Allah curse those whoever harbor such an accusation. |
BAGYAN: |
Rejecting or disobeying, not through conviction, but through personal
greed, jealousy, the desire to be different or just for show. See Holy
Qur’an, Aale ‘Imran (3):19. |
BAHIRAH (AL): |
A
milking she-camel, whose milk used to be spared for idols and other
false deities. |
BAI'AH: |
A
pledge given by the citizens etc. to their Imam (Muslim Ruler) to be
obedient to him according to the Islamic religion. |
BAI'AT UR-RIDWAN: |
The
oath and pledge taken by the Sahabah at Al-Hudaibiyah in the year of 6H
to fight Quraish in case they harmed 'Uthman (may Allah be pleased with
him) who had gone to negotiate with them and reported to have been taken
captive. |
BAITUL HAMD: |
House of praise to Allah in the Akhira (Hereafter). |
BAITUL MA’MUR (AL): |
House of Allah over the Seventh Heaven where the Malaikah (angels) pray. |
BAITUL MADARIS: |
A
place in al-Madinah that used to be a Jewish center. |
BAITUL MAL: |
An
Islamic treasury intended for the benefit of the Masaken (needy Muslims)
and not for the leaders or the wealthy. |
BAITUL MAQDIS (MASJID AL-AQSA): |
The
famous Masjid (mosque) in Al-Quds (Jerusalem). It was the first Qiblah
of Islam. Then Allah Ta’ala ordered Muhammad, may Allah bless him and
grant him peace, to face the first house of Allah (the ka’ba) at Makkah
al-Mukarramah. Baitul Maqdis is the third greatest Masjid in t he
Islamic world, the first being the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and the
second being Masjid al-Rasool, may Allah bless and grant him peace, at
al-Madinah. It is from the surroundings of Baitul maqdis that Prophet
Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, ascended to heaven.
See Holy Qur’an, Al-Isra (17):1. |
BAIT-UL-MIDRAS: |
A
place in Madinah (and it was a Jewish center). |
BAKKA: |
Another name for Makkah. See Holy Qur’an, Ale ‘Imran (3):96. |
BALAD (AL): |
"The
City’ of Makkah. Surah 90 of the Holy Qur’an. |
BALAM: |
Means an Ox. |
BANI AL-ASFAR: |
The
Byzantines. |
BANI ISRAEL: |
"Tribe of Israel" The descendants of the twelve sons of Yacoub, who was
also called Israel, the son of Ishaq, who was, the son of the Prophet
Ibrahim, peace be on them all.
Another name for Suratul al-Isra. Surah
17 of the Holy Qur’an. |
BANI NADHEER: |
A
Jewish tribe who lived about three miles south of Madinah during the
time of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Four months
after their treachery at the time of the Battle of Uhud, when they
planned to betray the Muslims and kill the Messenger of Allah, the
Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, expelled most
of them to Syria and the rest to khaibar. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Hashr
(45):26 |
BANI QURAIDHA: |
A
Jewish tribe from Madinah. Along with the Quraish tribe of Makkah, they
plotted to destroy the Prophet Mohammad, may Allah bless him and grant
him peace, by attacking Muslims from within Madinah at the Battle of the
Ditch, but when they lost they ask to have their fate judged by Sa’d ibn
Muaz (the chief of the Aus ‘the Ansar’ tribe) because he used to be
their ally. Sa’d judged them according to their own law, the Taurat
(Torah), and ordered that every male be killed, all their women be sold
as captives and all their belongings be divided amongst the Muhajirs
(Deut. 20:13-14, 16). See Holy Qur’an, Al-Ahzab (33):26-27. |
BAQARA (AL): |
"The
Heifer" Surah 2 of the Holy Qur’an. |
BAQI: |
A
cemetery at Madinah. Many of the Shabiyeen (companions) of the Prophet
Mohammad are buried there, may the blessing and peace of Allah be on him
and his family and his companions and all those who follow him and them. |
BARAAT (AL): |
"The
Immunity". Another name for Suratul Taubah. Surah 9 of the Holy Qur’an. |
BARRAH: |
Means pious, innocent, clean, inwardly pure. |
BARZAKH: |
Literally means partition or barrier. In Islamic terminology it usually
means the life in the grave, because the life in the grave is the
interface 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 Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. We will also
be shown the Jannah and the Nar (Paradise and Hellfire) after which we
would know which of these two places we will occupy after having been
judged. |
BAYAN: |
Intelligent speech, as opposed to sounds which have no power of
expression or meaning. |
BAYINA (AL): |
"The
Clear Proof". Surah 98 of the Holy Qur’an. |
BID’A: |
Any
innovated practices introduced in the religion of Allah. The Prophet
Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said that every Bid’a
is a deviation from the true path and that every deviation leads to
Hellfire. |
BIDH’A: |
A
small amount. Normally the amount is between three to nine, e.g. Bidh’a
Tamarat (few dates), Bidh’a Sanawat (a few years). |
BINT LABUN: |
Two
year-old she camel. |
BINT MAKHAD: |
One
year-old she camel. |
BIRR WA TAQWA: |
Righteousness and awe of the Creator which inspires a person to be on
guard against wrong action and eager for doing things which are pleasing
to Allah. |
BISMILLAH: |
"In
the Name of Allah". (1). This statement is usually made by every Muslim
who is about to embark on anything that is Halal (lawful), however
trival that act or deed may seem. (2). First verse Suratul Fatiha.(3).
To be recited before the beginning of every Surah except for Suratul
Taubah (Surah 9 of the Holy Qur’an). |
BU’ATH: |
Two
miles from Madinah. Also the site of a battle between the al-Aus tribe
(who later became the Ansar) and the al-Khazraj in the-pre Islamic era |
BUDN: |
Plural of Badana.See Badana. |
BUKHIL: |
Spendthrift. Allah Ta’ala has forbidden mankind to be either misers or
over-generous to a fault. See Holy Qur’an, Suwar Al-Isra (17):26-29, Al-Furqan
(25):67. |
BURAIHAA: |
One
of the Abu Talha’s gardens (opposite the Masjid al-Rasool) when
Rasoolullah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, used to go to rest
and drink its fresh water. |
BURAQ: |
An
animal larger than a donkey and smaller than a horse on which the Holy
Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, went on the
Mi’raj. See Mi’raj. |
BURD, BURDA: |
A
black ,square, narrow dress. |
BURNUS: |
A
hooded cloak. |
BURUD: |
Plural of Barid. One Barid is equal to 4 Farsakh = 12 miles = 19.31
Kilometers. |
BURUJ (AL): |
"The
Zodiacal Signs". Surah 85 of the Holy Qur’an. This refers to the
constellations in the heavens themselves, not to the astrologers' ‘Stars
signs’. |
BUTHAN: |
A
valley in Al-Madinah. |
C
Name |
Meaning |
DA’WA: |
Propagation of Islam through words and actions, calling people to follow
the commandments of Allah Ta’ala. |
DABAAH: |
(1).
The Beast. The beast that will come out of the earth and will speak to
man. His appearance will be one of the major signs of the coming of the
Last Day. (2). In general, every living creature that moves on this
earth. See Holy Qur’an, an-Naml (27):82-83. |
DABOUR (AD): |
A
great westerly windstorm. Type of storm that destroyed the people of
‘Ad. |
DAGHABIS: |
Snake cumbers. It is a plural of Daghabus. |
DAHR (AD): |
"The
Time". Another name of Suratul Insan. Suratul 76 of the Holy Qur’an. Ad-Dhar
indicates the space/time continuum. |
DAJJAL (AD): |
Anti-Christ. Also known as Maseeh ad-Dajjal. See Ahadeeth regarding "the
Final Hour" in both Sahi books. Sahi Bukhari, Hadith 649, 650, Vol. IV.
Sahi Muslim, kitab al-Fafitan wa Isharat as-Say’ah. |
DANIQ: |
A
coin equal to one-sixth of a Dirham. |
DAR-AL-QADA: |
Justice House (court). |
DAWOOD, PEACE BE ON HIM: |
David. A prophet of Islam. The prophet to whom the Zabour was revealed,
and who fought Jaluth (Goliath) and killed him. See Holy Qur’an, Saad
(38):17-26. |
DAYYAN: |
Allah; it literally means the One Who judges people from their deeds
after calling them to account. |
DEEN: |
(1).
Usually translated as ‘Religion’, but in fact meaning ‘life
transaction’, the transaction being between Allah and each of his
created beings. The life-transaction, or religion, of Allah Ta’ala is
universal. It is the way of Islam (submission of will to Allah Ta’ala).
He sent the same message to Nooh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa
(Moses), Isa (Jesus) and all the other Prophets, peace be upon them all,
but mankind, through ignorance or intentional misguidance by others has
altered that religion of Allah again and again. Allah Ta’ala sent the
Holy Qur’an as the final revelation and guidance for mankind and the
Jinn who will be judged on the Day of Resurrection. (2). Also indicates
the Judgment itself, i.e. "Yaum al-Deen". (Judgment Day). |
DHAALEEN: |
"Those that have gone astray" (Surah 1:7). Refers to the Nasara
(Christian), because they have forgotten much of Allah Ta’ala’s message
and started to worship a human (the Prophet Isa’ Jesus, son of Mary’),
peace be on him, mistaking him for a divine being and thus placing
themselves in the same category as those who worship created objects,
such as stars, fire, idols, various animals, etc. See Holy Qur’an,
al-Maida (5):15. |
DHAHIR (AD): |
"Ad-Dhahir",
The Outwardly Manifest. One of the ninety-nine Attributes of Allah
Ta’ala. It means the One Who is above everything and nothing is above
Him. |
DHAHIR: |
The
seen or the visible. The thing or feeling that is made known or visible.
Antonyms: Baatin. See Baatin. |
DHAREYAT (AL): |
"The
wind that scatters". Surah 51 of the Holy Qur’an. |
DHAT-IRQ: |
Miqat for the pilgrims coming from Iraq. |
DHAT-UN-NITAQAIN: |
Asma',
the daughter of Abu Bakr (ra). It literally means a woman with two
belts. She was named so by the Prophet (Peace be upon him). |
DHAWI-AL-ARHAAM: |
Blood relative, especially parents, brother and sisters, uncles, sons
and daughters, and grandparents. |
DHI’L-KHALASA: |
Also
known as ka’aba al-Yamaniyah. A place where a pagan idol called Daus
used to be worshipped in Yemen in the pre-Islamic period of ignorance. |
DHIHAR: |
A
type of divorce which was common in pre-Islamic Arabia, but was made
Haram (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 not have 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. |
DHIKRUL-LLAH: |
Remembrance of Allah Ta’ala. Refers to every deed or action, intended or
carried out, that is aimed at gaining Allah Ta’ala’s pleasure. The five
pillars of Islam are its foundation. Recitation of Qur’an is its heart,
and invocation of single Name of Allah, it's end. |
DHIMMI: |
A
Non-Muslim living under the protection of Islamic rule. |
DHU’L QARNAIN: |
One
of the greatest rulers of ancient history. He was a true believer in
Allah Ta’ala. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Kahf (18):83. |
DHU’L-HIJJA: |
The
11th month of the Islamic Calendar. See Hijri. |
DHU’L-KIFEL, PEACE BE ON HIM: |
Ezekiel. A prophet of Islam. See Holy Qur’an: Al-Anbiyaa (21):85, Sad
(38):48. |
DHU’L-NOON, PEACE BE UPON HIM: |
The
Companion of the Fish. This is a title of the Prophet Yunus (Jonah),
peace be upon him. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Qalam (68):48 See Yunus. |
DHUL-FARA'ID: |
Those person whose share of inheritance described in the Qur'an are
called Dhul-Faraid, and the rest are Asabah. |
DHUL-KHLASAH: |
Al-Kahbah
Al-Yamaniyah. (A house in Yemen where idols used to be worshipped. It
belonged to the tribe of Khat'am and Bujailah). |
DHULM: |
Usually wrongly spelled as Zulm. It means injustice, harm, wrongdoing or
transgression either against oneself or someone else. (1). Against
oneself. Doing deeds or saying words which will bring the displeasure of
Allah Ta’ala. These deeds may be physical or spiritual that will
ultimately harm the soul. (2). Against others. In any form whatsoever,
whether they be physical or mental. Its opposite id Nur, Light. |
DHUL-MAHRAM: |
A
man, whom a woman can never marry because of close relationship (e.g. a
bother, a father, an uncle); or her own husband. |
DHULUMAAT: |
Darkness In the sense of lurking danger. See Holy Qur’an, Al-An’aam
(6):63. This is where the word Dhulm (Injustice) is derived, for
injsutice in whatever form is an evil darkness. |
DHU-TUWA: |
It
is one of the valleys (district) of Makkah and there is a well-known
well in it. In the lifetime of the Prophet (peace be upon him), Makkah
was a small city and this well was outside its precincts. Nowadays
MAkkah is a Larger city and the well is within its boundary. |
DIBAJ: |
Pure
silk cloth. |
DINAR: |
An
ancient gold coin. |
DIRHAM: |
A
silver weighing 50 grains of barley with cut ends. It is equal to 1/12
of one Uqiyyah of Gold in Value. |
DIYA: |
Blood money, paid as compensation for killing, wounding, etc. Plural:
Diyat. |
DU’A (SHIRK AL): |
Invoking or supplicating to a false deity other than Allah Ta’ala, is a
major Shirk. See Shirk. |
DU’A: |
Supplication: Invoking Allah for whatever one desires. |
DUHA (AD): |
"Forenoon": The mid-morning hours. Surah 93 of the Holy Qur’an. |
DUHR: |
Noon. the Second obligatory Salat (Prayer) of the day. It can be prayed
at any time between noon and mid-afternoon. |
DUKHAN (AD): |
"The
Smoke". Surah:44 of the Holy Qur’an. One of the signs of the proximity
of the Last Day. |
DUNK: |
Raising of the kafir in the state of blindness on the Yaum al-Qiama (Day
of Resurrection). |
DUNYA: |
"World". It refers to this existing world. In English it may imply both
worlds, i.e. "this world, referring to the hereafter. Islam preaches
that the real success is not in the Dunya (this world), but in the
Akhira (Hereafter). The true value of this world does not lie in worldly
success, but in how much success one has achieved in gaining the
pleasure of Subhana wa Ta’ala. |
E
Name |
Meaning |
EID AL-FITR: |
Three-day festival marking the end of Ramadan. It takes place on the 1st
of Shawal, the 10 month of the Islamic calendar. |
EID-AL-ADHA: |
A
four-day festival that completes the rites of pilgrimage and takes place
on the 10th-13th of Dhul Hijja (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 the Prophet Ibrahim ‘s obedience to
Allah by being prepared to sacrifice his only son Ismael, peace be on
both of them. See Holy Qur’an, As-Saffat (37):100-103. |
F
Name |
Meaning |
FADAK: |
A
town near Al-Madina. |
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. Allah Subahana
wa Ta’ala has strictly prohibited any kind of Riba and has warned of
severe punishment for those who have any association with it. See Holy
Qur’an, Sura Al-baqara (2):275-280, Aali ‘Imran (3):130. See Riba |
FAI: |
War
body gained without fighting. |
FAJR (AL): |
"The
Dawn". The time of the first obligatory Salat (Prayer). It can be prayed
at any time between the first light of dawn and just before sunrise.
Also called Subh (morning). Surah 89 of the Holy Qur’an. |
FALAAH: |
"Success". Real success lies in "enjoining what is right and forbidding
what is evil.." (Surah Aali ‘Imran (3):104). One of the sentences that
is said during the Adhan and Iqama, "Haya ‘ala Falaah" (Come to
Success). Other derivations: Muflih = the person who is successful, the
person whose deeds and actions have gained Allah Ta’ala's pleasure. See
Holy Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqarah (2):1-5. See Aflaha: He has succeeded. |
FALAQ (AL): |
"The
daybreak". Surah 113 of the Holy Qur’an. |
FANISH: |
One
who talks evil. Boastful in loudness. |
FAQEEH: |
An
Islamic scholar who can give an authoritative legal opinion or judgment. |
FAQIR: |
A
poor person. In Islam, poverty may take two forms. (1). Worldly. A
person who does not have the financial means to help himself. (2). In
the Akhira (Hereafter). A Person who has failed to gain the pleasure of
Allah Ta’ala, by way of disobedience, thus earning a place in the Nar
(Hellfire). |
FARAID: |
Plural of Farida. See Farida. |
FARD: |
Obligatory. An act which is obligatory upon Muslims. Severe punishment
awaits those who fail to carry out these acts. There are two categories:
(1). Far ‘Ain: Obligatory on every Muslim who is mature, healthy and
sane. (2). Fard Kifaya: Obligatory on at least one person in the Muslim
community. |
FARIDHA: |
A
duty enjoined on all Muslims. Plural: Fara’idh. |
FARSAKH: |
League; about three miles. |
FASIQ: |
A
person who engages in evil talk and deeds. |
FAT’HAN MUBEENA: |
"Manifest Victory". The Manifest victory that is referred to here is the
peace treaty of Hudaibiyah. It was one of the greatest victories which
the newly-born Islamic Ummah (nation) gained. On face value it seemed
like a great setback for the Muslims, but infact it was, by the will of
Allah Ta’ala, one of the main means by which the Muslims consolidated
and grew. See Holy Qur’an, Surah Al-Fath (48). |
FATAT: |
A
Female slave or young lady. |
FATH (AL): |
"The
Victory". Surah 48 of the Holy Qur’an. |
FATIHA: |
"The
opening Chapter". Another name for Suratul-Hamd. Surah 1 of the Holy
Qur’an. |
FATIMA, MAY ALLAH BE PLEASED WITH HER: |
Daughter of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him
peace. She is one of the four greatest women ever created by Allah
Ta’ala. The other three are: (1). Mariam (Mary), Mother of Prophet Isa
(Jesus), peace be on him. (2). Asiya, the wife of Fir’aun (Pharaoh).
(3). Khadija, may Allah be pleased with her, the first wife of Muhammad,
may the blessing of Allah be on him and his wives and family. |
FATIR (AL): |
"The
Creator". Also another name for al-Malaika. Surah 35 of the Holy Qur’an. |
FATWA: |
A
legal verdict given on a religious basis. The sources upon which a fatwa
is based are the Holy Qur’an, Sahi Bukhari and Muslim, and all other
authenticated Ahadeeth. |
FAUZ AL-ADHEEM: |
The
supreme victory, achievement, attainment, happiness, etc. The Fauz al-Adheem
is realized only when one has gained the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and
thus gained a place in the Jannah (Paradise). All worldly gains and
victories count for nothing if they have not earned one place in
Paradise. Allah has repeatedly stated that the real victors are the
inheritors of Paradise. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Maidah (5):122. |
FEEL (AL): |
"The
Elephant". Surah 105 of the Holy Qur’an. |
FIDYA: |
Compensation for missing or wrongly practicing necessary acts of
worship. Fidya usually takes the form of donating money or foodstuff or
sacrificing an animal. Contrast with Kaffara (making amends). See
Kaffara. |
FIQH: |
Islamic Law. |
FIR’AUN: |
"Pharoah".
Title of the Ancient Egyptian rulers, particularly one who rejected the
Prophet Musa (Moses), peace be on him, and tried to have him killed.
They were famous for their cruelty and disbelief. See Holy Qur’an, Al-BAqara
(2):49, Taha (20):9-80, Al-Qasas (28):1-42, Al-Fajr (89):10-14. |
FIRDAUS: |
The
middle and the highest part of Jannah (Paradise). |
FITNA: |
This
has meanings, depending on its context in the sentence: (1). Oppression
or tumult, as in Surah Al-Baqara (2):193. 2 . Trial or punishment, as in
Surah Al-Maidah (5):74. (3). Trial or temptation, as in Surah Al-Anfal
(8):28. It can also mean causing discord between Muslims, or sedition. |
FURQAAN (AL): |
"The
Criterion". Another name of the Holy Qur’an. Surah 25 of the Holy Qur’an. |
FUSSILAT: |
"They are expounded." Another name for Ha Min and As-Sajda. Surah 41 of
the Holy Qur’an. |
G
Name |
Meaning |
GHUSL |
Washing of the body to be pure |
H
Name |
Meaning |
HA MIM: |
"Ha
Mim". Another name for Ha Mim Sahda or al-Fussilat. Surah 41 of the Holy
Qur’an. |
HABAL-UL-HABALAH: |
There were two forms of this trade called Habal-ul-Habalah. The example
of the first form is to buy an offspring of an animal which is yet to be
born by making the payment in advance. Second form is to sell an animal
on a condition of retaining the offspring of the sold animal. Both forms
of this kind of transaction are prohibited. |
HADATH: |
This
consists of two parts: (1). Minor - Passing wind, stool or urine.
Impurity requires Istinja and Wudu. (2). Major- Sexual discharge,
menstruation and childbirth. Requires Gushul. |
HADD: |
Singular of Hudood. Boundary limit between the Halal (Lawful) and Haram
(unlawful), set by Allah Ta’ala. |
HADEED (AL): |
"The
Iron". Surah 57 of the Holy Qur’an. |
HADER: |
Fast
recitation of the Holy Qur’an. |
HADI (AL): |
A
Cow, sheep or a goat that is offered as a sacrifice by a pilgrim during
the Hajj. |
HADITH QUDSI: |
A
saying of Allah Ta’ala narrated by the Holy prophet Muhammad , may Allah
bless him and grant him peace, that is not part of the Holy Qur’an . |
HADITH: |
A
saying or tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and
grant him peace. Plural: Ahadeeth. |
HAFADA: |
(1).
Obedient service or work . (2). Descendant - son, daughter, grandchild,
great grandchild, etc. |
HAFADAT: |
Combined plural indicating all descendants - sons, daughters,
grandchildren , great grandchildren , etc. Singular : Hafada . See Holy
Qur’an , an-Nahl (16) :72 . |
HAFSA, MAY ALLAH BE PLEASED WITH HER: |
Daughter of Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, and wife
of Muhammad, may the blessings and peace of Allah be on him and his
family and his companions. |
HAIS: |
A
dish made of cooking-butter, dates and cheese. |
HAJAR AL-ASWAD (AL): |
The
‘Black Stone’, a stone some say fell from heaven, set into one corner of
the Ka’bah in Makka by the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him,
which the pilgrim, in imitation of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless
him and grant him peace, kiss, so unifying all the Muslims throughout
the ages in one place. |
HAJJ (AL): |
"The
Pilgrimage", which commences on the 8th of Dhul’l-Hijjah. There are
three types of Hajj:
Hajjat-Tamata’a (interrrupted). Umra
followed by Hajj, but taking off the Ihram in between these two stages.
Hajj al-Qiran (combined). Umra then Hajj without taking off the Ihram.
Hajj al-Ifrad (single). Hajj without Umra. A pilgrimage to Makkah in the
twelfh month of the Islamic calendar is known also as Hajj al-Ifrad. The
performance of Hajj consists of ten steps: (i) Put on the Ihram at the
appointed station, then recite the Talbiyah. Recitation is done aloud by
men and quietly by women. Depending on what type of Hajj you are doing,
perform the necessary rites at Ka’bah upon arrival in Makkah. See
Talbiyah. (ii). Go to Mina (on the 8th of the month). Pray the Duhr,
‘Asr, magreb, Isha and Fajr prayers at their proper time, but shortening
the four Rak’at to two, as if doing travelling prayers. (iii). When sun
rises (on the 9th of the month), go to ‘Arafat and combine the Dhur and
‘Asr Salat. (iv). After the sun sets, go to Al-Muzdalifa, reciting the
Talbiyah. Combine the Magreb and the Isha Salat. After the Fajr prayer,
raise your hands and do Du’a (After midnight, women and the weak may
proceed to Mina if they wish. (v). In Muzdalifah (or Minah), pick up
small stones (eighter 49 or 70) to throw at the Jamra (stone pillars) of
‘Aqaba. (vi) Go to Mina (on the 10th of the month): a). Throw seven
stones, one stone at a time, at the largest of three Jamras (the stone
pillars that represent Shaitan). b). Sacrifice your animal. You must eat
some of its meat, but give the bulk of it to the poor and hungry. (Do
this step only if it is required of you. It is not required for Hajj al-Ifrad.
If you are doing either of the other two types of Hajj, but cannot
afford an animal, then fast three days after you first put on Ihram and
seven days after you have returned home.) c). Shave your head. Women
only need to cut off a lock of hair. The rules of Ihram are now lifted,
except for sexual intercourse with one’s spouse. (vii). Go to Makkah and
to Tawaf al-Ifada. Go to the hills of Safa and Marwa and do Sa’i. Now
the rules of Ihram are completely lifted. (viii). Return to Mina and
stay there for the remainder of the 10th and on the 11th, 12th and the
13th. (You may, if you wish, leave Mina after Asr on the 12th or after
Asr on the 13th. You must leave Mina before the sun sets.) (ix). Each
day, stone each of the three Jamras (the stone pillars) with seven
pebbles. (x). If you wish to return home, you must do the Tawaf al-Wida’.
No-one is excused, except for the menstruating women or women in the
period of discharge after childbirth. See Tawaf al-Wida.’ See Surah 22
pf the Holy Qur’an. Performing the Hajj if you are able is one of the
Arkan of Islam. See Arkan. |
HAJJ AL-ASGHAR: |
Another name for 'Umra. See 'Umra. |
HAJJ AL-WIDA: |
The
last farewell Hajj of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace,
before his death. During that Hajj, Muhammad gave an immortal Khutba
called "Khutbatul Wida". This sermon is still remembered word for word,
for it confirmed that the deen of Islam had been completed, transmitted
and established by the Messenger of Allah, may the blessings and peace
of Allah be on him and his family and his companions and all who follow
him and what they are able, with sincerity, until the Last Day. |
HAJJ MABRUR: |
Hajj
accepted by Allah for being perfectly performed according to the
Prophet's Sunnah and with legally earned money. |
HAJJ-AL-AKBAR: |
The
day of Nahr (i.e. the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah). |
HAJJ-AL-ASGHAR: |
'Umbrah. |
HAJJAM: |
One
Whose profession is cupping (Hejjam). |
HALAL: |
Lawful as defined by Allah the Almighty. See Ahkam. |
HAMAM: |
Minister of Fir’aun (Pharoah) who tried to have all the newborn babies
killed at the time when the Prophet Musa (Moses), peace be on him, was
born. |
HAML: |
"To
carry". Words from the same root: Hamaa, he carried; Yahmilou, they
carried. |
HAMU: |
Brother-in-Law to wife, i.e. her husband’s brother. |
HANAFIA: |
A
school of Islamic jurisprudence named after Imam Abu Hanifa. |
HANIF: |
Pure
Islamic Monotheism (worshipping Allah alone and nothing else). |
HANIF: |
Upright and true to faith in the Unity of Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala.
Worshipping Allah Ta’ala alone, without associating anything or anyone
with Him. |
HANNAH (MAY ALLAH BE PLEASED WITH HER): |
Grandmother of the Prophet Isa (Jesus, Son of Mary), peace be on them,
and wife of ‘Imran, may Allah be pleased with him. Since the Prophet Isa
had maternal grandparents, how can the Christians claim him to be Allah?
Since Allah is the creator of all that there is, and was not created, do
the Christians claim that Allah has a family tree? (Since they
acknowledge the immaculate conception and the virgin birth, why do they
trace the lineage of Jesus through Joseph the carpenter? See Matthew
1:6-16, Luke 3:23-31.) Glory be to Allah, the Most High. Cursed are
those who ascribe partners to Him. The punishment of Hellfire awaits
those who do not desist from the blasphemy. |
HANTAH: |
An
expression used when you don't want to call somebody by her name. (It is
used for calling a female). |
HANUT: |
A
kind of scent used for embalming the dead. |
HAQQA (AL): |
"The
reality". Another name for the Last Day. Surah 69 of the Holy Qur’an. |
HARAM AL-SHAREEF (AL): |
See
Masjid al-Haram (Al). |
HARAM: |
Any
act or deed which is prohibited by Allah and which will incur His wrath
and punishment. See Ahkan. 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, may Allah give him light and peace in
his grave, in Madinah. This is why they are referred to as "Al-Haramain
al-Shariffain", the two Holy Sanctuaries. |
HARAMAIN AL-SHARIFFAIN (AL): |
"The
two Holy Sanctuaries". The Santuary of the Ka’ba at Makkah and the
sanctuary of al-Masjid al-Rasool, may Allah bless and grant him peace,
in Madinah. |
HARBAH: |
A
short spear. |
HARJ: |
Killing. |
HAROON, PEACE BE ON HIM: |
Aaron. A prophet of Islam. He was the brother of the Prophet Musa
(Moses), peace be on them. See Holy Qur’an, Ta Ha (20):29-36, 90-94. |
HARRA: |
Land
covered with black stones in Madinah. |
HARRAH: |
A
well-known rocky place in Al-Madinah covered with black stone. |
HARUT AND MARUT: |
Two
angels who, by the permission of Allah Ta’ala, taught magic to the
people of Babylon. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Baqara (2):102. |
HASAD: |
Jealousy. Hasad is forbidden in Islam, except for two specific reasons:
Being jealous of a person for memorizing Qur’an by Heart. Being jealous
of a wealthy person for expending his wealth in the path of Allah Ta’ala. |
HASANAAT: |
Good
deeds committed in the path of Allah Ta’ala. These are the deeds by
which Allah Ta’ala will judge man and Jinn when deciding whether or not
they will enter Janna. Singular: Hasana. |
HASBA (AL): |
A
place outside Makkah where pilgrims go after finishing all the
ceremonies of Hajj. |
HASBA: |
A
place just outside Makkah where the Hujjaj go after completing the Hajj. |
HASHIR (AL): |
"The
Exile". Surah 59 of the Holy Qur’an. Another name for the Day of
Judgment, Yaumal al-Hashr, "Day of the Gathering". |
HAWALA: |
Transfer of debt from one person to another by the agreement of both
parties. |
HAWAZIN: |
A
Quraish tribe. An Arabian tribe that always gave trouble to the new-born
Islamic nation before their conversion to Islam. |
HAWD: |
The
watering-place of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant
him peace, 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.
See Jahannam. |
HAWWA: |
Eve,
wife of Adam, peace be on them. She bore many children. Everytime she
gave birth, they were twins, one male and one female. Each twin married
the twin of the other. The two most famous ones of her offsprings were
Habil (Abel) and Qaabil (Cain). |
HAYA: |
This
has a wide range of meanings which falls into two categories: (1). Good.
i.e. bashfulness, self-respect, good standard of ethics, modesty, etc.
In other words, being ashamed to do anything of which Allah the Almighty
disapproves or forbids. (2). Bad. Person having the opposite traits to
the above. See Bukhari, Hadith 139, Vol. 8. |
HIBAH: |
It
means to present something to someone as a gift for Allah's sake. |
HIDANAH (AL): |
The
nursing and care- taking of children. |
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
creators 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 Makka, Medina,
Jeddah and Ta’if are situated. |
HIJR (AL): |
"Al-Hijr".
Name of a rocky place and its people. Surah 15 of the Holy Qur’an. |
HIJRA: |
Migration in the path of Allah. |
HIJRI: |
Name
of the Islamic lunar calendar. It took its name from the early Muslims
who migrated from Makkah to Madinah, and commences from the date of the
Prophet Muhammad’s Hijra, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, which
he made with Abu Bakr as-Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, in 622
AC. The months of the Islamic calendar are:
(1).Muharram, (2).Safar, (3).Rabi’il
al-Awal, (4).Rabi’il al-Akhira, (5).Jumada al-Awal, (6).Jumada al-Akhira,
(7).Rajab, (8).Sha’ban (9).Ramadan (10).Shawal (11). Dhul Qi’da . (12).
Dhul Hijjah. |
HILAB: |
A
kind of scent. |
HINNA: |
A
kind of plant used for dying hair etc. |
HIQQAH: |
A
three-year-old she-camel. |
HIRA: |
A
famous cave in the jabal an-Nur in Makkah where Muhammad, may Allah
bless him and grant him peace, first received the divine message through
the Holy Spirit, the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel), peace be on him. |
HIZB: |
Party. Allah Ta’ala divides all the parties into two groups; "Hizb
Allah"(the Party of Allah) and "Hizbal-Shaitan" (the Party of Satan). It
is irrelevant to Allah how one labels one’s party, whether it be
"Democratic Party", "Labour Party", "Communist Party" or whatever. What
matters is whether or not it follows the path of Allah Ta’ala. |
HOORIAH: |
A
Female virgin created by Allah Ta’ala, but not a descendant of Adam,
peace be on him. She is created in Jannah (Paradise) and is the perfect
companion of man in Akhira (Hereafter). Her beauty is insurpassable and
unimaginable. She has intensely black irises and the whites of her eyes
are pure whites . Also spelled as Houriah. Plural: Hooriyat. |
HOORIYAT: |
Plural of Hooriah. See Hooriah. |
HOUD, PEACE BE UPON HIM: |
A
prophet sent to the tribe of 'Ad. 'Ad Surah 11 of the Holy Qur'an. |
HUBAL: |
The
name of an idol in the Ka'bah in the Pre-Islamic Period of Ignorance. |
HUBLA: |
A
kind of desert tree. |
HUDA: |
Chanting of camel-drivers keeping time of camel's walk. |
HUDAIBIYA (AL): |
A
Famous plain ten miles from Makkah on the way to Jeddah. Site of the
peace pact between the Muslims and the pagan Quraish in the year 6AH.
This treaty paved the way for the spread of Islam. Surat al-Fath (Surah
48 of the Holy Qur’an) commemorates this victorious event. Allah Ta’ala
called it "Fathan Mubeena" ( Manifest Victory). See Holy Qur’an, Al-Fath
(48):1-4. |
HUDOOD: |
The
Boundary limits between what is Halal (Lawful) and what is Haram
(Unlawful), set by Allah Ta’ala. Whoever transgresses these limits may
be punished or forgiven by Allah. |
HUJJAJ: |
Pilgrims. Persons who have been on pilgrimage to Makkah during the Hajj
season in the month of Dhul Hijjah. Singular: Hajj = a male pilgrim,
Hajah = a female pilgrim. |
HUJRAH: |
Courtyard or a room. |
HUKM: |
The
closest equivalent in the English is "Verdict". It usually applies to a
judgement on legal issues, especially with regard to religious matters. |
HUMAZA (AL): |
"The
Scandalmonger". Surah 104 of the Holy Qur’an. |
HUMS: |
The
Quraish tribe, together with their offsprings and allies, were called
"Hums". The word was meant to be taken as meaning "strictness and
enthusiasm", because they thought themselves to be Allah’s people, thus
regarding themselves as being superior to other. |
HUNAIN: |
Valley on the road from Makkah to Taif. Site of a famous battle that
took place immediately after the conquest of Makkah in 8AH, between the
Muslim army consisting of about 10, 000-12,000 men and the combined
forces of the Hawazin and Thaqeef which amounted to 4,000 men. After a
surprise attack and a near defeat, the Muslims managed to completely
crush the enemy. See Holy Qur’an. At-Taubah (9):24-25. |
HURURIYAH (AL): |
A
special unorthodox religious sect. |
HUTAMA: |
The
seventh and deepest level of the Nar (Hellfire). This is where the
religious hypocrites will spend eternity. The worst of Allah’s creation
are the Munafiqeen (hypocrites), whether they be mankind or Jinn,
because they ‘accept’ Allah and His Messenger with their tongues, but
deny this ‘acceptance’ by their actions. See Jahanam. |
I
Name |
Meaning |
IBADAH: |
Acts
of worship and adoration in utmost submission and obedience and with
utmost love to Allah Ta’ala. In other words, a term that indicates all
that pleases Allah, including sayings and actions of the heart or limbs.
Love, fear, reverence, desire (hope), trust and sincerity are some forms
of worship from within the heart. Prayers, attending to someone’s needs,
invocation, supplication and sacrifices are some forms of worship of
limbs. Ibadah is to worship Allah as He wishes to be worshipped. See
Arkan. |
IBLIS: |
The
Jinn who disobeyed Allah Ta’ala and was expelled from His mercy. It was
Iblis who tempted Adam and his wife Hawwa (Eve), peace be on them, to
approach the forbidden tree. He is also known as Shaitan (Satan). See
Shaitan. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Baqara (2):130, 135. Surah 19 of the Holy
Qur’an. |
IDHIKHIR: |
A
special type of pleasant- scented grass found in the Hijaz area of Saudi
Arabia. Also known as Adhkar. |
IFRAD (HAJJ AL): |
"Single Hajj". Performance of Hajj without doing Umra. See Hajj. |
IFREET: |
Usually spelled as ‘Ifreet. An evil Jinn. He is large, powerful and very
crafty. Plural: ‘Afreet. See Holy Qur’an, An-Naml (27):39. |
IFTAR: |
Breaking of the fast immediately after sunset. Iftar takes place at
Maghreb as soon as the Adhan is called. |
IHRAM: |
(1).
The state in which one is prohibited from doing certain things which are
lawful at other times. Umra and Hajj are performed in such a state. (2).
When one assumes such a state one must declare mentally and orally that
he or she is assuming such a state for the purpose of Umra or Hajj. Then
one must recite the Talbiyah. See Talbiyah. (3). Dress: Men. It consists
of two pieces of unstitched cloth: i). Rida - worn around the upper part
of the body. ii). Izar- Worn below the waist. b). Women. Any full length
dress which covers the entire body except for the hands and face, and is
inconspicuous, i.e. it does not attract attention in any way whatsoever
(tight, colorful, etc.). (4). Behavior: Both men and women are not
permitted to trim their hair or nails, wear perfume, harm or kill any
living thing, including insects, or damage any plant or tree. They
should avoid argument and loss of temper. Sexual intercourse between
spouses is also not permitted. |
IHSAN: |
Highest level of obedience in worship, i.e. to be aware of and sincere
to Allah Ta’ala and to be eager to do all good deeds. It is to worship
Allah as if you see Him, knowing that, although you do not see Him,
Allah sees you. |
IIDDAT: |
Also
spelled as ‘Iddat. A limited period of waiting after divorce and before
re-marriage prescribed by Islamic law, so as to avoid any confusion
regarding the paternity of any child born after the new marriage. See
Holy Qur’an, Al-Baqara (2):231-235, At-Talaq (6 5):4-7. |
IIDRIS, PEACE BE ON HIM: |
Enoch, A prophet of Islam and a man of truth and wisdom. See Holy Qur’an,
Maryan (19):56-57, Al-Anbiyah (21):85. |
IKHLAS (AL): |
"The
Complete Faith". Surah 112 of the Holy Qur’an. Sincerity of the heart in
worship and purity of intention.For any worship to be accepted by Allah
it must be entirely for His sake, and not for other-than-Him. |
ILAA: |
The
path taken by a husband that he will not have sexual relations with his
wife for a certain period of time. If this continues for longer than
four months, then it is considered a divorce. |
ILHAD: |
Atheism. Derived from Ilhahd which means deviation. It includes:
Comparing Allah to anything, or any of His Attributes to those of His
Creation. Denying any of Allah’s Attributes or altering their true
meanings. Using Allah’s Names to describe anything in His Creation. To
label Him with a name with which He has not named Himself. e.g.
"Father". To attribute any deficiencies to Him. The person who practices
Ilhad is called Mulhid. See Mulhid. |
ILLYOUN: |
A
place in Jannah (Paradise). Literally means "High places", but its exact
nature is known only to Allah Ta’ala. All we know about it is that it is
where the record of the righteous is kept. In contrast, the record of
the evil-doers is kept in Sijjin. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Mutafifeen
(83):18-21. |
ILM ‘LLAH: |
Knowledge of Allah Ta’ala. No created being has any knowledge except
what Allah permits him to know. Therefore, all that man possesses is a
gift from Allah, but most of mankind and the Jinn are unthankful.
However much you know, you only know a little. |
ILM: |
Usually spelled as ‘Ilm. Knowledge. |
ILYAS, PEACE BE ON HIM: |
Elias. A prophet of Islam. See Holy Qur’an, Al-An’am (6):85, ‘As-Saffat
(37):123-132. |
IMAM: |
A
person who leads the prayer. A Muslim Khalifah. A famous Muslim scholar
in Fiqh. |
IMAMUL MURSALEEN: |
The
leader of all the messengers. One of the titles of the Holy prophet
Muhammad, may the blessing and peace of Allah be on him and them. |
IMAN: |
Trust, faith and acceptance. Having faith and believing in: Allah Ta’ala.
To affirm with the tongue, believe in the heart and confirm through
action the following: a). His Existence b). his Lordship c). His Worship
d). His names and Attributes.
Belief in His angels. Belief in His
revealed Books. Belief in His messengers, without making any distinction
between them. Belief in the last Hour and the judgment and the Fire and
the Garden. Belief in the Divine decrees of Allah Ta’ala, both the good
and the evil. See Holy Qur’an, al-Baqara (2):285. |
IMLAS: |
See
Aali ‘Imran. |
IMSAAK: |
Start of the fasting time. Imsaak begins when the first light of dawn
becomes visible, at Fajr when the Adhan is called. |
INGEEL: |
This
is mistakenly understood, by some, to be The New Testament that the
Nasara (Christian) have today. The Ingeel that is referred to in the
Holy Qur’an is the original scripture that was revealed to the Prophet
Isa (Jesus), peace be on him, by Allah through the Angel Jibreel
(Gabriel), peace be on him, and not the New Testament which was written
by Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, and others. |
INS WAL JINN: |
Mankind and Jinn. See Jinn. |
INSAN (AL): |
"Human". Another name for Ad-Dhar. Surah 76 of the Holy Qur’an. |
INSHA-ALLAH: |
"If
Allah wills". It is forbidden to say "I will do such and such tomorrow,"
without saying afterwards, "Insha-Allah". |
INSHIQAQ (AL): |
"Reading Asunder". Surah 84 of the Holy Qur’an. |
INSHIRAH (AL): |
"The
Expanding". Surah 94 of the Holy Qur’an. |
IQAMA: |
The
call which announces to the congregation that the obligatory prayer is
just about to begin. The statements are the same as the Adhan, but in a
shortened form, such that if a statement is repeated four times during
the Adhan, then it is repeated twice during the Iqama. |
IQAMAT AS-SALAT: |
Performing the Salat in a perfect manner. This is understood by most
Muslims as having only one meaning, but it has two: 1). Performing the
prayer in exactly the same manner as the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah
bless him and grant him peace, used to pray. Sahi Bukhari, Hadith 737,
Vol. 1. 2). Establishing the prayer. Every person in a Muslim society
who is seven years or more must pray - women in their house and men in
the Masjid (mosques). Every head, be he head of the family or chief of
the town, will be held responsible for the missed prayers of those under
him, as well as his own. |
IQRAA: |
"Read". Another name for Suratul Al-’Alaq. Surah 96 of the Holy Qur’an. |
IRAAD (KUFR AL): |
A
major act of Kufr. Knowingly turning away from and rejecting or covering
up the Divine Truth. See Kufr. |
IRAM: |
Capital city of the ancient people of ‘Ad in the Yemen. It was famous
for its lofty pillars. Some scholars say Iram was a hero of the people
of ‘Ad who built a lofty statues of him. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Fajr
(89):6-8. |
ISA, PEACE BE UPON HIM: |
One
of the greatest prophets and messengers of Islam. He is also known as
Isa ibn Mariam (Jesus, Son of Mary) ad isa al-Maseeh (Jesus the Messiah,
Jesus Christ). The Jews and the Christian have both blasphemed against
the Prophet Isa, peace be on him. The jews reject him completely, while
the Christians have elevated him to the level of Allah and or Son of
Allah. The concept of such divinity is rejected in the Bible by the
Prophet Isa himself (in parts of the Bible which have not yet been
altered)
1). According to 1 Timothy 2:5, There
is One God, and one mediator between God and men, the ‘MAN’ Christ
Jesus." Notice the words "man" and "mediator". Are the Christians trying
to say that Allah is the mediator and that the Bible is wrong? Do they
not realize that Allah is so supreme in glory that He does not mediate?
Ask the Christian how else they can explain this verse. Warn them that
Allah’s wrath will be on those who knowingly hide or void the Divine
Truth. 2). According to Matthew 24:36, Jesus, peace be on him, has no
knowledge of the time of the Hour. Are the Christians trying to say that
Allah lacks knowledge. 3).According to Matthew 14:23, Jesus, peace be on
him, went into hills to pray. Are the Christians trying to say that
Allah needs to pray, and if so, then to whom? 4). "But in vain do they
worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Matthew
15:9. Isa himself confirmed the prophecy of Isaiah that the people would
worship him in vain and believe in doctrines made by men. The truth is
that Jesus, peace be on him, spoke the truth, but it is the Christian
who, in his name, have invented lies against him. Allah is one. He did
not beget nor was He begotten. |
ISHA: |
Night. The fifth and last Fard Salat (Prayer). It's time starts about
one and a half hours after sunset, when the redness has disappeared from
the night sky and the stars have appeared, and ends a little before
dawn. |
ISHAQ, PEACE BE UPON HIM: |
Isaac. A prophet of Islam. He was the second son of the Prophet Ibrahim
(Abraham), peace be on him. He was thirteen years younger than his
brother, Prophet Ismael (Ishmael), peace be on him. Mary, mother of
Jesus, peace be on them, was a descendant from Ishaq. See Holy Qur’an,
al-An’am (6):84, As-Saffat (37):112-113. |
ISHTIMAAL AS-SAMMA’: |
Wearing of clothes in two ways: 1). covering one shoulder and leaving
the other bare. 2). Wrapping oneself (white sitting) in such a way that
one’s garment do not entirely hide the private parts. |
ISLAM: |
Literally means "Submission to the will of Allah." It is for this reason
that Allah Himself names His life transaction "al-Islam" and described
all the followers of this way of life, in every age, as "Muslim". The
life transaction of Allah has five pillars , all of which must be
strictly adhered to in word, deed and sincere belief. The five pillars
of Islam are as follows:
1). Shahadatain. Bearing witness. All
Muslims must believe in and utter Shahadatain. First Shahada: Ash-hadu
an la ilaha illa l’lah. (I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of
worship except Allah.) Second Shahadah: Ash-hadu anna Muhammad
Rasoolullah. (I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.)
2). Salat. Prayers. To do all the five compulsory daily prayers
regularly in the exact manner as was practiced by the Holy Prophet
Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. 3). Seeam. Fasting
also spelled as Saum. To fast in the Month of Ramadan. 4). Zakat. Wealth
tax. To pay 2.5 of one’s yearly savings above a certain amount to the
poor and needy Muslims. the Zakat is compulsory on all Muslims who have
saved (at least) the equivalent of 85g of 24 carat gold at the time when
the annual Zakat payment is due. Zakat payment is due. Zakat refer to
the relevant books written on the subject. 5). Hajj. Pilgrimage. To
perform the pilgrimage to the Holy City of Makkah at least once in one’s
lifetime (if one is able to afford it). See Holy Qur’an, Al-Maidah
(5):3. |
ISMAEL, PEACE BE ON HIM: |
Ishmael. A prophet of Islam. The first son of Ibrahim (Abraham), peace
on him, thirteen years older than his brother, the Prophet Ishaq
(Isaac), peace be on him. It was through the lineage of Ismael that the
Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was born. He
helped his father Ibrahim to raise the foundations of the Holy Qur’an,
Al-Baqara (2):125-129, Maryam (19):54-55. |
ISRA (AL): |
"The
night Journey". Another name for Bani Israel. Surah 17 of the Holy
Qur’an. |
ISTIGHFAR: |
Seeking Allah Ta’ala's forgiveness for one’s own misdeeds, and his
protection from the misdeeds of others. |
ISTIKHARA: |
Asking Allah the Almighty to guide one to the right decision and action
regarding a particular problem. The Istikhara Salat consist of two
Rak’as. A special invocation See Sahi Bukhari, Hadith 263, Vol.2. |
ISTINJA: |
Cleaning the privates parts after urinating or passing stool, preferably
using water. |
ISTISQA: |
Invoking Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala for rain at the time of a drought. The
Istisqa Salat consist of two Rak’as. See Bukhari, Hadith 119, Vol. 2. |
ITABAA (TAWHEED AL): |
1).
Unity in following the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant
him peace. To believe in and a recite the words "Ashadu anna Muhammadar
Rasoolullah" (I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah)
and to follow the way of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, as much as one is
able, in life and worship. 2). Full belief in any matter proven to be
authentic about the Holy Prophet Muhammad. 3). Obedience and following.
4). To give priority to the Sunnah above any other way of life. See
Tawheed. |
IZAR: |
A
cloth worn by men (below the waist). |
J
Name |
Meaning |
JA’ALA: |
"He
made". Has a different meaning to "Khalaqa" (see Khaliq, Ja’ala implies
"turn into", for example: 1). "Who has made the earth your couch... "Surah
Al-Baqara (2):22). 2). "Make me a good Muslim and at death count me
among the believers." |
JAHANNAM: |
Most
commonly understood to mean Hell. In fact, it is one of the levels of
Hell. The are seven levels of Hellfire.
1). Jaheem - the shallowest level of
Hell. It is reserved for those who believed in Allah and His messenger,
may Allah bless him and grant him peace, but who ignored His commands.
2). Jahannam - a deeper level where the idol-worshippers are to be sent
on the Day of Judgment. 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 Judgment. 5). Ladha - will be the home of 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 (Hyprocrites),
whether they be mankind or jinn, for they outwardly appear to accept,
but inwardly reject, Allah and His Messenger. |
JAHEEM: |
The
shallowest level of the Nar. It is reserved for those who believed in
Allah and His Messenger Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him
peace, but who ignored His commands. See Jahannam. |
JAHILIYAH: |
"Ignorance". This involves relying on what is other than the truth. This
is why the age or period prior to the advent of Muhammad, may Allah
bless him and grant him peace, is called Jahiliyah. Many people
believed, for example, in Allah, but tried to attain His pleasure
through worshipping another medium such as a stone, fire, man, wood,
animal, etc., rather than following His guidance which had been revealed
to the earlier messengers. The age of Jahiliyah ‘ended’ when the Final
Revelation, the Holy Qur’an, was revealed to mankind and the Jinn.
However,it still exists wherever this last message from God has not
reached. Any deviation from the True Path is no longer considered as
Jahiliyah, but as Kufr, for the truth has been distinguished from
falsehood. |
JAHRI: |
Loud
recitation of the Holy Qur’an during Salaat. |
JALUT: |
Goliath. A giant and a commander who led a large army against a small,
but very dedicated army under Talut (Saul). Dawood (David), peace be on
him), still young boy then, killed Jalut, thus causing a major defeat to
the enemies of Allah. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Baqara (2):249-252. |
JAM’: |
Al-Muzdalifa. |
JAMA'AH |
Congregation. |
JAMAHA: |
To
be uncontrollable. |
JAME’: |
Joining two Fard (compulsory) prayers, by praying one immediately after
the other, in one space of time. Under certain circumtances (for
example, when a person is travelling), it is permitted to join the Fard
(compulsory) prayers together:
1). The Fajr prayer (the first
compulsory prayer of the day) is not combined with any other prayer. 2).
The Duhr and ‘Asr prayers (the second and third compulsory prayers of
the day) may, under certain circumstances, be combined. 3). The Magreb
and Isha prayers (the fourth and fifth compulsory prayers of the day)
may also, under certain circumstances, be combined. 4). Call only one
Adhan, but two Iqamat as-Salat (one for each Salat). 5). The Duhr, ‘Asr
and Isha prayers are reduced from four to two Rak’at each when doing
traveling prayers during a journey which is longer than 48 miles. This
reduction does not occur if the prayers are joined due to extremely bad
weather. Jame’ comes in two forms: 1). Jame’ Taqdeem - early
combination: Praying the Duhr and ‘Asr prayers during the time of Duhr.
In this case, the Duhr Salat is performed first, then the ‘Asr Salat.
Praying the Magreb and Isha prayers during the time of Magreb. In this
case, the Magreb Salat is performed first, then the Isha Salat. 2). Jame’
Takheer - Delayed combination: Praying the Duhr and ‘Asr prayers during
the time of ‘Asr. The Duhr Salat is performed first, then the ‘Asr Salat.
Praying the Magreb and Isha prayers during the time of Isha. The Magreb
Salat is performed first, then the Isha Salat. |
JAMRA: |
White hot coal. The term used to describe the three pillars built of
stone at Mina. Plural: Jimar. |
JAMRAT 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 Shaitan (Satan).
Plural:Jimar. |
JANABA: |
The
state of a person after sexual discharge, whether intentional or
otherwise. A person may not perform Salat or not recite or touch the
Holy Qur’an until he performs Ghusl or Tayammum. See Ghusl. |
JANNAH: |
Also
spelled as Janna. Paradise. A created abode in the Hereafter for those
who believe in unity of Allah and in all His Prophet and Messengers, and
follow their way of life. Jannah has eight gates around it and each of
these eight gates has eleven doors. The names of 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-at-Salat. Jannah has not been
guaranteed to any human being or Jinn with the exception of the
messenger of Allah before their deaths, other than the following ten
men.
1). Abu Bakr as-Siddiq. 2). Umar ibn
al-Khattab. 3). Uthman ibn ‘Affan. 4). Ali ibn Talib. 5). Sa’ad ibn Abi
Waqas 6). Abu Ubaida ‘Amer ibn al-Jarrah. 7). Al-Zubair ibn al-’Awam.
8). Talha ibn Ubaidu’llah. 9). Abdar-rahman ibn ‘Auf . 10). Sa’id ibn
Zaid. May Allah be pleased with all of them. |
JATHIYAH (AL): |
"The
Crouching". Surah 45 of the Holy Qur’an. |
JAZAK ALLAH KHAIRUN |
May
Allah reward you. |
JEWJ WA MAJEWJ: |
"Gog
and Magog". The two evil empires. They are mentioned in the Holy Qur’an
and Ahadeth (Bukhari and Muslim) when mentioning some of the scenes just
before the final hour. See Sahi Muslim, Kitab al-Fitan wa Isharat as-Say’ah.
See Holy Qur’an, Al-Ambiyaa (21):96. |
JIBREEL, PEACE BE ON HIM: |
The
Angel Gibriel. Also called Rooh al-Qudus, "The Holy Spirit". His duty
was to reveal the Word of Allah Ta’ala to His Anbiaa (Prophets). He is
now sent to help the very religious against the temptations of Shaitan
(Satan) at the time of death. His epithet is Roohul Amin (The Spirit of
Truth) (Ash-Shuraa (26):193). The Al-Amin is Muhammad, may Allah bless
him and grant him peace. See Holy Qur’an , Al-Baqara (2)97-98, At-Takwir
(81):19-21. |
JIHAD: |
1).
One of the eight gates of Jannah (Paradise). See Jannah. 2). A Holy war
in the cause of Allah and His command. Jihad takes many forms, amongst
which are: a). Jihad an-Nafs - Fighting against one’s own evil traits
and trying one’s utmost to be a better person in the sight of Allah. b).
Jihad Akbar - Physically fighting against the enemies of Allah Subhana
wa Ta’ala. |
JIMAR: |
Plural of Jamara. See Jamra and Jamrat al-’Aqaba. |
JINN (AL): |
"The
Jinn". A race of created beings that are made out of smokeless fire.
They are like the Ins (human race) in many ways: 1). They are born, have
children and die. They also have friends and family. 2). There are
Muslims and Kufar amongst them. 3). They eat food, but their food
consists mainly of bones and stool.
They differ from us in many ways too:
1). Their lifespan is much longer than ours. 2). They can see us and
sometimes are able to dwell within us. 3). they need no form of
transport. 4). They need no housing. The Muslims amongst them like to
live in the Masajid and pray, but the unbelievers tend to live in the
bathrooms of non-religious Ins (human beings). The best way to make sure
that they do not intermix with us (i.e. enter our bodies or eat food
with us) is to remember Allah constantly and to read the Holy Qur’an as
much as possible. Surah 72 of the Holy Qur’an. |
JIZYA: |
A
Tax imposed on non-Muslims who are under Muslim rule. |
JUDIYE: |
Place where the Ark of the Prophet Nooh (Noah), peace be on him, came to
rest. Jabal (Mount) Judiye is in the Turkish district of Botham which is
situated near the frontiers of turkey, Syria and Iraq. See holy Qur’an,
Houd (11):44. |
JUHFA (AL): |
the
place to the north-west of Makka where the people of Shaam put on their
Ihram when intending to go Hajj. See Miqat. |
JUM’A (AL): |
"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 Jum’a
Salat (prayer), which is prayed instead of Dhur. Surah 62 of the Holy
Qur’an. |
JUMADA AL-AKHIRA: |
The
Sixth month of Islamic calendar. Abu Bakr as-Siddiq may Allah be pleased
with him, died on Tuesday, 22nd Jumada al-Akhira, 13AH. See Hijri. |
JUNUB: |
A
person in the state of Janaba. See Janaba. |
JUZ: |
A
part. the Holy Qur’an is divided into thirty parts. A thirtieth part of
the Holy Qur’an. Plural: Ajza. |
K
Name |
Meaning |
KA’ABA AL-YAMANIYAH: |
Also
known as Dhi al-Khalasa. A place where pagan idols used to be worshipped
in Yemen in the pre-Islamic time of ignorance. |
KA’ABA: |
The
cube-shaped stone building whose foundations were built by the angels
and completed by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son, the Prophet
Ismael, peace be on them, in Makkah.It was rebuilt with the help of
Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.It is the
focal point towards which all Muslims face when praying. |
KAAMIL: |
Perfectly complete. There is nothing perfectly complete except Allah
Ta’ala. |
KABAIR (AL): |
Major sins. Such sins as Shirk (see Shirk), Qatl (Murder), Zinah
(fornication and adultery), the taking of Riba (usury), Sirq (theft),
etc. |
KAFFARA: |
An
expiatory gift. The prescribed way of making amends for wrong actions,
particularly missed obligatory actions. For example, if a person swears
to do something in the name of Allah, but later finds out that he is not
in a position to keep that pledge, then he must pray a Kaffara. Kaffara
is paid in various ways, usually by freeing a salve, feeding the hungry,
or fasting for a specified number of days. Contrast with Fidya
(compensation). See Fidya. |
KAFIR: |
Unbeliever. Someone who covers up the truth and rejects Allah and His
messengers, may Allah bless them and grant them peace. There are many
different ways in which a person becomes a disbeliever in Allah. For
full explanation see Kufr. Plural: Kuffar. |
KAFIRRON (AL): |
"The
Unbelievers". Surah 109 of the Holy Qur’an. |
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 Akhira (Hereafter). See Holy Qur’an, Al-Insan (76):5. |
KAHF (AL): |
"The
Cave". Surah 18 of the Holy Qur’an. |
KALIMATU’LLAH: |
Statements of Allah Ta’ala. Words of Allah. See Roohu’llah. |
KALIMATUL TAYIBAH: |
"The
Pure Word", i.e. the assertion that there is no deity worthy of worship
except Allah. "La illaha illa’llah." |
KARRAM ALLAH WAJHU: |
"May
Allah be graceful to him". This. is most commonly used when referring to
Ali ibn Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, because he was the first
man to embrace Islam, and after Khadija, may Allah be pleased with her,
the second of the earliest Muslims, never having had any connection with
other religions. |
KASABA: |
Literally means to earn. This does not only mean the earning of a
livelihood, but rather the spiritual reaping of the consequences of
one’s deeds, whether they be good or evil. See Holy Qur’an, Luqman
(31):34. |
KASAFA: |
Means "Eclipsed" in regard to the sun. |
KATHEB: |
Lie.
Particularly one invoking denial of Allah and His messengers, may Allah
bless them and grant them peace. |
KAW: |
See
Karram Allah Wajhu. |
KAWTHAR (AL): |
1).
"The fount of Kawthar". A Sacred fount in Jannah (Paradise). It is the
source of all the four rivers of Paradise, and feeds the Hawd of the
Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. See 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, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. It is to quench the
thirst of the true believers. |
KHADAQ: |
"The
ditch". A famous battle between the early Muslims and the pagans in
which the Muslims built a Khanda (trench) on the protected side of the
city of Al-Madinah al-Munawara to prevent the advance of the Makkan
unbelievers in 5AH. The enemy were halted by this unexpected tactic, and
then driven away awful weather, mutual distrust and low morale, without
any major engagement having taken place. It was also called Ghazwat
ul-Ahzab (Battle of Clans), because the Makkan idol-worshippers were
assisted by the Jewish Tribes of Banu Nadhir, Banu Ghaffan and Banu Asad.
See Holy Qur’an, An-Nur (24):55, Al-Ahzab (33):9-20. |
KHADIJAH, MAY ALLAH BE PLEASED WITH HER: |
First wife of the Holy Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace,
and one of the four greatest females created, the other three being: 1).
Mariam (Mary), Mother of the Prophet Isa (Jesus), peace be on them. 2).
Asiya, the wife of Fir’aun (Pharaoh). 3). Fatima, daughter of Muhammad,
may Allah bless them and grant them peace. |
KHAFY (SHIRK, AL): |
The
Hidden Shirk. Being dissatisfied with what Allah has ordained for a
particular person. Hidden Shirk is to inwardly worship anything or
anyone other than Allah, or to inwardly associate something or someone
as a partner with Him, especially one’s self. See Shirk. |
KHAIBAR: |
A
famous town north of Madinah. It was the place where a great battle took
place between the Muslims and the Jews in 10AH. The Muslim victory at
Khaibar destroyed Jewish influence in the Arabian peninsula for many
centuries, until the introduction of the modern Jewish banking system
throughout the world. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Ahzab (33):27. |
KHAIF: |
Name
of a Masjid (mosque) in Madinah. |
KHAIRUL UMMAM: |
The
best nation amongst all nations in the sight of Allah Ta’ala, i.e. Al-Ummal
Islamiah (the Muslim nation). |
KHALEEL: |
Highest form of frienship. The love that is mixed with one’s own soul.
The Prophet Muhammad and the Prophet Ibrahim, may Allah bless them and
grant them peace, were ‘Khaleelu’allah’, the intimate friends of Allah.
They loved people for Allah, but their greatest love was only Allah
Subhana wa Ta’ala Himself. |
KHALIDEEN: |
To
abide for ever. The good will abide in the Jannah (Paradise) and the
evil will abide in the Nar (Hellfire) forever. "Khalideena Feeha Abda".
(They will abide in there forever.) The word "Abada" also means
"Forever". Allah Ta’ala uses "Abada" to emphasize "forever", reminding
us that eternity is endless. |
KHALIFAH: |
Derives its name from the word Khalafa, Yakhufu ---- meaning, one that
comes after. Khulafa ------ the ones who succeed others, in the sense of
standing in as a representative for someone else. Thus Khalifa =
viceregent, the representative of Allah. Khalifa has two main meanings:
General : It refers to mankind, particularly the believers. See Holy
Qur’an, Al-Baqara (2):30. Every Muslim is a Khalifa and should carry the
banner of Islam high and strive to establish the Deen of Islam until
Allah’s Word reign supreme in the world. Specific: A Muslim ruler. There
were four Al-Khulafaa ar-Rashideen, "the rightly-guided Khulafaa": They
are:
i). Abu Bakr as-Siddiq - 11-13 AH ii).
Umar ibn Khattab - 13-23 AH. iii). Uthman ibn ‘Affan -24-36 iv). Ali ibn
Abi talib - 36-40. May Allah be pleased with them. Plural: Khulafaa. |
KHALIQ (AL), "AL-KHALIQ": |
The
Creator. One of the ninety-nine Attributes of Allah Ta’ala. Some useful
words regarding creation. 1). Khalaqa - "He Created". 2). Khalq -
"Creation". 3). Makhlooq - "Created". 4). Khalaaq - "Creator" in the
sense of "Originator". |
KHAMR: |
Intoxicant. Anything that is fermented and causes a state of drunkenness
when consumed. Khamr is prohibited by Allah Ta’ala in the strongest term
possible: "Ajtanibou" - "Leave it!" It is a higher level of prohibition
than forbidding it because it is Haram. Haram---- a direct prohibition
ordered by Allah Ta’ala. Ajtanibou ---- a degree more serious than Haram.
It is not only Haram, but also a direct command not to approach or be
near it for any reason whatsoever. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Baqara (2):219,
Al-Maidah (5):93. |
KHARAJ: |
Tax
imposed on the revenue out of land taken from non-Muslims to ensure
their rights under Islamic Law. |
KHARIJ: |
Singular of Khawarij. See Khawarij. |
KHASAFA: |
Means "eclipsed" with regard to the moon. |
KHATAM ANBIYA: |
The
seal of the Prophets. This is the title of the Holy Prophet Muhammad,
may Allah bless and grant him peace. Allah Ta’ala sent many prophets,
from Adam to Isa (Jesus), may the blessing and peace of Allah be on all
of them, and then sent Muhammad as the last messenger to the Ins wal
Jinn (mankind and the Jinn) with the final and complete revelation, the
Holy Qur’an. This is one of the reasons why Allah Ta’ala Himself decreed
that it is He who will preserve and be the Guidance of the Holy Qur’an.
It is the only Holy Book today that has not been altered (not even a
single letter has been altered!). Allah Ta’ala’s promise is true. Has
not the time come for those who reject to see the truth? Allah Ta’ala
has sent an unlimited number of proofs to prove that the divine truth
lies in the Holy Qur’an and with the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah
bless him and grant him peace. It is clear for those who wish to see
them. And those who choose to reject them will have only themselves to
blame. For another proof see Umm-me. Allah humma inni ballght; Allah
humma inni ballaght; Allah humma inni ballaght: O Allah, surely the
message has been delivered; O Allah surely the message has been
delivered; O Allah, surely the message has been delivered. |
KHAUF: |
Fear. Only fear of Allah is acceptable to Allah Ta’ala. Khauf is a
general fear, e.g.: 1 . Fearing the unknown. 2 . Fear of failing. 3 .
Fear of losing wealth. etc.
Taqwa is the fear of something specific
and its consequences:
a). Fear of Allah and of His wrath.
This is the mark of a true believer. This is a blessed Taqwa that will
lead to Paradise. b). Fearing Shaitan or man for the evil they can do,
without taking into consideration that Allah has power over them. This
is a cursed Taqwa that will lead to the Hellfire. The opposite of Khauf
is Rija (hope), hope for generosity and blessing from Allah Ta’ala. |
KHAWARIJ: |
The
people who dissented from Islam and created a false belief which was not
part of the Holy Qur’an or the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad,
may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Singular: Kharj. |
KHAWLA BINT THA’LAB: |
She
is the woman who is referred to in the Surat al-Mujadalah (Surah
58:1-6). |
KHAZAIN: |
1).
Store houses or places where things are stored. 2). Treasures or where
treasures are kept. Singular Makhzan. |
KHIMAR: |
A
type of Hijab (Veil) which covers the face, but leaves the eyes exposed,
as opposed to the Niqab, which covers the entire face, including the
eyes. |
KHOSOOF: |
Lunar eclipse. There is a special Eclipse Salat (prayer) which lasts as
long as the eclipse itself. |
KHUL: |
A
form of divorce. When a wife leaves her husband after giving him a
certain compensation, usually part or all of her dowry. |
KHULAFAA AR-RASHIDEEN (AL): |
The
rightly-Guided Khalifaas. They were the first four rulers of the Muslim
Ummah (nation) after the death of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah
bless him and grant him peace. They were called "The Rightly-Guided
Khalifaas" because they ruled exactly as was ordained by Allah Ta’ala
and the Prophet Muhammad. They were:
1). Abu Bakr as-Siddiq - 11-13AH 2).
Umar ibn Al-Khattab -13-23AH 3). Uthman ibn ‘Affan - 23-36AH. 4). Ali
ibn Abi Talib - 36-40AH. May Allah be please with them. |
KHUMRA: |
A
small prayer mat, just large enough for hands and forehand. |
KHUMS: |
One-Fifth war booty given Allah’s cause. See Holy Qur’an. Al-Anfaal
(8):41. |
KHUTBA: |
Sermon. The greatest sermon in the history of mankind was called Al-Khutbatul
Wida’ (the farewell sermon), given by the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may
Allah bless him and grant him peace, during his last Hajj in 10AH. There
are various types of sermons, e.g.
1). Khutbatul Jum’a - the Friday
sermon. This is given immediately before the Jum'a Salat (prayer). 2).
Khutbatul Eid - the Eid sermon. This is given immediately after the
Salat (prayer) of the two Eids. 3). Khutbatul Nikah - the marriage
sermon. This is during the marriage ceremony. |
KHUTBATUL NIKAH: |
A
speech given at the time of concluding a marriage contract. |
KITAB: |
Book. There are three types of Kutub (books):
1). The Book of record or deeds. On the
Day of Judgment, everyone from both man and Jinn will receive their
book, in their right or left hand, according to the preponderance of
their good or bad deeds and thus will either enter Paradise or be cast
into Hellfire. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Qamar (54):52-53. 2). Al-Kitab. The
Book (or Revelation). Refers especially to the Holy Qur’an, but also
refers to the original revelations revealed to the earlier messengers of
Allah, may the blessing and peace of Allah be on them. See Qur’an. 3).
Ordinary books. i.e.books written by people, all of which are subject to
human error and cannot be compared to the Qur’an. The Qur’an is the
uncreated word of Allah Ta’ala. |
KOHL: |
A
powder, made from finely ground antimony and used both as a make-up and
as medicine for the eyes. |
KUFEE: |
A
style of angular writing often used for early hand-written copies of the
Holy Qur'an. |
KUFFAR: |
Unbelievers. Those who reject Allah and His messengers, may Allah bless
them and grant them peace. There are different ways of not believing in
Allah. For full explanation, see Kufr.Singular: Kafir. |
KUFR: |
Disbelief in Allah’s Commands, including refusal to accept whatever the
Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, taught. There
are two levels of Kufr: 1). Kufr Al-Akbar (major disbelief). Major Kufr
is subdivided into five categories: a). Kufr al-Taktheeb. Denying the
divine truth. b). Kufr al-Abaa wa Stakbara ma’al-Tasdeeq. Refusing to
bow to Allah due to pride, even though acknowledging the divine truth.
c). Kufr ash-Shakk wa Dhann. Doubting any or all of the six articles of
faith (see ‘Aqaaid), even if not completely denying them. d). Kufr al-Iraad.
Knowingly turning away from the divine truth. e). Kufr al-Nifaq.
Disbelief through hypocrisy. 2). Kufr al-Asghar (minor disbelief). Being
unappreciative of what Allah Ta’ala has provided. |
KUNYA: |
A respectful and affectionate way of
calling as "Abu" or "Umm" (Abu----father of - mother of) followed by the
name of the eldest son; if there is no male offspring then the "Abu" or
"Umm" is followed by the name of the eldest daughter. It is prohibited
to have the same Kunya as the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and
grant him peace, e.g. It is not permitted to call someone "Abul Qasim".
Sahi Bukhari, Hadith 205, Vol. 8. Sahi Muslim, Kitab ul-Adab. |
KUSUF: |
Solar eclipse. There is a special Eclipse Salat (prayer) which lasts as
long as the eclipse itself. |
L
Name |
Meaning |
La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah : |
The
meaning of this expression is: " There is no power and no strength save
in Allah." This expression is read by a Muslim when he is struck by a
calamity, or is taken over by a situation beyond his control. A Muslim
puts his trust in the hands of Allah, and submits himself to Allah. |
La ilaha illallah : |
This
expression is the most important one in Islam. It is the creed that
every person has to say to be considered a Muslim. It is part of the
first pillar of Islam. The meaning of which is: " There is no lord
worthy of worship except Allah." The second part of this first pillar is
to say: "Muhammadun Rasul Allah," which means:"Muhammad is the messenger
of Allah." |
Laat : |
a
chief goddess in the religion of the pre-Islamic Arabs during the days
of Jahiliyyah. |
Labbayk Allaahumma Labbayk : |
literally means "O Allaah! I respond to Your Call". |
Laghw : |
Dirty, false, evil vain talk |
Laylatul-Qadar : |
one
of the odd last ten nights of the month of Ramadhaan for which Allaah
has prescribed the reward for acts of worship being better/equivalent to
1,000 months (83 years and 4 months). |
Lunar calendar : |
In
their religious duties, Muslims depend on solar and lunar calendars. The
latter is shorter than the solar by twelve days. Fasting the month of
Ramadhan, celebrating the two major feasts ('Eid Al-Fitr and 'Eid Al-Adhha),
performing the pilgrimage to Makkah, and other religious activities
depend upon the lunar months. The names of the lunar months are:
Muharram, Safar, Rabi' Al-Awwal, Rabi' Al-Thani, Jumada Al-Ula, Jumada
Al-Akhirah, Rajab, Sha'ban, Ramadhan, Shawwal, Dhul-Qi'dah, and
Dhul-Hijjah. The timing of the daily prayers depend on the solar system. |
M
Name |
Meaning |
MA’ARIJ (AL): |
"The
Ways of Ascent". Surah 70 of the Holy Qur’an. |
MA’RIFA: |
A
Spiritual realization of Allah Ta’ala. Gnosis.It is to directly witness
the Light of the Names of Attributes of Allah manifested in the heart. |
MA’SHAR: |
Assemblies. Whether they be assemblies of mankind or of the Jinn or
both. |
MA’UN (AL): |
"Small Kindnesses". Surah 107 of the Holy Qur’an. |
MABRUR: |
A
Hajj that is accepted by Allah because of its perfection in both inward
intention and outward observance of the traditions of Rasoolu’llah, may
Allah bless him and grant him peace. |
MADYAN: |
People of the Prophet Shu’aib, peace be on him. They were destroyed by
an earthquake for rejecting Shu’aib and the warnings from Allah he had
brought with him. See Holy Qur’an, Al-A’raf (7):8593, Houd (11):84-95. |
MAGHAZI (AL): |
Plural of Ghazwa. See Ghazwa. |
MAGHDOUB: |
"Cursed" by Allah Ta’ala. Surah Al-Fatiha (1):7, "...Maghdoubee ‘alaihim.."
(those that have been cursed) refers to the Jews. Allah Ta’ala has
cursed them for continually breaking their covenants. See Holy Qur’an,
Al-Baqara (2):83-86, 100, Al-maidah (5):13-14, 73. |
MAGHFEER: |
A
foul-smelling gum. |
MAGHFIRA: |
"Forgiveness". In the Holy Qur’an Allah Ta’ala uses three different
words to mean "forgive".
1). ‘Afa. Forgave, in the sense of
obliterating the memory of wrongdoing from one’s mind. 2). Safaha.
Forgave, in the sense of overlooking, ignoring or turning away from
misdeeds. 3). Maghfira. Comes from one of the ninety-nine Attributes of
Allah Ta’ala. "Al-Ghafur", which means to forgive again and again. |
MAGHREBEE: |
A
combination of Kufee (angular) and Naskh (curved) Scripts often used for
hand-written copies of the Holy Qur’an written in north-west Africa. |
MAGHRIB: |
Sunset. The fourth compulsory Salat (Prayer) of the day. It consists of
three Raq’as. It can be prayed at any time between just after sunset and
before the stars appear in the sky. |
MAHR: |
Dowry given by a husband to his bride on 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. |
MAIDA (AL): |
"The
Table Spread". Surah 5 of the Holy Qur’an. |
MAISER: |
Gambling. Literally means getting something too easily. Maiser has been
prohibited by Allah Ta’ala in the strongest terms possible : "Ajtibou" -
"Leave it!". It is a higher level of prohibition than forbidding it
because it is Haram. Haram = a direct prohibition ordered by Allah
Ta’ala. Ajtanibou = a degree more serious than Haram. It is not only
Haram, but also a direct command not to approach or be near it for nay
reason whatsoever. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Baqara (2):219, Al-Maidah (5):93. |
MAJEED (AL): |
"Al-Majeed". The Most Gracious. One of the ninety nine attributes of
Allah. For a full list of the Asmaul Husna of Allah ta’ala. |
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: |
Has
two meanings: 1). Plotting or planning with evil intent 2). Planning for
a good purpose. "Wa Makaru wa Makara Allah wa’llahu Khairul Makereen"
(Surah Aali ‘Imran (3):54). "They planned and Allah planned and Allah is
the best of planners." Makaru = they plotted. Makara = planned. Makara =
plotted. makareen = plotters. See Holy Qur’an, Aali ‘Imran (3):54, |
MAKROUH: |
Disapproved of, but not prohibited by Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala. See
Ahkam. |
MALAIKAH: |
1).
"Angels". Another name for Suratul Fatir. Surah 35 of the Holy Qur’an.
2). A race of created beings that are made out of light. Their sole
purpose in creation is to worship and glorify Allah and to perform their
duties exactly as described. They are incapable of disobedience. They do
not eat, or sleep, or procreate. Their exact number is unknown. Amongst
the well-known ones are the following: i). The angel Jibreel (Gabriel) -
the angel whose duty is to communicate between Allah Ta’ala and the
Prophets and to whomever Allah wills; i.e. he was commanded to
communicate with Mariam (Mary, mother of Prophet Jesus), Jesus and
Muhammad, may Allah bless them and grant them peace. ii). The angel
Mikaeel (Micheal) - the angel of provisions. iii). The angel of Death -
takes the souls of people when they die. Many Muslims mistakenly call
him Izrael. The name "Izrael" is neither mentioned in the Holy Book of
Allah, the Holy Qur’an, nor by Muhammad, may Allah bless and grant him
peace, in any of the Ahadeeth. The name "Izrael" is mentioned in the
Taurat and therefore has been ‘borrowed’ from the Jews. Beware of such
innovations. Copying the Jews or any other unbelievers, and then saying
"This is from Allah", is Kuffur. iv). The angel Israfeel - the angel who
will blow the horn to bring the universe to its end. v). The angel
Ridwan - Keeper of Jannah (Paradise). vi). The angel Maalik - Keeper of
Nar (Hellfire). vii). The angels Munkar and Nakeer - the two angels who
are assigned to question the souls of the dead in their graves about
their faith. Peace be on all of them. Singular: Malak. |
MALAK: |
Singular of Malaikah (angels). See Malaikah. |
MAMNU’A: |
What
is prohibited in acts of worship in the Shari’a. For example, doing
voluntary Salat (prayers) between the Fajr Salat and sunrise, or between
the Asr Salat and sunset; fasting on either of the two ‘Eid days. |
MANAAT: |
A
famous goddess in Hijaz who used to be worshipped by the pagan Arabs in
the pre-Islamic period of ignorance. See Holy Qur’an, an-Najm (53):20. |
MANASI (AL): |
A
huge plateau on the outskirt of Madinah. |
MANASIK: |
General sacrifice in the path of Allah Ta’ala. All deeds and actions
during Hajj are regarded as Manasik, for they are indeed regarded as
sacrifices in the path of Allah. |
MANSOOKH: |
Abrogated. The abrogation of certain commands usually came with
increased belief or change in situation. Only Allah Ta’ala has the power
to abrogate verses of the Holy Qur’an. An example of an abrogated
statement is:"...wa in toobdu ma fee anfooseekum aw tookhfoohu
youhasibkum bihi Allah.." (Al Baqara (2):284), "...whether you show what
is in your mind or conceal it, Allah will call you to account for
it...". when the Muslims heard this Ayah they went to Muhammad, may
Allah bless him and grant him peace, and said: "O Rasoolullah, we cannot
control ourselves, but how can we control the outburst in our hearts?
(i.e. sudden thoughts that shaitan puts within us). The Prophet Muhammad
said: "Do you intend to say, ‘Same’na wa ‘asaina (We hear and we
disobeyed), as did both the people of the Book (i.e. the Jews and the
Christians)? say, ‘Same’na wa ata’na! So they said, ‘Same’na wa ata’na’
(We hear and we obey). On hearing their reply Allah Ta’ala abrogated
this verse, by revealing the 286th verse of Surah al-Baqara: "La
youkalifu’llau nafsan illa wus’aha.." The aim of the 284th verse of
Surah al-Baqara was to test the followers of Muhammad, may the blessings
of Allah be on him and them, as to whether or not they would say the
same as the Jews and the Christians who used to say, "Same’na wa
‘asaina" (We hear and we disobey). |
MAQAM IBRAHIM: |
The
station of Ibrahim. The place where the Prophet Ibrahim, peace be on
him, stood in prayer, and which marks the place of prayer following
Tawaf of the Ka’bah. This place today is marked by a stone in which
there are two large sunken footprints, said to have been made by the
Prophet Ibrahim when he stood on the stone while he and his son Ismael
were building the Ka’aba. |
MARIAM, PEACE BE ON HER: |
"Mary". The Virgin Mary. Daughter of ‘Imran and Hannah and mother of
Prophet Isa (Jesus) peace be on him. She is the first of the four
greatest females created, the other three being:
1). Asiya, the wife of Fir’aun
(Pharaoh). 2). Khadija, the first wife of Muhammad. 3). Fatima, Daughter
of Muhammad, May the blessings and peace of Allah be on him and all his
wives and family. Surah 19 of the Holy Qur’an. |
MARUT: |
One
of the two angels that were sent by Allah as a trial to mankind by way
of allowing Harut and Marut to teach them magic. See Holy Qur’an,
Al-Baqara (2):102. |
MARWA: |
A
small hill in Makkah close to the holiest Masjid in Islam, Al-Masjid al-Haram.
See Sa’i, Safa and Marwa. |
MASAD (AL): |
"Palm Fibre". Another name for Surah Abi Lahab. This surah condemned Abi
Lahab and his wife to Hellfire (many years before their deaths) for
their Kufr, especially their violent opposition to the Prophet Muhammad,
may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Surah 111 of the Holy Qur’an. |
MASAJID: |
"Mosque". Place of worship for the Muslims. Singular: Masjid. The whole
earth is a Masjid for the Muslims, the dome of the heaven its roof. |
MASAKEEN: |
People who are very poor and in need; not only those who are visibly in
need, but also those who seem in no need of help, but who in reality are
very poor. Singular: Miskeen. |
MASEEH: |
"Massiah". A title which means "Annointed" or "Christ". There are two
Messiahs:
1 . Maseeh Isa ibn Mariam - Christ
Jesus, Son of Mary. The title of Maseh (Christ) was given to the great
Prophet Isa (Jesus), Son of Mary , peace be on them. Masee ad-Dajjal -
Christ the Liar. This title is given to the false Christ (the Antichrist
as termed by the Christians), who will appear before the Day of
Resurrection, falsely claiming to be prophet Jesus, Son of Mary. One of
the major signs of the coming of the Day of Judgment will be when the
Maseeh ad-Dajjal appears. He will then be shortly followed by the
Prophet Isa (Jesus), the Son of Mary, peace be on them. The Prophet
Jesus will then slay the Dajjal (Antichrist) and the Dijjal’s followers
by a miracle. The Prophecy of the second coming of the
-------------------- -------------------------
??????????????????????????? |
MAWAQEET: |
Plural of Miqat. See Miqat. |
MI’RAJ: |
The
Night Journey of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and
grant him peace, from Makka to Jerusalem and then through the realms of
the seven Heavens, beyond the limit of forms, the Sidrat al-Muntah, to
within a bow-span’s length or nearer to the Presence of Allah. See Holy
Qur’an, Al-Isara (17):1. See Bukhari, Hadith 345, Vol. 1, Vol. 1, 227,
Vol. 5. |
MIHIRAAB: |
Prayer niche of a Masjid (mosque), in front of which the Imam stands
when leading the congregational prayers. |
MIMBAR: |
Steps on which the Imam stands to deliver the Khutba on the day of the
Jum’a. |
MINA: |
A
Place five miles from Makkah and approximately ten miles from ‘Arafat.
An essential place to visit during the Hajj. For full information on the
importance of Mina during the Hajj. See Hajj. |
MIQAT: |
Certain places specified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless
him and grant him peace, for people to assume Ihram on their way to
doing the Hajj or an Umra. Plural: Mawaqeet.
The Mawaqeet are: Following are people
or nationalities of different places and their specified locations of
Miqat: 1.) (From Makkah itself)---- Tan’im Makkah 2.) Madinah (from the
north)---- Dhu’l-Hulayfa (Abar Ali) 3.) Najd, Arabia (from the east)
---- Qar al-Manazil 4.) Yemen (from the South) Yalamlam 5.) Shaam (from
the west and north-west)---- Al-Juhfa 6.)Iraq (from the north-east)----
Dhir 'Irq. |
MISKEEN: |
A
very poor and needy person. Plural:Maskeen. |
MITHQAAL: |
A
measure of weight for weighing gold in this world and deeds on the Day
of Judgment in the next world. |
MU’JEZZAT: |
Miracles. |
MU’SIR: |
A
Mu’sir who intends to do Hajj and Umra, but is unable to do so due to
some obstacles. |
MU’TAKIF: |
A
person who is in the state of ‘Itikaf. See ‘Itikaf. |
MUADHEEN: |
The
man who calls the Adhan loudly before each obligatory Salat (Prayer),
calling the people to prayer. |
MUAKKAD (SALAT): |
Voluntary prayers regularly done. This type of optional prayer was
virtually always done by Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him
peace. See Nafilah. |
MUAWUDTHATAIN: |
The
two Surahs of seeking protection, Surah Al-Falaq (113) and Surat An-Nas
(114). These Suwar were revealed for mankind and the Jinns to protect
themselves from evil and black magic. It is Kufr (unbelief) to delve
into the black arts, since this is a denial of the truth that there is
no strength and no power except from Allah. |
MUBARAK: |
Blessed. Having received the blessing of Allah. |
MUBASHIRAT: |
Glad
tidings. Good dreams. |
MUBIQAAT: |
major, Destructive sins. |
MUDDATHIR (AL): |
"The
Cloaked One". Surah 74 of the Holy Qur’an. |
MUFFASAL: |
The
last, shorter Surahs of the Holy Qur’an. All the Suwar from Surah Qaf
(50) to Surah an-Nas (114). |
MUFFASSALAT: |
Same
as Mufassal. |
MUFRID: |
A
Muslim who remembers Allah Ta’ala constantly. |
MUHABBAH (SHIRK AL): |
A
Major Shirk. Loving a created being or an object more than Allah Ta'ala.
See Shirk. |
MUHADITH: |
A
scholar of Ahadeeth (sayings and traditions of the Holy Prophet
Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace). plural: Muhaditeen. |
MUHADITHEEN: |
Scholars of Ahadeeth (Sayings and traditions of the Holy Prophet
Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Singular: Muhadith. |
MUHAJIR: |
A
Muslim who emigrated from Makkah to Madinah during the time of the great
repression of the Muslim by the pagan Quraish up until the conquest of
Makkah 8AH by the prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him
peace. Plural: Muhajireen. |
MUHAJIREEN: |
Plural of Muhajir. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Hashr (59):8-9, Al-Munafiqun
(63):7. See Muhajir. |
MUHAMMAD, MAY ALLAH BLESS HIM AND GRANT
HIM PEACE: |
The
Final Messenger of Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala to Ins wal Jinn (mankind and
the Jinn). Born in Makkah in 570AC. At the age 40 he was called upon to
become the mightiest of all messengers. He died in Madinah at the age of
63 after gloriously completing his transmission of the divine Message.
He was the bringer of the greatest miracle of all time, the Holy Qur’an.
It is through him that Allah Ta’ala has enlightened mankind and the Jinn
until the Day of Judgment. He is the Best Creation, may the blessings
and peace of Allah be on him and his family and his companions and all
who follow him and them in what they are able,with sincerity, until the
Last Day. To those Jews and Christians who rejected the holy Prophet
Muhammad, let it be known that Muhammad is actually mentioned by name in
the Old Testament in the original Hebrew Song of Solomon, Ch., 5 V. 16.
But for some misguided reasons they have chosen to adulterate it by
changing it from "Muhammadim" (in the Hebrew) to "altogether lovely" in
the English. (Muhammad + im is a term of respect in Hebrew.) Similarly,
Muhammad is actually mentioned by name in the New Testament in John
14:16-26, 15:26 and 16:13. The greek word "Periqleitos" (Paraclete),
which is the equivalent of the Aramaic word "Mhamda", means precisely
what "Ahmad" means in Arabic, "the most praiseworthy", and "Ahmad" is
one of the Prophet Muhammad’s name, may Allah bless him and grant him
peace. But for some misguided reasons they have chosen to adulterate it
by changing it from "Mhamda" (in the Aramaic) to "Comforter" or "Counsellor"
in the English. Many other references to Muhammad which existed in the
original Torah and Ingeel have been removed altogether.Allah Taala's
wrath awaits those who knowingly alter or hide His words.Allah Ta’ala
has given Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, the
following names: Muhammad: The one who praises and is praised. Ahmad:
the Most praiseworthy. Al-Mahi: The effacer (of Kufr). Al-’Aqib: The
last . Mustafa: The chosen. Al-Amin: The trusworthy. Surah 47 of the
Holy Qur’an. For the chronological list of the main events in the
Prophet Muhammad’s life, may Allah bless him and grant him peace: |
MUHARRAM: |
The
first month of Islamic calendar. Strictly forbidden by Allah Subhana wa
Ta’ala. |
MUHEET: |
1).
Encompassing, in the sense of being all around them, thus giving the
sense that there will be no escape for the evildoers from Allah and His
punishment, and that the believers will find Allah’s blessings and mercy
wherever they turn. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Baqara (2):19, Houd (11):84. 2).
The ocean (because it encompasses the land mass). |
MUHKAM: |
Qur’anic verse which have a clear-cut meaning. |
MUHRIM: |
One
who assumes Ihram. See Ihram. |
MUHRIMA: |
A
female who assumes Ihram. See Ihram. |
MUHSIN: |
One
who is in a state of Ihsan and accordingly does right and does good
deeds. Plural: Muhsineen. See Ihsan. |
MUHSINEEN: |
People who do righteous deeds in a perfect manner. Singular: Muhsin. |
MUJADALAH: |
"She
who disputes". The Woman referred to is Khawla bint Tha’lab. Surah 58 of
the Holy Qur’an. |
MUJAHID: |
One
who takes active part in a Jihad. Pural: Mujahideen. See Jihad. |
MUJAHIDEEN: |
Muslims who take part in a Jihad. Singular: Mujahid. See Jihad. |
MULAA’ANA: |
The
act of carrying out Li’aan. See Li’aan. |
MULAMMAS: |
"Touched", as a synonym of Lamas. See Lamas. |
MULHID: |
Atheist. A complete disbeliever in Allah Ta’ala and the Last Day. Comes
from Ilhad (atheism). Ilhad literally means deviation. For a full
explanation: See Ilhad. Plural: Mulhidoon or Mulhideen. |
MULK (AL): |
"The
Sovereignty", of Allah Ta’ala. Surah 67 of the Holy Qur’an. |
MULTAZAM: |
The
area between the Black Stone and the door of the Ka’aba where it is
recommended to make Du’a. |
MUMIN (AL): |
"The
Believer". Someone who trusts in Allah and accepts and follows His
Messengers, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Another name for
Al-Ghafir. Surah 40 of the Holy Qur’an. |
MUMINOON (AL): |
"The
Believers". Surah 23 of the Holy Qur’an. |
MUMTAHANA: |
"She
that is to be Examined". Surah 60 of the Holy Qur’an. |
MUNABADHA: |
"Thrown", as synonym of Nibadh. See Nibadh. |
MUNAFIQEEN: |
"Hypocrites". They are the worst of created beings, for they pretend to,
but do not believe in Allah and the Last Day. Allah has cursed them (At-Tawbah
(9):67-69) and on the Day of Judgment they will occupy the lowest of the
Nar (Hellfire), called "Hutama". Also as Munafiqoon. Singular: Munafiq. |
MUNAFIQOON: |
"The
Hyprocrites". Surah 63 of the Holy Qur’an. |
MUNKAR WA NAKIR, PEACE BE ON THEM: |
The
two angels who will question the souls of the dead in their graves
shortly after burial about faith, asking, "Who is your Lord? Who is your
Prophet? What is your Book? What was your Deen? See Malaikah. |
MUNKAR: |
1).
Name of one of the two angels who will question us in our graves. See
Munkar wa Nakir. 2). Something that is disapproved of in Islam. 3).
Something that is denied when it is said or pointed out. 4).Something
that is refused when offered. |
MUQARRABOON: |
Literally means "those who have been brought near". These are the most
exalted, the most loved by Allah Ta’ala. On 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 are the nearest to Allah
Ta’ala. Also described as the Sabiqoon, meaning ‘those who outstrip the
rest’. 2) . Ashab al-Maimana - literally means "the Companions of the
Right". These are the righteous people, those who are destined to enter
the Jannah (Paradise). 3). Ashab al-Mashama - literally means "the
Companions of the Left". These people will be the inheritors of the Nar
(Hellfire). For full explanation on: Muqarraboon - see Al-Waqi’ah
(56):11-26. Ashab al-Maimana - see Al-Waqi’ah (56):27-40. Ashab al-Mashama
- see Al-Waqi’ah (56):41-56. |
MUQATTA’AT: |
See
Alif Lam Mim. |
MURSALAAT (AL): |
"The
Emissaries". Surah 77 of the Holy Qur’an. |
MURSALEEN: |
Literally means "those who are sent". It refers to the prophets and
messengers sent by Allah Ta’ala. Allah sent many prophets and messengers
to preach the message of Tawheed to Ins wal Jinn (mankind and the Jinn).
Their exact number is not mentioned in either Holy Qur’an or in any of
the authentic Ahadeeth. Here is a complete list of the Prophets and
messengers of Allah who are mentioned in the Book of Allah Ta’ala, may
the blessings and peace of Allah be on all of them.Each prophet as
listed below,is respectively identified according to his a) Age b)Period
of existence and c)Remarks or identification,as follows:
1). Adam a)950--- 1000b) ???c)The First
Human - 2). Idris a)83 b) ??? c)Enoch - 3). Nooh (M) a)950 b)3900-2900
BC c) Noah and the list goes on with the same set-up 'till the last in
prophet Muhammmad (PBUH) - 4). Houd a)150 b)2500-2500 BC c)Preached to
‘Ad - 5). Saleh a)58 b)2000-1900 BC c)Preached to Thamud - 6). Ibrahim
(M) a) 175 b)1861-1786 BC c)Abraham - 7). Loot a)175 b)1861-1786 BC
c)Lot - 8). Ismael a)120 or 143 b)1781-1638 BC c)Ishmael - 9). Ishaq
a)178 or 180 b)1761-1681 BC c)Isaac - 10). Yacoub a)147 b)1700 1653 BC
c)Jacob - 11). Yusuf a)110 b)1610-1500 BC c)Joseph - 12). Shuaib ?
b)1600 1500 BC c)Preached to Madyan - 13). Ayoub a)92 b)1600-1500 BC
c)Job - 14). Dhu’l-Kifel a)75 b)1600-1500 BC c)Ezekiel - 15). Musa (M)
a)120 b)1436-1316 BC c)Moses - 16). Haroon a)122 b)1436 1317 BC c)Aaron
- 17). Dawood (M) a)70 b)1439-937 BC c)David - 18). Sulaiman a)53
b)985-932 BC c)Solomon - 19). Ilyas ? b)9 BC ca. c)Elijah - 20). Al-Yas’
? b)9 BC ca. c)Elisha - 21). Yunus ? 8 b)BC ca. c)Jonas - 22). Zakaria
a)120 b)100 BC 20 AC a)Father of Yahyah. - 23). Yahay a)30 b)1 30 AC
c)John the Baptist - 24). Isa (M) a)33 b)1 33 AC c)Jesus - 25). Muhammad
(M) a)63 b)571-632 AC c)The Final Messenger (M) - a messenger as well as
a prophet of Allah Ta’ala; i.e. one who came with a new message,
revelation that confirmed the earlier revelations, but which contained
new elements appropriate for its time. (M) - Messenger |
MURTAD: |
"Apostate". Plural: Murtadeen. |
MURTADEEN: |
People who become apostate, i.e. people who become unbelievers after
having believed. |
MUSA, PEACE BE UPON HIM: |
Moses. One of the greatest prophets and messengers of Islam. |
MUSALLAH: |
A
place for praying that is not a Masjid. |
MUSHRIK: |
A
person who commits Shirk. See Shirk. |
MUSLIM: |
Literally means "Submission of will". i.e. to the will of Allah the
Almighty. A Muslim is someone who follows the way of Islam, not
abandoning what is Fard, keeping within the Hudood of Allah, and
following the Sunnah, in what he or she is able. A Muslim is by
definition one who is safe and sound, at peace in this world, and
promised the Garden in the next world. |
MUSTAFA: |
One
of the names of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant
him peace, meaning "the chosen one’. See Muhammad. |
MUSTAHAB: |
"Recommended". but not obligatory’. See Ahkam. |
MUSTD’AF: |
One
who is considered weak, and therefore is treated in a disrespectful
manner. See Holy Qur’an, An-Nisaa (4):75. |
MUT’A: |
A
temporary marriage. This was permitted in the early period of Islamic
history, when the first Muslims were away from their homes for extensive
periods of time; but was abrogated by the Holy Prophet Muhammad himself,
may Allah bless him and grant him peace, at Khaibar as is related by Ali
ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, Sahi Muslim and Sahi
Bukhari. |
MUTABBAR: |
Smashed into pieces. Destroyed. See Holy Qur’an. Al-A'raf (7):139. |
MUTAFIFEEN: |
"The
people who deal in Fraud". Surah 83 of the Holy Qur’an |
MUTHEERA: |
The
fragrant air Jannah (Paradise). |
MUZDALLIFA: |
A
site between ‘Arafat and Mina where the Hujjaj (pilgrims) spend the
night of the 9th of Dhu’l Hijjah (after coming down from ‘Arafat). See
Hajj. |
MUZZAMMIL (AL): |
"The
Enshrouded One". Surah 73 of the Holy Qur’an. |
N
Name |
Meaning |
NABAA (AL): |
"The
Tidings". Surah 78 of the Holy Qur’an. |
NABI: |
Prophet. There have been many prophets since the world was first
created. Their exact number is not mentioned either in the Holy Qur’an
or in any of the authentic Ahadith (sayings and traditions of the Holy
Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace ). Only
twenty-five of them are actually named in the Holy Qur’an, may the
blessing and peace of Allah be on all of them. |
NAFAR: |
A
small group of people, usually between three and ten in number. |
NAFILAH: |
Optional Salat. They are of two types: (1.) Sunnah - the optional Salat
that one does before and after the Fard Salat. These voluntary Salat
fall into two categories: (a.) Muakkad - confirmed. These types of Salat
were always regularly done by Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant
him peace. (b.) Ghair-Muakkad - not confirmed. Those types of Salat were
often, but not always, practiced by the Prophet Muhammad. (2.) Others -
any other Salat that one may wish to perform; for example, doing two
Rak’at before making a Du’a. With the exceptions of the Witr prayer,
Nafilah prayers always consist of two Rak’at at a time. See Witr.
Plural: Nawafil. |
NAFL: |
A
gift. From the same root as Anfal, meaning booty taken in war. It means
a voluntary act of Ibadah. See Nafilah. |
NAFRA: |
(1.)
The 12th or 13th of Dhul’l Hijjah when the Hujjaj (pilgrims) leave Mina.
(2.) To go forth and be ready to strive and suffer in the way of Allah
Ta’ala. See Holy Qur’an, At-Taubah (9):39. |
NAHD: |
Sharing traveling expenses by putting the money or food into kitty and
distributing them equally among the travelers. |
NAHI’ANIL MUNKAR: |
Forbidding the evil. The full phrase is "Amr bil Ma’roof was Nahi ‘Anil
Munakr" (enjoining the good and forbidding the evil). |
NAHL (AL): |
"The
Bee". Surah 16 of the Holy Qur’an. |
NAHNU: |
"We". The plurality of respect and honour. Allah Ta’ala uses "We" to
express His honour and greatness. It is not the plurality of numbers,
for Allah is One and Unique. There is nothing like Him and there is none
comparable to Him. Allah did not beget nor was He begotten. |
NAHR: |
Slaughtering camels. The Day of Nahr takes place on the 10th of
Dhu’l-Hijjah, when Hujjaj sacrifice camels, goats, sheep, etc., as one
of the rites of the Hajj. See Eid al-Adha, Hajj. |
NAJWA: |
1) A
private talk between Allah the Almigthy and one of His slaves on the Day
of Ressurection. See Saheeh Bukhari.
2) A secretive talk among the Kuffar
plotting against the Holy prophet Muhammad and his followers,may the
blessings and peace of Allah be on him and them.. See Surah
al-Mujadalah(58):8 |
NAKIR: |
One
of the two angels who will question us in our graves. See Munkar wa
Nakir. |
NAML (AL): |
"The
Ants". Surah 27 of the Holy Qur’an. |
NAQIB: |
(1).
leader of a small group of men going on a expedition. (2). Tribal chief. |
NAR: |
Literally means fire, but usually means the Fire of the next world,
including all seven levels of Hellfire as a whole. |
NAS (AN): |
"Mankind". Surah 114 of the Holy Qur’an. There are three different
levels of mankind: Mutaqoon - people who fear Allah Ta’ala and do not
commit Kabair (major sins). Mukhalatoon - people who commit Kabair
(major sins), in spite of their belief in Allah. Kuffar - unbelievers,
who do not believe in Allah. Not only do they commit Kabair, but also
they commit the greatest wrong action of all, Shirk. |
NASARA: |
Christian. |
NASI’A (RIBA AL): |
A
type of interest on loaned money. This is completely Haram. See Holy
Qur’an, Al-Baqara (2):275-280, Aali’Imran (3):130. |
NASKH: |
A
type of curved writing often used for early hand-written copies of the
Holy Qur’an. |
NASR (AN): |
"Help" . Surah 110 of the Holy Qur’an. |
NAWAFIL: |
Plural of Nafilah. See Nafilah. |
NAZI’AT: |
"Those who tear out". Surah 79 of the Holy Qur’an. |
NIBADH: |
A
sale whereby a deal is finalized by the seller throwing the sold object
towards the buyer, thus giving him no opportunity of seeing, touching or
checking it before the sale is concluded. |
NIFAQ (KUFR AL): |
A
Major Kufr. Disbelief through hyprocrisity. See Kufr. |
NIFAQ: |
Hypocrisy. One of the greatest sins in the sight of Allah Ta’ala. The
Punishment for Nifaq is the lowest pit of an-Nar (hellfire), the Hutama. |
NIKAH: |
Marriage according to the law of Allah Ta’ala. The courtesies and
requirements regarding Nikah are extensive and cannot be fully explained
in this book. For more information of Nikah please see Kitabul Nikah
(Book of Nikah) in Sahi Albukhari an Sahi Muslim. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Baqara
(2):221, An-Nisa (4):3 20-25, 35, 128-129, Al-Ma’idah (5):6, An-Nur
(24):3, 32:33, Al-Ahzab (33):28-29, 49-52. |
NIQAB: |
A
type of Hijab (veil) that covers the entire face, as opposed to the
Khimar, which leaves the eyes exposed. |
NISAA (AN): |
"Women". Surah 4 of the Holy Qur’an. |
NIYYAH WAL IRAADA WAL QASD (SHIRK AL): |
A
Major Shirk. Having the intention and determination to deliberately do
any type of act of worship to a deity other than Allah Ta’ala. See
Shirk. |
NIYYAH: |
The
intention of the heart. It is by their Niyyah that Allah Ta’ala judges
the actions of Ins wal’l-Jinn (mankind and the Jinn). |
NOOH, PEACE BE ON HIM: |
"Noah". A Messenger as well as a prophet. Surah 71 of the Holy Qur’an. |
NOON: |
Fish. See Dhul’l-Noon. |
NUR (AN): |
"An-Nur".
The Light. One of the ninety-nine Attributes of Allah. This is such a
complex attribute that it is impossible to explain it in one volume. Its
spiritual meaning is only understood by Allah Ta’ala Himself, for "Allah
is of the heavens and the earth". See Ayat an-Nur at the start of "R"
(an-Nur (24):35-36). Surah 24 of the Holy Qur’an. |
NUSK: |
An
Act of worship. Singular of Nusuk. See Nusuk. |
NUSUK: |
A
general sacrifice in the path of Allah. All the deeds and actions of
Hajj are regarded as Nusuk, for they are indeed regarded as sacrifices
in the path of Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala. Plural: Manasik. |
NUZOOL: |
The
revelation of the Holy Qur’an.The Revelation of the Holy Quran was in
three stages: It was written on the Lauh al-Mahfudha, i.e. on the
Guarded tablet in the Seven Heaven. On the Lailatul Qadar Allah Ta’ala
sent the entire Qur’an down to the Baitul "Izza in the first Heaven.
During the month of Ramadan Allah Ta’ala ordered the Holy Spirit, the
Angel Jibreel (Gabriel), peace be on him, to start to reveal the Qur’an
to the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace,
but not all at once. The entire revelation of the Holy Qur’an took
twenty-three years. |
Q
Name |
Meaning |
QABR: |
"Grave". Life in the Qabr (the grave) is known as the "Barzakh", the
interspace, because it comes between life in this world and life in the
next world. The Qabr is know by six names: (1.) Bait-al-Ghurba (House of
the Stranger) (2.) Bait-al-Wahda(House of Solitude) (3.) Bait al-Turab
(House of Dust). (4.) Bait ad-Dood (House of worms). (5.) Bait al-Fitna
(House of Trial). (6.) Bait al-Dhulma (House of Darkness) The grave is
experienced as a place of peace and light and space by the Ruh of the
Mumin who sees his or her place in the Garden in the Morning and in the
evening; and is experienced as a place of torment and darkness and no
space by the Ruh of the Kafr who sees his or her place in the Fire in
the morning and in the evening. After death there is period of waiting
in the grave for the Ruh until the Last Day arrives, when everyone who
has ever lived will be brought back to life and gathered together. Their
actions will be weighed in the Mizan (the Balance), and everyone will
either go to the Garden or the Fire, forever. |
QADA WA QADAR: |
Decree and Destiny. Qada means what Allah has ordained for all the
worlds. Qada cannot be changed, for the decree of Allah is final. Qadar
is the individual fate or destiny of each one of all His creatures. It
also cannot be changed, but may be altered by Allah under circumtances,
for "Allah has power over all things". Holy Qur’an, Al-Maidah (5):19. |
QADR (AL): |
"The
Power". The night of (Allah’s) power. Surah 97 of the Holy Qur’an. |
QADR (LAILATUL): |
One
of the last ten nights of Ramadan. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Qadar (97). See
Lailatul-Qadr. |
QAF: |
"Qaf".
Surah 50 of the Holy Qur’an. |
QAITIM: |
Straight and clear. Something which has no corners , bends or ambiguity.
Something which is straightforward and clear and leads to the Right
Path. It refers to the Holy Qur’an. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Kahf (18):2. |
QALAM (AL): |
"The
Pen". Surah 68 of the Holy Qur’an. |
QALB: |
The
heart, where true knowledge resides. Plural:Qulub. |
QAMAR (AL): |
"The
Moon". Surah 54 of the Holy Qur’an. |
QARDAN HASANA: |
"A
beautiful loan" (to Allah Ta’ala). Spending in the cause of Allah Ta’ala
is described by Allah Ta’ala Himself as "a beautiful loan" because it
entails self-denial for the sake of Allah Ta’ala. It is for this reason
that Allah has promised a rich reward for those who expand their wealth
in His Path. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Baqara (2):245, Al-Hadid (57):11,18. |
QAREEN: |
(1.)
One who performs Hajj al-Qiran. See Hajj. (2.) An independent soul that
resides inside a person. It is normally a friendly companion who helps
the individual, but sometimes gets jealous and cause problems. A male
Qareen resides in a male person and a female Qareen in a female. (3.)
Companion. |
QARI: |
One
who memorizes the Holy Qur’an by heart and constantly recites it. Early
religious scholar or teacher. Plural:Qurra. |
QARI’A (AL): |
"The
Day of Clamour". Another name for the Day of Resurrection. Surah 101 of
the Holy Qur’an. |
QARN AL-MANAZIL: |
The
Miqat of the pilgrims travelling through Najd, in Arabia (from the
east). See Miqat. |
QAROON: |
Korah. A wealthy Kafir who led a rebellion (of 250 men) against Prophets
Musa (Moses) and Haroon (Aaron), peace be on them. As a punishment Allah
caused the earth to open and swallow them up along with all that they
possessed. See Holy Qur’an. Al-Qasas (28):76-82, Al-Ankabut (29):39. |
QASAB: |
Pipes made of gold, pearls and other precious metals. |
QASAMA (AL): |
The
oath taken by fifty men of a tribe or a locality of a person who is
being accused of murder, to refute accusations of complicity in unclear
cases of homicide. |
QASSAS (AL): |
"The
Story". Surah 28 of the Holy Qur’an. |
QASWA (AL): |
The
name of the prophet Muhammad’s she-camel, may Allah bless him and grant
him peace. |
QEEL WA QALL: |
Idle
talk. |
QIAM: |
The
standing position during Salat. |
QIAMA (AL): |
"The
Ressurection". Surah 75 of the Hoily Qur’an. |
QIAMUL-LAIL: |
Standing in prayer during the night. |
QIBLAH: |
Direction in which all Muslims face when praying . Initially the Qiblah
was towards al-Qudus (Jerusalem), then Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala ordered
the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, to
face al-Ka’ba in Makka al-Mukarramah. Everyone has a direction in life,
but only the Muslims have this Qiblah. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Baqara
(2):142-145, 149-150. |
QIRADA: |
Apes. Allah Ta’ala uses this word with regard to some Jews who
transgressed the Sabbath and who were transformed apes as a punishment.
See Holy Qur’an, Al-Baqara (2):65. |
QIRAN (HAJJ AL): |
"Combined Hajj." Umara, then Hajj, without taking off Ihram. See Hajj.
QISSAS: Law of equal retaliation when punishing a person for injuries
intentionally inflicted on someone else. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Baqara
(2):178-179. |
QIYAAS: |
A
type of judgement reached by making analogy. When a judgement cannot be
found in the Holy Qur’an or in the Sunnah of Rasoolu’lla, may Allah
bless him and grant him peace, or from the ‘Ijma (universal agreement)
of the ‘Ulamaa (the people of knowledge from amongst the Muslims), then
a Qiyaas is made by comparing the matter being considered to a similar
case judged by the Holy Prophet, and thereby arriving at a similar
decision, which does not contradict the Qur’an or the Sunnah in any way. |
QU’UD: |
Sitting position during Salat. |
QUBAA: |
A
Famous site of the outskirt of Al-madinah al-Munawwara. The Holy Prophet
Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, established the first
Masjid of Islam there. It was named Al-Masjid at-Taqwa (The Masjid of
Awe) or Al-Masjid Quwatul-Islam (The Masjid of the Power of Islam).
According to one Hadith, the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him
and grant him peace, said visiting this Masjid on Saturday before noon
and offering a two-Rak’a Salat there is equal (in reward) to doing an
Umra. See Holy Qur’an, At-Taubah (9):107-108. |
QULUB: |
Hearts. Only the remembrance of Allah makes the hearts calm and
peaceful.Singular: Qalb. |
QUNUT: |
Supplication in the Salat, particularly in the standing position after
Ruku in the Fajr (Dawn) prayer. |
QUR’AN: |
The
"Recitation". The Holy Qur’an also called Al-Furqaan, "The
discrimination (Between truth and falsehood)". The Final Revelation of
Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala Himself (mankind and the Jinn). Allah Subhana wa
Ta’ala Himself decreed that it is He who will preserve the Holy Qur’an
from any deletion or addition or alteration until the Day of
Resurrection. It is generally understood that it is a book meant for the
Muslims alone. In fact, it is a book for all mankind and Jinns to follow
up to the Day of Judgement, but it has been accepted only by those who
have submitted their will (the Muslims) to Allah the Almighty. The
people whom the Qur’an is intended to benefit are described in
Suratul-Baqara (2):1-5. They are the successful ones, The Holy Qur’an
was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him
peace, through the Angel Jibreel (the Angel Gabriel), peace be upon him,
during a period of twenty-three years. The Holy Qur’an is the greatest
of the Last Messenger’s miracle, since he could neither read nor write
and had never received any formal education. The Holy Qur’an is the
uncreated word of Allah. The Holy Qur’an contains 114 Suwar, composed of
6,616 Ayat, 77, 934 words and 323, 671 letters. |
QURRA: |
One
who memorizes the Holy Qur’an by heart and recites it constantly. Early
religious scholars teachers. Singular: Qari |
R
Name |
Meaning |
RA: |
See
Radia’llahu ‘Anhu. |
RA’D (AR): |
"The
thunder". Surah 13 of the Holy Qur’an. |
RAAB: |
Lord, Master, Owner. Allah Ta’ala is the "Rabbil ‘Alameen", the Lord of
the Worlds. |
RABBAK: |
Your
Lord. Your Master. See Rabb. |
RABBIL-’ALAMEEN: |
Title of Allah Ta’ala. Lord of all creation. Literally means "Lord of
the Worlds", both in the Seen and in the Unseen. |
RABI’ AL-AWAL: |
The
third month of the Islamic Calendar. See Hijri. |
RADIA’LLAH ‘ANHU/‘ANHA: |
May
Allah be pleased with him or her. This term is most commonly used
whenever the name of a Sahabi (a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, amy
Allah bless him and grant him peace) is mentioned, Radia’llahu Anhum,
may Allah be pleased with them. |
RAFI’AH KHAFIDA: |
That
which will raise the lowly, and humble the proud, on the Day of
Judgement. |
RAHEEM (AR): |
"Ar-Raheem".
Most Merciful. One of the ninety-nine Attributes of Allah Ta’ala. It is
said that the Attributes of Ar-Raheem consists of the mercy of Allah
that is only experienced by the Muslims, whereas the Attributes of
Ar-Rahman consist of the mercy of Allah that is experienced by the whole
creation. For example, all creatures are fed until they die, but only
the Muslims experience the reward of breaking the fast at the end of
each day of Ramadan, and the reward of meeting the Lord in the next
world. See Rahman (ar). |
RAHIB: |
A
man who lives in a monastery, a Christian monk. |
RAHIM: |
Blood relations. It is extremely important for Muslims to keep in
contact with their blood relatives. In a Hadith Qudsi Allah Ta’ala vowed
by His Might and sublimity that He would cut off the person who cuts off
his blood relative. |
RAHMAN (AR): |
"Ar-Rahman".
Most Gracious, Merciful. One of the ninety-nine Attributes of Allah
Ta’ala. Surah 55 of the Holy Qur’an. This is Surah is referred to as
"The Bride of the Holy Qur’an". |
RAHMAT ALLAH: |
The
Mercy of Allah. It comes from one of the Attributes of Allah Ta’ala -
Ar-Rahman, The Merciful. See Raheem (ar). |
RAIHAN: |
A
sweet-smelling flower. |
RAJAB: |
The
seventh month of the Islamic calendar. See Hijri |
RAJFA: |
Violent earthquake. See Holy Qur’an, Al-A’raf (7):155. |
RAJM (AR): |
Stoning. In Islamic law the Hadd punishment for whoever is married and
commits adultery is to be stoned to death. |
RAK’AH: |
A
unit of the Salat (Prayer), a complete series of standing, bowing, two
prostatrations and sittings. Plural: Rak’at. |
RAMADAN: |
The
ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is very important month in the
Islamic world. (1.) It is month of fasting, during which all adults
Muslims who are in good helath fast from the first light of dawn until
sunset each day. During the first third of the fast you taste Allah’s
mercy; during the second third you taste Allah’s forgiveness; and during
the last third you taste freedom from the Fire. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Baqara
(2):185. (2.) It is the month in which the revelation of the Holy Qur’an
to our Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace,
commenced. (3.) The Lailatul Qadr (see Qadr, Lailatul) occurs in this
month. (4.) The famous Battle of Badr was fought and won in this month.
(5.) The Conquest of Makka by Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant
him peace, took place in this month. |
RAMAL: |
Hastening, walking brisky and moving the shoulders brisky; usually done
by men (only) in the first three circuits of the Tawaf, but not in the
remaining four. |
RAMI: |
The
act of throwing seven pebbles at each of the three Jamras, representing
Iblis (Satan), at Mina. See Jamrat al-’Aqaba. |
RASOOL: |
Messnger. A prophet of Allah Ta’ala who came with a pure revelation from
Allah to mankind and the Jinn. For a complete list of the messengers and
prophets referred to in the Qur’an: See Rusull. |
RAWI: |
A
narrator of Ahadeeth. |
REA’ (SHIRK AL): |
A
minor Shirk. Carrying out a religious act of worldly gains and not for
the pleasure of Allah, e.g. giving Zakat for the sake of fame or praise.
See Shirk. |
RIBA: |
Usury. Usury 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.
Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala has strictly forbidden any kind of Riba and has
warned of severe punishment to those who have any association with it.
This is because all Riba involves getting something for nothing at
someone else’s expense, and is destructive. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Baqara
(2):275-280, Aali ‘Imran (3):130. |
RIDA: |
A
cloth that is worn on the upper part of the body. |
RIDWAN, PEACE BE ON HIM: |
Name
of the angel who is keeper of the Gate of Jannah (Paradise). Literally
means "Allah’s Good Pleasure". |
RISALLAH: |
Letter. Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, sent many
messengers with letters to various leaders of the world inviting them to
Islam. For example of such letters: |
RIWAYAAT: |
Narrations of Ahadeeth. |
RIZQ: |
Provision. Sustenance. Is derived from the word "Al-Razaq". The Provider
or Sustainer, one of the ninety-nine Attributes of Allah Ta’ala. |
ROOH AL-QUDUS: |
The
Holy Spirit. Another name for the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel), peace be on
him. His duty was to communicate between Allah and His prophets. Allah
Ta’ala strengthened the Prophet Isa (Jesus), peace be on him, with Holy
Spirit (Al-Baqara (2):87, 253). This is one of the reasons why the
Nasara (Chirstians) believe that the Prophet Jesus was divine. If Jesus
was Allah, then why did he need strengthening? They also believed that
the Holy Spirit was divine. If the Holy Spirit was Allah, then how was
He sent and by whom? Who has the power to command Allah to go anywhere?
Glory be to Allah, the Most high. Surely they disbelieve who say that
Allah has associate. |
ROOH: |
Spirit. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Hijr (15):29, Al-Isra (17):85-86, Al-Mujadilah
(58):22, Al-Ma’arif (70):4. An-Naba’ (78):38, Al-Qadr (97):4. |
ROOHU’LLAH: |
According to the Ulamaa min as-Sahaba (the people of knowledge from
among the companions of t he Prophet, may the blessings and peace of
Allah be on him and them, and their students), the Roohu’llah can be
considered in two distinct and different ways: The Created - what
belongs to Allah: i.e. Allah’s slave, Allah’s House, Allah’s soul (i.e.
soul created by Allah). Consider the creation of Adam and the Prophet
Isa (Jesus, Son Mary), peace be on them. Allah said "Be" and they were
created. The Creator - Who is neither a person nor a thing : e.g.
Allah’s statements (Kalimatu’llah), Allah’s knowledge (‘Ilmu’llah).
Allah says in the Qur’an: "Say: ‘The spirit is by command of my Lord,
and you have only been given a little knowledge." Holy Qur’an, Al-sara
(17):85.) |
ROOM (AL): |
"The
Romans". Surah 30 of the Holy Qur’an. |
RUBUBIYAH (TAWHEED AL): |
Unity of Lordship, To believe that there is only one Lord, the Master
and Creator of the Universe, Who oversees and orders it in every moment,
and that He is Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala. See Tawheed. |
RUKN: |
Pillar. Singular of Arkan. See Arkan. |
RUKU: |
The
Bowing position during the Salat (Prayer). |
RUQBA: |
A
gift of a house given to somebody to live for as long as they live,
after which it is returned. |
RUQYA: |
Divine words, usually from the Holy Qur’an, used as a recitation to cure
an illness or a disease. |
RUSHD: |
Right conduct and correct behavior. |
RUSULL: |
Messengers. All messengers are prophets, but not all prophets are
messengers. The Holy Qur’an mentions twenty-five Prophets, amongst whom
are six messengers: (1.) Nooh (Noah). (2.) Ibrahim (Abraham). (3.)
Dawood (David). (4.) Isa ibn Mariam (Jesus, son of Mary). (5.) Muhammad
May the blessings and peace of Allah be on all the Prophets and
messengers, on those who are known and those who are not known, and on
all their sincere followers in every age. Singular: Rasool. |
S
Name |
Meaning |
SA’D IBN MU’AZ: |
Chief of the Aus tribe, who later came to be known as the Ansar. He died
a Shaheed (martyr) as a result of a wound he received in the Battle of
Khandaq (also known as the Battle of Al-Ahzab). |
SA’ID: |
Blessed in the sight of Allah, as opposed to Shaqi, which means
wretched. See Holy Qur’an, Houd (11):105. |
SA’IR: |
The
third level of Hellfire. It is reserved for the worshippers of fire. See
Jahannam. |
SAABIA: |
Worshippers of the stars, moons and other heavenly bodies. Originally
the people of Sabaa, the Queen of Sheeba. |
SAAD: |
"Saad".
Surah 38 of the Holy Qur’an. |
SAB’A AL-MATHANI: |
Another name for Surat al-Fatiha. Literally means "The Seven Often
Recited Verse". Every Muslim recites Surat al-Fatiha at least seventeen
times every day, and some a good deal more. |
SAB’A TUWAAL: |
The
first seven long Suwar of the Holy Qur’an. |
SAB’AA (AS): |
An
easterly wind. |
SABAA: |
"Sabaa".
City of Sheeba in Yemen. A city of the king and Prophet Sulaiman, peace
be on him, and the Queen of Sheeba, Bilqis. Surah 34 of the Holy Qur’an.
See Qur’an, An-Naml (27):15-44. |
SABEEL: |
(1).
Road, path, way, a means to an end. (2). "Fee Sabeeli’llah". In the path
of Allah or in the cause of Allah. |
SABIQOON: |
‘Those who outstrip the rest, in the race to draw near to the mercy and
blessings and love of Allah. See Muqarraboon. SABR: Patience and
perseverance. Allah Ta’ala has promised "Falaah" (success) in this world
and in the Hereafter to those Muslims who have Sabr, especially during
times of hardship. See Holy Qur’an, Aali ‘Imran (3):200. |
SADAQA: |
(1).
Anything given away in charity for the pleasure of Allah. (2). One of
the eight gates of Jannah. See Jannah. |
SAFA AND MARWA: |
Two
small hills in Makkah, in Al-Haram as-Shareef (the Grand Masjid) to the
east. It is an essential part of an Umra and the Hajj to walk seven
times between the two places, quickening one’s step briefly between them
. This is called Sa’i. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Baqara (2):158. |
SAFA: |
A
small hill in Makka to the east Al-Masjid al-Haram. The Hujjaj must walk
seven times between the two small hills of Safa and Marwa. This is
called Sa’i. |
SAFAHA: |
"He
forgave". Forgiving in the sense of overlooking, ignoring or turning
away from misdeeds. See Maghfira. |
SAFF (AS): |
"The
Battle Ranks". Surah 61 of the Holy Qur’an. |
SAFFAAT (AS): |
"Those Ranged in Ranks". Surah 37 of the Holy Qur’an. |
SAFFAH: |
A
raised platform. A verandah attached to the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina
where poor Muslims, including some of his most exalted companions, used
to sleep, may the blessings and peace of Allah be on him and them. |
SAGHIR (AL): |
Minor sins committed by Ins wal-Jinn (mankind and Jinn) against Allah
Ta’ala. |
SAHABI: |
Companion, particularly any companion of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may
Allah bless him and grant him peace. Plural: Sahabiyeen. |
SAHABIYEEN: |
The
companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may the blessings and peace of
Allah be on him, his family and his companions. Singular: Sahabi. |
SAHIH BUKHARI: |
A
book of authentic Ahadeeth compiled by Imam Bukhari. |
SAHIH MUSLIM: |
A
book of authentic Ahadeeth compiled by Imam Muslims. |
SAHIH: |
Healthy and sound with not defects. Authentic, as regards Ahadeeth, such
as Sahi Bukhari and Sahi Muslim. |
SAHU: |
Literally means forgetting. If one adds to or substracts from what is
required during the Salat (Prayer), out of forgetfulness or lack of
attention, then one must perform two extra prostrations at the end of
the Salat. This is called Sajda Sahu. |
SA'I: |
Going seven times between the small hills of Safa and Marwa;one of the
essential rights of both the hajj and Umra.See Safa and Marwa. |
SAIYID: |
Master. It is a title given to the descendants of the Prophet Muhammad,
may the blessings and peace of Allah be on him and his family. |
SAIYIDINA: |
Our
master. This usually refers to Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant
him peace, but may also be used when mentioning the name of any prophet
of Allah Ta’ala. |
SAIYIDUL ANBIYAA WAL MURSALEEN: |
"The
Master of all Prophets and Apostle". This is the title of the Holy
Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. He is also
called: 1). Imamul Mursaleen - the leader of all Prophets. 2). Ashraful
Mursaleen - the Most Honoured amongst all the Prophets. |
SAJDA (AS): |
1).
Prostration. The act of making prostration, particularly in the Salat
(prayer). 2). "The Prostration". Surah 32 of the Holy Qur’an. It is so
called because it contains a verse (verse 15) whereby, if one hears it
being recited, one must prostrate. There are fifteen such Ayat (verse)
in the Holy Qur’an. One should be in Ghusl and in Wudu when in Sajda.
Plural: Sujud. |
SAJDA SAHU: |
See
Sahu. |
SAKARAT AL-MAUT: |
The
‘drunkenness’ of death. There are three signs which indicate that the
person who is suffering the pangs of death is a believer: 1. Sweating on
the forehead. 2. Tears appear in the eyes. 3. The nostrils dilate.
Likewise, the three signs of a disbeliever next to death are: 1.
Irregular breathing. 2. Changing Colour. 3. Frothing at the mouth. |
SAKINA: |
Calm, peaceful tranquility, perfect calmness, serenity, due to the
Presence of Allah being made clear and apparent. See Holy Qur’an, At-Taubah
(9):26, 40, Al-Fath (48):4, 18, 26. |
SALAAM: |
1.
Synonym of Salaf. See Salaf. 2. Peace, peace of the body and soul in all
aspects. See Holy Qur’an, Mariam (19):62. |
SALAF: |
A
price paid for goods to be delivered later. |
SALAFI: |
Literally, "the early years". Salafi is used generally to describe the
early generations of the Muslims, particularly the companions of the
messengers of Allah and those who followed them, may the blessings and
peace of Allah be on him and them. In the present age the term is
sometimes used to describe a Muslim who closely follows the Sunnah of
the Holy Prophet Muhammad and As-Salafiyeen as-Saliheen, the righteous
companions of Muhammad. |
SALAFIYEEN AS-SALIHEEN (AS): |
All
the righteous companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad who followed the
Holy Prophet in all that he did and said, without any deviation or
misinterpretation, may the blessings and peace of Allah be on him and
them. |
SALAH: |
Righteous and goodly person, someone who is in the right place at the
right time. It may also mean healthy and sound body and soul. |
SALAM |
Peace, peace of the body and soul in all aspects. |
SALAT: |
1.
Prayers. There are five daily obligatory prayers in Islam, consisting of
fixed sets of standings, bowings, prostrations and sitting in worship to
Allah. These are called Rak’at. The number of Rak’at in each prayer and
their timings are: i. Fajr - dawn - two Rak’at. ii. Duhr - Noon - four
Rak’at. iii. ‘Asr - Afternoon - four Rak’at. iv- Maghreb - sunset -
three Rak’at. v. Isha - late evening - four Rak’at. These five Salat are
one of the Arkan of Islam. See Arkan. It is necessary to be in Ghusl and
in Wudu when doing the Salat. For voluntary Salat: See Nafilah. 2. One
of the eight gates of Jannah (Paradise). See Jannah. |
SALATUD-DUHA: |
A
Nafl Salat that is prayed after sunrise and before noon. |
SALATUL-JANAZA: |
Funeral Prayer. It is permitted to do salatul Janaza only over the dead
bodies of Muslims. This prayer is done in the standing position only,
and usually immediately before the burial. It contains four Takbirs: 1.
After the first Takbir - read Suratul Fatiha. After the second Takbir -
recite any Dua’a for the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant
him peace, but it is preferred to do the Tashahud (see Tashahhud) and
the Salat al-Ibrahimiya: "Allahumma Alle ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala alee
Muhammad kama Salaita Ibrahim wa ‘ala Ibrahim; fill ‘alameen innaka
hameedun majeed. Allahumma barak ‘ala Muhammad wa’ala alee Muhammad kama
barak ta ibrahim wa’ala alee Ibrahim; fill ‘alameen innaka hamidun
majeed." (O" Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You
blessed Ibrahim and the Family of Ibrahim. In all the worlds surely You
are Praiseworthy, Glorious. O Allah, give Muhammad blessing and the
family of Ibrahim. In all the worlds surely You are Praiseworthy,
Glorious.") 3. After the third Takbir - pray for the deceased person,
his or her relatives and the Muslim people in general. 4. After the
fourth Takbir - this marks the end of salat. Face your right shoulder
and say "Assalamu Alaykum warahmatullah" ("Peace be on you and the Mercy
of Allah"). |
SALATUL-SHURUQ: |
A
Nafl Salat of four Rak’at that is prayed a short while after sunrise. |
SALATUL-TASBIH: |
A
special Nafl Salat of four Rak’at. This Salat involves praising Allah
Ta’ala by including "Subhanallah, wal hamdu lillah, wa la ilaha illalah,
wallahu akbar" ("Glory to Allah, and praise to Allah, and there is no
God except Allah and Allah is Greatest") seventy-five times in each
Rak’a. |
SALB: |
The
belongings of person killed in battle; e.g. his weapons, horse,
motorbike, etc. |
SALEH, PEACE BE ON HIM: |
A
prophet of Islam. He was sent to the people of Thumud who lived in the
north-western part of the Arabian Peninsula. They were destroyed for
rejecting him. The remains of their stone dwellings still exist today.
See Holy Qur’an, Al-’Araf (7):73-79, At-Tawbah (11):61-68, Ash-Shu’ara
(26):141-159, An-Naml. |
SALLAHU ‘ALAIHE WA SALLAM(SAW): |
May
the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him. This is said whenever the
name or title of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him
peace, is mentioned or read. |
SALMAN AL-FARISI: |
A
famous Persian Muslim who helped to defend Madina from the pagan Quraish
tribe in the months of Shawal and Dhu’l-Qa’da in 5AH by suggesting that
the Muslims dig a trench around the unprotected parts. This battle came
to be known as the Battle of Khandaq (Trench), or the Battle of Al-Ahzab
(the Clans), See Holy Qur’an, Al-Ahzab (33):9-22. Prior to his accepting
Islam, Salman al-Farisi had first embraced Judaism and then
Christianity. He spent his life in search for knowledge and found it
with the Prophet whose coming he had learned about from the Jews and the
Christians of that time, Muhammad, may the blessings and peace of Allah
be on him. |
SALSABIL: |
A
Fountain in Jannahy. Literally means "Seek the way". See Holy Qur’an,
Al-Insan (76):18. |
SALSAEEL, PEACE BE ON HIM: |
Name
of the special angel who takes the souls of the Mu’minoon (the
believers) wrapped in silk through the Seven heavens and presents them
to Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala before returning them to their bodies and
prior to putting them in their graves. |
SAMAA: |
Heaven. In the sense of ‘Sky’. "Sab’a Samawat" - Seven Heavens. Plural:
Samawat. |
SAMAD (AS): |
Does
not have an exact meaning in English. The closest word or words that
indicate the meaning are: 1. Absolute" and "Eternal" and "Everlasting".
2. The One toWhom all created beings turn to for all their needs, and
Who is not depending on anything or anyone for any need. 3. The Most
Perfect in His Attributes. One of the ninety-nine Attributes of Allah
Ta’ala. For a complete list: |
SAMAWAT: |
Heavens. "Sab’a Samawat" - Seven Heavens, Singular: Sama. |
SAQAR: |
The
fourth Level of the Nar (Hellfire). This is where the atheists will be
sent on the Day of Judgement. See Jahannam. |
SARIYA: |
A
small army sent by Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peae, for
a Jihad in which he did not personally take part. |
SAW: |
See
Sallallahu ‘Alaihe wa Sallam. |
SAYDD: |
Hunting for game. In Islam it is permitted to hunt game, provided that
the hunting and killing of the game is done within the Shari’ah law.
Saydd is prohibitted within the sacred precincts of the Haramiain. See
Holy Qur’an, Al-Maidah (5):97-99: |
SEEAAM: |
Fasting, from food and drink - and from sexual intercourse if you are
married - during daylight, from the first light of dawn until sunset.
Also spelled as Saum. Fasting in themonth of Ramadan is one of the Arkan
(five pillars) of Islam. Allah Ta’ala has made it obligatory on every
Muslim whether man or Woman, with the exception of: 1.A person who is
ill. 2. A person on a journey of 16 Farsakhs (48 Miles) or more. 3. A
Woman who is menstruating or who has just given brith. Once these
situations no longer apply, the missed days must be compensated. The
very young are exempted. The aged should fast, but if they find it
difficult then they too are exempted and may feed poor people instead.
See Holy Qur’an, Al-Baqara (2):184-185, 187. |
SHA’BAN: |
the
eighth month of the Islamic calendar. See Hijri. |
SHAAM: |
Territory north of Arabia which is now divided into Syria, Palestine,
Lebanon and Jordan. |
SHAFAA’A: |
Intercession. On the Day of Judgement Allah Ta’ala, through His Grace
and Mercy, will permit the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and
grant him peace, to intercede on behalf of the Muslim Ummah. Three other
groups may also be given leave to intercede: 1. The Anbiyaa - the
prophets. 2. The Ulama - the people of knowledge from amongst the
Muslims. 3. The Shuhadaa - the martyrs who died in the cause of Allah
Ta’ala. |
SHAHADA: |
1.
To witness, in this world. See Shahadatain. 2. To bear witness, on the
Day of Judgement. There will be four witness on Yaum al-Hisab (the Day
of Reckoning): i. The Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant
him peace, and the Muslim Ummah against all the other Ummahs
(communities and nations). ii. The earth and the day and the night will
be given the power to speak and bear witness. iii. Everyone’s limbs will
bear witness for or againts their owners. iv. One’s deeds. Singular of
Shahadatain. |
SHAHADATAIN: |
Bearing witness. In order to become a Muslim one must utter and believe
in two Shahadas (Shahadatain): First Shahada: Ashhadu an la illa
ill’allah. ( I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship
except Allah.) Second Shahada: Ashhadu anna Muhammadar rasoolullah. (I
bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.) The Shahadatain
is the gateway to Islam and the gateway to the Garden. It is easy to
say, but to act on it is a vast undertaking which has far-reaching
consequenccs, in both inward awareness and outward action, in this world
and in the next world. Continual affirmation of the Shahadatain is one
of the Arkan of Islam. See Arkan. |
SHAHAWAT: |
Desires and passion. |
SHAHEED: |
Martyr in the cause of Allah Ta’ala. There have been many Shuhadaa in
Islamic history, amongst whom are the following: Hamza, martyred at the
Battle of Uhud in 4AH. Umar, Stabbed in Madinah on 27/12/23 AH. Uthman,
axed at his home on 17/12/35 AH. Ali, stabbed while in Sajda on 17/9/40
AH. Hussein, martyred at the Battle of Karbulah (Iraq) om 9/1/61AH.
Whoever is killed in the way of Allah goes straight to the Garden, may
Allah be pleased with all of them. See Holy Qur’an, An-Nisaa
(4):117-120. Plural: Shuhadaa. |
SHAITAN: |
Satan. An evil Jinn who prompts mankind and Jinn to rebel againts Allah.
We seek refuge in Allah from the evil that He has created. Plural:
Shayateen. See Iblis. See Holy Qur’an, An-Nisa (4):117-120. |
SHAJARA (ASH): |
A
famous place near Madinah on the way to Makkah. |
SHAKK WA ZANN (KUFR ASH): |
A
major disbelief. Doubting any or all of the six artcles of faith (see
‘Aqaid). See Kufr. |
SHAMS (ASH): |
"The
Sun". Surah 91 of the Holy Qur’an. |
SHAQI: |
Wretched in the sight of Allah, as opposed to Sai’d, which means blessed
in the sight of Allah. See Holy Qur’an, Houd (11):105. |
SHARI’A: |
Islamic Law as ordained by Allah Ta’ala. Literally it means ‘a road’.
The Sharia is the legal and social modality of people based on the
revelation of their propeht. The last Shari’a in History is that of
Islam. It abrogates all previous Shari’as. It is, being the last,
therefore the easiest to follow, for it is applicable to the whole human
race wherever they are. |
SHAWAL: |
Tenth month of the Islamic Calendar. See Hijri. |
SHAYATEEN: |
Devils. Plural of Shaitan. |
SHIGHAR: |
A
type of marriage which is forbidden where persons exchange daughters or
sisters in marriage without giving Mahr (dowry). |
SHIRK: |
Opposite of Tawheed. To associate anyone or anything with Allah Subhana
wa Ta’ala. Shirk is idol-worship. Idol-worship means attributing form to
Allah, encasing Him in an object, a concept, a ritual or a myth - when
Allah has no form, is not like anything and cannot be conceived of or
preceived. Allah the Most Merciful is prepared to forgive any sin a man
or Jinn may commit, except for dying in a state of Shirk. There are
threed types of Shirk: 1. Shirk al-Akbar (major Shirk). This is divided
into four categories: a. Shirk ad-Du’a - invoking or supplicating to a
false deity besides Allah Ta’ala, i.e. invocation or supplication by
either invoking other than Allah or invoking Him through a created being
or thing, such as a prophet, an angel, a saint, or even a bank manager.
b. Shirk al-Niyyah wa Iraada wal Qasd - having the intention and
determination to deliberately do any type of act of worship to a deity
other than Allah Ta’ala. c. Shirk at-Ta’a - Obeying any created being or
an object more than Allah Ta’ala. 2. Shirk al-Asghar (Minor Shirk). a.
Shir a-Rea’ - Carrying out a religious act for worldly gains and not for
the pleasure of Allah, e.g. giving Zakat for the sake of fame or
praises. b. Shirk at-Tasmee’ swearing by other than Allah, and according
relaying on other than Allah, or attaching more impotance to other than
Allah. 3. Shirk al-Khafy (hidden Shirk) - being dissatisfied with what
Allah has ordained for a particular person. Hidden Shirk is to inwardly
associate something or someone as partner with Him, especially one’s
self. |
SHU’AIB, PEACE BE UPON HIM: |
A
prophet of Islam. He was sent to the people of Madyan (Midian), but they
rejected him, so Allah Ta’ala destroyed them with an earthquake. See
Mursaleen. See Holy Qur’an, Al-A’raf (7);85-93, Houd 911):84-95. |
SHUHADAA: |
Persons who die Fee Sabeeli’llah (in the path of Allah).. Allah has
designated eight things for the Shuhadaa alone: They are the first to be
forgiven. They are the first to see their place in Jannah They are
exempted from ‘Adhabul-Qabr (trials and tribulations in the grave). They
will be exempted from fear on the Day of Ressurection. They will crowned
with the "Tajal-Waqar" (literally means "the crown of respect") on that
Day. They will each be married to seventy-two "Houri’een" (see Hooriah).
They will each be given permission to intercede on behalf of seventy-two
of their relatives. The sweetness of Iman will physically glow from
within them. Singular: Shaheed. See Shaheed. |
SHURA (ASH): |
"The
Consultation". Surah 42 of the Holy Qur’an. |
SIDDIQ AND SADDIQEEN: |
The
sincere and thruthful. The first and foremost followers of the prophets
of Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala, may the blessing and peace of Alllah be on
them. See Holy Qur’an, An-Nisaa (4):69. |
SIDR: |
Lotus tree. |
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 cretaed being
may pass. See Holy Qur’an, An-Najm (53):14-18. |
SIFFIN: |
A
place in Syria where in 36 AH, a famous battle between the followers of
Ali, the Khalifa, and the followers supporting the claims of Mu’awiyah
Ibn Abi Sufyan took place byh the River Euphrates, may the blessings and
peace of Allah be on whoever follows right guidance. A place near
Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah. |
SIJJIN: |
Comes from the root word ‘Sijjin, which means ‘prison’. Its exact nature
is known to Allah Ta’ala alone. All that is revealed to us is that it is
where the record of the evil doer is recorded; in contrast, the record
of the righteous is kept in Illyou. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Mutafifeen (83):
7-9. |
SIRAAT (AS): |
Literally means "road". It is the bridge over the Nar (Hellfire) which
must be crossed to enter the Garden on the Day of Judgement. It is
described in Ahadeeth as being narrower than the blade of asword,
thinner than a hair and as having hooks over it to snatch wrongdoers and
throw them into Jahannam. Some will cross the Siraat into the Garden
like lightning or like the wind, some with ease, some with difficulty,
some with great difficulty and some will fall into the waiting Fire
below. See Holy Qur’an, Mariam (19):71. |
SIRATUL-MUSTAQEEM: |
Literally means "the straight path". The path that the Holy Prophet
Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, demonstrated to
mankind and the Jinn by way of the Holy Qur’an and Ahadeeth. The path
that leads to the Garden. |
SIRQ: |
Theft. One of the Kabair (major sins) in Islam. Allah Ta’ala has
ordained that the hand that steals be severed, under certain
circumtances. |
SIRRI: |
Quiet recitation of the Holy Qur’an and during Salat, as in Duhr and
‘Asr Salat (prayers). |
SIWAK: |
A
piece of branch or root of a tree called al-Arak used as a tootbrush. |
SOHT: |
Ill-gotten property or money. Forcing someone to part with their good or
money through theft, coercion, embezzlement, usury or by any other means
that will incur the wrath of Allah. |
SUBH: |
"Morning". Another name for the first obligatory Salat (Prayer) which is
performed at dawn. See Fajr. |
SUBHAN ALLAH: |
Glory be to Allah. Far removed is He from anything imperfect associated
with Him and far removed is He from anything unsuitable ascribed to Him! |
SUBHANA RABBI AL-’ADHEEM: |
"Glory be to my Lord, the Greatest." This is said three times when one
is in Ruku’ during Salat (prayers). See Rak’a. |
SUBHANA RABBI AL-’ALA: |
"Glory be to my Lord, the Most high." This is said three times when one
is in Sujud during Salat (prayers). See Sajda. |
SUBHANA WA TA’ALA (SWT): |
"May
He be Glorified and Exalted." One of the many ways of glorifying Allah
the Almighty. It means "Glory be to Allah on High. Far removed is He
from any imperfection". The shortened from of this glorification is
"Allah Ta’ala". |
SUFFA (AS): |
A
shaded place in Masjid al-Rasool, may Allah bless him and grant him in
peace, in Madinah where poor people used to take shelter. |
SUHUR: |
A
meal taken before fajr in the month of Ramadan |
SUJUD: |
See
Sajda. |
SULIMAN, PEACE BE ON HIM: |
Solomon. A prophet of Islam and a wise king. He was the son of the
Prophet (and king) Dawood (David), peace be on both of them. He ruled
the north-western Arabian Peninsula for about forty years. Allah Ta’ala
gifted him with many powers, which included having power over the winds,
being able to converse with the birds and ants and other animals, and
having power over the evil Jinn. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Anbiya (21):79-82,
An-Naml 927):15-44, Saba (34):12-14, Saad (38):30-40. |
SUNNAH: |
All
traditions and practices of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him
peace, that are recorded not only in such books as Sahi Bukhari and Sahi
Muslims, but also in living people to whom these traditions and
practices have been transmitted, from person to person, from then until
now. Although the Sunnah has come to refer almost exclusively to the
pratice of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him
peae, it also comprises the customs of the first generation of Muslims
in Madina. They learned their Islam directly from the Prophet, not from
books, and transmitted what they had learned to the next generation.
Thus they have become models who all Muslims should follow. The Sunnah
is a complete behaviourial science that has been systematically kept
outside the learning framework of this society. It cannot be learned
from books, although books can be helpful. It can only be learned from
real Muslims who are true teachers. Plural Sunnan. |
SUNNAN: |
Plural of Sunnah. See Sunnah. |
SURAH: |
A
chapter of the Holy Qur’an. Literally means "a form". There are 114
Suwar in the Holy Qur’an. Plural; Suwar. |
SUTRA: |
An
object like a pillar, wall, stick or anything that is placed in front of
a praying person so that people will pass beyond it and not ‘break’ his
or her Qiblah and concentration. |
SUWAR: |
Chapters. There are 114 Suwar in the Holy Qur’an. Singular: Surah. |
T
Name |
Meaning |
TA HA: |
"Ta
Ha". Surah 20 of the Holy Qur’an. |
TA’A (SHIRK AL): |
A
major Shirk. Obeying any created being against the command of Allah.
Beware of such Shirk! It is very easy to commit. See Shirk. |
TA’A: |
Obedience to Allah and performing good deeds. |
TA’AAM: |
Feeding the poor and the hungry. |
TAB’E: |
Follower. A muslim who has seen or met a Sahabi (a companion of the
Prophet Muhammad, may the blessings and the peace of Allah be on him and
his family and his companions and all who follow him and them in what
they are able, with sincerity, until the Last Day). Plural; Tabi’een. |
TABAA: |
Another name for Madinah. |
TABI’EEN: |
Plural of Tab’e. See Tab’e. |
TABUK: |
A
famous town 400 miles north of Madinah al-Munawarah close to Shamm. In
9Ah the Messenger of Allah, may Allah belss him and grant him peace,
hearing that the Byzanitines were gathering a large army to march
against the Muslims, led a large expedition to Tabuk, on what was to be
his last campaign, only to find that the Byzantine army had withdrawn
back into its own territory. |
TAFKIR: |
Charging someone with Kufr (disbelief in Allah). It is very dangerous
for one Muslim to level the charge of Tafkir against another Muslim. If
such an accusation is made, then one of them is a Kafir. If the accuser
is correct in his accusation, then the accused is Kafir, but if the
accusation is unfounded, then the accuser is a Kafir. |
TAFSIR: |
A
commentary. There are several reliable Tafsir on the meanings of the
Ayaat of the Qur’an, including those of Ibn Kathir, Jalalayn and Al-Cortubi. |
TAGHABUN (AT): |
"Mutual Loss". Another name for the Final Hour. Surah 64 of the Holy
Qur’an. |
TAHAJJUD NAFL: |
Voluntary Salat (prayer) that is done any time at night between Salat
al-Isha and Salat al-Fajr. |
TAHARA: |
Purification. Tahara is accomplished in a variety of ways, e.g. (1).
Souls--- in order for the soul to be pure one must submit one’s whole
self to Alllah Ta’ala, i.e.e become a Muslim. (2). Bodies--- They are
purified through Tayammum, Wudu or Ghusl, depending on the
circumstances. For a full explanation: See Tayammum, Wudu and Ghusl.
(3). Clothing. Three things indicate that clothes may be impure and need
washing; a.) If they smell. b.) If they are wet and c) the cause of the
wetness is either unknown or known to be impure or dirty if they are
stained. |
TAHIR: |
Pure, unsoiled. See Tahara. |
TAHMEED: |
Reciting the words of praise to Allah Ta’ala, i.e. saying "Al-Hamdu
lilahe Rabbil ‘Alameen" (Praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds"). |
TAHQIQ: |
Recitation of the Holy Qur’an in a very slow manner. This method is used
only when learning or teaching Tajweed. |
TAIF: |
A
city fifty miles east of Mekkah, where the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah
bless him and grant him peace, went to preach after being rejected,
beaten and nearly killed by the pagan Quraish of Makkah in the second
year before Hijra. There too ,he suffered beatings and humiliation. On
his return journey to Makkah, Allah Ta’ala revealed to him that although
the people of Taif reject him, the Jinn had accepted him. It was then
that Suratul Jinn (Surah 72) was revelaed to him. |
TAJWEED: |
Recitation of the Holy Qur’an with precise articulation and exact
intonation. |
TAKATUR (AL): |
"The
Race for Wordly Gains". Surah 102 of the Holy Qur’an. |
TAKBIR: |
Saying "Allahu Akbar" ("Allah is the Greatest"). This is said when
beginning the Salat and when changing from one one position to another
during Salat (prayers). |
TAKTHEEB (KUFR AL): |
A
major disbelief. It is defying the Divine Truth. See Kufr. |
TAKWEER (AT): |
"The
Overthrowing". Surah 81 of the Holy Qur’an. |
TALAQ: |
"The
Divorce". Surah 65 of the Holy Qur’an. |
TALBIYAH: |
The
call that the pilgrims make to their Lord of the Hajj, saying: "Labbaik,
labbaik, Allahumma labbaik." ("I am totally at Your service,I am totally
at your service,O Allah, i am totally at your service .") "la Shareeka
laka labbaik." ("You have no partner, I am totally at Your service.")
"Innal hamda wa n’imata laka wal mulk." ("Truly, the praise and the
blessing are Yours, and the dominion.") "La Shareeka lak." ("You have no
partners.") |
TALUT: |
King
saul. he led his army against the army of jalut (Goliath). See Holy
Qur’an, Al-Baqara (2):247-249. |
TAM’: |
Avarice, greed. |
TAMATA’A (HAJJ AL): |
"Interrupted Hajj". Umra, followed by Hajj, but taking off the Ihram in
between these two stages. See Hajj. |
TAN’IM: |
The
place where Makkans put on their Ihram to perform an Umra or Hajj. It is
a place just on the northern outskirts of Makkah. See Miqat |
TAQLID: |
Garlanding sacrificial animals, especially during the Hajj. In reference
to Fiqh, it means the following of previous authorities and the
avoidance of Ijtihad. |
TAQWA: |
Fear
of Allah, being careful, knowing your place in the cosmos. Its proof is
the experience of awe, of Allah, which inspires a person to be on guard
against wrong action and eager for actions pleasing to Allah. Fearing
Allah as He should be feared is one of the signs of being faithful
Muslims. Piety and restarint (through Taqwa) in times of hardship are
signs of having achieved the essence and spirit of Islam, and thus
Allah’s blessing. See Holy Qur’an, Aali ‘Imran (3):102-103, Al-Hashr
(59):18-19. |
TAQWIM: |
Mould, Shape, form, etc. Allah Ta’ala created man in the best of forms,
but then abased him to the lowest of the low. See Holy Qur’an, At-Teen
(95):4-5. |
TARAWEEH: |
Nafl
Salat (prayers) that are done after Isha Salat during the month of
Ramadan, in order to recite the Qur’an as fully as possible, or
completely. They are usually done in congregation, but may also be done
individually. |
TARIQ (AL): |
"The
Night Visitant". Surah 86 of the Holy Qur’an. |
TARTEEL: |
Measured recitation of the Holy Qur’an taking extreme care with regard
to the rules of slow reading, pausing and stopping at every point. |
TARWIYA: |
Start of the Hajj. The 8th of Dhu’l Hijjah when the Hujjaj leave Makka
and Set out to Mina. |
TASBIHAT: |
Reciting the following: "Subhanallah" ("Glory be to Allah") 33 times,
"Allahamdu Lillah" ("Praise be to Allah") - 33 times, and "Allahu Akbar"
("Allah is gratest") - 33 times followed by the Shahadatain once, after
the end of each obligatory prayer. |
TASDEEQ: |
Affirmation. |
TASHAHHUD: |
Recitation the following silently while one is in Qu’ud (i.e. the
sitting during Salat: "Attahiyatu lillahe was salawatu tayibat. Assalamu
‘alaika ya aiuhan wa rahmatullahe wa barakatuh. Wa assalamu ‘alaika ya
aiuhan nabiu wa rahmatullahe wa barakatu. Wa assalamu ‘alaina wa ‘ala
‘ibadillahe saleheen. Ashadu an la illaha illal lah. Wa ashadu anna
Muhammadar rasoolu’llah." ("Greetings are for Allah and all prayers and
all good. peace be on you o Prophet and the Mercy of Allah and His
blessing. Peace be on us and the right-acting slaves of Allah. I bear
witness that there is no god except Allah, and I bear witness that
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.") See Bukhari, Hadith 794, Vol. 1.
During the final sitting in every Salat, recitation of the Tashahhud is
followed by recitation of Salat al-Ibrahimiya. See Salatul-Janaza. |
TASLEEM: |
The
Muslims’ greeting. The action of turning one’s face to the right saying
"Assalamu ‘Alaikum wa rahmatullah" ("Peace be on you and the Mercy of
Allah") and turning one’s face to the left and repeating the same words,
ends every Salat (prayer). |
TASNEEM: |
Name
of a fountain in Jannahh (Paradise) whose drink is superior to the
purest of wines. Its nectar will only be drunk by those nearest to Allah
Ta’ala. Literally means "rich and elevated". See Holy Qur’an, Al-Al-Mutafifeen
(83):27-28: |
TAUBAH: |
(1).
Returning to correct action after error, turning away from wrong action
to Allah and asking His forgiveness, turning to face Allah whereas
before one turned one’s back. (2). Name of one of the eight gates of
Jannah (Paradise). See Jannah. (3). "Repentance". Another name for Al-Baqaarah.
Surah 9 of the Holy Qur’an. |
TAWAF AL-IFADA: |
The
Tawaf of the Ka’aba by the Hujjaj (pilgrims) after they come from Mina
to Makka on the 10th of Dhu’l-Hijjah. This Tawaf is one of the Rukn
(essential rites of both the Hajj and an Umra. |
TAWAF AL-QUDUM: |
The
‘Tawaf on Arrival’, Tawaf of the Ka’aba that the pilgrim must do on
first entering the Haram in Makka. It is one of the essential rites of
both the Hajj and Umra. |
TAWAF AL-WIDAA: |
The
"Tawaf of Farewell’. The Tawaf of the Holy Ka’aba that every visitor to
Makka should do before leaving Makkah. It should be connected directly
to the trip of departure, and whoever is delayed and stays on afterwards
should do it again. See Tawaf. |
TAWAF: |
The
circling of the Holy Ka’ba. Tawaf is done in sets of seven circuits,
after each of which it is necessary to pray two Rak’at, preferably at or
near the Maqaam al-Ibrahim. See Tawaf al-Ifada. |
TAWAKUL ‘ALA’LLAH: |
Putting one’s complete faith in and reliance on Allah Ta’ala and no-one
else. Depending on Allah Ta’ala every aspect of one’s life is the mark
of true believer. |
TAWEEL: |
Interpretation. Especially interpretation of the Holy Qur’an. |
TAWHEED (AL): |
The
Divine Unity, unity in its most profound sense. Allah is One in His
Essence and His Attibutes and His Acts. The whole universe and what it
contains is One unified event which in itself has no lasting reality.
Allah is the Real, Al-Haqq. Although Allah is indivivisible and beyond
conception, Tawheed can be viewed from four distinct perspectives: I.
Tawheed Al-Rububiyah - Unity of Lordship. To percieve that there is only
one Lord, the Master and Creator of the Universe, Who oversees and
orders it in every moment, and that He is Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala. II.
Tawheed al-uluhiyah - Unity of Worship. To realize that none has the
right to be worshipped but Allah "Wahdahu la Shareeka’lah ("Alone
without partner"). III. Tawheed al-Asma wa Sifaat - Unity of names and
Attributes of Allah Ta’ala. To comprehend that: None can qualify or name
Allah except as He or Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace,
have named or qualified Him. None can be named or qualified with the
Names or the Attributes that belong only to Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala. For
example, none may be called "Al-Muhyee" ("the Giver of Life") except
Allah subhana wa Taa’ala Himself. We Must accept all the Ayat and
Ahadeeth (Sahi) regarding the Attributes of Allah without altering their
meaning in any way whatsoever. For a full list of the Attributes of
Allah Ta’ala: IV. Tawheed all-Itabaa- Unity in following the Prophet
Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. To believe in and
recite the words "Ashadu anna Muhammadar-Rasoolullah" ("I bear witness
that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah") and to follow the way of the
Prophet Muhammad, as much as one is able, in life and worship. It is
only by following the way of Islam tha the true nature of Tawhid becomes
apparent. Another name for Suratul Ikhlas. |
TAYAMMUM (DRY PURIFICATION): |
Purification for prayer using clean dust, earth or stone, when water for
Ghusl or Wudu is either unavailable or would be detrimental to helath.
Strike the hand lightly on some clean earth, or rub the stone with the
palms of the hands and forearms. Tayammum is broken by the same things
that break Wudu. See Wudu. |
TEEN: |
"The
Fig". Surah 95 of the Holy Qur’an. |
THAMUD: |
Successors to the people of ‘Ad. They lived in north-western Arabia
between what is now known as Madinah and Syria. Their prophet was Saleh
(peace be on him). Allah Ta’ala destroyed them with an earquake. See
Holy Qur’an, Al-A’raf (7):73-79, Hud (11):61-68, Ash’Shu’araa
(26):141-159, An-Naml (27):45-53, Az-Zariyat (51):43-45, Al-Qamar
(54):23-31. |
THANIK: |
Chewing a date then putting the juice into the mouth of a child. Sahi
Bukhari, Book of Aqiqa, p. 272, Vol. 7. |
THAUR: |
A
famous cave three miles from Makka where Muhammad, may Allah bless him
and grant him peace, and Abu Bakr, may Alllah be pleased with him, hid
for three nights whilst the Quraish searched for them in vain. See Holy
Qur’an, At-Taubah (9):40. |
THAWAB: |
Spiritual reward given by Allah Ta’ala to good deeds performed by man
and Jinn. |
THUMMA: |
"Then", in the sense of "What happens next". There are four words that
indicate the proximity of what follows next: Wa- and. Indicates that
what is to follow will be most immediately afterwards. Fa - Then.
Indicates that what is to follow will be relatively soon afterwards.
E.g. "Idha ja anasrullahi wa’l-fath. Wa ra-aita nasa yadkhulouna fi
deeni’lahi afwaja. Fasabbih bi hamdi rabbika was stagfirh; innahu kana
tawwaba." (An-Nasr (110): ("When the help of Allah and victory come, and
you see people entering deen of Allah in large numbers, then celebrate
the praise of your Lord and Seek His forgiveness; surely He is always
ready to show mercy." Where "and" is used, the events or actions linked
by "wa" are virtually simultaneous. Where "then" is used, there is a
little space of time between what happens before and after "fa", i.e
only after you see people embrace the religion of Allah THEN celebrate
the praise of your Lord AND seek forgiveness... Here praise is to be
immediately followed by seeking forgiveness. Thumma - then. Indicates
that what is to follow will come later. E.g. "Thummastawa ‘ala’l arsh..."
(Yunus (10):3): Then He established Himself on the Throne..." After
creating the heavens and the earth in six days’ (and a ‘day’ with Allah
can be at least fifty thousand years of ‘our’ time), He then established
Himself firmly on throne. Here the time lapse is six periods of time.
See ‘Arsh. Saufa - not until then. Indicates that what is to follow will
only occur after certain future events have occured. E.g. "Kalla saufa
ta’lamoon" (At-Takatur (102): 3) ("Certainly then you shall know"). It
is only when you die that you really find out. It will not be until then
that you will come to know. "Then". used to emphasize a point. E.g. "Thumma
Kalla saufa ta’lamoon.’ (At-Takathur (102):4) ("Certainly THEN you will
know.") This is only a meagre explanation of a single word. The Holy
Qur’an had 77, 934 words and every word has a depht which even an ocean
cannot reach. What a miracle, and yet the unbelievers say that this book
is not from Allah! How they delude themselves! |
TILAWAT (OF THE HOLY QUR’AN): |
This
word has variety of meanings, depending on the context: (1). Studying
the Qur’an in order to understand it in the way should be undestood. See
Al-Baqara (2):121. (2). Mediating and reflecting in the Qur’an’s
meanings in order to enrich one’s life and knowledge. (3). Reading and
reciting the Qur’an by oneself. (4). Reading and reciting and conveying
its meaning to others. (5). Approaching and acting on the Qur’an in such
a way that it becomes part of one’s inner self, thus helping one to
attain perfect prayer and to avoid any form of evil or shameful deeds
and to be an upright person in the sight of Allah Ta’ala. See Holy
Qur’an, Al-’Ankaboott (29):45. |
TOOR: |
"The
Mount". Toori Sineen is the original name of Mount Sinai, on which the
Prophet Musa (Moses) received the revelation of the Torah from Allah.
Surah 52 of the Holy Qur’an. |
TULAQAAH: |
The
people who embraced Islam on the day of the conquest of Makkah by the
Holy Prophet and his companions, may the blessings and peace of Allah be
on him and them, in 8AH. |
U
Name |
Meaning |
UHUD: |
A
mountain just outside Madina, much loved by the Prophet Muhammad, may
Allah bless him and grant him peace, at the foot of which Muslims fought
their second major battle against the pagan Qur’aish of Makka in 3AH.
The Qur’aish army of 3,000 men, under the leadership of Abu sufyan,
attacked the Muslim army about 700-1000 men. The battle went well at
first, some fifty archers disobeyed the Prophet Muhammad and left their
posts, leaving the Muslims open to an attack from their rear; and
secondly, there was treachery on the part of some 300 Munafiqeen
(hypocrites) led by ‘Abdallah ibn Ubai, who deserted the Muslims during
the battle. Many great companions, and in particular the uncle of the
Prophet, Hamza, ‘the lion of Allah’, were killed in this battle. See
Bani Nadheer. See Holy Qur’an, Aali ‘Imran (3):121-128, 140-180. |
ULAMAA: |
Also
spelled as ‘Ulamaa. Plural of ‘Alim. The people of knowlegde from
amongst the Muslims who act on what they know and do what they say. |
ULIL ‘AMR: |
Muslims who are in charge or in authority, or who are leaders. The
Muslims are ordered to obey all their commands as long they do not
contradict the commandments of Allah Ta’ala and the teachings of the
Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. See Holy
Qur’an, An-Nisaa (4):59. |
ULUHIYAH (TAWHEED AL): |
Unity of Worship. to believe that none has the right to be worshipped bu
Allah "Wahdahu La Shareeka’Lah" ("Alone without partner"). See Tawheed. |
UMAR IBN AL-KHATTAB, MAY ALLAH BE PLEASED
WITH HIM: |
Umar
ibn al-Khattab. The Second of the four "Al-Khulafaa ar-Rashideen", the
Rightly Guided Khalifas, the other three being. 1). Abu Barkr as-Siddiq
3).Uthman ibn ‘Affan. 4). Ali Abi Talib. May Allah be pleased with all
of them. Umar was renowned for his fairness and strength, and for his
refusal to compromise the teachings of Islam in any way. He was the
Khalifaa from 13AH to 23AH. he asked for martyrdom in the way of Allah
in Madina, and his request was answered. Umar died after being stabbed
in the stomach while doing the dawn prayer in the Mosque of the Prophet,
may Allah bless him and grant him peace. |
UMMAH: |
Community or nation. The body of the Muslims as one distinct and
integrated community. The Ummah of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and
grant him peace, refers to every Ins wal Jinn (mankind and Jinn) born
after the final message was revealed through the Holy Prophet Muhammad
who have embraced Islam. The Ummah of Muhammad, may the Blessings and
peace of Allah be on him and all his community (those who have lived in
the past, those who are alive now and those who will live in the
future), can be subdivided into two groups: a). Ummat ad-Da’wa - the
nation that was called upon to believe in Allah Ta’ala and the Last Day.
b). Ummat al-Isteajaba - the nation that reponded to the call of
Muhammad. Another name for this Ummah is "Al-Ummat al-Islamiah" ("the
Islamic Nation"). Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala commanded the Ummat al-Isteajaba
to hold together and not to disagree. Ufortunately, this decree has been
ignored, and in fulfilment of the Last Messenger’s prophecy, may Allah
bless him and grant him peace, there are now 73 different groups of
Muslims, only one of whom possesses and protects the original teachings
of Islam as brought and embodied by him. |
UMMIYEEN: |
Unlettered persons. Singular: Umm-me. See Umm-me. |
UMM-ME: |
An
unlettered person. This term is used in the Qur’an to describe the Holy
Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, who could
neither read nor write and who never received any formal education. To
the unbeliever here is food for thought: how could and illiterate man
have brought such a completely perferct book (the Holy Qur’an), perfect
in its meaning, message, grammar and overall content, if it were not
with divine help? No other book exists on earth that has such perfect
content and structure. A challenge to all unbeleivers! Mankind and Jinn?
Assemble together and try to produce just one Surah (chapter) like it.
You will never be able to do it, even if you were to try until the Day
of Ressurrection you will not succeed! No created being has ever been or
ever will be able to meeet this challenge, for the Holy Qur’an is truly
the Book of Allah. Plural: Ummiyeen. See Khatam Anbiyaaa. |
UMMUL MUMINEEN: |
Mother of the Faithful. A title to each wives of the Holy Prophet
Muhammad, may the blessing and peace of Allah be on him and his family. |
UMRA: |
A
Pilgrimage to Makkah, but not during the Hajj period. It is also called
"the Lesser Pilgrimage". Umra consists of four steps: Put on the Ihram
at the pointed Miqat station. Then proceed to Makka reciting the
Talbiyah (aloud for men and quitely for Women). See Ihram, Miqat,
Talbiyah. (1). Do Tawaf of the Ka’ba seven times. Druing the Tawaf one
may do any Du’a (and in any language) to Allah Ta’ala if one wishes. But
remember to point the palm of the right hand and say "Allahu Akbar" at
the start of each circuit. Each circuit starts and ends at the Hajar al-Aswad
(the Black Stone). See Tawaf, Du’a. (2). Go to Safa and start the Sa’i
to Marwa. The Sa’i consists of wlaking between Safa and Marwa seven
times (each direction is considered as one time).Men must must Jog
between two prescribed points. (3). Shave or trim the hair after the
completion of the Sa’i. It is then permissible to change out of Ihram.
(2). Synonym for Ruqba. See Ruqba. |
URFUT: |
Also
spelled as ‘Urfut’. The tree whose fruit is Maghafir, forgiveness. |
USUL-FIQH: |
Principles of Islamic Law, drawn from the original fundamental primary
sources. |
UTHMAN IBN ‘AFFAN, MAY ALLAH BE PLEASED
WITH HIM: |
One
of the greatest companions of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him
and grant him peace. He was the third of the four Rightly guided
Khalifaas (Al-Khulafaa ar-Rashideen). He ruled from 24AH to 36AH. He was
martyred at his home by the supporters of Abdallah ibn Sabaa, the
infamous Jew who pretended he had become a Muslim in order to cause
discord between Uthman and the Muslim Ummah by creating a new and false
sect within Islam. See Khalifaa. |
W
Name |
Meaning |
WA ‘ALAYKUM ASSALAM: |
"And
you be peace." The reply to the Muslim greeting of "assalamu ‘alaikum"
("Peace be upon you"). |
WA’D: |
Promise. "Wa’d Allah Haqqa" ("the Promise of Allah is true"). |
WAHY: |
Revelation. Inspiration placed in the heart or mind of the Prophets by
Allah Ta’ala. Auha, Uhiya and Wahyu are derived from the same root, ‘Wahy’. |
WAILUN: |
(1).
Literally means "Woe be upon you". (2). Name of a pit in Hellfire. |
WAJH: |
Literally means "face", but may have other meanings according to its
context in the sentence, e.g. (1). Wajhahu - "his whole self", as in Al-Baqara
(2):112. (2). Wajhulah - "the Glory or Presence of Allah", as in Al-Baqara
(2):115. 3. Li-Wajhi’llahi - "for the sake of Allah", as in Al-Insan
(76):8. |
WALEE: |
A
guardian, a person who has responsibility for another person; used
particularly for the person who ‘gives’ a woman in marriage. Also
someone who is a ‘friend’ of Allah, one of the Sabiqoon and Muqarraboon.
Singular of Awliyaa. See Awaliyaa. |
WALIMA: |
A
Marriage banquet. |
WAQF: |
Endowment. A charitable trust in the name of Allah, usually in
perpetuity, and usually for the purpose of establishing the Deen of
Islam, teaching useful knowledgee, feeding the poor or treating the
sick. |
WAQI’A (AL): |
"The
Inevitable Event". Another name for the Final Hour. Surah 56 of the Holy
Qur’an. The Khalifah Uthman, may Allah be pleased with him, was in the
midst of reciting this Surah when he was murdered. |
WASAYA: |
Wills and testament. Bequests. Allah Ta’ala commands us to make a
bequest of our goods to our parents and next of kin. See Holy Qur’an,
Al-Baqara (2):180. The exact manner of distribution of one’s goods is
complicated and therefore should be studied very carefully before
writing out one’s will. Basically one can bequeath up to one-third of
one’s property to whomever one wishes, but the remaining two-thirds must
be divided between one’s surviving relatives in fixed shares, as
delineated by the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Singular: Wasaya. |
WASHM: |
Tattoo mark. It is forbidden for a Muslim to have a tattoo on his or her
body. Wasm - Tattoo. |
WASIL (AL): |
A
person who is kind and considerate to his kith and kin. |
WASILA (AL): |
The
highest station with Allah on the Last Day, reserved for the Prophet
Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. |
WATHANI: |
A
pagan. A person who worships idols, stones, graves, trees, persons,
angels or any other deity other than Allah Ta’ala. |
WISAAL: |
Fasting for more than one day continuously without taking Suhur or
Iftar. Thi is forbidden in Islam. |
WITR: |
A
Salat which has an odd number of Rak’at: two Rak’at, followed by one
Rak’a. This Salat is prayed last thing at night before one goes to
sleep, or else delayed and prayed at the end of the Tahajjud Salat by
those who rise in the night, seeking the pleasure and the face of Alllah
Ta’ala. |
WUDU: |
A
ritual washing with water alone to be pure for the prayer. The way to do
Wudu is: (1). Wash hands thrice. (2). Wash mouth thrice. (3).Wash
nostril thrice. (4). Wash face thrice. (5). Wash right forearm thrice.
(6). Wash left forearm thrice. (7). Wipe scalp and nape of neck and then
ears once, (or twice or thrice). (8). Wash right foot thrice. (9). Wash
left foot thrice. Once or twice is also allowed. See holy Qur’an, An-Nisa
(4):43, Al-Ma’idah (5):7. You must already be in Ghusl for Wudu to be
effective. You should ensure that your private parts and underclothes
are clean before doing Wudu. Once you have done Wudu you remain in Wudu
until it is broken by: Any of the conditions which make it necessary to
have a Ghusl. See ghusl. Emission of impurities from the private parts:
Urine, faeces, wind, prostatic fluid, or other discharge. Loss of
consciousness by whatever means: usually by sleep or fainting. Physical
contact between man and woman where sexual pleasure is either intended
or experienced. Touching your penis with the inside of your hands or
fingers. Leaving Islam. It is necessary to be in Ghusl and in Wudu (or
alternatively to do Tayammum under certain circumtances) to do the Salat
(prayer) and to hold a copy of the Qur’an. See Tayammum. |
WUQUF: |
Stopping places, particularly the stopping places at Arafah and
Muzdalifah during the Hajj. Singular: Mawqif. |
WUSTA: |
Middle. Salatul Wusta refers to the middle prayer, which is the ‘Asr
prayer (the third of the five compulsary prayers), for those whose day
begins at dawn. However, some say it refers to the Fajr prayer. This is
because the Muslims follow a lunar calendar: the first day of a new
lunar month is only determined when the new moon is sighted shortly
after sunset. Therefore the Muslim day begins at Maghreb, and the first
prayer of the new day is Maghreb, which makes the third (middle) prayer
Fajr. |
Y
Name |
Meaning |
YA SIN: |
"Ya
Sin". Surah 36 of the Holy Qur’an. |
YACOUB, PEACE BE UPON HIM: |
Jacob, A prophet of Islam. He was also known as Israel. His twelve sons
each became head of their own tribe and these were known as the twelve
tribes of Israel. Jacob was the son of Ishaaq, who was the son of
Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be on them. |
YAHOUD: |
The
Jews. This term is correctly used to describe the three tribes of Israel
- the tribes of Juda, Levi and Benjamin - who after the twelve tribes
had escaped from Egypt with Moses, peace be on him, and settled in the
Holy Land, seperated from the other tribes of Israel (who were known as
the Israelites) and became known as the Judahites. The Term ‘Judahite’
was shortened to ‘Judean’, which was then eventually shortened to ‘Jew’.
The judahite Jews re-wrote and altered the Torah several times and
formulated the Talmud (incorporating the Mishnah, the Jerusalem Gemara
,the Babylonian Gemara and the Madrash), and their religion became known
as Judaism. ‘Yahoud’ is the Arabic equivalent of ‘Judahite’. It is
clear, therefore, that the term "yahoud’ can only really be correctly
used to describe the Middle Eastern and Sephardhic Jews; and can only be
loosely applied to the Ashkenazim Jews who are descendants from the
Turkic Russian tribe of the Khazars who embraced Judaism in the seventh
century, but who were not originally descendants from any of the twelve
tribes of Israel. It is for this reason that some commentators identify
the Ashkenazim Jews with ‘Jew wa Majewj’ , Gog and Magog, (since they
are ‘Jews’, but not Judahite Jew), about whom it is prophesied in
Ezekiel 38-39 that they will come from their place in the far north
(Russia), helped by many nations, and attack the land of Israel, and
that eventaully there will be a mighty battle in which they will all be
destroyed. |
YAHYA, PEACE BE UPON HIM: |
John
the Baptist, A prophet of Islam. Son of the Prophet Zakaria and Al-Yasaabat
(Elizabeth), and the maternal cousin of Mariam (mary), Mother of Isa
(Jesus), peace be upon them. He was therefore a cousin of the Prophet
Isa (Jesus), Son of Mariam (Mary). He was sent by Allah Ta’ala to
prepare the way for the Prophet isa. The Prophet Yahya was imprisoned,
then later beheaded by Herod in order to prove his infatuation for a
dancing girl (his niece). It is unfortunate that Nasara (Christians)
choose to call him John, because the name Yahya has a special place in
history. He was the man ever to be called Yahya. See Holy Qur’an, Aali
‘Imran (3):39, Al-An’am (6):85, Maryam (19):12-15, Al-Anbiya (21):90-91. |
YALAMLAM: |
The
Miqat of the people of Yemen. See Miqat. |
YAQEEN: |
Certainty. Faith in general is based on the Yaqeen of the believer. It
has three stages: (1). Ilm al-Yaeen - Knowledge of certainty. (2). Ayn
al-Yaqeen - Source of certainty. (3). Haqq al-Yaqeen - Truth of
certainty. The Raja of Mahmudabad defined them thus in this
metaphor.(1). You are told there is a fire in the forest. (2). You reach
the fire in the forest and see it for yourself. (3). You are the fire in
the forest. See holy Qur’an,Al-hijr (15):99. |
YARHAMUKU’LLAH: |
"Allah Ta’ala’s mercy be on you." This is the usual response to a
sneezer when he says "Alhamdu lillah" (Praise to Allah") after sneezing. |
YARMUK: |
A
place in Shaam. Site of a famous battle. |
YASALOUNA: |
"They ask." |
YATAMA: |
Orphans. Singular: Yateem . See Yateem. |
YATEEM: |
Orphan. It is major sin to harm, abuse or cheat orphans in any way
whatsoever. Allah Ta’ala will give a great reward to anyone who takes
care of orphans. Plural: Yatama. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Baqara (2):220, An-Nisa
(4):2,6, 10, 127, Al-Isra (17):34. |
YATHRIB: |
One
of the names of Al-Madinah before the coming of Islam. |
YAUM AL-JAZA: |
Literally means the Day of Payment. Another name for the day of
Judgement, when mankind and Jinn will be paid what is due to them,
either by being sent to Jannah (Paradise) or to Nar (Hellfire). |
YAUM AL-QIAMA: |
Literally means the Day of Standing. This is the Day when we will be
raised from our graves and will stand while waiting to be judged by
Allah Ta’ala. This day has many names, including: (1.) Al-Qari’a (Day of
Clamour). (2.) Al-Taama al-Kubra (The Complete Covering). For a complete
list of the names and description of the Yaum al-Qiama. |
YUNUS, PEACE BE UPON HIM: |
"Jonah" or "Jonas". A Prophet of Islam. He was sent to the city of
Nineveh (on the left bank of the Tigris, opposite the city of Mosul, in
Iraq, to preach against their wickedness and call them to the worship of
Allah. The people of Nineveh at first rejected him, but when he
pronounced the curse of Allah upon them, repented their sins. However,
he still left the city in anger, forgetting that Allah is full of mercy,
as well as forgiveness. As a punishment, Allah Ta’ala caused a whale to
swallow him up for a limited time. In the darkness of the whale's
stomach, in the darkness of the ocean, in the darkness of the night,
Yunus turned to his Lord and asked for His forgiveness. The whale spewed
him up on the beach and, after recovering from his ordeal, Yunus
returned to the city whose inhabitants all became his followers. He then
came to be known as Dhu'l-Noon (man of the whale). See Holy Qur'an, As-Saffa
(37):139-149. Surah 10 of the Holy Qur'an. |
YUSUF, PEACE BE ON HIM: |
"Joseph". A Prophet of Islam. One of the sons of Yacoub (Yacob), peace
be on them. Surah 12 of the Holy Qur'an. |
Z
Name |
Meaning |
ZA’AMA: |
Allegation. |
ZABOOR: |
Holy
Book revealed to the prophet Dawood (David), peace be on him. |
ZAID: |
Zaid
ibn Haritha was one of the first people to accpet Islam. He was a
freeman of the Prophet Muhammad,may Allah bless him and grant him peace.
For furfuher information See Zaid ibn Haritha. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Ahzab
(33):28, 37-38, 50. See Zaid. |
ZAKARIA, PEACE BE ON HIM: |
The
Prophet Zachariah. A prophet of Islam. He looked after Maryam, the
mother of Jesus, in the Temple of Solomon, when she was a child. He was
the father of the Prophet Yahya, peace be on them all. |
ZAKAT AL-FITR: |
A
small obligatory head-tax imposed on every reponsible Muslim who has the
means for himself and his dependents. It is paid once yearly at the end
of Ramadan before Eid al-Fitr. See Sahi Bukhari, Kitabul Zakatul Fitr.
See Sahi Muslim, Ahadeeth, 2159, 2160. |
ZAKAT: |
The
Muslim’ wealth tax: One must pay 2.5 % of one’s yearly savings above
certain amount to the poor and needy Muslims. The Zakat is compulsory on
all Muslims who have saved (at least) the equivalent of 85g of 24 carat
Gold at the time when the annuaal Zakat payment is due. Zakat is also
due on other things such as silver, animals, crops, etc. For a full
explanation on Zakat refer to the relevant books written on the subject.
See Holy Qur’an, Al-Baqara (2):43, 110, 177, 277, An-Nisa (4):162,
Al-Maida (5):58. See Bukhari, Book of Zakat. See Muslim, Book of Zakat.
Zakat is one of the Arkan of Islam. See Arkan. |
ZALLAH: |
A
major error, e.g. unintentional backbiting. Generally speaking, a person
seeks Allah’s forgiveness immediately after realizing that he or she has
committed a Zallah. |
ZALZALAH (AL): |
"The
Earthquake". One of the names of the Yaum al-Qiama. Surah 99 of the Holy
Qur’an. |
ZAMZAM: |
The
sacred well inside Al-Haram ash-Shareef in Makkah. |
ZANAADIQA: |
Complete and utter unbelievers in Allah and the Last Day. Atheist. |
ZANJABIL: |
A
special mixture that will be in one of the drinks of the people of the
Jannah (Paradise). See Holy Qur’an, Al-Insan (76):17. |
ZAQQUM: |
An
extremely bitter and thorny tree that grows at the bottom of Hellfire.
See Holy Qur’an, Al-ISra (17):60, As-Saffat (37):62-66, Ad-Dukhan
(44):43-46, Al-Waqi’ah (56):56 |
ZEENA: |
(1).
Allurements of the worlds. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Kahf (18):46 (2). Beauty
and ornaments of Woman. See Holy Qur’an, An-Nur (24):31. |
ZINAH: |
Fornication and adultery, i.e. sexual intercourse between partners who
are not married to each other. One of the Kabair (major sins) in Islam.
Allah Ta’ala has prescribed flogging (100 lashes) and year’s exile for
either a man or a woman who commits Zinah and is not married. Although
it is not expressly stated in the Qur’an, the Prophet Muhammad, may
Allah bless him and grant him peace, made it clear that a married man or
woman who commits Zinah is to be stoned to death. Similarly, homosexuals
and lesbians in a Muslim community are put to death. These measures
protect the cohesion of the family, and accordingly of the community as
whole. See Holy Qur’an An-Nur (24):2-10. |
ZINDEEQ: |
Hypocrite or unbeliever. Anyone who does not believe in Allah and who
rejects His Messengers, may Allah bless them and grant them peace. |
ZOOR: |
Giving false evidence. The act of committing perjury. |
ZUKKHRUFF (AL): |
"The
gold Ornaments". Surah 43 of the Holy Qur’an. |
ZUMMAR (AL): |
"The
Troops". Surah 39 of the Holy Qur’an. |
|