Glossary of Islamic terms in Arabic

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Glossary of Islamic terms

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The following list consists of concepts that are derived from both Islamic and Arab tradition, which are expressed as words in the Arabic language. The main purpose of this list is to disambiguate multiple spellings, to make note of spellings no longer in use for these concepts, to define the concept in one or two lines, to make it easy for one to find and pin down specific concepts, and to provide a guide to unique concepts of Islam all in one place.

Separating concepts in Islam from concepts specific to Arab culture, or from the language itself, can be difficult. Many Arabic concepts have an Arabic secular meaning as well as an Islamic meaning. One example is the concept of dawah. One of the complexities of the Arabic language is that a single word can have multiple meanings. The word Islam is itself a good example.

Readers should also note that Arabic is written in its own alphabet, with letters, symbols, and orthographic conventions that do not have exact equivalents in the Latin alphabet (see Arabic alphabet). The following list is a transliteration of Arabic terms and phrases. Consequently, Muslims may transliterate certain Arabic words differently, such as din as opposed to deen, and aqidah as opposed to aqeedah. Most items in the list also contain their actual Arabic spelling.


Contents: Top - 0–9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

[edit] A

‘Abd (عبد) 
servant, worshipper, slave. Muslims consider themselves servants and slaves of God. Common Muslim names such as Abdullah (Servant of God), Abdul-Malik (Slave of the King), Abdur-Rahmān (Slave of the most Beneficent), Abdus-Salām (Slave of Peace), all refer to names of Allah. Also used in modern times as a derogatory term for Blacks.
Adab (أدب) 
Traditionally describes good manners, as in etiquette. For example, being courteous is good adab. However, the term can be used very broadly, and the proper translation would be "the proper way to go about something," as in the example, Aadaab al Qitaal, or, "The Proper Way of Fighting in War," (Qitaal in Arabic means mortal combat) in which the word "etiquette" does not befit the context.
Ādhān (أذان) 
call to salat (prayer), sometimes alternatively spelled and pronounced Azaan and Adhan.
‘Adl (عدل) 
Justice especially distributive justice: social, economic, political, environmental.
A.H. : "Anno Hegirae (In the year of the Hijra)." The Islamic calendar starts counting years starting from the time when Muhammad had to leave Mecca and go to Medina, an event known as the Hijra: July 16th, 622.
Aḥad (أحد)
literally "one." Islamically, ahad means One Alone, unique, none like God. Al-Wahid is one of the names of God.
Aḥkām (أحكام)
rulings and orders of the Qu'ran and Sunnah. Five kinds of orders: Wajib, Mustahab, Muharram, Makruh, and Halal.
Ahlul-Bayt (أهل البيت ) 
members of Muhammad's Household. Also known among Shia as the Masumin (infallibles; spiritually pure).
Ahlul-Fatrah ( أهل الفترة) 
people who live in ignorance of the teachings of a revealed religion, but according to the "Fitra", the "Natural Religion" innate to human nature as created by God.
Ahl ul-Kitāb (أهل الكتاب ) 
"People of the Book", or followers of pre-Islamic monotheistic religions with some form of scripture believed to be of divine origin which were mentioned in Quran: Jews, Christians, Sabians, Magians or Zoroastrians. Sometimes said to include also Hanifs. Has at times been extended to include pre-Islamic religious traditions with scriptures which were not mentioned in Quran, e.g.: Buddhists, Hindus, Taoists, Confucians.
Ākhirah (الآخرة) 
hereafter or eternal life
Akhlāq (أخلاق) 
The practice of virtue. Morals.
Ikhlas (إخلاص) 
Genuine in religious beliefs.
‘Ālamīn (عالمين) 
Literally "worlds", humankind, jinn, angels and all that exists
Alayhis Salam (عليه السلام) 
"Peace be upon him" This expression normally follows after naming a prophet (other than Muhammad), or one of the noble Angels (i.e. Jibreel[Gabriel], Mikaeel[Michael], etc.)
Al-Ḥamdu lillāh (الحمد لله) 
"Praise be to God!" Qur'anic exclamation
Allāh (الله)
God (in monotheistic understanding of the word); the only entity worthy of worship
Allahumma (اللَّهُمَّ) 
"O God."
Allāhu Akbar (الله أكبر) 
"God is the Greatest." Islamic expression.
‘Ālim (عالم) 
One who knows. A scholar (in any field of knowledge); a scientist (who knows science) or a theologian (who knows religion); similar to Japanese sensei, "teacher"
Amānah (أمانة)
the trust. Of all creation, only human beings carry the "trust", which is free will.
Āmīn (آمين)
Amen, a supplication meaning, "O God, accept our invocation!" (used only in Sunni Islam)
Amīrul-Mu’minīn (أمير المؤمنين) 
In some countries like Morocco, a Amīrul-Mu’minīn or Commander of the faithful is the religious chief.
Aminah (أمنة) 
Muhammad's mother. Aminah fell sick and died in Abwa, near Madina (then Yathrib) when Muhammad was six years old.
Al Amr Bi'l Maruf 
Islamic doctrine of enjoining right.
anfal 
Property of the Imam
Anṣār (أنصار)
"Helpers." The Muslim converts at Medina who helped the Muslims from Mecca after the Hijrah.
‘Aqīdah (عقيدة) 
The Islamic creed, or the six article of faith, which consists of the belief in God, Angels, Messengers and Prophets, Scriptures, the Day of Judgment, and Destiny.
‘Aql (عقل)
Intelligence, intellect, mind, understanding
Arkan singular rukn (ركن/أركان) 
The five rukn "pillars" of Islam. (See rukn)
A.S. ('Alayhis-salaam) 
This acronym evokes a blessing and is appended to the names of the prophets who came before Muhammad. It will also be applied the mothers of those prophets. When following a woman's name, the feminine form is 'Alayhas-salaam.
Asl (pl. usool) 
Root, origin, source; principle.
Aslim Taslam (أسلم تسلم)
"Submit to Islam" (See dawah)
Asmā’ Allah al-Ḥusnā (أسماء الله الحسنى)
List of God's 99 names. According to a hadith, the one who enumerates them all will enter Paradise.
‘Aṣr (العصر)
The third salat prayer. The time of the day before sunset and after noon. also means "era".
Aṣ-Ṣirāṭ
The bridge on which judgement of where a person's Akhira (afterlife) will lie is passed.
al-Asharatu Mubashsharun bil-Jannah or just Asharatu Mubashsharah (Arabic
العشرة المبشّرون بالجنة or عشرة المبشّر; Transliteration: ‘Asharatul-mubashshirūn or ‘Asharatul-mubashshirūne bil Jannah): The ten companions of Muhammad who were promised paradise (only in Sunni Islam)
‘Āshūrā’ (عاشوراء) 
Tenth day of the month of Muharram. It is the day God saved Moses and the children of Israel from the Pharaoh. The grandson of the prophet Muhammad, Imam Hussayn sacrificed his life along with 72 of his companions on the sand dunes of Karbala. Sunni Scholars recommended to fast during this day. To the Shias, it is also a day on which they mourn the death of the third Shia Imam, Husayn ibn Ali, along with his family and companions, who were killed in the famous battle in Karbala. They cry and weep and organize lamentating programmes where they not only learn how to live a proper Islamic life and improve their Spiritual Self but also cry at the end of the ritual to show their true love and faith towards imam Hussayn.
As-Salāmu ‘Alaykum (السلام عليكم)
The Islamic greeting; literally "Peace be upon you"; In addition, wa-Raḥmatullāhi wa-Barakātuhu means "and the Mercy of God and His blessing". The response to this greeting is wa-‘Alaykum us-Salām wa-Raḥmatullāhi wa-Barakātuhu --"And on you be the Peace and Mercy of God and His Blessing".
Astaghfirullāh (أستغفر الله)
"I seek forgiveness from God." Islamic expression.
Audhu billah (أعوذ بالله ’A‘ūdhu billāh)
"I seek refuge in God". This is a paraphrase on the beginnings of the two last suras in the Qur'an.
Awliyā’ (أولياء)
Friends, protectors, helpers, caretaker, maintainer . (singular: wali)
‘Awrah (عورة) 
The part of a person's body that must be covered before everybody but a spouse. It may also be used to refer to what must be concealed of a woman before non-related men
Āyah (آية), plural āyāt (آيات) 
A sign. More specifically, a verse in the Qur'an.
Āyatullāh (آية الله, also spelled Ayatollah)
Sign of God Title given to highly ranked religious scholars in Sh'ia sect.

[edit] B

Baghawat 
insurgency against a legitimate government
Bai'a 
(بيعة) : pledge
Batil 
void
Baitullah (بيت الله baytullāh) 
A mosque, literally "house of God".
Barakah (بركة) 
a form of blessing. Also, spiritual wisdom and blessing transmitted from master to pupil. The special favor or divine grace which is possessed by the "friends of God," or Sufi masters in particular.
BarakAllahu Feekum 
may Allah bless you; response to expression of thanks.
Barzakh (برزخ)
The one-way barrier between the mortal realm and the spirit world which the deceased soul crosses and waits for qiyamah judgment.
Basher (بشر) 
Human(s). Literally means 'face' but generally it refers to a person (man/woman).
Baṣīrah (بصيرة) 
Insight, discernment, perceptivity, deep knowledge. Sometimes used by Sufis to denote the ability to directly perceive a transcendental Truth.
Batin 
The interior or hidden meaning. A person who devotes himself to studying such hidden meanings is a batini.
Bid‘ah (بدعة) 
Innovation in religion, i.e. inventing new methods of worship. Bad Bid'ahs in Islam are considered a deviation and a serious sin by many Muslims.
Bid'ah sayyi'ah 
Inquiry prohibited in Islam.
Bint (بنت) 
daughter
Bismi-llāhi r-raḥmāni r-raḥīmi (بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم) 
"In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful".
Burda (بردة) 
not an Arabic term; means "curtain" in Persian. Means covering or to cover.
Bay‘ah (بيعة) 
an oath of allegiance to a leader, traditionally the Caliph or Imam.

[edit] C

Caliph (خليفة khalīfah) 
literally successor; refers to the successor of the Prophet Muhammad, the ruler of an Islamic theocratic monarchy
Chilla 
spiritual retreat

[edit] D

Dahri 
atheist - from the root ad dahr meaning time. In Islam, atheists are seen as those who think that time only destroys, hence the term ad dahriyyah for the concept of atheism.
Dajjal (دجّال) 
an Islamic figure similar to the Antichrist; means "liar" or "deceiver".
Dallal (ضلال)
going astray.
Dar al'Ahd (دار العهد) 
the Ottoman Empire's relationship with its Christian tributary states.
Dar al-Amn (دار الأمن) 
means house of safety; refers to status of a Muslim living in some of the Western world.
Dar ad-Dawa (دار الدعوة) 
a region where Islam has recently been introduced.
Dar al-Harb (دار الحرب) 
means house of war; refers to areas outside Muslim rule at war with Muslim states.
Dar al-Islam (دار الإسلام)
the abode, or land, of Islam.
Dar al-Kufr (دار الكفر) 
means domain of disbelief; the term originally refers to the Quraish-dominated society of Mecca between Prophet Mohammed's flight to Medina (the Hijra) and the city's conquest.
Dar ash-Shahada (دار الشهادة) 
See Dar al-Amn
Darūd  
blessing
Da`wah (الدعوة) 
the call to Islam. (See aslim taslam)
Darwīš (درويش) 
an initiate of the Sufi Path, one who practices Sufism
Dhikr 
A devotional practice whereby the name of God is repeated in a rhythmical manner
Dhikr (ذكر) or zikr 
remembrance of God; spiritual exercise; Muslims believe that the primary function of prophets is to remind people of God.
Dhimmi (ذمّي) 
"Protected person"; Jews and Christians (and sometimes others,[1] such as Buddhists, Sikhs, Hindus, and Zoroastrians), living in an Islamic state whose right to practice their religion is tolerated under Islamic law.
Dhuhr 
the second obligatory daily prayer.
Dīn (الدين) 
the way of life based on Islamic revelation; the sum total of a Muslim's faith and practice. Dīn is often used to mean the faith and religion of Islam.
Diyya (دية)
fine for unintentional murder.
Dua (دعاء) 
personal prayer, supplication
Dhuhr (الظهر)
second salat prayer
Dunya (دنيا)
The physical Universe, as opposed to the Hereafter

[edit] E

Eid Al-Adha 
The "feast of sacrifice." It is celebrated from the tenth through the thirteenth days of Zul-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Muslim calendar. (See Id)
Ethiaat 
Also Ahwat. A Precaution, either obligatory or optional.[2]
Ethiaat-Mustahabbi 
A preferred precation.[2]
Ethiaat-Waajib 
An obligatory precation.[2]

[edit] F

Fajarah (فجرة)
Wicked evil doers. Plural of "Fajir" (فاجر).
Fajr (فجر)
morning, as in the morning prayer. The time of the day when there is light in the horizon before sunrise.
Falāḥ (فلاح)
deliverence, salvation, well-being
Falsafah 
"philosophy" The methods and content of Greek philosophy which were brought into Islam. A person who tries to interpret Islam though rationalist philosophy was called a faylasuf ("philosopher").
Fanā' (فناء) 
Sufi term meaning extinction - to die to this life while alive. Having no existence outside of God.
Faqih (pl. fuqaha) 
One who has a deep understanding of Islam, its laws, and jurisprudence. (see fiqh)
Al-Faraj 
the return of the Shia Mahdi
Farḍ (فرض), plural Fara’id (فرأض) 
a religious duty, or an obligatory action: praying 5 times a day is fard Neglecting a fard will result in a punishment in the hereafter. (See wajib)
Fard ayn 
obligatory on every individual Muslim to aid in any way he can.
Fard kifayah 
an obligation on the Muslim community as a whole, from which some are freed if others take it up.
Fāsiq (فاسق)
anyone who has violated Islamic law; usually refers to one whose character has been corrupted (plural "fasiqun").
Fatiha 
the short, opening sura of the Qur'an, which begins "In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. Praise be to God, the Lord of the Worlds..." These words hold an important place in Muslim liturgies and forms the core of the salat.
Fatwā (فتوى) 
legal opinion of an (alim) binding on him and on those who follow his taqlid
Fi Amanullah 
May Allah protect you. Said when a person departs.
Fiqh (فقه) 
jurisprudence built around the shariah by custom (al-urf). Literally means "deep understanding", refers to understanding the Islamic laws. (see faqih)
Fī sabīlu-llāhi (في سبيل الله)
for the sake of Allah; common Islamic expression for performing acts such as charity or Jihad and for 'qatlu' (fighting in mortal combat for the sake of of Allah
Fitna (فتنة) 
trial or tribulation; also refers to any period of disorder, such as a civil war, or the period of time before the end of the world or any civil strife.
Fiṭrah (فطرة)
innate disposition towards virtue, knowledge, and beauty. Muslims believe every child is born with fitrah.
Furqān (فرقان)
the criterion (of right and wrong, true and false); for example, the Qur'an as furqan.

[edit] G

Ghafara (غفر)
(verb in past tense) to forgive, to cover up (sins). A characteristic of God.
Ghaflah (غفلة)
heedlessness, forgetfulness of God, indifference
Ghayb (غيب)
the unseen, unknown.
Ghasbi  
possessed unlawfully
Ghusl (غسل)
full ablution of the whole body (see wudu). Ghusl jenobat is the mandatory shower after having sexual discharge.

[edit] H

Hādī (هادي)
a guide, one who guides; A Muslim name for God is The Guide, or Al-Hadi.
Hidāyah (هداية) 
guidance from God.
Hadath asghar 
minor ritual impurity
Hadath akbar  
major ritual impurity which requires Niyyat for cleaning
Hadith (حديث ḥadīth) plural ahādīth 
literally "speech"; recorded saying or tradition of the Prophet Muhammad validated by isnad; with sira these comprise the sunnah and reveal shariah
Hadeeth Mashhoor 
Well-known hadith; a hadith which reported by one, two, or more Companions from the Prophet or from another Companion, but has later become well-known and transmitted by an indefinite number of people during the first and second generation of Muslims.
Haid 
menstruation
Ḥalāl (حلال) 
lawful, permitted, good, beneficial, praiseworthy, honourable. (See mustahabb, mandub)
Ḥāfiẓ (حافظ) 
someone who knows the Qur'an by heart. Literal translation = memorizer or Protector.
Hajj (الحجّ haj) 
pilgrimage to Mecca. Sunnis regard this as the fifth Pillar of Islam
Hajj al Tamattu 
performing `Umrah during the Hajj season, and on the Day of Tarwiah a pilgrim gets into the state of Ihram for Hajj. Before making 'Umrah, approach the Miqat and declare the intention. End by sacrificing an animal.
Hajj al Qiran 
At Miqat, declare intention to perform both Hajj and `Umrah together. After throwing the Jamrah of Al-`Aqabah, and getting hair shaved or cut that take off his Ihram garments and sacrifice animal.
Hajj al Ifrad 
At Miqat, declare intention for Hajj only. Maintain Ihram garments up to the Day of Sacrifice. No offering is required from him.
Ḥākim (حاكم) 
a ruler's or gubernatorial title
Hakmiya 
sovereignty
Ḥanīf (حنيف) 
pre-Islamic non-Jewish or non-Christian monotheists. Plural: ḥunafā' (حنفاء).
Haqq (‎‍حق)
truth, reality, right, righteousness. Al-Haqq is one of 99 names of God.
Ḥarām (حرام) 
forbidden. An individual is rewarded for keeping away from haram done out of obedience, (rather than out of fear, shyness or the inability to do it.) Antonym: halal. (See mazur, makrouh)
Ḥaram (حرم) 
sanctuary.
Ḥasan (حسن)
Good, beautiful, admirable. Also a categorization of a hadith's authenticity as "acceptable". (other categorizations include authenic and fabricated).
Hawaa (pl. ahwaa') 
Vain or egotistical desire; individual passion; impulsiveness.
Ḥijāb (حجاب) 
literally "cover". It describes the self-covering of the body for the purposes of modesty and dignity; broadly, a prescribed system of attitudes and behaviour regarding modesty and dignity. (See abayah, al-amira, burnuk, burqa, chador, jilbab, khimar, milfeh, niqab, purdah, shayla)
Hikmah 
Literally this means "wisdom" and refers to the highest possible level of understanding attainable by a Muslim. In particular, it refers to the illuminative, mystical sort of wisdom which a Gnostic or Sufi might accomplish.
Hijra (الهجرة) 
Muhammad and his followers' emigration from Mecca to Medina. Literally, "migration". This holiday marks the beginning of the Muslim New Year on the first day of the month of Muharram. See Rabi Al-Awwal and abbreviation A.H..
Ḥimā (حمى) 
wilderness reserve, protected forest, grazing commons, important to khalifa
Ḥizb (حزب) 
one half of a juz', or roughly 1/60th of the Qur'an
Houri (حورية ḥūrīya; pl. ḥūrīyāt حوريات) 
beautiful and pure young men and women, that Muslims believe inhabit Paradise, or Heaven.
Hudā (هدى) 
guidance
Hudna (هدنة) 
Truce. Cease-fire (often temporary)
Ḥudūd (حدود) (sing. hadd) 
Literally, limits or boundaries. Usually refers to limits placed by Allah on man; penalties of the Islamic law (sharia) for particular crimes described in the Qur'an - intoxication, theft, rebellion, adultery and fornication, false accusation of adultery, and apostasy. (See ta'zeer)
Hujjaj 
Pilgrim
Ḥukm (حكم)
ruling in the Qur'an or Sunnah

[edit] I

`Ibādah (عبادة) 
worship, but not limited to ritual: all expressions of servitude to Allah, including the pursuit of knowledge, living a pious life, helping, charity, and humility, can be considered ibadah.
Iblīs (إبليس) 
a jinn banished to Hell for his arrogance and disobedience; aka Satan : derived from the Greek Diabolos or Devil He is the equivalent of Lucifer.
`Id (عيد)
festival or celebration.
`Id ul-Adha (عيد الأضحى) 
"the Festival of Sacrifice." The four day celebration starting on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijja.
`Id ul-Fitr (عيد الفطر) 
"the Festival of Fitr (Breaking the fast)." A religious festival that marks the end of the fast of Ramadan.
I'dad Al-'oda  
"preparation for battle" according to Qur'an
Ifṭār (إفطار)
a meal eaten by Muslims breaking their fast after sunset during the month of Ramadan.
Iḥrām (إحرام) 
state of consecration for hajj. Includes dress and or prayer.
Iḥsān (إحسان)
perfection in worship, such that Muslims try to worship God as if they see Him, and although they cannot see Him, they undoubtedly believe He is constantly watching over them.
Ijaz (إعجاز) 
miracle, the character of the Qur'an in both form and content.
Ijazah
a certificate authorizing one to transmit a subject or text of Islamic knowledge
Ijmā` (إجماع) 
the consensus of either the ummah (or just the ulema) - one of four bases of Islamic Law. More generally, political consensus itself. Shi'a substitute obedience to the Imam; opposite of ikhtilaf
Ijtihād (إجتهاد) 
During the early times of Islam, the possibility of finding a new solution to a juridical problem. Has not been allowed in conservative Islam since the Middle Ages. However, Liberal movements within Islam generally argue that any Muslim can perform ijtihad, given that Islam has no generally accepted clerical hierarchy or bureaucratic organization. The opposite of ijtihad is taqlid, Arabic for "imitation".
Ikhtilaf 
disagreement among the madhhabs (scholars) of a religious principle; opposite of ijma.
Ikraam ( الكرم)
honor, hospitality, generosity - Dhul jalaali wal ikraam is one of the 99 names of Allah.
Ilāh (إله)
deity, a god; including gods worshiped by polytheists.
`Ilm (علم) 
all varieties of knowledge, usually a synonym for science
Imām (إمام) 
literally, leader; e.g. a man who leads a community or leads the prayer; the Shi'a sect use the term only as a title for one of the twelve Allah-appointed successors of Prophet Muhammad.
Imamah (إمامة) or imamate 
successorship of Prophet Muhammad and the leadership of mankind.
Imān (إيمان) 
personal faith
Innaa Lillaahi Wa Innaa Ilayhi Raaji'oon 
To Allah we belong and to Him is our return - said to mourners
Infāq (إنفاق)
the habitual inclination to give rather than take in life; the basis for charity
Injīl (الإنجيل) 
Arabic term for the holy book called The Gospel said to have been given to Jesus, who is known as Isa in Arabic; Muslims believe the holy book has been lost and the New Testament gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) are not the word of Allah, only Christian stories about Jesus.
Insha'Allah (إن شاء الله) 
Allah Willing.
Iqamah (إقامة) 
the second call to prayer. Similar to the azhan.
Irtidad 
apostasy (see murtadd.)
`Īsā (عيسى)  
Jesus - 'Isa ibn Maryam (English: Jesus son of Mary), a matronymic (since he had no biological father. The Qur'an asserts that Allah has no sons and therefore, 'Isa is not the son of Allah. Muslims honor 'Isa as a nabi and rasoul.
`Ishā' (عشاء)
night; the fifth salat prayer
Islam (الإسلام)  (help·info) 
"submission to God". The Arabic root word for Islam means submission, obedience, peace, and purity.
Isnād (إسناد) 
chain of transmitters of any given hadith
Isra (الإسراء) 
the night journey during which Muhammad (محمّد)is said to have visited Heaven. See miraj.
Istigfar 
forgiveness
Istihada 
vaginal bleeding except Haid and Nifas
Istislah (إستصلاح) 
public interest - a source of Islamic Law.
Istish'hād (إستشهاد) 
martyrdom.
Itaqu 
The faithful who fear Allah.
Ithim (إثم) 
Negative reward for bad deeds that is tallied on qiyamah(judgment day.) Opposite of thawab.
Itikaf 
seclusion in the masjid for the purpose of worship usually performed during the last 10 days of Ramadan.
Ittihad ( اتحـاد)
"identity" or "union," the experience of personal union with Allah as felt by a Sufi mystic.
Al-Ittihad al-Islami (AIAI)
Somalia’s largest militant Islamic organization aiming to establish an Islamic regime in Somalia
Itmām al-hujjah (اتمام الحجة) 
clarification of truth in its ultimate form.

[edit] J

Jaa'iz 
That which is allowed or permissible. As a rule, everything that is not prohibited is allowed. (See halal, mustahabb, mandub)
Jahannam (جهنم) 
the Hell-fire; Hell
Jāhiliyyah (الجاهليّة) 
the time of ignorance before Islam was realized. Describes polytheistic religions.
Jahl (جهل) 
ignorance, arrogance.
Jalsa - sitting.
Jāmi‘ah (جامعة) 
"gathering"; i.e. a university, a mosque, or more generally, a community or association.
Janaza (جنازة) 
funeral prayer
Jannah (جنة) 
Paradise, Heaven, the Garden
Jazakallahu Khayran (جزاك الله خير) 
"May God reward you for the good." Islamic expression of gratitude.
Jihād (جهاد) 
struggle. Any earnest striving in the way of God, involving personal, physical, for righteousness and against wrong-doing;
"Lesser Jihad" (الجهاد الأصغر): in defence, fighting to protect Islam from attack or oppression. In such fighting, no woman, child or innocent civilian is to be harmed, and no tree is to be cut down. (see Qitaal)
"Greater Jihad" (الجهاد الأعظم): internal struggle for the soul (nafs) against evil, e.g. Lust, Greed, Envy, etc. Also to thrive to do actions that have great value in Islam, and that one has to overcome one's self to do it, e.g.: to overcome the temptation to sleep when it is time to pray the morning prayer is a greater jihad.
Jihād al talab 
Offensive jihad.
Jihād al daf’a 
Defensive jihad.
Jilbāb (جلباب) 
(pl. jalabib) a long, flowing, baggy garment worn by some to fulfill the mandates of sartorial hijab. Some more conservative Muslims believe that jilbāb is incumbent upon Muslim women to wear this as a sign of modesty. (See abaya. burka, chador)
Jinn (جنّ) 
An invisible being of fire
Jizya (جزية)
A tax specified in the Koran (9:29) to be paid by non-Muslim males living under Muslim political control.
Juhud 
To deny. Jaahid (the denier). Disbelief out of rejection. When there comes to them that which they [should] have recognized, they refuse to believe in (kafaru) it. ( 2:89) Accordingly, juhud includes rejection (kufr at-taktheeb) and resistance (kufr al-‘inaad)
Jumu‘ah (جمعة) 
Friday prayer
Junub 
an unclean state of body as in breaking Wudu
Janabat 
an unclean state of body caused by discharge of semen or sexual intercourse
Juz' (جزء) 
one of thirty parts of the Qur'an

[edit] K

Ka‘bah (الكعبة) 
cube-house; the cube-shaped building i.e in Mecca toward which Muslims pray. Muslims, however, do not worship it, nor pray to it. Muslims only pray to Almighty God.
Kāfir (كافر) 
from the word kafara - "to hide." Those who deliberately hide the truth; unbelievers, truth-concealers; one who is ungrateful. Plural: Kāfirūn. Extreme care ought to be taken with this word, as it is was (and is) occasionally misused as an offensive term for black people by white South Africans.
Kalam (علم الكلم) 
Literally, `words' or `speech,' and referring to oration. The name applied to the discipline of philosophy and theology concerned specifically with the nature of faith, determinism and freedom, and the nature of the divine attributes.
Khalīfah (خليفة) 
Caliph, more generally, one performing the duties of khilafa.
Khalq 
Creation - the act of measuring; determining, estimating and calculating. Khalq is the noun form of the verb khalaqa (see bara, sawwara).
Al-khaliq 
The Creator, Allah.
Khamar
Intoxicant: wine.
Khāṭib (خاطب)
the speaker at the Friday Muslim prayer, or Jumu'ah prayer.
Kharāj (خراج) 
a land tax.
Khilaaf 
Controversy, dispute, discord.
Khilāfah (خلافة) 
Man's trusteeship and stewardship of Earth; Most basic theory of the Caliphate; Flora and fauna as sacred trust; Accountability to ; God for harms to nature, failure to actively care and maintain. Three specific ways in which khalifa is manifested in Muslim practice are the creation of haram to protect water, hima to protect other species (including those useful to man), and by resisting infidel domination over Muslim lands, in jihad.
Khalīfāt Rashīdūn 
four first caliphs, believed by most Muslims to be most righteous rulers in history
Khimār (خمار) (pl. khumur) 
headcovering (Q. 24:31).
Khums (خمس) 
a Shi'a article of faith that refers to a one-fifth tax, divided between Sehme Sadaat, a poor sayyid, and Sehme Imam, given to a Mujtahid.
Khushu' - humility, devotion, concentration (especially in prayer).
Khuṭbah (خطبة)
the sermon at Jumu'ah prayer.
Kitāb (كتاب) 
book; The Qur'an is often referred to as "Al-Kitāb" (The Book).
Kufr (كفر) 
In Arabic - ungratefulness and disbelief in God and denial of the truth.
Kufr-i jahli 
Disbelief from not being aware of or not understanding.
Kufr-i-juhudi 
Disbelief from obstinacy after being presented with truth.
Kufr-i-hukmi 
Disbelief from judgment.
Kun (كن) 
God's command to the universe, 'Be!' is sufficient to create it.

[edit] L

Lā ilāha ill-Allāh (لاإله إلا الله) 
"There is no god other than Allah." The most important expression in Islam. It is part of the first pillar of Islam. Also is the message of all the Prophets, such as Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad.
Labbayk Allahuma () 
Allah, Here I am (said during hajj)
Laghw (لغو) 
Dirty, false, evil vain talk
La‘nah (لعنة) 
Imploration for withdrawal of God's mercy
Laylat al-Qadr (ليلة القدر) 
the Night of Power, towards the end of Ramadan, when Muhammad received the first revelation of the Qur'an.

[edit] M

Madh'hab (مذهب) 
(pl. Madhahib) school of religious jurisprudence, school of thought
Madrasah (مدرسة) 
school, university
Maghrib (مغرب)
the fourth daily salat prayer
Mahdi (مهدي) 
"a guide". More specifically al-Mahdi (the guide) is a figure who will appear with Prophet Jesus before the end of time, when God allows it, to bring world peace, order and justice, after it has been overcome with injustice and aggression. The Shi'ah regard the twelfth Imam as Imam Mahdi Imam-e-Zamana who was hidden in a cave when he was 5 years old ghabat and will reappear zuhur. The Sunnis regard someone else as the Mahdi.
Mahdur ad-damm 
he whose blood must be wasted
Mahram (محرم) 
a relative of the opposite gender usually described as being "within the forbidden limits"; a better description is "within the protected limits". means relatives who one can appear before without observing hijab and who one cannot marry.
Makrūh 
Means "detested", though not haraam (forbidden); something that is disliked or offensive. If a person commits the Makruh, he does not accumulate ithim but avoiding the Makhruh is rewarded with thawab.
Malā’ikah (ملائكة) 
angels. It was one of these mala'ika, Jibril (Gabriel) who delivered Allah's revelation to Muhammad.
Ma malakat aymanukum (ما ملكت أيمانكم) 
one's rightful spouse (literally: what your right hands possess)
Mandub 
commendable or recommended. Failure to do it would not be a sin. (See halal mustahabb)
Manzil (منزل)
one of seven parts of the Qur'an
Ma‘rūf (معروف) 
consensus of the community
Maqaṣid (مقصد) 
goals or purposes; such as the purposes of Islamic law
Masha Allah (ما شاء الله) 
Allah has willed it.
Mashhad (مشهد) 
a shrine. Literally, a "place of martyrdom," and such shrines usually are located where someone has been martyred.
Masīḥ (مسيح) 
the (Biblical) Messiah, Jesus Christ.
Masjid (مسجد) 
place of prayer; mosque
Masjid al-Haram 
the area around the Kaaba.
Ma‘ṣūm (معصوم), plural Ma'sumin (معصومين) 
literally, innocent or free of sin; children are considered masum. Can also refer to an adult individual who does not commit sins, does not make mistakes, does not forget, etc. although he/she does have the choice to commit sins. The Shi'as regard the Prophet Muhammad, his daughter Fatimah, and the twelve Imams to be the fourteen Masumin. Finally assumed as a title for an 'infallible leader sent by God', notably by the Almohads' founding Mahdi and Imam.
Mawlā (pl. mawli) 
protector or supporter.
Mawlānā (مولانا) 
an Arabic word literally meaning "our lord" or "our master". It is used mostly as a title preceding the name of a respected religious leader, in particular graduates of religious institutions. The term is sometimes used to refer to Rumi.
Maulvi (مولوی) 
an honorific Islamic religious title often, but not exclusively, given to Muslim religious scholars or Ulema preceding their names. Maulvi generally means any religious cleric or teacher.
Mecca (مكّة Makkah) 
the holiest city in Islam
Medina (مدينة Madīnah) 
"city"; Medinat-un-Nabi means "the City of the Prophet." See Hijra (Islam).
Mi‘ād (معاد)
the Resurrection; God will resurrect all of humankind to be judged. Shi'as regard this as the fifth Pillar of Islam.
Mihrab (محراب) 
a niche in the wall of all mosques, indicating the direction of prayer
Millah 
In Arabic, millah means "religion," but it has only been used to refer to religions other than Islam, which is din.
Millet 
In an Islamic state, "Ahl al Kitab" may continue to practice their former religion in a semi-autonomous community termed the millet.
Minaret (منارة) 
a tower built onto a mosque from the top of which the call to prayer is made
Minbar (منبر) 
a raised pulpit in the mosque where the Imam stands to deliver sermons
Minhaj (منهج) 
methodology, e.g. methods, rules, system, procedures.
Miqat (ميقات ) 
intended place
Miraj (المعراج) 
the Ascension to the Seven Heavens during the Night Journey See also: isra
Mu‘awwidhatayn (المعوذتين) 
suras Al-Falaq and an-Nas, the "Surahs of refuge", should be said to relieve suffering (also protect from Black Magic)
Mubāḥ (مباح) 
literally permissible; neither forbidden nor commended. Neutral. (See halal)
Mubaligh (مبلغ) 
person who recites Qur'an
Muftī (مفتى) 
an Islamic scholar who is an interpreter or expounder of Islamic law (Sharia), capable of issuing fataawa (plural of "fatwa").
Muhajabah (محجبة) 
woman who wears hijab (polite form of hijabi).
Muhammadun rasulullah 
"Muhammad is the messenger of God." This statement is the second part of the first pillar of Islam. This is the second most important statement in Islam.
Mu'adhdhin (مأذن)
a person who performs the call to prayer
Mufsidūn (مفسدون) 
evil-doer a person who wages jihad (war) not in accordance with the Qur'an. Plural mufsideen.
Muhsineen 
good-doers (opposite of Mufsideen)
Muhājirūn (مهاجرون) 
The first Muslims that accompanied Muhammad when he traveled to Medina.
Muhartiq () 
heretic.
Mujāhid (مجاهد) 
a fighter for Islam. Plural mujahidīn.
Mujtahid (مجتهد) 
a scholar who uses reason for the purpose of forming an opinion or making a ruling on a religious issue. Plural: Mujtahidun.
Mullah (ملا) 
are Islamic clergy. Ideally, they should have studied the Qur'an, Islamic traditions (hadith), and Islamic law (fiqh).
Mū’min (مؤمن) 
A Muslim who observes the commandments of the Qur'an.
Munafiq (منفق) 
hypocrite. Plural: Munafiqun
Muntaqabah (منتقبة) pl. muntaqabāt (منتقبات) 
woman who wears niqab
Murshid (مرشد) 
a Sufi teacher
Murtadd (مرتد)female apostate is Murtadah 
apostate (see irtidadsee mahdur ad-damm.)
Mushaf 
a copy, codex or redaction of the Qur'an.
Mushrik (pl. mushrikoon)
One who associates others in worship with God; a polytheist.
Muslim (مسلم) 
a follower of the religion of Islam. One who sumbits their will to Allah (God)
Mustaḥabb (مستحبّ) 
commendable or recommended. (See halal, mandub)
Mut‘ah (متعه) 
literally joy; a type of temporary marriage practiced only by the Shī‘ah; or a practice between ‘Umrah and Ḥajj.
Muta'sibūn 
fanatics
Mutaween (مطوعين) Singular = mutawa 
Religious police.
Mutawātir (متواتر)  
"agreed upon"--used to describe hadith that were narrated by many witnesses through different narration chains (isnads) leading back to Muhammad

[edit] N

Nabī (نبي) 
literally, prophet. In the Islamic context, a Nabi is a man sent by God to give guidance to man, but not given scripture. The Prophet Abraham was a Nabi. This is in contrast to Rasul, or Messenger. Plural: Anbiya. See: Rasul.
Nafs (النفس) 
soul, one's self
Najāsah 
Impurity
Najasat, Najis  
an unclean thing
Naji 
impure
Nakir and Munkar (نكير و منكر) 
two malaikah who test the faith of the dead in their graves
Nasīha 
advice
Naskh 
Abrogation of certain parts of the Qur'anic revelation by others. The principle is mentioned in the Qur'an (2:106).
Naṣṣ (نصّ) 
a known, clear legal injunction
Nifas 
the bleeding after childbirth (see Haid)
Nifaq 
falsehood; dishonesty
Niyyat 
intention
Niqāb (نقاب) 
veil covering the face
Nubuwwah (نبوّة) 
prophethood. Shi'as regard this as the third Pillar of Islam.
Nukra 
a great munkar - prohibited, evil, dreadful thing.
Nūr (نور) 
light. Muslims believe angels were created from light and jinn from fire.

[edit] P

P.B.U.H. 
an ancronym which stands for "peace be unto him" a blessing which is affixed to Muhammad's name whenever it is written. This is obviously the English version of it, and the Arabic version is S.A.W.
Prophet 
A person who has had messages from Allah. (see nabi).
Prayer
Prayer is performed five times a day. It is the direct link between the worshiper and Allah. The prayers are said in Arabic.

[edit] Q

Qadhf 
false imputation of unchastity specifically punished by sharia.
Qadar 
predestination.
Qādī (قاضي) 
judge of Islamic Law
Qatlu nafsi-hi 
suicide is forbidden in Islam
Qiblah 
the direction Muslims face during prayer
Qitaal fee sybil Allah ( وقاتلوا في سبيل الله ) 
fight in the cause of Allah, a Qur'anic commandment.
Qiyāmah 
resurrection; return of the dead for the Day of Judgment
Qiṣāṣ (قصاص) 
equitable retribution - a fine for murder if the heirs forgive the perpetrator. (See hudud, tazeer)
Qiyam  
to stand, a position of prayer
Qiyās (القياس) 
analogy - foundation of legal reasoning and thus fiqh
Qudsī 
classification of a hadith that are believed to be narrated by Muhammad from God.
Qur’ān (القرآن) 
Muslims believe the Qur'an (Koran) to be the literal word of God and the culmination of God's revelation to mankind, revealed to prophet Muhammad in the year 610 A.D.

[edit] R

Rabb (ربّ)
Lord, Sustainer, Cherisher, Master.
Rahman (رحمن)
Merciful; Ar-Rahman (الرحمن) means "The Most Merciful"
Rahim (رحيم)
compassionate; Ar-Rahim (الرحيم) means "The Most Compassionate" as in the Basmala
Rajm  
the practice of stoning
Raka'ah 
one unit of Islamic prayer, or Salat. Each daily prayer is made up of a different number of raka'ah.
Ramadhan 
holy month of fasting when the Qur'an was first revealed
Rashidun 
Sunnis consider the first four caliphs as the "orthodox" or "rightly guided" caliphs. They were Abu Bakr, 'Umar, 'Uthman and 'Ali.
Rasul 
messenger; Unlike prophets (Nabi), messengers are given scripture. Moses, David, Jesus and Mohammed are considered messengers. All messengers are considered prophets, but not all prophets are given scripture. See: Nabi.
Riba (ربا) 
interest, the charging and paying of which is forbidden by the Qur'an
Riddah : apostasy, in which a person abandons Islam for another faith or no faith at all.
Risalah 
literally, message or letter. Used both in common parlance for mail correspondences, and in religious context as divine message.
Ruh 
spirit; the divine breath which God blew into the clay of Adam.
Rukn plural arkan 
means what is inevitable. One of the five pillars of Islam. (See fard, wajib)
Ruk'u 
the bowing performed during salat.

[edit] S

Ṣabr 
patience, endurance, self-restraint
Sadaqah (صدقة)
charity; voluntary alms above the amount for zakat.
Sahabah (الصحابه) (sing. Sahābi)
companions of Muhammad. A list of the best-known Companions can be found at List of companions of Muhammad.
Sahih 
"Sound in isnad." A technical attribute applied to the "isnad" of a hadith.
Sakina 
divine "tranquility" or "peace" which descends upon a person when the Qur'an is recited.
Salaf (السلف الصالح) 
(righteous) predecessors/ancestors. In Islam, Salaf is generally used to refer to the first three generations of Muslims.
Ṣalah (صلاة) or salat 
any one of the 5 daily obligatory prayers. Sunnis regard this as the second Pillar of Islam
Salaat al-Istikharah 
Prayer for guidance is done in conjunction with two rakaahs of supererogatory prayer.
Salām (سلام) 
peace
Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam (صلى الله عليه و سلم) 
"May Allah bless him and grant him peace." The expression should be used after stating Prophet Muhammad's name. See abbreviation : S.A.W. or S.A.W.S. also P.B.U.H.
Samad 
eternal, absolute; Muslims believe Allah is "The Eternal."
Salsabil 
a river in heaven (al-firdaus)
Sawa 
awakening, revival
S.A.W. (or S.A.W.S.) 
Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam (صلى الله عليه و سلم). See P.B.U.H.
Ṣawm (صَوم) 
fasting during the month of Ramadhan. The word sawm is derived from Syriac sawmo.
Sayyid (سيّد) 
master or a descendant of a relative of Muhammad [upon whom be peace], usually a title given to a descendant who comes from Hussayn.
Sema 
refer to some of the ceremonies used by various sufi orders
Shahādah (الشهادة) 
The testimony of faith: La ilaha illa Allah. Muhammadun rasulullah. ("There is no god but Allah. Muhammad is the messenger of Allah."). Sunnis regard this as the first Pillar of Islam. Also may be used as a synonym for the term Istish'hād meaning martyrdom.
Shahīd (شهيد) pl. shuhada 
witness, martyr. Usually refers to a person killed whilst fighting in "jihad fee sybil Allah" (jihad for the sake of Allah). Often used in modern times for deaths in a political cause (including victims of soldiers, deaths in battle, et cetera) which are viewed by some Muslims as a spiritual cause not just a political cause. But the real meaning of Jihad is to defend Islam in any way; thus, it could be in an economic way or could refer to fighting for the rights of the oppressed or the believers; most often it refers to mastering one's own inclination for evil and shirk.
Shaykh (شيخ) 
a spiritual master, Muslim clergy
Sharī‘ah (الشريعة) 
"the path to a watering hole"; the eternal ethical code and moral code based on the Qur'an and Sunnah; basis of fiqh
Sharīf (شريف) 
a title bestowed upon the descendants of Muhammad through Hasan, son of his daughter Fatima Zahra and son-in-law Ali ibn Abi Talib
Shaytan (شيطان) 
Satan, the Devil; also known as Iblis
Shī‘ah (الشيعة) 
a follower of Prophet Muhammad and his successors (the twelve Imams), the first being Ali. Shi'as constitute the second largest sect in Islam.
Shirk (شرك) 
idolatry; polytheism; the sin of believing in any divinity except God and of associating other gods with God.
Shūrā (شورى) 
consultation
Majlis ash-shūrā (مجلس الشورى) 
advisory council in a Caliphate
Sidrat al-Muntaha (سدرة المنتهى )
a lotus tree that marks the end of the seventh heaven, the boundary where no creation can pass.
Sirah (السيرة) 
life or biography of the Prophet Muhammad; his moral example - with hadith this comprises the sunnah
Sirat al-Mustaqim 
the Straight Path
Subhanahu wa ta'ala (abbreviated S.W.T.) 
expression used following written name or vocalization of Allah in Arabic meaning highly glorified is He and come
Subhan'allah  
expression used by Muslims to express strong feelings of joy or relief.
Ṣūfī (صوفي) 
a Muslim mystic; See: Sufism (tasawwuf).
Suhūr 
the meal eaten by fasting Muslims just before dawn.
Sujud 
kneeling down, a position of salat.
Sukuk 
bond that generates revenue from sales, profits, or leases rather than interest.
Sunnah (السنّة) or sunnah al-Nabi (سنّة النبي) 
the "path" or "example" of the Prophet Muhammad, i.e., what the Prophet did or said or agreed to during his life. He is considered by Muslims to be the best human moral example, the best man to follow.
Sunnat 
an act which the Prophet performed; not required but carries much reward
Sunni (سنّي) 
the largest sect in Islam.
Sūrah (سورة) 
chapter; the Qur'an is comprised of 114 suras

[edit] T

Taba'īn 
followers of the Sahabah
Tafsīr (تفسير) 
exegesis, particularly such commentary on the Qur'an
Taghut (طاغوت) (taghout) 
impurity; anything worshipped other than God, i.e. all the false deities.
Tahajjud 
optional (supererogatory), late-night (pre-dawn) prayer
Taharah 
purification from ritual impurities by means of wudu or ghusl
Tahir 
pure, ritually clean
Taḥrīf (تحريف) 
corruption, forgery. Muslims believe the Bible Scriptures were corrupted but the Qur'an is in its original form.
Tajdīd (تجديد)
to purify and reform society in order to move it toward greater equity and justice
Tajdif 
blasphemy
Tajwīd (تجويد) 
a special manner of reciting the Qur'an according to prescribed rules of pronunciation and intonation.
Takbīr (تكبير)
a proclamation of the greatness of Allah; a Muslim invocation.
Takdir 
fate, predestination
Takfir (تكفر)
is a practice of declaration of individual or group of previously considered Muslim as kaffir.
Tamaninat 
to be motionless
Taqlīd (تقليد) 
to blindly follow a person whose following is not based on proof and does not rely upon knowledge.
Taqiyya (تقيّة) 
the mostly Shi'a principle that one is allowed to hide one's true beliefs in certain circumstances.
Taqwa 
righteousness; goodness; Piety : Taqwa is taken from the verbe Ittaqua, witch means Avoiding, Fearing the punishment from Allah for committing sins. It is piety obtained by fearing the punishment of Allah.
Tarawih 
tarawih prayers are extra prayers in Ramadan after the Isha prayer.
Tarkīb (تَرْكِيب) 
the study of Arabic grammar issued from the Qur'an
Ṭarīqah (طريقة) 
a Muslim religious order, particularly a Sufi order
Tartīl (ترتيل) 
slow and measured (meditative) recitation of the Qur'an
Tashkīl (تشكيل) 
vocalization of a text, for example the Qur'an
Taslim (تسلم)
salutation at the end of prayer
Tatbeer 
Shia Ashura ceremony of self-flagellation by hitting head with sword. (See zinjeer)
Tawassul 
asking Allah Almighty through the medium and intercession of another person.
Tawbah 
repentance
Tasawwuf (التصوّف) or Sufism
Tawaf 
circumambulating the Ka'bah during Hajj.
Tawhīd (توحيد) 
monotheism; affirmation of the Oneness of Allah. Muslims regard this as the first part of the Pillar of Islam, the second part is accepting Muhammad as rasoul (messenger). The opposite of Tawheed is shirk
Tawrat 
the uncorrupted form of the Torah revealed to Musa (Moses.)
Tayyib 
all that is good as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods, etc. Means "pure." The Shahaddath is tayyib.also the name by which Turkish people call their present P.M.
Ta'zeer 
Discretionary punishment - a sentence or punishment whose measure is not fixed by the Shari'ah. (See hudud, qisas)
Tazkiyah 
Purification of the Soul.
Thawab (ثواب )
Reward for good deeds that is tallied on qiyamah (judgment day.) Opposite of ithim.
Tilawa 
ritual recitation of passages of the Qur'an.

[edit] U

‘Ulamā’ (علماء) or ulema 
the leaders of Islamic society, including teachers, Imams and judges. Singular alim.
Ummah (الاُمّة) or umma 
the global community of all Muslim believers
‘Umrah (عمرة) 
the lesser pilgrimage performed in Mecca. Unlike hajj, ‘umrah can be performed throughout the year.
Uqubat 
the branch of sharia that deals with punishment. (See hudud, qisas, tazeer)
‘Urf (عرف) 
custom of a given society, leading to change in the fiqh
Usul (sing. asl) 
Principles, origins.
Usul al-Fiqh 
the study of the origins and practice of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh)

[edit] W

Wafat 
death (Barah-wafat) Muhammad was born on the twelfth day of Rabi-ul-Awwal, the third month of the Muslim year. His death anniversary also falls on the same day, the word 'barah' standing for the twelve days of Muhammad's sickness.
Waḥdat al-wujūd (وحدة الوجود) 
"unity of being". Philosophical term used by some Sufis. Related to fanaa
Wahy 
revelation or inspiration of God to His prophets for all humankind
Wahn 
love of this life and hatred of death
Wajib 
obligatory or mandatory see fard
Wali (والي) 
friend, protector, guardian, supporter, helper
Waqf 
An endowment of money or property: the return or yield is typically dedicated toward a certain end, for example, to the maintenance of the poor, a family, a village, or a mosque
Warrāq (ورّاق) 
traditional scribe, publisher, printer, notary and book copier
Wasat 
the middle way, justly balanced, avoiding extremes, moderation
Waseelah 
the means by which one achieves nearness to Allah (see tawassul )
Witr (وتر) 
a voluntary, optional night prayer of three rakaat
Wudu (الوضوء) 
ablution for ritual purification from minor impurities before salat (see ghusl)

[edit] Y

Ya Allah 
O, God!
Yaqin 
certainty, that which is certain
Yar Hamukallah 
May Allah have mercy on you (said when someone sneezes)
Yawm ul-Qiyāmah (يوم القيامة) 
"Day of the Resurrection"; Day of Judgement

[edit] Z

Zabur (زبور) 
the Psalms revealed to King David
Zahir 
Exterior meaning
Zaidi (الزيدية) 
Islamic sub-sect of Shi'ah, popularly found in Yemen , with similarities to Sunni
Zakat (زكاة) 
tax, alms, tithe as a Muslim duty; Sunnis regard this as the fourth Pillar of Islam. Neither charity nor derived from Islamic economics, but a religious duty and social obligation.
Zalimun 
polytheists, wrong-doers, and unjust.
Zinā (زناء , زنى) 
sexual activity outside of marriage (covering the English words adultery and fornication)

[edit] Notes

  • Arabic words are created from three-letter "roots" which convey a basic idea. For example, k-t-b conveys the idea of writing. Addition of other letters before, between, and after the root letters produces many associated words: not only "write" but also "book", "office", "library", and "author". The abstract consonantal root for Islam is s-l-m.
  • Some English words or phrases would translate very poorly into Arabic for cultural reasons, for instance the English word "crusade" would most likely be interpreted as meaning "genocide", and "infinite justice" would most likely be interpreted as meaning "divine judgement" – adl in Arabic implying God's justice. Probably it is best to avoid such terms for anything one intends to translate into Arabic, or knows will be translated.
  • Some Islamic concepts are usually referred to in Persian or Turkic. Those are typically of later origin than the concepts listed here; for completeness it may be best to list Persian terms and those unique to Shi'a on their own page, likewise Turkic terms and those unique to the Ottoman period on their own page, as these are culturally very distinct.
  • The word "crusade" in English is usually translated in Arabic as "Hamlah Ssaleebiyah" which means literally "campaign of Cross-holders" (or close to that meaning). In Arabic text it is "حملة صليبية" and the second word comes from "Ssaleeb" which means "cross."
  • The verses in the Qur'an that Christians usually refer to as jihad verses have the phrase "qitl fee sybil Allah" (fight/kill for the sake of Allah).
  • Westerners use the terms non-observant (secular), fundamentalist, extremist, reformist or moderate to refer to differing Muslim practices. Muslims use the terms tableeghi, takfiri, ikhwani, shirazzi.[citation needed]

[edit] References

  1. ^ USC-MSA Compendium of Muslim Texts
  2. ^ a b c The Islamic glossary: An explanation of names, terms and Symbols. Retrieved on 2007-12-06.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links