GLOSSARY

(Explanation of Islamic Terms)

Aabid: One who preoccupies himself with ibaadah and shows relatively less interest towards knowledge.

Aalim: One who has attained a considerable amount of Islamic knowledge. He could also be referred to as an Islamic scholar.

Allah: Almighty God. The most well-known of His many names. Allah refers to the one and only being who is worthy of worship.

Auliya: Plural of wali. Literally means friend. But in Islamic terminology it refers to the close friends of Allah.

Baitul Maqdis: Also known as Masjidul Aqsa or the furthest musjid. It is situated in Jerusalem and is the third most sacred place in Islam. It is popularly referred to as Baitul Muqaddas.

Banu Isra'eel: Literally means the children of Isra'eel. It refers to the progeny of Hadrat Ya'qub alayhis salaam.

Barakah: Literally means "blessings". Also used to refer to the experiencing of abundance even in things which are little.

Bid'ah: Literally means an "innovation". In Islam it refers to introducing new things into religion which have no basis in the Quran or Sunnah. In addition to this, to regard these new things as acts of ibaadah. A bid'ah is a major sin in Islam.

Dajjal: Also known as the one-eyed Dajjal. He will be from among the Jews and will appear before Qiyamat. He will cause a lot of corruption in the world and will eventually be killed by Hadrat Isa alayhis salaam.

Deen: Literally means "religion". Here it refers to the religion of Islam.

Dua: Supplication, prayer or devotional phrases.

Durood: Salutations to Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.

Eid: Literally means "feast, festival". In Islam it refers to that day which is celebrated after the month of Ramadaan and also on the 10th day of Zil Hijjah.

Eid-gah: That place where the Eid salaat is performed.

Fard: Literally means "compulsory". In Islam it refers to those acts and things which are compulsory on a Muslim. Abandoning or abstaining from a fard act is a major sin. To reject a fard act amounts to kufr.

Fatwa: A formal legal opinion or verdict in Islamic law.

Ghayb: Literally means "the unseen". In Islam it refers to all those things that are unseen by man and at the same time believing in them is essential. Examples of the unseen are: hell, heaven, angels, etc. A Muslim has to believe that no one has the knowledge of the unseen except Allah.

Ghayr-

mahram: Refers to all those people with whom marriage is permissible.

Ghusl: Literally means "bath, wash". In Islam it refers to the washing of the entire body from head to toe without leaving a single place dry.

Hadith: Hadith literally means "speech". In Islam it refers to the sayings and actions of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. Those sayings and actions that have been endorsed or approved by him also fall under the purview of Hadith.

Haid: Monthly periods or menstruation experienced by a woman.

Hajj: Literally means "pilgrimage". In Islam it refers to the annual pilgrimage to Makkah. Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam.

Halaal: That which is lawful or permissible in Islam.

Haraam: That which is unlawful or prohibited in Islam.

Haud-e-Kauthar: The fountain of abundance. This is the fountain from which the believers will be given water on the day of judgement.

Hijaab: See Purdah.

Ibaadah: Literally means "worship". In Islam it refers to all those acts with which one renders worship to Allah Ta'ala.

Iblis: This is the name of shaytaan, or the cursed devil.

Ihraam: Two pieces of unstitched cloth which are donned by the person performing Hajj or Umrah.

Ilhaam: Literally means "inspiration". Here it refers to those things or ideas which Allah puts into the minds of His pious servants.

Imaan: Literally means "faith". Here it refers to believing in Allah Ta'ala as the one and only God and believing that Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam is His messenger.

Imam Mahdi: He will make his appearance when the Muslims will be at their weakest. With his advent, the greater signs of qiyamat will commence. He will be the leader of the Muslims. After his death, Hadrat Isa alayhis salaam will take over the reigns of leadership.

Istihaada: This refers to blood which flows from a woman out of her normal periods. This is irrespective of whether it flows out of her normal menstruation period or out of her normal nifaas period.

Istinja: Cleansing of one's private parts after having relieved oneself. A person can cleanse himself with water or clods of earth.

Jaahil: Literally means "an ignorant person". Here it refers to one who is ignorant of the knowledge of Islam irrespective of whether it is general knowledge of Islam, or knowledge of the rules and regulations of Islam.

Jahannam: Hell. A dweller of hell is called a jahannami.

Jannah: Heaven or paradise. A dweller of heaven or paradise is called a jannati.

Jinn: Refers to beings that have been created by fire. They take on different shapes and forms.

Ka'bah: The most sacred place in Islam situated in Makkah al-Mukarramah. Commonly referred to as the "House of Allah".

Kafir: Literally means "a disbeliever". In Islam it refers to one who rejects Allah and who does not believe in Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam as the final messenger of Allah.

Kalimah: Refers to the basic tenet of Islam, i.e. bearing witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.

Karaamaat: Plural of karaamat. Literally means a miracle. But in Islam it refers to miracles performed by saints and other pious servants of Allah. These miracles are performed only through the will of Allah. Saints cannot perform any miracles of their own accord.

Kashf: Literally means "manifestation".

Khalifah: Literally means "successor". In Islamic political theory it refers to the Islamic head of state. Commonly spelt "caliph".

Khilaal: This term is generally used in the act of wudu. It refers to the passing of fingers either through one's beard or passing of fingers of one hand through the fingers of the other hand, or even passing of the little finger through the toes.

Kuffar: Plural of kafir.

Kufr: The state of disbelief.

Makruh: That which is disliked or detestable. Makruh is of two types: makruh-e-tahrimi and makruh-e-tanzihi. Makruh-e-tahrimi is that which has been established by a proof which is not absolute. The one who rejects it is regarded as a fasiq (open sinner). A person who does something that falls under this category without any valid reason will be committing a sin and will deserve punishment. Makruh-e-tanzihi is that which if left out, will be worthy of reward and if carried out, will not entail any punishment.

Mani: Semen or sperm.

Masah: The act of passing of wet hands over a particular part of the body.

Mas'ala: Literally means "an issue, problem or question". In Islamic jurisprudence, it refers to a rule, or regulation. The plural of mas'ala is masa'il.

Mazi: Pre-coital fluid. A thin fluid generally released by the private parts of both men and women at the time of passion.

Ma'zur: Literally means "one who is excused". In Islamic jurisprudence it refers to that person who has certain sickness due to which he is excused or exempted from certain acts. For further details refer to the chapter concerning the ma'zur.

Mehr: Dowry which is given to the wife at the time of marriage.

Mi'raj: Literally means "ascension". In Islam it refers to the ascension of Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam to the seven heavens wherein he communicated with Allah.

Miswaak: A thin stick or twig which is used to clean the teeth.

Mu'aamalaat: Literally means "transactions". Generally refers to all those transactions and dealings wherein some money or other type of wealth is involved.

Mu'aasharat: Literally means "society". In Islamic terminology it refers to one's social relationships and social dealings.

Muharram: The first month of the Islamic calendar.

Mu'jizah: Literally means a "miracle". In Islam it refers to miracles performed by prophets. Prophets do not perform miracles out of their own accord but through the direction and will of Allah.

Musalli: One who is offering salaat.

Mushrikeen: Plural of mushrik. A polytheist or one who ascribes partners to Allah.

Mustahab: Literally means "preferable or desirable".Refers to that act which was done by Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam or the Sahabah very occasionally. Carrying out these actions entails reward and leaving them out does not entail any punishment.

Nafl: Literally means "optional". According to the jurists it has a similar ruling to that of mustahab.

Najaasat: Refers to impurity. Najaasat is of two types: najaasat-e-ghaleezah (heavy impurity) and najaasat-e-khafeefah (light impurity). The rules concerning najaasat have already been mentioned in the relevant chapters.

Najis: That which is impure.

Nifaas: Refers to the flowing of blood after child-birth.

Purdah: An Urdu word meaning "seclusion". It is an equivalent of the Arabic word "hijaab". Refers to the seclusion of women from strangers. There are different stages of purdah, the highest of which is that the woman should not come out of her home except for some valid Islamic reason.

Qada: Literally means "carrying out or fulfilling". In Islamic jurisprudence it refers to fulfilling or completing those duties that one may have missed due to some reason or other.

Qiblah: The direction in which one faces when offering salaat.

Qiyaamat: The day of resurrection.

Sahabah: The companions of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. They are those who saw him while they were Muslims and also died in a state of Islam.

Sahabi: Singular of sahabah.

Sajdah: The act of prostrating.

Salaat: Literally means "prayer". In Islam it refers to a specific act in which one prays to Allah. It is one of the five pillars of Islam.

Shariah: The Islamic Law.

Shayateen: Plural of shaytaan.

Shaytaan: The accursed devil, Iblis. He was from among the jinn.

Shirk: Polytheism or ascribing partners to Allah.

Sunnat: Sunnat is that action which Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam did or sanctioned. Sunnat is of two types: sunnat-e-mu'akkadah and sunnat-e-ghayr-mu'akkadah. Sunnat-e-mu'akkadah is that which Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam continuously carried out. To leave out such a type of sunnat is a sin and one is punished for this. However, there is no harm if one leaves it out because of some valid excuse.

Sunnat-e-ghayr-mu'akkadah is that which Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam carried out, but also left out at times without any reason. To follow such a type of sunnat entails reward and to leave it out does not necessitate any punishment.

Tafsir: Literally means "commentary or explanation". In Islamic terminology it refers to the commentary or exegesis of the Quran.

Taqdir: Predestination. That is, whatever befalls a person, whether good or bad, has been predestined by Allah.

Tawaaf: Literally means "circumambulation". In Islam it refers to the act of walking around the Ka'bah. It is not permissible to make tawaaf of any other place irrespective of how sacred it may be.

Ta'wiz: An amulet which is generally suspended around the neck.

Tayammum: The act of purifying oneself with pure sand in the absence of water.

Ta'zias: Structures portraying the tomb of Hadrat Husayn (R.A) which are generally carried in processions during Muharram. This is an innovation and should be totally rejected.

Ulama: Plural of Aalim.

Ummat: Literally means "community or nation". Here it refers to the Muslim community or nation.

Umrah: Commonly referred to as the "lesser pilgrimage". It is similar to Hajj with the exception that many rites of Hajj are left out and that it could be performed throughout the year.

Wahi: Literally means "revelation". In Islam it refers to the revelations that were sent down to the different prophets from time to time.

Wajib: Literally means "obligatory". In Islamic jurisprudence it refers to that act which has not been established by an absolute proof. Leaving out a wajib without any valid reason makes one a fasiq and entails punishment.

Wali: Singular of auliya.

Waqf: Endowment. In Islamic law it refers to endowing a place or thing in the name of Allah.

Wudu: Literally means "purity or cleanliness". In Islamic terminology it refers to the act of washing oneself before offering salaat.

Zakaat: Literally means "purity". In Islam it refers to alms-giving or charity of a stipulated amount. It is one of the five pillars of Islam.

Zam zam: Name of a well in Makkah. The water that comes out from this well is called zam zam water. Drinking of zam zam water is included in the rites of Hajj.

ADHAAN  -  the call to salaat

AMAANAH  -  trust

DEEN -  Religion

NUR - light

RUKU - The bowing position of salaat

ZIKR - remembrance of ALLAH
 

Arsh: The throne of Allah Ta'ala.

Banu Isra'eel: Literally means the children of Isra'eel. It refers to the progeny of Hadrat Ya'qub alayhis salaam.

Barakah: Literally means "blessings". It refers to the experiencing of abundance in things which are apparently insignificant or little, both in value and amount.

Burqah: A head covering worn by women.

Dua: Invocation to Allah, supplication, prayer, request, plea.

Durood: The sending of salutations upon Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.

Eid ul-Ad'haa: The 10th of Zil Hijjah. Literally means "the festival of sacrifice". It is referred to as ad'haa because it is on this day that animals are sacrificed in the name of Allah and for His pleasure alone.

Eid ul-Fitr: The first day of Shawwaal. Literally means "feast of breaking the Ramadaan fast". It is referred to as fitr because it is on this day that the month-long Ramadaan fast comes to an end.

Fard: Literally means "compulsory". In Islam it refers to those acts and things which are compulsory on a Muslim. Abandoning or abstaining from a fard act is a major sin. Rejecting a fard act amounts to kufr.

Ghayr mahram: Refers to all those people with whom marriage is permissible. Based on this, it is also incumbent to observe purdah with all ghayr mahrams.

Haid: Monthly periods or menstruation experienced by a woman.

Hoor: Large-eyed women of paradise promised to the believers.

Ibaadah: Literally means "worship". In Islam it refers to all those acts with which one renders worship to Allah Ta'ala.

Iddah: In Islamic law it refers to the period of waiting during which a woman may not remarry after being widowed or divorced.

Iftaar: The time of opening one's fast. This time commences immediately after sunset.

Ihraam: Two pieces of unstitched cloth which are donned by the person performing hajj or umrah.

Jumu'ah musjid: Refers to the musjid in which jumu'ah salaat is offered. It is also referred to as a jaame musjid. It is generally the main musjid in a town or city.

Kaafir: Literally means a "disbeliever". In Islam it refers to one who rejects Allah and does not believe in Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam as the final messenger of Allah.

Kaffarah: Literally means "penance, atonement, expiation". In Islamic law it refers to redemption from the omission of certain religious duties by a material donation or a ritual act.

Kalaam-e-majeed: Refers to the Holy Quran.

Kalimah: Refers to the basic tenet of Islam, i.e. bearing witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.

Kuffaar: Plural of kaafir.

Kufr: Refers to the state of disbelief.

Kurta: An Urdu word meaning "shirt". However, due to constant usage, it refers to the long flowing robe worn by Muslim men and which has come to be regarded as an Islamic dress.

Lungi: A loin cloth worn by men especially in eastern countries. A lungi is wrapped around the waist and extends up to the ankles.

Mahram: Refers to the person with whom marriage is not permissible and with whom strict purdah is not incumbent.

Makruh: That which is disliked or detestable but not forbidden.

Meelad: Literally means "birth, birthday". In this context it refers to the birthday celebrations held in respect for Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. In most cases these celebrations are innovations which are accompanied by many other evils.

Miswaak: A thin stick or twig which is used to clean the teeth.

Mt. Uhud: Name of a mountain outside Madinah.

Muharram: The first month of the Islamic calendar.

Mustahab: That which is preferable or desirable.

Nafl: That which is optional.

Nifaas: Refers to the flowing of blood after child-birth.

Purdah: An Urdu word meaning "seclusion". It is an equivalent of the Arabic word "hijaab". Refers to the seclusion of women from strangers. There are different stages of purdah, the highest of which is that the woman should not come out of her home except for a valid Islamic reason.

Qada: Literally means "carrying out or fulfilling". In Islamic jurisprudence it refers to fulfilling or completing those duties that one may have missed due to some reason or the other.

Qiblah: The direction in which one faces when offering salaat.

Qiyaamah: The day of resurrection.

Qurbaani: Literally means "sacrifice". In Islam it refers to the sacrificing of animals solely for the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala on the day of eid ul-ad'haa and the two days following it.

Rajab: The seventh month of the Islamic calendar.

Rakaat: Literally means "bending of the torso from an upright position". In kitaabus salaat it refers to one unit of salaat which comprises of the standing, bowing, and prostrating postures.

Ramadaan: The ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

Sadaqah: Literally means "charity". This word is also used as an equivalent of zakaat.

Sadaqatul fitr: Refers to the charity that is given on or prior to the day of eid ul-fitr. For further details, refer to the chapter on sadaqatul fitr.

Sajdah: The act of prostrating.

Salaam: Literally means "peace". In salaat it refers to the saying of "as salaamu alaykum wa rahmatullah" which denotes the end of the salaat. It is also a way of greeting among Muslims.

Satr: An Urdu word derived from the Arabic "sitr", which means "cover, shield". In the Urdu context it refers to that area of the body which has to be covered. It is also referred to as the "aurah".

Sehri: Refers to the meal partaken before dawn by the person who intends fasting. For further details refer to the chapter on sehri and iftaar.

Sha'baan: The tenth month of the Islamic calendar.

Shirk: Polytheism or ascribing partners to Allah Ta'ala.

Subah saadiq: Literally means "true dawn". It refers to the time when whiteness (brightness) can be noticed on the breadth of the horizon. It is at this time that the time of fajr salaat commences.

Sub'haanallah: Means "glory to Allah".

Sufis: A term used to refer to mystics or saints. Such persons are also known as the auliyaa of Allah, i.e. the close friends of Allah. These are the persons who have dedicated their entire lives in the ibaadah of Allah Ta'ala.

Surmah: Antimony. A black powdery substance that is applied to the eyes. It is sunnah to apply surmah.

Tasbeeh: Saying "sub'haanallah". A rosary that is used to glorify Allah Ta'ala is also called a tasbeeh.

Umrah: Commonly referred to as the lesser pilgrimage. It is similar to hajj with the exception that many of the rites of hajj are left out and that it could be performed throughout the year.

Wajib: Literally means "obligatory'. In Islamic jurisprudence it refers to that act which has not been established by an absolute proof. Leaving out a wajib without any valid reason makes one a faasiq and entails punishment.

Zikr: The remembrance of Allah Ta'ala.

Zil Hijjah: The last month of the Islamic calendar.

Zil Qa'dah: The eleventh month of the Islamic calendar.
 
 

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Bahishti Zewar (Heavenly Ornaments) by Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi GLOSSARY  Explanation of Islamic Terms