Glossary Of Islamic Terms:-

[sardarzada11]

A:
Adhan
Adhan is an Islamic way of calling Muslims to the five obligatory Prayers. The Adhan is announced daily from the Mosques. See Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 583, Vol. 1.

A.H.(After Hijrah)
Hijrah means emigration. The Islamic calendar starts from the year Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) emigrated from the city of Makkah to Madinah, in 622 C.E.
Ahl al-Bait
Ahl al-Bait literally means 'the people of the house', a polite form of addressing the members of the family, including husband and wife. The words occur in the Holy Quran when angels came to give glad tidings to Prophet Abraham (S.A.W.) of a son at an old age. See Surah Houd (11:73).
Ahl al-Dimmah (or Dhimmis)
are the non-Muslim subjects of an Islamic state who have been guaranteed protection of their rights- life, property and practice of their religion, etc.
Ahl al-Hadith
Refers to the group of scholars in Islam who pay relatively greater importance to 'traditions' than to other sources of Islamic doctrine such as qiyas, and tend to interpret the traditions more literally and rigorously. The term has also come to be used lately for a group of Muslims in the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent who are close to the Hanbali school in theology, and claim to follow no single school on legal matters.
Ahl al-Kitab
literally 'People of the Book,' refers to the followers of Divine Revelation before the advent of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.).
Ahmad
Ahmad is another name of Muhammad (S.A.W.). See Holy Quran, As-Saff (61:6). See Muhammad for more details.

Al-Akhirah
(After-Life, Hereafter, Next World). the term embraces the following ideas.

That man is answerable to God.
That the present order of existence will some day come to an end.
That when that happens,God will bring another order into being in which He will resurrect all human beings, gather them together and examine their conduct, and reward them with justice and mercy.
That those who are reckoned good will be sent to Paradise whereas the evil-doers will be consigned to Hell.
That the real measure of success or failure of a person is not the extent of his prosperity in the present life, but his success in the Next.
'Alim (pl. Ulamah)
An Islamic religious scholar.

Allah

Allah - the greatest and most inclusive of the names of God. It is an Arabic word of rich and varied meaning, denoting the one who is adored in worship, who creates all that exists, who has priority over all creation, who is lofty and hidden, who confounds all human understanding. It is exactly the same word as, in Hebrew, the Jews use for God (Eloh), the word which Jesus Christ used in Aramaic when he prayed to God. God has an identical name in Judaism, Christianity and Islam; Allah is the same God worshipped by Muslims, Christians and Jews.
"He is God, the One God, Independent and Sought by all; He begets not, nor is He begotton, and there is none like unto Him." (The Holy Qur'an, Surah Al-Ikhlas)

Islam teaches that all faiths have, in essence, one common message: the existence of a Supreme Being, the one and only God, whose sovereignty is to be acknowledged in worship and in the pledge to obey His teaching and commandments, conveyed through His messengers and prophets who were sent at various times and in many places throughout history.
Allahu Akbar
Allah is the Greatest.
Amirul Mumineen
Commander of the faithful. Title of the leader of the Islamic dominion after the death of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.).
Ansar
Ansar means the 'Helpers.' (singular: Ansari). In Islamic parlance the word refers to the Muslims of Madina who helped the Muhajirin (immigrants) of Makka in the process of the latter's settling down in the new environment.

'Aqeeda
Literally means belief. In Islamic terms, it means the following six articles of faith:
1. Belief in Allah, the One God.
2. Belief in Allah's angels.
3. Belief in His revealed Books.
4. Belief in His messengers.
5. Belief in the Day of Judgement.
6. Belief in Fate and the Divine Decree.

Al-A`rab

Al-A`rab signifies the bedouin - whether of the desert or the countryside - in the vicinity of Madina. For a long time they had followed a policy of opportunism with regard to the conflict between Islam and unbelief. However, as Islam established its sway over the greater part of Hijaz and Najd and the power of the tribes hostile to Islam began to weaken, they saw their interests lay in entering the fold of Islam. For details see Surah 9.
Arafat

Arafat is a pilgrimage site, about 25 kilometers east of Makkah al-Mukaramah. Standing on 'Arafat on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah and staying there from mid-day to sunset is the essence of the Hajj (the Pilgrimage).
Ashab al-A`raf
Ashab al-A`raf (Heights) will be the people who are neithe righteous enough to enter Paradise nor wicked enough to be cast into Hell. They will, therefore, dwell at a place situated between the two.
Ashab al-Suffah
Ashab al-Suffah consisted of about three or four hundred Companions who spent most of their time in the company of the Prophet (S.A.W.). They acquired knowledge and had dedicated themselves wholly to serving Islam.
Al-Asma al-Husna

Al-Asma al-Husna, literally meaning the 'most excellent names' used of God, express His greatness and paramountcy, holiness, purity, and the perfection and absoluteness of all His attributes.
'Asr

'Asr is the late afternoon Prayer, the third compulsory Prayer of the day. It can be prayed between midafternoon and a little before sunset. It is also the name of Surah 103 of the Holy Quran.
Assalamu 'Alaikum
Assalamu 'Alaikum means 'Peace be on you.' Greeting of the Muslims. The response to this greeting is 'Wa 'Alaikum Assalam,' and on you be the Peace.

Athar
Sayings of the Sahabah, the companions of the Prophet (S.A.W.).
Ayah (pl. ayat)

Ayah means a sign (or 'token') which directs one to something important. In the Quran the word has been used in four different senses: (1) sign or indication; (2) the phenomena of the universe (called ayat of God for the reality to which the phenomena point is hidden behind the veil of appearances); (3) miracles performed by the Prophets; and (4) individual units (i.e. verses) of the Book of God.


Regards,
Sardarzada

[sardarzada11]

Bab Al-Raiyan
The name of one of the gates of Heavens (Jannah) through which the people who often observe fasting will enter on the Day of Judgement.
Badr
Site of the first great battle between Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and the pagans of the Quraish in 2 A.H. Badr is located about 150 kilometers south of Madinah (Saudi Arabia). The Muslim army consisted of 313 men and the Quraish had a total of about 1,000 soldiers, archers and horsemen. See Holy Quran, Al-Anfal (8:5-19, 42-48), Ale Imran (3:13).
Bahimah
Bahimah (plural baha'im) signifies every quadruped animal (of which the beasts of prey are excluded). Bahimah thus refers to goats, sheep, and cows.
Baitul Mal
An Islamic treasury intended for the benefit of the Muslims and the Islamic state and not for the leaders or the wealthy.
Baitul Maqdis
Al-Aqsa Mosque, the famous Masjid in Al-Quds (Jerusalem). It was the first Qiblah of Islam. Then Allah Ta'ala ordered Muslims to face the first House of Allah, the Ka'aba, at Makkah (Saudi Arabia). Baitul Maqdis is the third greatest Masjid in the Islamic world, the first being the Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah, and the second being the Masjid al-Rasool (the Mosque of the Prophet (S.A.W.)). It is from the surroundings of Baitul Maqdis that Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) ascended to heaven. See Holy Quran, Al-Isra (17:1).
Bakka
Another name for Makkah. See Holy Quran, Ale Imran (3:96).
Al-Baqi'
A cemetry in Madinah. Many of the Sahabiyeen (companions) and family members of the Prophet (S.A.W.) are buried here.
Barzakh
Literally means partition or barrier. In Islamic terminology it usually means the life in the grave, because the life in thegrave is the interspace 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(S.A.W.). We will also be shown the Jannah (the Heavens) and the Nar (the Hell) and which of these two places we will occupy after we are judged.
Bid'a
Any innovated practice introduced in the religion of allah. the Prophet (S.A.W.) said that every Bid'a is a deviation from the true path and every deviation leads to Hellfire.
Bismillah Hir Rehman Nir Rahim
"In the name of Allah, the Most Kind, the Most Mericful." This utterance is usually made by every Muslim who is about to embark on something lawful (Halal), regardless of the magnitude of the task. This is also the first verse of Surah Al-Fatehah (Chapter 1) of the Holy Quran.
Buhtan
A false accusation, calumny, slander.


Regards,
sardarzada

[sardarzada11]

C:

D:

Dajjal
Anti-Christ. Also known as Maseeh ad-Dajjal. See Ahadeeth regarding "the Final Hour" in both Sahih books. Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 649, 650, Vol. IV. Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Fitan wa Isharat as-Say'ah.
Dar al-Harb
Dar al-Harb (Domain of War) refers to the territory under the hegemony of unbelievers, which is on terms of active or potential belligerency with the Domain of Islam, and presumably hostile to the Muslims living in its domain.
Dar al-Kufr
Dar al-Kufr (Domain of Unbelief) refers to the territory under the hegemony of the unbelievers.
Dawah
Propagation of Islam through word and action, calling the people to follow the commandments of Allah and His Messenger Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.).
Dhihar
Dhihar is a type of divorce which was common in pre-Islamic Arabia, but was made 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 have not 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).
Dhimmi
(See Ahl al-Dhimmah).
Dhu'l-Hijjah
The 12th month of the Islamic calendar. The month in which the great pilgrimage to Makkah takes place.
Dhu'l Qa'da
The 11th month of the Islamic calendar.
Din
The core meaning of din is obedience. As a Quranic technical term, din refers to the way of life and the system of conduct based on recognizing God as one's sovereign and committing oneself to obey Him. According to Islam, true din consists of living in total submission to God, and the way to do so is to accept as binding the guidance communicated through the Prophets. See the following verses of the Qur'an for reference: 3:83, 12:76, 16:52, and 51:6.
Diyah
Blood money, paid by the guilty as a compensation for killing, wounding, etc. (pl. Diyaat).
Du'a
Supplication: invoking Allah for whatever one desires.
Duhr
Noon. The second obligatory prayer (Salah) of the day. It can be prayed at any time between noon and mid-afternoon.

[sardarzada11]

E:

Eid Al-Adha
A four-day festival that completes the rites of pilgrimage and takes place on the 10th-13th of Dhul Hijjah (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 Prophet Ibrahim's obedience to Allah by being prepared to sacrifice his only son Ismel, peace be on both of them. See Holy Quran, as-Saffaat (37:100-103).
Eid Al-Fitr
Three day festival marking the end of Ramadan. It takes place on the 1st of Shawal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.

F:

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. See Holy Qur'an, Al-Baqarah (2:275-280), Ale-Imran (3:130).
Fai
War booty gained without fighting.
Fajr
"The Dawn". The time of the first obligatory prayer (Salah). It can be prayed at any time between the first light of dawn and just before sunrise. Also called Subh (morning). See Surah 89 of the Holy Qur'an.
Faqeeh
An Islamic scholar who can give a legal opinion or judgement.
Fard 'Ain
An action which is obligatory on every Muslim.
Fard bi al-Kifayah
It signifies a collective duty of the Muslim community so that if some people carry it out no Muslim is considered blameworthy; but if no one carries it out all incur a collective guilt.
Fasad

Fasad, literally 'corruption', in Qur'anic terminology, means creating disorder and corruption on earth by following a path other than God's. Islam maintains that true peace and happiness emanate only through the observance of God's commands and through making a conscious effort to see that His laws alone are implemented in every sphere of life. Fasad occurs when man violates God's laws and disobeys Him. Fasad may therefore be partial as well as total; partial when one disregards God's law in one aspect of life while acknowledging His sovereignty in other spheres. If a society is based on the denial of God, that society is bound to be a corrupt and exploitative society - hence full of fasad.
Fasiq
transgressor, evil doer, disobedient. The one who commits fisq.
Fatwa
A legal verdict given on a religious basis. The sources on which a fatwa is based are the Holy Qur'an, and the Sunnah of the Prophet.
Fawahish
Fawahish applies to all those acts whose abominable character is self-evident. In the Qur'an all extra-marital sexual relationships, sodomy, nudity, false accusation of unchastity, and taking as one's wife a woman who had been married to one's father, are specifically reckoned as shameful deeds. In Hadith, theft, taking intoxicating drinks and begging have been characterized as fawahish as have many other brazenly evil and indecent acts.
Fidya
Compensation for missing or wrongly practicing necessary acts of worship. Fidya usually takes the form of donating money, foodstuffs, or sacrificing an animal. Contrast with Kaffara (making amends).
Fiqh
Islamic jurisprudence.
Fi sabil Allah
Fi sabil Allah (in the way of Allah) is a frequently used expression in the Qur'an which emphasizes that good acts should be done exclusively to please God. Generally the expression has been used in the Qur'an in connection with striving or spending for charitable purposes.
Fisq
Fisq is transgression. It consists of disobedience to the command of God.
Fitnah
Fitnah has been used in the Quran in two meanings. It refers, firstly, to persecution, to a situation in which the believers are harassed and intimidated because of their religious convictions. Secondly, it refers to the state of affairs wherein the object of obedience is other than the One True God.
Furqan
Furqan signifies that which enables one to distinguish between true and false; between real and fake.

G:

H:


Regards,
Sardarzada

[sardarzada11]

I:

'Ibadah
'Ibadah is used in three meanings: (1) worship and adoration; (2) obedience and submission; and (3) service and subjection. The fundamental message of Islam is that man, as God's creature, should direct his 'ibadah to Him in all the above-mentioned meanings, and associate none in the rendering of it.
Iblis
Iblis literally means 'thoroughly disappointed; one in utter despair.' In Islamic terminology it denotes the jinn, who refused the command of Allah to prostrate before Adam out of vanity. He also asked God to allow him a term when he might mislead and tempt mankind to error. This term was granted to him by God whereafter he became the chief promoter of evil and prompted Adam and Eve to disobey God's order. He is also called al-Shaytan (Satan). He is possessed of a specific personality and is not just an abstract force.
'Iddah
'Iddah denotes the waiting period that a woman is required to observe as a consequence of the nullification of her marriage with her husband or because of the husband's death. For details see the Qur'an, Al-Baqara (2:228-235), At-Talaq (65:4-7.
Iftar
Breaking of the fast immediately after sunset. Iftar takes place at Maghrib as soon as the Call to Prayer (Adhan) is called.
Ihram
Ihram denotes the state of consecration which is essentiallyrequired for performing Hajj and 'Umrah. The outward garb which consists in the case of men of just two sheets of cloth instead of tailored clothes is one of the conditions of ihram but not identical with it. Apart from donning that garb, one is required to pronounce talbiyah (Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk...). In the state of ihram the pilgrim is required to observe many prohibitions; e.g. he may not hunt, shave or trim his hair, shed blood, use perfume, or indulge in sexual gratification.
Ihsan
Ihsan literally denotes doing something in a goodly manner. When used in the Islamic religious context, it signifies excellence of behavior arising out of a strong love for God and a profound sense of close relationship with Him. According to a Tradition the Prophet (S.A.W.) defined ihsan as worshipping God as though one sees Him.
Ijma
Ijma refers to the consensus of eminent scholars (mujtahidun) of Islam in a given age. Ijma comes next to the Quran and the Sunnah as a source of Islamic doctrines.
Ijtihad
To exercise personal judgement based on the Qur'an and the Sunnah.
Ila'
Ila' denotes a husband's vow to abstain from sexual relations with his wife. The maximum permissible limit for abstaining from sexual relations in wedlock under such a vow is four months, after which ila' would automatically mean repudiation of the marriage.
Imam
1. Imam signifies the leader, and in its highest form, refers to the head of the Islamic state. 2. It is also used with reference to the founders of the different systems of theology and law in Islam. 3. A person who leads the prayer.
Iman
Trust, faith and acceptance. Having faith and belief in Allah according to the Qur'an.
Imsak
Start of the fasting time. Imsak begins when the first light of dawn becomes visible, and ends at Fajr when the Adhan is called.
Injil
Injil signifies the inspired orations and utterances of Jesus (S.A.W.) which he delivered during the last two or three years of his earthly life in his capacity as a Prophet. The Injil mentioned by the Quran should, however, not be identified by the four Gospels of the New Testament which contain a great deal of material in addition to the inspired statements of the Prophet Jesus. presumably the statements explicitly attributed to Jesus (S.A.W.) constitute parts of the true, original Injil. It is significant, however, that the statements explicitly attributed to Jesus in the Gospels contain substantively the same teachings as those of the Quran.
Insha Allah
"If Allah wills."
Iqamah
The call to prayer that announces to the congregation that the obligatory prayer is just to begin.
Isha'
Isha' (Night) Prayer signifies the prescribed Prayer which is performed after the night has well set in.
Islam
Literally means "submission to the will of Allah." The most important and pivotal concept in Islam is the oneness of God. See Allah for more on the conept of God. Islam teaches that all faiths have, in essence, one common message:
the existence of a Supreme Being, the one and only God, whose sovereignty is to be acknowledged in worship and in the pledge
to obey His teaching and commandments, conveyed through His messengers and prophets who were sent at various times and in many places throughout history.
Islam demands a commitment to submit and surrender to God so that one could live in peace; peace (salam) is achieved through active obedience to the revealed Commandments of God, for God is the Source of all Peace. Commitment to Islam entails striving for peace through a struggle for justice, equality of opportunity, mutual caring and consideration for others' rights, and continuous research and acquisition of knowledge for the better protection and utilization of the resources of the universe. The basic beliefs of Islam are:
the Uniqueness of the one and only God who is Sovereign of the universes;
the Revelation of the teaching and commandments of God through Angels in heaven to Prophets on earth, and written in sacred writings which all have the same transcendent source; these contain the will of God which marks the way of peace for the whole universe and all mankind;
the Day of judgement which inaugurates the Afterlife in which God rewards and punishes with respect to human obedience to His will.
Islam teaches that human diversity is a sign of the richness of God's mercy, and that God wills human beings to compete with each other in goodness in order to test who is the finest in action; this is, according to Islam, the reason for the creation of the universe. A person who enters the fold of Islam is called a Muslim. Isra
1. "The Night Journey", refers to the journey of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) from Makkah to Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. 2. Another name for Surah Bani Israel (Surah 17) of the Holy Qur'an.
Istikhara
Asking Allah the Almighty to guide one to the right decision and action regarding a particular problem. The Istikhara Prayer consists of two Rakahs. A special invocation is said. See Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 263, Vol. 2.
Istisqa
Invoking Allah Ta'ala for rain in the time of a drought. The Istisqa Prayer consists of two rakahs. See Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 119, Vol. 2.
I'tikaf
I'tikaf refers to the religious practice of spending the last ten days of Ramadan (either wholly or partly) in a mosque so as to devote oneself exclusively to worship. In this state one may go out of the mosque only for the absolutely necessary requirements of life, but one must stay away from gratifying one's sexual desire. The minimum period for i'tikaf is twenty-four hours. I'tikaf is not valid if one is not keeping the fast or if it is done outside the month of Ramadan.
Ithm
Ithm denotes negligence, dereliction of duty and sin.

Regards,
Sardarzada

[sardarzada11]

J:

Jahanam
Most commonly understood to mean Hell. In fact, it is one of the levels of Hell. There are seven levels of Hellfire: 1. Jaheem - the shallowest level of Hell. It is reserved for those who believed in Allah and His Messenger (S.A.W.), but who ignored His commands. 2. Jahanam - a deeper level where the idol-worshippers are to be sent on the Day of Judgement. 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 Judgement. 5. Ladha - will be the home of the 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 (Hypocrites), wether they be mankind or Jinn, for they outwardly appear to accept, but inwardly reject Allah and His Messenger (S.A.W.).
Jaheem
See Jahanam.
Jahiliyah
Jahiliyah, literally 'ignorance', is a concise expression for the pagan practice of the days before the advent of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). Jahiliyah denotes all those world-views and ways of life which are based on rejection or disregard of heavenly guidance communicated to mankind through the Prophets and Messengers of God; the attitude of treating human life - either wholly or partly - as independent of the directives of God. Ayyam al-Jahiliyah, or 'The Days of Ignorance' in the books of history, indicate the period before the Prophethood of Muhammad when the people in Arabia forgot the teachings of their Prophets and indulged in stupid practices.
Jamra
White hot coal. The term used to describe the three pillars built od stone at Mina. Plural: Jimar.
Jamarat 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 Satan.
Jannah
Paradise. A created abode in the Hereafter for those who believe in the Unity of Allah and in all His Prophets and Messengers, and who follow the way of life of the Prophets. Jannah has eight gates around it and each of these eight gates has eleven doors. The names of the 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 as-Salat.
Janaba
The state of a person after sexual discharge, whether intentional or otherwise. A person may not perform Salah (Prayer) or recite or touch the Qur'an until he performs Ghusl or Tayammum.
Jewj wa Majewj
See Gog and Magog.
Jibt
Jibt signifies a thing devoid of any true basis and dereft of usefulness. In Islamic terminology the various forms of sorcery, divination and soothsaying, in short all superstitions, are called jibt.
Jihad
Jihad literally means 'to strive' or 'to exert to the utmost.' In islamic parlance it signifies all forms of striving, including armed struggle, aimed at making the Word of God prevail.
Jinn
Jinn are an independent species of creation about which little is known except that unlike man, who was created out of earth, the jinn were created out of fire. But like man, a Divine Message has also been addressed to them and they too have been endowed with the capacity, again like man, to choose between good and evil, between obedience or disobedience to God. See Surah 72 of the Holy Qur'an.
Jizyah
Unbelievers are required to pay jizyah (poll tax) in lieu of security provided to them as the Dhimmis (Protected People) of an Islamic state, and their exemption from military service and payment of Zakah. Jizyah symbolizes the submission of the unbelievers to the suzerainty of Islam.
Jum'ah
"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 the Jum'ah Salat (prayer), which is prayed instead of Dhur. Surah 62 of the Holy Qur'an.
Jumada al-Akhira
The sixth month of the Islamic calendar.
Junub
Junub - a person having Janaba - means to be in a state of ceremonial impurity or defilement. A male becomes junub on having sexual intercourse or simply on the emission of semen in sleep or otherwise. A female also becomes junub as a result of sexual intercourse as well as when she is menstruating or having postnatal bleeding. These are the general causes of janaba, which is also referred to in the books of jurisprudence as hadath akbar. A full bath is required for a junub to receive purification or tahara, without which a man or woman is not allowed to touch or read the Qur'an, enter the mosque or offer the prayers. In the absence of water, however, one is allowed to resort to tayammum. Tayammum substitutes for both a full bath (ghusl) and ablution (wudu).

Regards,
Sardarzada

[sardarzada11]

K:

Ka'aba
The cube-shaped stone building whose foundations were built by the angels and completed by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son, Prophet Ismael, peace be on them, in Makkah. It was rebuilt with the with the help of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). It is the focal point towards which all Muslims face when praying.
Kabair (al)
Major sins; such as Shirk (see Shirk), Qatl (murder), Zinah (fornication and adultery), the taking of Riba (usury), Sirq (theft), etc.
Kaffarah
Kaffarah means atonement, expiation.
Kafir
Kafir signifies one who denies or rejects the truth, i.e. who disbelieves in the message of the Prophets. Since the advent of Muhammad (S.A.W.), anyone who rejects his Message is a kafir.
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 Hereafter. See the Holy Qur'an, Al-Insan (76:5).
Kalalah
Kalalah, according to some scholars, refers to those who die leaving neither issue nor father nor grandfather. According to others it refers to those who die without issue (regardless of whether they are succeeded by father or grandfather).
Kawthar (al)
1. "The fountain of Kawthar." A sacred fountain in Jannah (Paradise). It is the source of all the four rivers of Jannah, and feeds the Hawd of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). 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 (S.A.W.). It is to quench the thirst of true believers.
Khalifah
Khalifah or vicegerent is one who exercises the authority delegated to him by his principal, and does so in the capacity of his deputy and agent. This term has been used in the Quran with reference to man: 'Just think when your Lord said to the angels: Lo! I am about to place a vicegerent on earth...' (2:30). At certain places in the Qur'an, khulafa (pl.) also means (a) people with power to mobilize all that is on earth (27:62); (b) successors or inheritors who will inherit the earth and succeed one after another (24:55; 38:26). In the political history of Islam, khalifa became the title of the successors of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), notably the first four Rightly-Guided Caliphs known as al-Khulafa al-Rashidun (11-35 A.H., 632-655 C.E.). With the establishment of the Umayyad hereditary rule immediately after this, the institution of the Caliphate changed into monarchy. Yet the rulers called themselves Caliphs. Formally the institution of the Caliphate came to an end in 1924 C.E. when Kamal Ataturk of Turkey arbitrarily declared its abolition.
Khamr
Khamr literally means 'wine', and has been prohibited by Islam. This prohibition covers everything that acts as an agent of intoxication. See Holy Qur'an, Al-Baqarah (2:219), Al-Ma'idah (5:93).
Kharaj
Tax imposed on the revenue from land taken from non-Muslims to ensure their equal rights under Islamic law.
Khul'
Khul' signifies a woman's securing the annulment of her marriage through the payment of some compensation to her husband. For reference see verse 2:229.
Khums
Khums, literally one-fifth. One-fifth of the spoils of war is earmarked for the struggle to exalt the Word of God and to help the orphans, the needy, the wayfarer and the Prophet's kinsmen. Since the Prophet (S.A.W.) devoted all his time to the cause of Islam, he was not in a position to earn his own living. Hence a part of khums was allocated for the maintenance of the Prophet (S.A.W.) as well as for his family and the relatives dependent upon him for financial support. See Al-Qur'an, Al-Anfaal (8:41).
Khutbah
Sermon. The greatest sermon in the history of mankind was called al-Khutbatul Wida' (the farewell address), given by the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), during his last Hajj in 10 AH. There are various types of sermons:
1. Khutbatul Jum'ah (the Friday Sermon). This is given immediately before the Jum'ah Salah (Friday Prayer). 2. Khutbatul Eid (the Eid Sermon) This is given immediately after the prayer of the two Eids. 3. Khutbatul Nikah (the marriage sermon). This is given during the marriage ceremony.
Kufee
An Arabic script. Angular writing style often used for early hand-written copies of the Qur'an.
Kufr
Its original meaning is 'to conceal'. This word has been variously used in the Quran to denote: (1) state of absolute lack of faith; (2) rejection or denial of any of the esentials of Islam; (3) attitude of ingratitude and thanklessness to God; and (4) non-fulfilment of certain basic requirements of faith. In the accepted technical sense, kufr consists of rejection of the Divine Guidance communicated through the Prophets and Messengers of God. More specifically, ever since the advent of the last of the Prophets and Messengers, Muhammad (S.A.W.), rejection of his teaching constitutes Kufr.


Regards,
Sardarzada

[sardarzada11]

L:

Lailatul-Qadr
'The Night of Power,' concealed in one of the odd nights in the last ten days of Ramadan; the night on which the Qur'an was first revealed by Jibraeel to the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), and which the Qur'an itself describes as "better than a thousand months." See the Holy Qur'an, Al-Qadr (97:3).
Al-Lat
Al-Lat was the chief idol of the Thaqif tribe in al-Taif, and among the most famous idols in pre-Islamic Arabia. See the Holy Qur'an, An-Najm (53:19).
Al-Lateef
The Subtle One Who is All-Pervading. One of the ninety-nine Attributes of God. The exact meaning of this word is very difficult to fully understand. It includes all of the following meanings: 1. So fine that He is imperceptible to the human sight. 2. So pure that He is unimaginable to the human mind. 3. So kind that He is beyond human comprehension. 4. So gracious that He is beyond human grasp. 5. So near that He is closer to us than our jugular veins. See the Holy Qur'an, Al-Hajj (22:63), Ash-Shura (42:19).
Lauh al-Mahfudh
A guarded tablet in the Seventh Heaven. The Holy Qur'an was first written on the Lauh al-Mahfudh in its entirety before it was sent down to the Baitul 'Izza in the First Heaven.
Luqata
Article found by a person other than the one who lost it.


Regards,
Sardarzada

[sardarzada11]

M:

Maghazi (al)
Plural of Ghazwa. See Ghazwa.
Maghreb
Sunset. The fourth obligatory Prayer of the day. It consists of three Rakahs and can be offered between just after sunset and before the stars appear in the sky.
Mahr
Mahr (bridal gift) signifies the amount of payment that is settled between the two spouses at the time of marriage, and which the husband is required to make to his bride. Mahr seems to symbolize the financial responsbility that a husband assumes towards his wife by virtue of entering into the contract of 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.
Al-Majeed
"The Most Glorious." One of the ninety-nine Attributes of Allah.
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
Makr signifies a secret strategy of which the victim has no inkling until the decisive blow is struck. Until then, the victim is under the illusion that everything is in good order. See Holy Qur'an, Aali-Imran (3:54).
Malaikah
"Angels". Another name for Suratul Fatir, Surah 35 of the Holy Qur'an.
Malak
Angel.
Al-Manat
Al-Manat was the chief idol worshipped by the Khuza'ah and Hudhayl tribes.
Ma'ruf
Ma'ruf refers to the conduct which is reckoned fair and equitable by the generality of disinterested people.
Mash'ar al-Haram
The boundary of Al-Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. It is prohibited to kill any game, or to damage any plant or tree, or to act in any manner that will violate the sanctity of the Holy Masjid.
Masjid
Mosque. Plural Masajid.
Masjid al-Aqsa (al)
The 'Furthest Mosque' built by the early Muslims in Jerusalem, on or near where the Temple of Solomon once stood. See Baitul-Maqdis.
Masjid Al-Haram (al)
The Grand Masjid in Makkah. The Ka'bah (the Qiblah of the Muslims) is situated within it.
Masjid an-Nabawi (al)
Another name for the Masjid ar-Rasool in Madinah. It is the second greatest Masjid in Islam, the first being the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, and the third being the Masjid al-Aqsa in Al-Quds (Jerusalem).
Masjid al-Rasool (al)
See Masjid an-Nabawi.
Maula
Literally means protector. Allah T'ala describes Himself as the Maula of the believers. See The Qur'an, Al-Baqarah (2:256), Aali 'Imran (3:152), Al-Hajj (22:78). Maula also has the meaning of 'master'. 1. Satan is the Maula to the unbelievers. 2. The master is a Maula to his slave. Maula is also the term used to describe a freed slave who remains as part of the family.
Mawaqeet
Plural of Miqat. See Miqat.
Mihraab
Prayer niche of a Masjid, in front of which the Imam stands when leading the congregational prayers.
Mimbar
Steps on which the Imam stands to deliver the Khutbah (address) on the day of the Jumah (Friday).
Mina
A place five miles from Makkah and approximately ten miles from 'Arafat. An essential place to visit during the Hajj.
Miqat
Migat (pl. mawaqeet) denotes the points which an outsider intending to perform Pilgrimage may cross only in the state of consecration (ihram). These points were fixed according to directions from God.
Mi'raj
The Night Journey of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) from Makkah to Jerusalem and then through the realms of the seven heavens, beyond the limit of forms, the Sidrat al-Muntaha, to within a bow-span's length or nearer to the presence of Allah. See the Qur'an, Al-Isra (17:1), Bukhari Hadith 345, Vol. 1, 227, Vol. 5.
Miskin
Miskin (pl. masakin) denotes helplessness, destitution. Thus masakin are those who are in greater distress than the ordinary poor people. Explaining this word the Prophet (S.A.W.) declared that masakin are those who cannot make both ends meet, who face acute hardship and yet whose sense of self-respect prevents them from asking for aid from others and whose outward demeanour fails to create the impression that they are deserving of help.
Muadhen
The man who calls the Adhan loudly before each obligatory Salat, calling the people to prayer.
Muhadith
An Islamic scholar of Ahadeeth. Plural: Muhaditheen.
Muhammad (S.A.W.)
Muhammad (peace be upon him), the last Messenger of God.
Muharram
1. The first month of the Islamic calendar. 2. An act that is strictly forbidden in Islam.
Muhsanat

Muhsanat means 'protected women'. It has been used in the Qur'an in two different meanings. First, it has been used in the sense of 'married women', that is, those who enjoy the protection of their husbands. Second, it has been used in the sense of those who enjoy the protection of families as opposed to slave-girls.
Mujahid
One who takes active part in a Jihad. Plural: Mujahideen. See Jihad.
Mulhid
Atheist.
Mumin
1. Believer. 2. Al-Mumin: Another name for Al-Ghafir, Surah 40 of the Qur'an.
Munafiq
Hypocrite.
Munkar wa Nakir (peace be on them)
The names of the two angels who will question the dead in the graves.
Muqarraboon
Literally means, "those who have been brought near." One 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 will be nearest to Allah. Also described as the Sabiqoon, meaning "those who outstrip the rest." 2. Ashab al-Maimana - literally means, "the Companions of the Right." The righteous people destined to enter Paradise. 3. Ashab al-Mashama - literally, "the Companions of the Left." These will be the inheritors of the Hellfire. See Al-Waqi'ah (56:11-56).
Murtad
Apostate.
Mushrik
A person who commits Shirk. See Shirk.
Muslim
A person who accepts Islam as his or her way of life.
Mustahab
An act in Islam that is recommended, but not obligatory.
Mut'a
A temporary marriage. A custom common in Arabia. It was abrogated by the Prophet (S.A.W.) at Khaibar, as is related by Ali ibn Abi Talib in Sahih Muslim and Sahih Bukhari.
Muttaqi
Muttaqi is derived from its noun taqwa, which signifies God-consciousness, a sense of responsibility and accountability, dedication and awe - those things that prompt one to fulfil one's duty. Taqwa, or heedfulness, is the main criterion by which God values the deeds of a Muslim (49:13).
Muzdallifa
A site between 'Arafat and Mina where the pilgrims spend the night of the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah during Hajj.


Regards,
Sardarzada

[sardarzada11]

N:

Nabi
Prphet of Allah. Plural: Anbiyaa.
Nafl
A voluntary act of supererogatory devotion such as Nafl Prayer or Nafl Fast.
Nasara
Nasara is the name given to the followers of the Christian faith both in the Qur'an and Hadith.
Nasi
Nasi was a practice in vogue among the pre-Islamic Arabs: they altered the duration of the four sacred months. Whenver they wished to start fighting or to loot and plunder - and they could not do so during the sacred months - they carried out their expedition in one of the sacred months and then later on compensated for this violation by treating one of the non-sacred months as a sacred month.
Naskh
A style of curved writing often used for early hand-written copies of the Qur'an.
Nifaq
Hypocrisy.
Nikah
Marriage.
Niqab
A type of veil that covers the entire face including the eyes.
Niyyah
Intention.
Nubuwah
Nubuwah means prophethood.
Nur (an)
"The Light." One of the ninety-nine Attributes of Allah. See An-Nur (24:35-36).
Nusub
Nusub signify all places consecrated for offerings to others than the One True God, regardless of whether they are images of stone or something else.
Nusuk
Nusuk signify ritual sacrifice as well as other forms of devotion and worship.

O:

Regards,
Sardarzada