Abd [ubd] Z A prefix used in many Muslim male names in conjunction with a divine attribute of God, meaning “servant.” Examples include Abd-Allah (“servant of God”), Abd al-Rahman (“servant of the Most Merciful”), and Abd al-Khaliq (“servant of the Creator”).

Abraham Z see Ibrahim.

Abu Bakr as-Sadiq [a-boo buck-er as-saa-dik] Z One of the closest companions of Prophet Muhammad, given the appelation as-Sadiq, “the Truthful.” Upon the death of the Prophet in 632 C.E., Abu Bakr became the first Caliph (successor) and served as leader of the Muslim community until his death
in 634 C.E.

Adam [aa-dum] Z The first human being, created by God as His vicegerent (responsible deputy) on Earth. Muslims believe Adam was the first prophet of God as well, establishing monotheism as the original spiritual system of humankind. Islam does not share with Christianity the doctrine of “Original Sin,” instead maintaining that each individual person is born sinless and is responsible for his or her own spiritual state, independent of the actions of other persons, past or present.

Adhan [ad-haan] Z The Muslim call to worship. The adhan consists of specific phrases, recited aloud in Arabic prior to each of the five daily worship times. Upon hearing the adhan, Muslims discontinue all activity and assemble at a local masjid for formal communal worship.

Ahl al-Kitab [ahl al-kee-taab] Z Literally, “People of the Book.” This term, found in the Qur’an, describes adherents of divinely revealed religions that preceeded Islam. Most commonly, the term refers to Jews and Christians, and confers upon these two groups a special status within Muslim society, owing to the monotheistic basis of their religions.

Aisha [eye-ee-sha] Z Daughter of Abu Bakr and one of the wives of Prophet Muhammad. Aisha transmitted a large number of the Prophet’s hadith, which were compiled by scholars in early Islamic history.

Ali ibn Abi Talib [aa-lee ib-un abee taa-lib] Z One of the companions of the Prophet, he was also Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law. He became the fourth Caliph of the early Muslim state in 656 C.E. He is considered the last of the “Rightly-Guided” caliphs by Sunni Muslims, and the first of the  Imams by Shi’ah Muslims.

Alim [aa-lim] Z One who has knowledge. This term refers commonly to a Muslim religious scholar. (pl. Ulama [oo-la-ma] ).

Allah [al-lah] Z Literally, “The God.” Muslims use this Arabic term as the proper name for God. Muslims view Allah as the Creator and Sustainer of everything in the universe, Who is transcendent, has no physical form, and has no associates who share in His divinity. In the Qur’an, God is described as having at least ninety-nine Divine Names, which describe His attributes.

“Allahu Akbar” [al-lah-hu uck-bar] Z This phrase, known as the Takbir, means “God is Greatest” and is uttered by Muslims at various times. Most often it is pronounced during the daily worship, but Muslims also use it to express happiness, surprise, regret, thankfulness, fear, or approval, thereby reinforcing their belief that all things come from God.

Almsgiving Tax Z See Zakah.

Angels Z See Mala’ikah.

(al-) Aqsa [al-uck-sa] Z Name of the holy site located in the city of Jerusalem and referred to in the Qur’an as “the farthest masjid.” The site is believed to be the area from which Prophet Muhammad was miraculously ascended to Heaven in 619 C.E.

Arabic Z The language of the Qur’an. Arabic is a Semitic language, used throughout the world by Muslims and non-Muslims, Arabs and non-Arabs. Historically, in Muslim civilization Arabic became the language of learning and scholarship, and was the common language for people living as far apart as Spain and China.

“As-Salaam Alaykum” Z The traditional, time-honored greeting of Muslims, meaning “Peace be upon you.” The appropriate response is “Wa Alaykum As-Salaam,” meaning, “And upon you be peace also.”

Ayah [eye-yah] Z Literally, “miracle” or “sign.” The term is used to designate a verse in the Qur’an. There are over 6,600 ayahs in
the Qur’an.

Bilal ibn Rabah [bee-laal ib-un ra-baah] Z An early convert to Islam, he was one of the Sahabah (companions) of the Prophet. He was also the first mueddhin (caller to prayer) in Muslim history.

Bismillah [BIS-mil-LAH] Z The Arabic formula pronounced by Muslims at various times for various reasons. The formula “Bismillah
ar-Rahman ar-Raheem,” means “In the Name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful“ and is said before any act or activity of importance, such as travelling, eating a meal, rising from sleep, beginning work, etc.

“Black Muslims” Z A term designating African-Americans who adhere to the teachings of the organization known as the Nation of Islam. So-called “Black Muslims” are not to be confused with Muslims (followers of universal Islam) of African-American or African origin. Likewise, the Nation of Islam, a nationalistic organization, is not to be confused with the mainstream, universal world religion Islam.

Buraq [boo-raak] Z A winged creature, unknown to earth, which transported Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Jerusalem and thence to Heaven during his miraculous Night Journey and Ascension (Isra’ and Mir’aj) in 619 C.E.

Caliph Z See Khalifah.

Call to Prayer Z See Adhan.

Charity Z See Sadaqah.

Day of Judgement Z Belief in the Day of Judgement is a basic article of faith in Islam. After God ends the present world and order of creation, a day will follow on which He will judge every person according to his or her intentions, deeds, and circumstances. Judgement by God is followed by punishment in Hell or eternal reward
in Paradise.

Declaration of Faith Z See Shahadah.

Deen Z A term commonly used to mean “religion,” but actually referring to the totality of Muslim beliefs and practices. Thus, Islam as a deen is a “complete way
of life.”

Dhikr [dhik-er] Z Remembrance of Allah [God] through verbal or mental repetition of His divine attributes or various religious formulas, such as “Soob-han Allah,” meaning “Glory be to God.” Dhikr is a common practice among all Muslims, but is especially emphasized by Sufis.

Dhimmi [dhim-mee] Z A person belonging to the category of “protected people” (ahl ad-dhimmah) within the Islamic state. Historically, Jews and Christians traditionally received this status due to their belief in One God, but others such as Zoroastrians, Buddhists and Hindus were also included. Dhimmis had full rights to practice their faith and implement their own religious laws within their communities. In exchange for a guarantee of protection and exemption from military service, dhimmis payed a specific tax to the state, just as their fellow Muslim citizens did.

Dome of the Rock Z Name of the famous masjid in Jerusalem built around 691 C.E. by the Umayyad caliph Abd al-Malik. The rock within the masjid structure is believed to be the point from which Muhammad was miraculously ascended to Heaven in
619 C.E.

Du’a [doo-ah] Z Term designating personal prayer, supplication, and communication with God, as distinct from salah (formal worship). Muslims make du’as for many reasons and at various times, such as after salah, before eating a meal, before retiring to sleep, or to commemorate an auspicious occasion such as the birth of a child. Personal du’as can be made in any language, whereas salah is performed in Arabic.

Eid [eed] Z Eid is an Arabic term meaning “festivity” or “celebration.” Muslims celebrate two major religious holidays, known as Eid al-Fitr (which takes place after Ramadan), and Eid al-Adha (which occurs at the time of the Hajj). A traditional greeting used by Muslims around the time of Eid is “Eid Mubarak,” meaning “May your holiday be blessed.” A special congregational Eid worship, visitation of family and friends, new clothing, specially-prepared foods and sweets, and gifts for children characterize these holidays.

Eve Z See Hawwa.

Fard [furd] Z A term designating that which is an obligatory (required) belief or practice in Islam. For example, under normal circumstances, performing wudu (ritual washing) before offering formal worship is fard for Muslims.

Fasting Z See Sawm.

(al-) Fatihah [al-faa-ti-hah] Z Arabic name meaning “The Opening,” and referring to the opening chapter of the Qur’an. This chapter, recited during the daily formal worship, is comprised of seven short verses and summarizes the essential beliefs of Muslims and the obligation of human beings to seek guidance and aid from God alone.

Fatwa [fut-wa] Z A legal ruling in Shari’ah (Islamic Law), made by a learned and qualified scholar, usually in response to an unprecedented situation or to address a
novel issue.

Fiqh [fik] Z Literally “understanding,” this term refers to the body of knowledge and legal opinions developed by Muslim jurists and scholars from the primary sources in Islam, the Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad. Fiqh is essentially the interpretation and application of Shari’ah to specific circumstances or issues.

Fitrah [fit-rah] Z An Arabic term designating the innate, original spiritual orientation of every human being towards God the Creator. Muslims believe that God endowed everything in Creation with a tendency towards goodness, piety and God-consciousness, and that one’s environment, upbringing, and circumstances serve to enhance or obscure this tendency.

Five Pillars of Islam, The Z A term referring to the five core religious practices incumbent upon all Muslims, and which demonstrate a Muslim’s commitment to God in word and in deed. They are as follows: Shahadah (declaration of faith), Salah (formal worship), Zakah (mandatory alms-giving tax), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah).

Gabriel Z See Jibreel.

(al-) Ghayb Z Arabic term referring to the unseen world, belief in which is a basic article of faith. Angels, jinn and other creations of God inhabit this realm. For Muslims, recognition of al-Ghayb demonstates acknowledgement that human knowledge is limited and that only God is the All-Knowing and All-Powerful.

God Z See Allah.

Hadith [ha-deeth] Z Unlike the verses contained in the Qur’an, Hadith are the sayings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad himself, and form part of the record of the Prophet’s Sunnah (way of life and example). The Hadith record the words and deeds, explanations, and interpretations of the Prophet concerning all aspects of life. Hadith are found in various collections compiled by Muslim scholars in the early centuries of the Muslim civilization. Six such collections are considered most authentic.

Hafiz [haa-fiz] Z One who has memorized the entirety of the Qur’an. Thousands of Muslim men and women throughout the world dedicate their time and energy to this tradition, which serves to maintain the Qur’anic scripture as it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad over 1,400 years ago.

Hajar [haa-jer] Z One of Abraham’s wives who, along with her infant son Isma’il, was settled in Arabia by Abraham. She may be considered the founder of the city of Makkah, since it was a desolate valley prior to her arrival and discovery of the sacred well known as ZamZam.

Hajj [huj] Z The pilgrimage (journey) to Makkah (in modern-day Saudi Arabia) undertaken by Muslims in commemoration of the Abrahamic roots of Islam. The Hajj rites symbolically reenact the trials and sacrifices of Prophet Abraham, his wife Hajar, and their son Isma’il over 4,000 years ago. Muslims must perform the Hajj at least once in their lives, provided their health permits and they are financially capable. The Hajj is performed annually by over 2,000,000 people during the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Dhul-Hijjah.

Halal [ha-laal] Z Arabic term designating that which is deemed lawful in Islam, based on the two authoritative sources, the Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad.

Hamzah [hum-zah] Z Uncle of Prophet Muhammad and one of his Sahabah. He is fondly remembered by Muslims for his support of the Prophet at a time when most other relatives turned away from him because he called on people to worship
God alone.

Haram [ha-raam] Z Arabic term designating that which is deemed unlawful or forbidden in Islam, based on the two authoritative sources, the Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad. Muslims must refrain from all things or actions designated haram.

Hawwa Z Eve, the wife of Adam. The Qur’an indicates that Hawwa was created as an equal mate for Adam, and that both Adam and Hawwa sinned equally when they disobeyed God by eating fruit from the forbidden tree in their garden abode. Upon turning to God in repentence, both were likewise equally forgiven.

Hegira Z See Hijrah.

Hijab [hee-jaab] Z Commonly, the term hijab is used to denote the scarf or other type of head-covering worn by Muslim women throughout the world. However, the broader definition of the term refers to a state of modesty and covering that encompasses a woman’s entire body, excluding hands
and face.

Hijrah [hij-rah] Z The migration in 622 C.E. of Prophet Muhammad and members of the Muslim community from the city of Makkah to the city of Yathrib, later renamed Madinah an-Nabi (city of the Prophet) in honor of Muhammad. The Islamic lunar calendar, often called the Hijri calendar, is dated from this important event, which marks the beginning of an Islamic state (in Madinah) in which the Shari’ah (Islamic Law) was implemented.

Hira [hee-ra] Z The cave on the outskirts of Makkah where Muhammad, at the age of forty, received the first revelations of the Qur’an, beginning with the word “Iqra” which means “read.” The cave was a favorite place of retreat for Muhammad prior to his call to prophethood, where he could contemplate alone and seek God free from the distractions of the city below.

Ibadah [ee-baa-dah] Z Literally, “worship,” this term refers to any and all acts which demonstrate obedience and commitment to God. Thus in Islam, visiting the sick, giving charity, hugging one’s spouse, or any other good act is considered an act of ibadah.

Iblis [ib-lees] Z The personal name of Satan, or the devil, as found in the Qur’an. Iblis is believed to be a prominent member of the jinn, a class of God’s creation. He rebelled against God and was cast out from Heaven. God warns human beings repeatedly in the Qur’an that Iblis is an avowed enemy of humankind, whose temptations must be resisted in order to stay on the
“Straight Path.”

Ibn [ib-un] Z Arabic term meaning “son of.” Many famous Muslim men in history are known by a shortened version of their names begining with ibn. Examples include Ibn Khaldun (a historian), Ibn Sina
(a physician), Ibn Rushd (a judge and philosopher), and Ibn Battuta (a world traveler).

Ibrahim [ib-raa-heem] Z Abraham, a prophet and righteous person revered by Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike as the patriarch (father-figure) of monotheism. Muslims commemorate Abraham’s devotion, struggles, and sacrifices during the annual Hajj rites.

Ihram [ih-raam] Z State of consecration into which Muslims enter in order to perform the Hajj or Umrah (lesser pilgrimage). The term also refers to the specific dress, made of white, unstitched, seamless cloth, donned by pilgrims while in this state. During the Hajj, the ihram worn by pilgrims serves to reinforce a sense of humility and purity, and human equality in the eyes of God.

Ijma [ij-maa] Z Consensus of opinion among scholars and leaders. Ijma is one of the means employed by Muslims for joint decision-making, and for interpreting the Shari’ah.

Ijtihad [ij-ti-haad] Z Term designating the intellectual effort of Muslim scholars to employ reason and analysis of the authoritative sources (Qur’an and Sunnah) for the purpose of finding legal solutions to new and challenging situations or issues.

Ilm Z Arabic term meaning “knowledge.” The Qur’an and Hadith encourage Muslims to constantly strive to increase their knowledge, of both religious and
worldly matters.

Imam [ee-maam] Z Generally, the term imam refers to one who leads congregational worship. More broadly, the term also applies to religious leaders within the Muslim community. While imams lead worship, give sermons, and perform other duties such as officiating marriages, they are not ordained clergy, nor do they belong to any kind of hierarchy. Also, imams do not act as intermediaries between individual worshippers and God. The term Imam has specific authoritative connotations for
Shi’ah Muslims.

Iman [ee-maan] Z Arabic term referring to a state of belief in God and other articles of faith, as well as actual demonstration of belief in practice and behavior.

Injeel [in-jeel] Z Arabic name for the holy scripture revealed to Prophet Jesus. The Injeel is roughly analogous to the Evangelium of Christianity, and refers to a divine book provided to Jesus by God, as distinct from the Christian Gospels, which are viewed as records of Jesus’ life written by his closest contemporaries.

“Iqra” [ik-raa] Z Arabic word meaning “to read” or “recite,” it was the first word of the Qur’an revealed to Muhammad during one of his retreats to the cave of Hira above Makkah. Muslims refer to this word to remind themselves of the importance of acquiring knowledge, “from the cradle to the grave” as Prophet Muhammad said.

Isa [ee-sa] Z Jesus, an eminent prophet in Islam. Muslims believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a chaste and pious woman, and that God miraculously created Jesus in her womb. After his birth, he began his mission as a sign to humankind and a prophet of God, calling people to righteousness and worship of God alone. Muslims do not believe Jesus was crucified, but rather that God spared him such a fate and ascended him to Heaven.

Isma’il [iss-ma-eel] Z Ishmael, the elder son of Abraham, born to his wife Hajar. When he was about thirteen years old, Ishmael helped Abraham build the Ka’bah as a place for monotheists to worship the One God. He, along with his younger brother Is’haq (Isaac), are considered by Muslims to have been prophets in their own right.

Islam [iss-laam] Z Islam is an Arabic word derived from the three-letter root s-l-m. Its meaning encompasses the concepts of peace, greeting, surrender, and commitment, and refers commonly to an individual’s surrender and commitment to God the Creator through adherence to the religion by the same name.

Isra’ and Mi’raj [iss-raa, me-raaj] Z The miraculous “Night Journey” and “Ascension” of Prophet Muhammad, respectively, which took place in 619 C.E. This important event, which took place in the year of Muhammad’s wife Khadijah’s death, gave strength to him by reaffirming God’s support for him. During this event, instructions for the formal Muslim prayer were revealed to Muhammad, making them a cornerstone of Muslim faith and practice.

Jahannam [ja-hun-num] Z A term found in the Qur’an in reference to Hell, described as a place of torment, sorrow, and remorse. Islam teaches that God does not wish to send anyone to Hell, yet justice demands that righteous people be rewarded and those who insist on evil living without repentance and on denial of God be punished.

Jahiliyyah [jaa-he-lee-yah] Z A term designating a state of ignorance and immorality. This term is commonly used by Muslims to refer to the pre-Islamic era in Arabia, when immorality, oppression, and evil were rampant. Some may use the term to describe aspects of modern living as well.

Janazah [ja-naa-zah] Z The Muslim funeral prayer, performed as a sign of respect and goodwill for a deceased Muslim, immediately prior to burial. The prayer reminds all Muslims of their ultimate mortality, thereby reinforcing an ethic of righteous and God-conscious living.

Jannah [jun-nah] Z A term found in the Qur’an in reference to Heaven, described as a place of happiness, contentment, and vitality. A reward for the righteous and God-conscious, Paradise is often described as a blissful garden, where people live in eternal comfort and joy.

Jerusalem Z See (al)-Quds.

Jesus Z See Isa.

Jibreel [jib-reel] Z Muslims believe that angels are among God’s many creations. Jibreel (Gabriel in English) is believed to be one of the most important angels, as he was reponsible for transmitting God’s divine revelations to all of the human prophets, ending with Muhammad. Due to his special role in bridging the divine and human realms, he is referred to in the Qur’an as a Spirit (ruh) from God.

Jihad [ji-haad] Z Jihad is an Arabic word which derives from the three-letter root j-h-d, and means “to exert oneself” or “to strive.” Other meanings include endeavor, strain, effort, diligence, struggle. Usually understood in terms of personal betterment, jihad may also mean fighting to defend one’s (or another’s) life, property, and faith. Because jihad is a highly nuanced concept, it should not be understood to mean “holy war,” a common misrepresentation.

Jinn Z A class of creation in some ways similar to human beings. Though they are non-physical beings, they possess, like humans, a free will. Thus, they may choose to obey or disobey God’s commandments, and will ultimately be held accountable for their actions. Occasionally they involve themselves in the lives of human beings, causing confusion and fright, though not all jinns are believed to be malevolent.

Jum’ah [joom-ah] Z The congregational worship performed on Fridays in place of the midday worship. On this special day, Muslims make a extra effort to go to their local masjid to listen to the khutbah (community address) by the imam (worship leader) and to perform the formal worship with their fellow Muslim brothers and sisters.

Ka’bah [kaa-bah] Z An empty cube-shaped structure located in the city of Makkah (in modern-day Saudi Arabia). Built by Prophet Abraham and his son Prophet Ishmael about 4,000 years ago, the Ka’bah stands as the first building dedicated to the worship of the One God. The Ka’bah is made of stone, and is covered by a black and gold cloth embroidered with verses from the Qur’an.

Khadijah [kha-dee-jah] Z The first wife of Prophet Muhammad, and during her lifetime, the only one. Khadijah was a successful businesswoman in Makkah who employed Muhammad as a merchant/trader because of his well-known reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. The Prophet was married to her for 25 years until her death at the age of 65 in 619 C.E. They had two sons [both died in infancy] and four daughters together.

Khalifah [kha-lee-fah] Z An Arabic term meaning “successor,” it refers to the rightful successor of Prophet Muhammad as leader of the ummah (worldwide Muslim community). The Khalifah (caliph) is not a prophet; rather, he is charged with upholding the rights of all citizens within an Islamic state and ensuring application of the Shari’ah (Islamic Law). The immediate successors of Prophet Muhammad, known as the “Rightly-Guided” Caliphs, were Abu Bakr as-Sadiq, Umar ibn al-Khattab, Uthman ibn Affan, and Ali ibn Abi Talib.

Khutbah [khut-bah] Z The weekly community address given by an imam immediately prior to the Jum’ah (Friday) midday worship service. The address serves as a venue for leaders to share with members of the congregation religious insights, to discuss Islamic viewpoints on important contemporary issues, and to reinforce teachings of Islam.

Koran Z See Qur’an.

Laylat al-Qadr [layl-at al-cud-er] Z Literally, “Night of Power.” This term is used in reference to the night in Ramadan, 610 C.E. on which Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations of the Qur’an, during his retreat in the cave of Hira above Makkah. Muslims commemorate this night, believed to be the 27th of Ramadan (though unknown for certain), by offering additional prayers and supplications late into the night.

Lunar Calendar Z The hijrah (migration of Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah in 622 C.E.), marks the starting point of the Muslim calendar, comprised of twelve lunar months (a lunar year is roughly eleven days shorter than a solar year (365 days), since each lunar month begins when the new moon’s crescent becomes visible every 29 or 30 days). Muslims use such a Hijri calendar for various religious obligations such as fasting during Ramadan, celebrating the two Eid holidays, and performing the Hajj. Many contemporary sources on Islam include both the Gregorian (C.E.-common era or A.D.-anno domini) and Hijri (A.H.-after hijrah) dates for historical events. For example, a citation of 974/1566 corresponds to the date of death of the Ottoman sultan Sulayman “The Magnificent” in A.H. and C.E.(A.D.) values.

Madhhab [madh-hub] Z An Arabic term used in reference to a particular “school of thought” in Islam. As Islam spread to new regions outside the Arabian penisula and new social, economic and religious issues arose, many scholars studied the sources of Islam to find permissible and practical solutions that believers could employ to address these issues. Over time, the teachings and thoughts of five respected scholars gained prominence, and Muslims tend to adhere to the “school of thought” of one or another of these scholars. Each school’s opinions, while differing to some degree with the others, are considered equally valid as a source of practical guidance for the “lay” Muslim.

Madinah [ma-dee-nah] Z Formerly named Yathrib, Madinah became the center of the first Islamic community and political state after Prophet Muhammad migrated there from Makkah in 622 C.E. The people of Madinah welcomed the persecuted Muslims of Makkah with open arms, establishing a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood viewed as a tangible ideal for Muslims today. Prophet Muhammad died in Madinah in 632 C.E. and was buried in his room adjacent to the city’s central masjid, which he established.

Makkah [muck-ah] Z An ancient city where Abraham and Ishmael built the Ka’bah. Muhammad, a member of the Quraysh tribe, which traced its lineage back to Abraham, was born in Makkah in 570 C.E. After migrating to Madinah to further the message of Islam, Muhammad returned to Makkah in 629 C.E. with fellow Muslims to reinstitute the age-old monotheistic Hajj. In 630 C.E., after the Quraysh violated a peace treaty, Muhammad marched on Makkah and gained control of the city peacefully, thereafter clearing the Ka’bah of idols and reintegrating the city into the fold of Islam.

Mala’ikah [ma-laa-ik-ah] Z Angels, a class of God’s creations. Angels inhabit the unseen world, and constitute a group of beings who do God’s bidding and who perpetually engage in His glorification. Muslims believe each human being is assigned two special angels as recorders — one records a person’s good deeds while the other records a person’s evil deeds. These records will be summoned on the Day of Judgement and each individual will be called to account for his or her deeds. A few angels are named in the Qur’an, such as Jibreel (angel of revelation), Mika’il (protector of holy places), and Israfeel (angel who sounds the horn on Judgement Day, calling all souls
to account).

Manarah [ma-naa-rah] Z A tower-like structure, more commonly called a “minaret,” from which the mueddhin (caller to worship) calls out the adhan (call to prayer). The manarah is usually located adjacent to the masjid, though for architectural reasons they may be placed at various places on the masjid grounds for practical as well as decorative effect.

Maryam [mArI-yum] Z Mary, the mother of Jesus. Maryam is considered by Muslims to be the most favored of women to God, for her chastity, piety and dedication. Muslims believe she miraculously bore Prophet Jesus in her womb and gave birth to him, while remaining a chaste virgin. The fact that an entire chapter of the Qur’an is titled “Maryam” indicates that the lessons of her life are extremely important for Muslims.

Masjid [mus-jid] Z A term meaning “place of prostration,” masjid designates a building where Muslims congregate for communal worship. The term comes from the same Arabic root as the word sujud, designating the important worship position in which Muslims touch their forehead to the ground. Often, the French word mosque is used interchangeably with masjid, though the latter term is preferred by Muslims. The masjid also serves various social, educational, and religious purposes. There are three sacred masjids in the world which Muslims hope to visit and pray within: Masjid al-Haram in Makkah; Masjid
an-Nabawi in Madinah; and Masjid al-Aqsa
in Jerusalem.

Mecca Z See Makkah.

Medina Z See Madinah.

Mihrab [mih-raab] Z A niche in the wall of a masjid that indicates the qiblah, the direction of Makkah, towards which all Muslims turn during the formal worship. Architecturally, the mihrab serves to amplify the voice of the imam as he leads the worshippers in prayer.

Minaret Z See Manarah.

Moslem Z See Muslim.

Moses Z See Musa.

Mosque Z See Masjid.

Mueddhin [moo-ed-dhin] Z One who makes the adhan [call to worship] from a minaret or other suitable location near a masjid prior to the five daily worship times. The mueddhin may also perform other duties, such as reciting the Qur’an while worshippers assemble at the masjid and perform the wudu (ritual washing) a few minutes prior to commencement of congregational worship.

Muhammad [moo-hum-mud] Z The prophet and righteous person believed by Muslims to be the final messenger of God, whose predecessors are believed to include the Prophets Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus and others. Born in 570 C.E., Muhammad grew up to become a well-respected member of Makkan society. In 610 C.E., he received the first of many revelations that would eventually form the content of the Qur’an. Soon after this initial event, he was conferred prophethood and began calling people to righteousness and belief in One God. Muhammad died in 632 C.E., after successfully (re)establishing the religion known as Islam and providing Muslims with a model for ideal
human behavior.

Musa [moo-sa] Z Moses, an eminent prophet in Islam. The Qur’an contains accounts similar to those in the Hebrew Bible regarding Moses’ early life and upbringing. Muslims believe Moses was chosen as a prophet by God, and his mission was to call Pharoah and the Egyptians to believe in One God and cease oppression of the Hebrew peoples. Muslims believe the Torah, a divine scripture, was given to Moses as a guidance for those who heeded his leadership.

Muslim [moos-lim] Z Literally (and in the broadest sense), the term means “one who submits to God.” More commonly, the term describes any person who accepts the creed and the teachings of Islam. The word “Muhammadan” is a pejorative and offensive misnomer, as it violates Muslims’ most basic understanding of their creed — Muslims do not worship Muhammad, nor do they view him as the founder of the religion. The word “Moslem” is also incorrect, since it is a corruption of the
word “Muslim.”

Nafs [nufs] Z The soul or spirit. Muslims believe that humans are ultimately spiritual beings, housed temporarily in a physical body. The nafs represents that core of each individual which exhibits an innate orientation towards God, called fitrah, and which passes into a different unknown realm upon a person’s physical death in the present world.

“Nation of Islam” Z An organization formed in the United States in the 1930s by Elijah Poole (later known as Elijah Muhammad), which gained prominence during the nascent civil-rights movement in the 1950s. In its efforts to uplift and provide self-worth to African-Americans, the nationalist organization espoused a doctrine of black superiority, and posited that God manifested Himself as a human being by the name of W.D. Fard, Elijah Muhammad’s instructor. Such doctrines and teachings of the Nation are incompatible with the universal outlook and absolute monotheism of Islam. Unfortunately, much confusion has resulted and continues to exist due to this group’s appropriation of certain Arabic terms, values, and ideas from mainstream Islam. Followers of the Nation, often incorrectly called “Black Muslims” number less than 10,000 today. Many thousands of former members entered the fold of universal Islam after the death of Elijah Muhammad in 1975 under the leadership of his son Warith Deen Muhammad.

Night Journey and Ascension Z See Isra’ and Mi’raj.

“People of the Book” Z See Ahl al-Kitab.

Pilgrimage Z See Hajj.

Prayer Z See Salah and Du’a.

Qari [kaa-ree] Z Literally, “a reciter.” This term refers to a class of Muslim religious leaders who, due to vocal beauty and skill, publicly recite verses from the Qur’an. Such recitations serve to inspire and comfort believers, and are often performed early in the morning or prior to the daily worship services, and also to solemnize important occasions and events.

Qiblah [kib-lah] Z The term used in reference to the direction Muslims face during salah, the formal worship. The qiblah’s focal point is the Ka’bah, the house of worship located in the city of Makkah. Depending upon where one is at any given time upon the earth, the qiblah direction may vary. From North America, the direction is roughly northeast, and worship halls in local masjids are oriented accordingly.

Qiyas [key-yaas] Z Using analogies for the purpose of applying laws derived from the Qur’an and Sunnah to situations not explicitly covered by these two sources. Qiyas is one of the most important tools for interpreting and implementing the Shari’ah (Islamic Law).

(al-) Quds [al-koods] Z Literally, “The Holy,” this is the name used by Muslims for Jerusalem. al-Quds is the third holiest city in Islam, following Makkah and Madinah, because of its significance to Islamic history in the broadest sense: the city is important for its role in the time of Prophet Muhammad and in the times of earlier prophets.

Quraysh [kur-aysh] Z One of the major tribes in Arabia, to which Muhammad belonged. When Prophet Muhammad persisted in calling people to worship God alone, most of the Quraysh disavowed him and attempted to thwart his efforts, even going so far as to attempt killing him. Until Prophet Muhammad gained control of Makkah in
630 C.E., the Quraysh continued to plot Muhammad’s downfall, after which they acquiesced and entered the fold of Islam.

Qur’an [cur-aan] Z The word Qur’an means “the recitation” or “the reading,” and refers to the divinely revealed scripture of Islam. It consists of 114 surahs (chapters) revealed by God to Muhammad over a period of twenty-three years. The Qur’an continues to be recited by Muslims throughout the world in the language of its revelation, Arabic, exactly as it was recited by Prophet Muhammad nearly fourteen hundred years ago. The Qur’an is viewed as the authoritative guide for human beings, along with the Sunnah of Muhammad. Translations of the Qur’an are considered explanations of the meaning of the Qur’an, but not the Qur’an itself. The spelling “Koran” is phonetically incorrect; the more accurate Qur’an should be used.

Rak’ah [ruck-ah] Z Literally, “a bowing.” This term designates one complete cycle of standing, bowing, and prostrating during salah (formal worship). Verses from the Qur’an, special prayers and phrases are stated in these different positions. Each of the five formal worship times are comprised of varying numbers of such cycles: the morning worship is comprised of 2 rak’ahs, the evening worship 3 rak’ahs, and the other worship times 4 rak’ahs.

Ramadan [ra-ma-daan] Z The ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan is important because it is the month in which the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to Muhammad. Thus, it is considered a blessed and holy month. Furthermore, Ramadan is the month in which Muslims fast daily from dawn to sunset to develop piety and self-restraint.

Sadaqah [sa-da-kah] Z Literally, “righteousness.” This terms refers to the voluntary giving of alms (charity). Sadaqah is distinct from zakah, which is a mandatory contribution paid yearly and calculated based on one’s wealth or assets. Sadaqah can consist of any item of value, and can be provided to any needy person. The Qur’an states that God loves those who are charitable and promises great reward and forgiveness for those who give regularly to others in need.

Sahabah [sa-haa-bah] Z A term meaning “companions,” commonly used in reference to those followers of Prophet Muhammad who were closest to him in his lifetime, kept frequent company with him, and strove to emulate his sayings and doings. The Sahabah’s piety, knowledge and love for the Prophet were important factors in the perpetuation of his teachings and the painstakingly careful recording of the his hadith in the years following his death.

(as-) Sahih [as-sa-heeh] Z The name applied to two important collections of hadith, one (Sahih Bukhari) by Muhammad ibn Isma’il al-Bukhari (d. 870 C.E.) and the other (Sahih Muslim) by Abu al-Husayn Muslim (d. 873 C.E.). Both collections are considered highly authoritative, due to the collectors’ scrupulous methods for verifying the authenticity of the hadith contained in them.

Sahur [sa-hoor] Z A light meal taken by Muslims before dawn prior to beginning the daily fast of Ramadan. Arising for this meal is an emulation of Prophet Muhammad, since it was his practice to do so, and thus is part of his Sunnah.

Salah [sa-laah] Z Salah refers to the prescribed form of worship in Islam, and is one of the “five pillars” of Islam. Muslims perform the salah five times throughout each day as a means of maintaining God-consciousness, to thank Him for His blessings and bounty, and to seek His assistance and support in one’s daily life.

Sawm [so-um] Z Sawm refers to the daily fast Muslims undertake during the month of Ramadan, and is one of the “five pillars” of Islam. For Muslims, fasting means total abstinence from all food, drink, and marital sexual relations from dawn to sunset. Muslims fast for many reasons, including to build a sense of will-power against temptation, to feel compassion for less fortunate persons, and to reevaluate their lives in spiritual terms.

Shahadah [sha-haa-duh] Z An Arabic word meaning “witnessing,” Shahadah refers to the declaration of faith (“La-Ilaha-Illa-Lah Muhammadur-Rasul-Allah”) which all Muslims take as their creed — namely, that there is no deity but God and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God. The Shahadah constitutes the first of the “five pillars” of Islam.

Shaykh [shay-kh] Z Arabic term meaning “leader” or “chief,” often used as a title of respect for learned and respected individuals. In the Sufi tradition, the term has a more specific application, referring to leaders within various tariqahs (spiritual orders or groups).

Shari’ah [sha-ree-ah] Z Literally “the path,” this term refers to guidance from God to be used by Muslims to regulate their societal and personal affairs. The Shari’ah is based upon the Qur’an and the Sunnah of Muhammad, and is interpreted by scholars in deliberating and deciding upon questions and issues of a
legal nature.

Shi’ah [shee-ah] Z Literally, “party” or “partisans,” this term designates those Muslims who believe that the rightful successor to Prophet Muhammad should have been Ali ibn Abi Talib, rather than the first caliph Abu Bakr as-Sadiq. Shi’ah Muslims may be found in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Syria, Pakistan, India, and some Gulf States.

Shi’ism [shee-ism] Z A branch of Islam comprising about 10% of the total Muslim population. In Shi’i Islam, Ali ibn Abi Talib is believed to have been the rightful successor to Prophet Muhammad. Moreover, Shi’ahs believe that Ali was granted a unique spiritual authority, which was passed on to certain of his descendants given the title of Imam (leader). The largest group in Shi’ism believes that Ali was the first of twelve Imams, and that the last one continues to exist, albeit miraculously and in a state of occultation (concealment from human view). The teachings of these spiritual leaders are an additional source of Shari’ah (Islamic Law), used by Shi’i religious scholars to derive legislation and issue religious opinions.

Shirk Z Literally, “association,” this term is commonly used to mean association of something other than God with God. For Muslims, God is Absolute, Complete, and Self-Sufficient. To set anything alongside or in place of God as Reality or Divinity is to commit the sin of association. Thus, paganism, or even atheism, are viewed as expressions of shirk. According to the Qur’an, it is the only sin not forgiven by God, and hence it is critical not to die in the state of shirk after having been granted guidance about the Oneness of God (tawheed).

Sufi [soof-ee] Z One who endeavors to achieve direct inward knowledge of God through adherence to various spiritual doctrines and methods. These include repeatedly invoking the Divine Names and reciting other religious expressions, living an austere lifestyle, and participating in various spiritual gatherings usually formed around a spiritual master with the title shaykh. Historically, sufis have been grouped into organizations known as tariqahs.

Sufism [soof-ism] Z A particular spiritual approach and lifestyle adopted by some Muslims (known as sufis), rather than a distinct branch of Islam. Sufism holds that direct and intimate knowledge of God can be achieved through spiritual discipline, exertion, and austerity. Essentially, Sufism is seen as an “inward” path of communion with God, complementing the Shari’ah, or “outward” religious law.

Sunnah [soon-nah] Z Literally, this term means habit, practice, customary procedure, action, norm, or usage sanctioned by tradition. More specifically, Sunnah refers to Prophet Muhammad’s sayings, practices, and habits. The Hadith of the Prophet constitute a written record of his Sunnah.

Sunni [soon-nee] Z A term designating those Muslims who recognize the first four successors of Prophet Muhammad as the “Rightly-Guided” caliphs, and who attribute no special religious or political function to the descendants of the Prophet’s son-in-law Ali ibn Abi Talib. Sunnis hold that any pious, just, and qualified Muslim may be elected Caliph. Sunnis comprise the majority of Muslims, numbering about 90% of
the total.

Surah [soo-rah] Z A distinct chapter of the Qur’an, designated by a title such as Abraham, The Pilgrimage, or The Table-Spread. An individual verse within a surah is called an ayah. The Qur’an is comprised of 114 surahs of varying lengths.

Tafsir [tuf-seer] Z Any kind of explanation, but especially a commentary on the Qur’an. Translations of the Qur’an from Arabic into other languages such as Spanish, Urdu, or English are considered tafsirs of the Qur’an, since only the original Arabic text actually constitutes the content of the Qur’an.

Takbir [tuck-beer] Z See “Allahu Akbar.”

Talbiyah [tul-bee-yah] Z The name for the set of phrases attributed to Prophet Abraham and uttered by Muslims in emulation of him during the annual Hajj. This is the central, ritual recitation of the pilgrimage, recited from the moment pilgrims don the ihram, the pilgrim’s plain white attire. One of the phrases of the talbiyah is “Here I am, Oh Lord, at Thy service. Here I am!”

Taqwa [tuck-waa] Z Condition of piety and God-consciousness that all Muslims aspire to achieve or maintain. It can be said that one’s taqwa is a measure of one’s faith and commitment to God.

Taslim [tus-leem] Z Name for the greeting of Muslims, “As-Salaam Alaykum,” mea