Dictionary of Islamic Terms
A
Aalim: A learned man (in Islam).
Adhaan/ Azan: The call to salaah / prayers
Ahad: One.
Ahkams: Laws, values and ordinances
Ahlul Bayt: Family of the Prophet's household.
Al Risalah: The message which is sent by messenger.
Al-Ameen: The trustworthy.
Alayhis Salaam: May Allah's peace be upon him.
Allah: The Creator and Sustainer of all. The supreme being. "The Uncaused Cause of all that exists; the Eternal."
Amaanah: Something given to someone for safekeeping. Trust.
Ameen: May Allah accept (amen).
Ansar: Helpers - title of the people of Madinah who helped the Prophet and his Companions when they migrated from Makkah to Madinah.
Arafat: The plain in Mecca where all pilgrims gather on the 9th day of Thul Haj.
Arkans: Principles.
As-Sihah: The authentic books of Hadith (sing. Sahih).
Asid: Violable
Asl: Origin/source/Root
Asr: Late afternoon prayer.
Ayah (pi. Ayaat): Verse(s) of the Holy Qur'an.
Ayyam-e-Jahilliyah: Period of ignorance (also just jahilliyah).
B
Baligh: One who is mature (Compelled by Islamic law). In Islam, after puberty.
Banu Haashim: The children of Hashim.
Baqarah: Cow
Baytullah: The Holy Ka'ba in Makkah - The House of Allah.
BismikAllahumma: In your name, o Allah!
Bismillah: in the name of Allah
Buraaq: The animal which carried Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during Mi'raaj.
D
Deen: Religion.
Dhul-Hijjah: The month of Hajj. Twelfth month of the Islamic calendar.
Dhul-Qadah: The eleventh month of the Islamic calendar.
Dinars: Money/Coins.
Dirhams: Coins (Eastern). .
Dua: Supplication to Allah. Invocation.
Dunya: World/Earth.
E
Eid: Day of festival.
F
Fajr: Morning prayer, which is offered after dawn and before sunrise. Dawn.
Falas: Bankrupt
Faqir: Poor.
Fard (pi. Faraaidh): Obligatory. Compulsory.
Fardu Ayn: A compulsion on every Muslim male and female
Fasid: Wrong (null and void).
Fatwa: Verdict.
Fay: Spoils of war.
Fee Sabeelil Laah: In the way of Allah.
Fiqh: Jurisprudence.
Fitnah: Dissension/trial/tribulation/corruption
Fuqahaa: Jurists.
G
Ghusl: Full bath or body wash .
H
Hadd: Restrictions
Hadith: Narration's and reports of the deeds and sayings of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) (plur hadiths/ ahadith)
Hajj: Pilgrimage to Makkah during the month of Dhul Hijjah.
Hajjat al-Balagh: The Pilgrimage of conveying the message.
Hajjat al-Wada: The Farewell Pilgrimage - when the Prophet bade farewell to his Ummah.
Hajre Aswad: The black stone embedded in the wall of the holy Ka'bah.
Hakim: One who issues decrees (magistrate).
Halaal: Anything permitted by the Shariah (Islamic Law). Lawful.
Hanifiyyah: To devote oneself fully to Allah and completely surrender to His will. This is the name of the religion of Prophet Ibrahim (peace and blessings be upon him).
Haraam: 1) Anything prohibited by the Shariah, 2) holy
Haram Hurma Mu-abbad: A haraam decree forever binding.
Haram Hurmatum Mu Aqqatah: A haram decree which lasts only for a certain period.
Haram Shareef: The area where the holy Ka'bah is situated.
Hawaazin: A tribe of Arabs who live in Taif-Arabia.
Hejaz: The original name given to Arabia.
Hijr: Known as Hatim. it is the half-walled area attached to the Ka'bah which is also called Hijr-Isma'il and Hijr al-Ka'bah.
Hijrah: Migration of the Holy Prophet from Mecca to Madinah. To leave ones place of residence for the sake of Allah.
Hikmah: Wisdom.
Hilf al-Fudul (the alliance of excellence): This alliance was called hilf al-Fudul, due to the excellence of the contents of this agreement.
Hilful Fudhool: A pledge taken to help the orphans and widows.
Hubal: One of the major idols in pre-Islamic Arabia.
Hukum: Decree.
I
Ibaadah: Worship.
Ihraam: Condition during which Muslims are forbidden to do and wear certain things while performing Hajj and Umrah.
Ijmaa: Consensus among the learned leaders among Muslims throughout the world.
Imaan: Faith
Imam: The person who leads the prayer; also refers to the leader of Muslims. Leader.
Iqaamah: Call to prayer made inside the Masjid just before the start of fard salaah.
Isha: The night prayer.
Islam: The religion of submission to the will of Allah. The religion of Muslims.
Israaf: Waste.
Istinjaa: Cleansing of the private parts after passing stools or urine.
J
Jahannam: Hell.
Jahiliyyah: The age of Ignorance, This name was given to the period between Prophet Isa and the Prophet Muhammad when people forgot the teachings of the Prophets, and violated the religious sanctities.
Jam'aah: Congregation; group of Muslims.
Jannah: Paradise.
Jibra'eel (alayhis salam): Angel who brought Allah's revelation to the prophets.
Jihad: To struggle or fight in the way of Allah.
Jinn: They are created by Allah from fire, and are invisible to human beings. They can change their shape. They are air, subject to the Islamic call. Among them are believers and unbelievers.
Jizyah: The tax which is levied in Muslim states on non-Muslim adult subjects who can afford it in return for security for their lives and property and defending them against their enemies.
Jumad-ul-Ula: The fifth month of the Islamic calendar.
Jumu'ah: The Friday prayer.
K
Ka'bah: A cube-shaped building re-built by Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail (peace be upon them), the first house built for the worship of Allah. Situated in Makkah, the direction all Muslims face when praying .
Kaafir: A non believer.
Khitbah: Marriage proposal.
Khutbah: The sermon.
Kitaab: Book. It is also referred to as any Heavenly Book including the Holy Qur'an.
Kuffaar: Non believers.
Kunyah:: A type of surname or proper name common in Arabic which means father of so and so or mother
L
Lajnatul Fatwa: Department issuing verdicts.
Lat: One of the major idols in pre-Islamic Arabia.
M
Ma'fuw Wun Anhu: One upon whom certain things are excusable for him.
Madinah / Yathrib: A city in Arabia where Hazrat Muhammad (saw) is buried.
Madrassah: School; generally refers to the Islamic school.
Maghrib:: The prayer which is performed just after sunset.
Mahroom: One in need/desperate straits.
Majoosis: The fire worshippers.
Makkah: A city in Arabia where the holy Ka'bah is situated.
Makrooh (p1. Makroohaat): An act which is disliked but not forbidden .
Makrooh karahatul tahreem: An abominable action more inclined to haram than to halal.
Manat:: One of the major idols in pre-Islamic Arabia.
Mandoob: Another word for sunnah.
Mardood: Rejected.
Masah: Passing wet hands over a dry area (in Wudhu).
Mashee-ah: Will / choice.
Mashoor: Famous.
Masjid: Place of worship.
Madha-hibul Arba-ah: The four procedures of ideology (Hanafi, Shafi’I, Maliki, Hanbali).
Madhhab: An adopted procedure of ideology.
Maula: Refers to master, lord, guardian, protector and friend. This term also applies to a freed slave and to the person who frees the slave.
Madinah: The city of the Holy Prophet in Arabia.
Mi'raaj: Journey of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to the seven heavens.
Mimbar: Pulpit.
Minaret: The lofty turret of a Mosque from which the caller i.e the Muaththin calls the people to pray.
Miskeen: Needy, poor
Miswak:: Tooth stick.
Mount Safa: A hilltop in Makkah.
Mu'sir: One in a situation of difficulty.
Mu'azzin/ Mu-adhdhin: The person who calls the adhaan.
Mubah: Permissible
Mubarak: blessed
Mufti: One who gives verdicts. Judge.
Muhaajireen: Migrators.
Muhajjir: Emigrant; a person who migrates in the way of Allah.
Muhajjirun: Emigrants; title given to Muslims who migrated from Makkah to Madinah.
Mujtahid: One who makes research/independent reasoning.
Mujtahids: Researchers.
Mukallaf: One who is of age - 15 years. Puberty.
Mukatib: A slave who is under contract with his master to pay for his freedom in instalments.
Mukhtar: One who is able to make his own choice.
Murtad: A Muslim who changed his religion. An apostate.
Musaddiq: The person discharging voluntary charity.
Musallee: A Muslim performing salaah.
Mushrik: A polytheist. One who associates others with Allah.
Muslim: Believers in one Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the last prophet
Mustahab (p1. Mustahabaat): An act which, if done, is rewarded but if not done there is no sin.
N
Nabi: A prophet.
Nabuwwat: Prophethood.
Nafil: Optional or Extra.
Najis (pl anjaas; najaarah): Impurity.
Niyah: Intention. The formula necessary to render an act of devotion acceptable.
O
Awrah: Certain parts of the body necessary to be covered at all times, except in front of one’s spouse.
Q
Qabul: The form of speech of acceptance in the marital contract.
Qada: The performance of an action outside its prescribed time.
Qadee: Judge.
Qiblah: The direction (towards the Ka'bah in Makkah) Muslims must face when performing Salaah .
Qiyas: Research through comparison.
Qur'an: The Final Revelation from Allah to mankind, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) .
Qurbaan: The sacrifice which is being offered at Eid-ul-Adha (day of celebration) the day after the pilgrims stood on Mount Arafah in Mecca. This is the 1Oth day of Thul Hijah in the 12th month).
R
Rabi-al-Awwal: The third month of the Islamic calendar.
Radiallahu-Anha/ Anhum: May Allah be pleased with her/ him or them
Rak'at: One unit of a prayer.
Ramadhaan: Ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
Rasool/ Rasul: A messenger.
Rasulullah: Messenger of Allah (Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him).
Riba: Literally means increase or addition and refers to the 'premium' that must be paid by the borrower to the lender along with the principal amount as a condition for the loaner OR an extension in its maturity. It is equivalent to interest.
Rooh/ ruh: Soul.
Ruku: Ritual of bowing down in prayer.
Rukun: A principle.
S
S.A.W.: Abbreviated words Of honour and salutations attached to the name of our Holy Prophet which means may Allah send blessings and salutations on him.
Sa'i: Ritual of running between Safa and Marwah in Hajj and 'Umrah.
Sabr: Observing patience.
Sadaq: Dowry.
Sadaqaat: Plural of Sadaqah.
Sadaqah: Voluntary alms to the poor.
Safaa: A hill in Makkah.
Safar: The second month of the Islamic calendar.
Sahih: Correct.
Sahabah: Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace upon him)
Sajdah-e-Tilaawat: Prostration made whilst reading the Holy Qur'an. There are 14 such prostrations to be made throughout the whole Holy Qur'an.
Sajdah: Prostration in the prayer.
Salaah: Prayer. The second pillar of Islam. To pray five times daily.
Salaatul Eid: Prayer said on Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.
Salaatul Jumu'ah: Prayer said on Friday instead of Salaatul Zuhr, the midday prayer.
Sallallahu alayhi wasallam: """Peace and blessings be upon him"" : Dua made to Allah whenever Prophet Muhammad's name is mentioned."
Sayyidina: Honorific words preceded the name of a prophet or a companion.
Shakk: Doubt.
Shariah: Refers to the divine guidance as given by the Qur'an and the Sunnah and embodies all aspects of the Islamic faith, including beliefs and practices. Islamic Law.
Shawwal: Tenth month of the Islamic calendar.
Shaytan/ Shaitan: Devil.
Shirk: The unforgivable sin of joining others with Allah.
Sirah/seerah: The life of the Prophet Muhammad.
Siwak: See Miswak
Surah: A chapter of the Holy Qur'an.
Sujood/ sajdah: Prostration
Sunan: Plural of Sunnah, the way of the Prophet; implies here the supererogatory works of Hajj and general way and manners of Prophets performing the Hajj.
Sunnah: Refers essentially to the Prophet's example as indicated by his practice of the faith. The source is the collection of Ahadith.
Sunnah-Mu-Akkad: A code of life established by the Holy Prophet which is recommended that it be followed.
T
Tabi’een: Successors of the companions.
Taahir: Clean from impurity.
Tafseer/ Tafsir: Commentary / translation.
Tahleel: To make halal.
Taif: A city in Saudi Arabia.
Talaq: Divorce.
Tamr: Dry dates.
Taqwa: Piety - fear of Allah / consciousness in religion.
Tasbeeh/ Tasbih: Praising and glorifying the name of Allah.
Tauheed/ Tawhid: The absolute Oneness of Allah.
Tawaf al-Ifadah / Tawaf az-Ziyarah: The obligatory Tawaf of Hajj.
Tawaf: Circling the Ka'bah in worship.
Tayyamum: Substitute for wudhu and ghusl in certain circumstances.
Thawaab: Reward from Allah.
U
Ulama: Learned men.
Umm al-Mu'minin: The mothers of the believers - title given to the wives of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) because they are regarded as the mothers of all believers.
Ummah: Refers to the whole Muslim community, irrespective of colour, race, language or nationality.
Ummul mu'mineen: Mother of the faithful.
Umrah: Lesser pilgrimage to Makkah , performed at any time of the year.
Umrah al-Qada: The fulfilled 'Umrah - the 'Umrah which the Prophet performed in the seventh year after Hijrah which he intended to do in the sixth year but the Quraysh unbelievers had not allowed him to complete.
Uzza: One of the major idols in pre-Islamic Arabia.
W
Waajib (p1. Waajibaat): Compulsory.
Wakeel: Representative.
Waleemah/ Walimah: A wedding feast given by the bride groom after the marriage.
Wally/ Wali: Representative.
Waqt: Time.
Wudhu: Obligatory washing before Salaah and other acts.
Y
Yameen: Oath.
Yathrib: The first name of Madinah.
Z
Zakaah: The amount payable by a Muslim on his net worth as a part of his religious obligation, mainly for the benefit of the poor and the needy.
Zawwal: Mid-day, when the sun is at its Zenith (highest point).
Zil Hijjah/ Dhul- Hijjah: 12th month of the Islamic calendar.
Zina: Adultery.
Zuhr/ Dhuhr: The afternoon prayer.
Zulm/ Dhulm: A comprehensive term used to refer to all forms of inequity, injustice, exploitation, oppression, and wrong doing, whereby a person either deprives others of their rights or does not fulfill his obligations towards them.
A
Aalim: A learned man (in Islam).
Adhaan/ Azan: The call to salaah / prayers
Ahad: One.
Ahkams: Laws, values and ordinances
Ahlul Bayt: Family of the Prophet's household.
Al Risalah: The message which is sent by messenger.
Al-Ameen: The trustworthy.
Alayhis Salaam: May Allah's peace be upon him.
Allah: The Creator and Sustainer of all. The supreme being. "The Uncaused Cause of all that exists; the Eternal."
Amaanah: Something given to someone for safekeeping. Trust.
Ameen: May Allah accept (amen).
Ansar: Helpers - title of the people of Madinah who helped the Prophet and his Companions when they migrated from Makkah to Madinah.
Arafat: The plain in Mecca where all pilgrims gather on the 9th day of Thul Haj.
Arkans: Principles.
As-Sihah: The authentic books of Hadith (sing. Sahih).
Asid: Violable
Asl: Origin/source/Root
Asr: Late afternoon prayer.
Ayah (pi. Ayaat): Verse(s) of the Holy Qur'an.
Ayyam-e-Jahilliyah: Period of ignorance (also just jahilliyah).
B
Baligh: One who is mature (Compelled by Islamic law). In Islam, after puberty.
Banu Haashim: The children of Hashim.
Baqarah: Cow
Baytullah: The Holy Ka'ba in Makkah - The House of Allah.
BismikAllahumma: In your name, o Allah!
Bismillah: in the name of Allah
Buraaq: The animal which carried Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during Mi'raaj.
D
Deen: Religion.
Dhul-Hijjah: The month of Hajj. Twelfth month of the Islamic calendar.
Dhul-Qadah: The eleventh month of the Islamic calendar.
Dinars: Money/Coins.
Dirhams: Coins (Eastern). .
Dua: Supplication to Allah. Invocation.
Dunya: World/Earth.
E
Eid: Day of festival.
F
Fajr: Morning prayer, which is offered after dawn and before sunrise. Dawn.
Falas: Bankrupt
Faqir: Poor.
Fard (pi. Faraaidh): Obligatory. Compulsory.
Fardu Ayn: A compulsion on every Muslim male and female
Fasid: Wrong (null and void).
Fatwa: Verdict.
Fay: Spoils of war.
Fee Sabeelil Laah: In the way of Allah.
Fiqh: Jurisprudence.
Fitnah: Dissension/trial/tribulation/corruption
Fuqahaa: Jurists.
G
Ghusl: Full bath or body wash .
H
Hadd: Restrictions
Hadith: Narration's and reports of the deeds and sayings of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) (plur hadiths/ ahadith)
Hajj: Pilgrimage to Makkah during the month of Dhul Hijjah.
Hajjat al-Balagh: The Pilgrimage of conveying the message.
Hajjat al-Wada: The Farewell Pilgrimage - when the Prophet bade farewell to his Ummah.
Hajre Aswad: The black stone embedded in the wall of the holy Ka'bah.
Hakim: One who issues decrees (magistrate).
Halaal: Anything permitted by the Shariah (Islamic Law). Lawful.
Hanifiyyah: To devote oneself fully to Allah and completely surrender to His will. This is the name of the religion of Prophet Ibrahim (peace and blessings be upon him).
Haraam: 1) Anything prohibited by the Shariah, 2) holy
Haram Hurma Mu-abbad: A haraam decree forever binding.
Haram Hurmatum Mu Aqqatah: A haram decree which lasts only for a certain period.
Haram Shareef: The area where the holy Ka'bah is situated.
Hawaazin: A tribe of Arabs who live in Taif-Arabia.
Hejaz: The original name given to Arabia.
Hijr: Known as Hatim. it is the half-walled area attached to the Ka'bah which is also called Hijr-Isma'il and Hijr al-Ka'bah.
Hijrah: Migration of the Holy Prophet from Mecca to Madinah. To leave ones place of residence for the sake of Allah.
Hikmah: Wisdom.
Hilf al-Fudul (the alliance of excellence): This alliance was called hilf al-Fudul, due to the excellence of the contents of this agreement.
Hilful Fudhool: A pledge taken to help the orphans and widows.
Hubal: One of the major idols in pre-Islamic Arabia.
Hukum: Decree.
I
Ibaadah: Worship.
Ihraam: Condition during which Muslims are forbidden to do and wear certain things while performing Hajj and Umrah.
Ijmaa: Consensus among the learned leaders among Muslims throughout the world.
Imaan: Faith
Imam: The person who leads the prayer; also refers to the leader of Muslims. Leader.
Iqaamah: Call to prayer made inside the Masjid just before the start of fard salaah.
Isha: The night prayer.
Islam: The religion of submission to the will of Allah. The religion of Muslims.
Israaf: Waste.
Istinjaa: Cleansing of the private parts after passing stools or urine.
J
Jahannam: Hell.
Jahiliyyah: The age of Ignorance, This name was given to the period between Prophet Isa and the Prophet Muhammad when people forgot the teachings of the Prophets, and violated the religious sanctities.
Jam'aah: Congregation; group of Muslims.
Jannah: Paradise.
Jibra'eel (alayhis salam): Angel who brought Allah's revelation to the prophets.
Jihad: To struggle or fight in the way of Allah.
Jinn: They are created by Allah from fire, and are invisible to human beings. They can change their shape. They are air, subject to the Islamic call. Among them are believers and unbelievers.
Jizyah: The tax which is levied in Muslim states on non-Muslim adult subjects who can afford it in return for security for their lives and property and defending them against their enemies.
Jumad-ul-Ula: The fifth month of the Islamic calendar.
Jumu'ah: The Friday prayer.
K
Ka'bah: A cube-shaped building re-built by Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail (peace be upon them), the first house built for the worship of Allah. Situated in Makkah, the direction all Muslims face when praying .
Kaafir: A non believer.
Khitbah: Marriage proposal.
Khutbah: The sermon.
Kitaab: Book. It is also referred to as any Heavenly Book including the Holy Qur'an.
Kuffaar: Non believers.
Kunyah:: A type of surname or proper name common in Arabic which means father of so and so or mother
L
Lajnatul Fatwa: Department issuing verdicts.
Lat: One of the major idols in pre-Islamic Arabia.
M
Ma'fuw Wun Anhu: One upon whom certain things are excusable for him.
Madinah / Yathrib: A city in Arabia where Hazrat Muhammad (saw) is buried.
Madrassah: School; generally refers to the Islamic school.
Maghrib:: The prayer which is performed just after sunset.
Mahroom: One in need/desperate straits.
Majoosis: The fire worshippers.
Makkah: A city in Arabia where the holy Ka'bah is situated.
Makrooh (p1. Makroohaat): An act which is disliked but not forbidden .
Makrooh karahatul tahreem: An abominable action more inclined to haram than to halal.
Manat:: One of the major idols in pre-Islamic Arabia.
Mandoob: Another word for sunnah.
Mardood: Rejected.
Masah: Passing wet hands over a dry area (in Wudhu).
Mashee-ah: Will / choice.
Mashoor: Famous.
Masjid: Place of worship.
Madha-hibul Arba-ah: The four procedures of ideology (Hanafi, Shafi’I, Maliki, Hanbali).
Madhhab: An adopted procedure of ideology.
Maula: Refers to master, lord, guardian, protector and friend. This term also applies to a freed slave and to the person who frees the slave.
Madinah: The city of the Holy Prophet in Arabia.
Mi'raaj: Journey of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to the seven heavens.
Mimbar: Pulpit.
Minaret: The lofty turret of a Mosque from which the caller i.e the Muaththin calls the people to pray.
Miskeen: Needy, poor
Miswak:: Tooth stick.
Mount Safa: A hilltop in Makkah.
Mu'sir: One in a situation of difficulty.
Mu'azzin/ Mu-adhdhin: The person who calls the adhaan.
Mubah: Permissible
Mubarak: blessed
Mufti: One who gives verdicts. Judge.
Muhaajireen: Migrators.
Muhajjir: Emigrant; a person who migrates in the way of Allah.
Muhajjirun: Emigrants; title given to Muslims who migrated from Makkah to Madinah.
Mujtahid: One who makes research/independent reasoning.
Mujtahids: Researchers.
Mukallaf: One who is of age - 15 years. Puberty.
Mukatib: A slave who is under contract with his master to pay for his freedom in instalments.
Mukhtar: One who is able to make his own choice.
Murtad: A Muslim who changed his religion. An apostate.
Musaddiq: The person discharging voluntary charity.
Musallee: A Muslim performing salaah.
Mushrik: A polytheist. One who associates others with Allah.
Muslim: Believers in one Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the last prophet
Mustahab (p1. Mustahabaat): An act which, if done, is rewarded but if not done there is no sin.
N
Nabi: A prophet.
Nabuwwat: Prophethood.
Nafil: Optional or Extra.
Najis (pl anjaas; najaarah): Impurity.
Niyah: Intention. The formula necessary to render an act of devotion acceptable.
O
Awrah: Certain parts of the body necessary to be covered at all times, except in front of one’s spouse.
Q
Qabul: The form of speech of acceptance in the marital contract.
Qada: The performance of an action outside its prescribed time.
Qadee: Judge.
Qiblah: The direction (towards the Ka'bah in Makkah) Muslims must face when performing Salaah .
Qiyas: Research through comparison.
Qur'an: The Final Revelation from Allah to mankind, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) .
Qurbaan: The sacrifice which is being offered at Eid-ul-Adha (day of celebration) the day after the pilgrims stood on Mount Arafah in Mecca. This is the 1Oth day of Thul Hijah in the 12th month).
R
Rabi-al-Awwal: The third month of the Islamic calendar.
Radiallahu-Anha/ Anhum: May Allah be pleased with her/ him or them
Rak'at: One unit of a prayer.
Ramadhaan: Ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
Rasool/ Rasul: A messenger.
Rasulullah: Messenger of Allah (Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him).
Riba: Literally means increase or addition and refers to the 'premium' that must be paid by the borrower to the lender along with the principal amount as a condition for the loaner OR an extension in its maturity. It is equivalent to interest.
Rooh/ ruh: Soul.
Ruku: Ritual of bowing down in prayer.
Rukun: A principle.
S
S.A.W.: Abbreviated words Of honour and salutations attached to the name of our Holy Prophet which means may Allah send blessings and salutations on him.
Sa'i: Ritual of running between Safa and Marwah in Hajj and 'Umrah.
Sabr: Observing patience.
Sadaq: Dowry.
Sadaqaat: Plural of Sadaqah.
Sadaqah: Voluntary alms to the poor.
Safaa: A hill in Makkah.
Safar: The second month of the Islamic calendar.
Sahih: Correct.
Sahabah: Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace upon him)
Sajdah-e-Tilaawat: Prostration made whilst reading the Holy Qur'an. There are 14 such prostrations to be made throughout the whole Holy Qur'an.
Sajdah: Prostration in the prayer.
Salaah: Prayer. The second pillar of Islam. To pray five times daily.
Salaatul Eid: Prayer said on Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.
Salaatul Jumu'ah: Prayer said on Friday instead of Salaatul Zuhr, the midday prayer.
Sallallahu alayhi wasallam: """Peace and blessings be upon him"" : Dua made to Allah whenever Prophet Muhammad's name is mentioned."
Sayyidina: Honorific words preceded the name of a prophet or a companion.
Shakk: Doubt.
Shariah: Refers to the divine guidance as given by the Qur'an and the Sunnah and embodies all aspects of the Islamic faith, including beliefs and practices. Islamic Law.
Shawwal: Tenth month of the Islamic calendar.
Shaytan/ Shaitan: Devil.
Shirk: The unforgivable sin of joining others with Allah.
Sirah/seerah: The life of the Prophet Muhammad.
Siwak: See Miswak
Surah: A chapter of the Holy Qur'an.
Sujood/ sajdah: Prostration
Sunan: Plural of Sunnah, the way of the Prophet; implies here the supererogatory works of Hajj and general way and manners of Prophets performing the Hajj.
Sunnah: Refers essentially to the Prophet's example as indicated by his practice of the faith. The source is the collection of Ahadith.
Sunnah-Mu-Akkad: A code of life established by the Holy Prophet which is recommended that it be followed.
T
Tabi’een: Successors of the companions.
Taahir: Clean from impurity.
Tafseer/ Tafsir: Commentary / translation.
Tahleel: To make halal.
Taif: A city in Saudi Arabia.
Talaq: Divorce.
Tamr: Dry dates.
Taqwa: Piety - fear of Allah / consciousness in religion.
Tasbeeh/ Tasbih: Praising and glorifying the name of Allah.
Tauheed/ Tawhid: The absolute Oneness of Allah.
Tawaf al-Ifadah / Tawaf az-Ziyarah: The obligatory Tawaf of Hajj.
Tawaf: Circling the Ka'bah in worship.
Tayyamum: Substitute for wudhu and ghusl in certain circumstances.
Thawaab: Reward from Allah.
U
Ulama: Learned men.
Umm al-Mu'minin: The mothers of the believers - title given to the wives of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) because they are regarded as the mothers of all believers.
Ummah: Refers to the whole Muslim community, irrespective of colour, race, language or nationality.
Ummul mu'mineen: Mother of the faithful.
Umrah: Lesser pilgrimage to Makkah , performed at any time of the year.
Umrah al-Qada: The fulfilled 'Umrah - the 'Umrah which the Prophet performed in the seventh year after Hijrah which he intended to do in the sixth year but the Quraysh unbelievers had not allowed him to complete.
Uzza: One of the major idols in pre-Islamic Arabia.
W
Waajib (p1. Waajibaat): Compulsory.
Wakeel: Representative.
Waleemah/ Walimah: A wedding feast given by the bride groom after the marriage.
Wally/ Wali: Representative.
Waqt: Time.
Wudhu: Obligatory washing before Salaah and other acts.
Y
Yameen: Oath.
Yathrib: The first name of Madinah.
Z
Zakaah: The amount payable by a Muslim on his net worth as a part of his religious obligation, mainly for the benefit of the poor and the needy.
Zawwal: Mid-day, when the sun is at its Zenith (highest point).
Zil Hijjah/ Dhul- Hijjah: 12th month of the Islamic calendar.
Zina: Adultery.
Zuhr/ Dhuhr: The afternoon prayer.
Zulm/ Dhulm: A comprehensive term used to refer to all forms of inequity, injustice, exploitation, oppression, and wrong doing, whereby a person either deprives others of their rights or does not fulfill his obligations towards them.
