Islamic Glossary

The Islamic call to prayer, recited by a Muezzin at prescribed times of the day to announce the start of Salah.

The concept of the Hereafter or the afterlife in Islam, encompassing the Day of Judgment, Jannah (Paradise), and Jahannam (Hell).

The Arabic name for the One and Only God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. In Islam, Allah is considered unique, without partners, parents, or children.

A verse of the Holy Quran. It also means a sign or miracle from Allah.

Supplication or personal prayer; calling upon Allah for guidance, help, or forgiveness.

A legal opinion or ruling issued by an Islamic scholar (Mufti) on a specific point of Islamic law.

Human understanding and interpretation of the Shariah (Islamic law). It involves the process of deriving legal rulings from the primary sources of Islam.

The full-body ritual purification bath required after certain circumstances in Islam.

A collection of traditions containing sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that, with accounts of his daily practice (the Sunnah), constitute the major source of guidance for Muslims apart from the Quran.

The pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah (Mecca) that every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it must perform at least once in their lifetime.

Anything that is permissible or lawful according to Islamic law.

Anything that is prohibited or unlawful according to Islamic law.

The excellence of faith; to worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you cannot see Him, knowing that He sees you.

The process of making a legal decision by independent interpretation of the legal sources, the Quran and the Sunnah.

Faith or belief in the core principles of Islam, including belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Day of Judgment, and Divine Decree.

Hell; the place of punishment in the Hereafter for those who rejected the truth and lived in disobedience to Allah.

Paradise; the eternal abode of peace and bliss promised to the righteous in the Hereafter.

One of thirty parts of roughly equal length into which the Quran is divided for easy recitation over a month.

A successor or representative. Historically, it refers to the leader of the Muslim community (the Caliph). It also refers to man's role as a vicegerent of Allah on earth.

The ritual prayer performed five times a day by Muslims. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and serves as a direct link between the believer and Allah.

Fasting, specifically during the month of Ramadan. It involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset.

Islamic law derived from the Quran and the Sunnah, providing a complete code of conduct for all aspects of a Muslim's life.

The traditions, practices, and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that serve as a model for Muslims to follow.

A chapter of the Holy Quran. The Quran consists of 114 Surahs of varying lengths.

God-consciousness, piety, or the fear of Allah that leads a person to fulfill His commands and avoid His prohibitions.

The concept of Monotheism in Islam; the belief in the absolute oneness and uniqueness of Allah.

Dry ritual purification using clean earth or sand when water is unavailable or cannot be used for Wudu or Ghusl.

The collective community of Muslims around the world, bound together by their shared faith.

The ritual ablution or washing performed by Muslims before Salah (prayer) and other acts of worship.

Almsgiving or mandatory charity. It is the requirement for Muslims to give a specific percentage (usually 2.5%) of their accumulated wealth to the poor and needy each year.