Glossary


Aali 'Imran

"The family of 'Imran". 'Imran was the father of Mariam (Mary), the mother of the Prophet Isa (Jesus), peace be on them. See Mursaleen . Surah 3 of the Holy Qur'an.


Abaa wass stakbara ma' al-tasdeeq (Kufr Al)

A major disbelief. Refusing to bow to Allah due to pride, even though acknowledging the Divine Truth. It is the type of Kufr that Iblis committed. Those Muslims who do not pray are committing this same sin. See Kufr .


Abada

For ever. See Khalideen .


'Abasa

"He frowned". The blind man that is referred to in this surah is Abdullah ibn Umm Maktoum. Surah 80 of the Holy Qur'an.


Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him)

Also spelled Abi Bakr. He was one of the greatest companions of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. His full name is Abu Bakr as-Siddiq. The Holy Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, called him as-Siddiq because he always believed in him (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), without any reservation. He was the first of the four rightly guided Khalifaas (al-Khulafaa al-Rashideen) from 11 - 13 AH. The other three, may Allah bless them, were

  1. Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him,
    13-23 AH.
  2. Uthman ibn 'Affan , may Allah be pleased with him,
    24-36 AH.
  3. Ali ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him,
    36- 40 AH.
See Khalifa .


Abu Lahab

Fiercest enemy of Islam and paternal uncle of the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Surah 111 of the Holy Qur'an. Known as Suratul Masad.


Abu Al-Qasim

It is the Kunya of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). It is prohibited to have the Kunya of the Holy Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). See Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 205,book 73, Vol.8 Sahih Muslim, Kitab-ul Adab.


'Ad

An ancient tribe that lived after the Prophet Nooh (Noah), peace be on him, in the village of Ahqaf in the Yemen. It was a very prosperous tribe, but was rebellious against Allah Subhana wa Ta'ala and their Prophet Houd, peace be on him. So Allah Ta'ala destroyed it with a fatal westerly windstorm (Ad-Dabour). See Holy Qur'an, Houd (11):50-60. See Mursaleen .


Adam (Peace be on him)

The first man and a prophet. He was created neither in Paradise nor on Earth, but in the realm of Allah's mercy. From there he was sent to Jannah (Paradise), from where later he was sent down to Earth. He had many offspring, the most famous ones are Habil (Abel) and Qaabil (Cain). See Holy Qur'an, Al-Baqarah (2): 30-39, Al-Maida (5) 30-34. See Mursaleen .


'Adhaab

Punishment, especially the punishment for failing to obey Allah Ta'ala. See Holy Qur'an, Aali 'Imran (3):106.


Adhan

Islamic way for calling Muslims to prayer. The Adhan that is announced today was formulized and formalized in l AH. See Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 583,book 3, Vol.1 Sahih Muslim, Kitab-ul Adab.


Adhkhar

A special type of good scented grass found in the Hijaz area of the Arabian peninsula. Also known as Idhkhir.


'Adiat (Al)

"The coursers". "Coursers" refer to war horses when they charge, stamp their hooves, breathe heavily and snort in the course of the confusion of battle. Surah 100 of the Holy Qur'an.


'Afareet

Evil jinns who are large, powerful and very crafty. Singular:Ifreet. See Holy Qur'an, An-Naml (27):39.


Aflaha

Third person singular of Falaah .


Afwu

Al-'Afuwo": The Forgiver or Pardoner, in the sense of obliterating the memory of wrongdoings from one's mind. One of the ninety-nine attributes of Allah Ta' ala. See Maghfirah .


AH

After Hijra. Hijra means emigration. The Islamic calendar starts from the day the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, emigrated from Makkah to Madinah, in 622 A.D.


Ahad

  1. One.
  2. The Incomparable. When referring to Allah Subhana wa Ta'la, this means:
    1. that He has no comparable in His Essence or in any of His Attributes.
    2. that there is no deity (worthy of worship) but Allah.


Ahadeeth

Sayings and traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Singular: Hadith.


Ahkam

Literally means "orders". In Islam, orders are subdivided into six distinct categories:

  1. Compulsory, (Fard) = severe punishment if disobeyed. This takes two forms:
    1. Fard 'ain = compulsory on every person, e.g. Salat.
    2. Fard kifaya = compulsory on at least one person in the community, e.g. Salat al-Janaza.
  2. Necessary but not compulsory (Wajib), e.g. Salat al-Juma'.
  3. Recommended but not compulsory (Mustahab), e.g. Sunnah prayers, Sadaqa.
  4. Legal and allowed (Halal), e.g. eating good food,marriage.
  5. Disapproved of, but not forbidden (Makrouh), e.g.smoking tobacco.
  6. Forbidden (Muharram, Haram), e.g. Zina (fornication and adultery).


Ahl ar-ra'y

means people of opinion. It is refers to people that are consulted on Islamic matters. These people are highly learned in Islam.


Ahlul Bait

Literally means "the People of the House". A polite way of addressing the wife and the members of the household. Sometimes used to refer to the family of the Prophet Muhammad, may the blessing and peace of Allah be on him and on his family and on all his companions. The blessings here are addressed to the entire household. See Holy Qur' an, Houd (11):73.


Ahlul Kitab

Literally means "the People of the Scripture". It refers to Yahoud (Jews), Nasara (Christians) and Saabe-een (Sabians). Those who believe in the Trinity and that Jesus is God and/or the Son of God are considered as Kuffar (unbelievers), even though they are Ahlul Kitab.
See Maghdoub and Dhaleen . Holy Qur' an, Yusuf Ali, Al-Maida (5): 19, 75-76. Holy Qur' an, M. Pickthall, Al-Maida (5):17, 72-73.


Ahlul Kitab wa sunnah

Literally means "the People of the Book (the Holy Qur'an) and the sayings and traditions, (the Sunnah of Muhammad, may Alah bless him and grant him peace)". This refers to the people who strive to follow exactly the teachings of the Holy Qur'an and Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, without any deviations.


Ahmad

Another name of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Prophet Isa (Jesus), peace be on him, prophesied his coming. See Muhammad , may Allah bless him and grant him peace. See Holy Qur' an, As-Saff(61):6.


Ahqaf (Al)

Name of a village in Yemen. Home of the people of 'Ad. See 'Ad . Surah 46 of the Holy Qur' an.


Ahzab (Al)

"The Clans". A famous battle between the early Muslims and the rejectors, in which the Muslims, under the direction of Salman al-Farisi, dug a trench around the city of al-Madinah al-Munawarah to thwart the advance of the unbelievers in 5 AH. The battle is also known as the Battle of the Khandaq (Battle of the Trench). See Holy Qur' an, An-Nur (24):55, Al-Ahzab (33):9-20. Surah 33 of the Holy Qur'an.


'Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her)

Daughter of Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him and her) and wife of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.


Ajal

  1. Yes.
  2. Appointed time. In Islamic terminology it refers to the (appointed) time of death. Allah Ta'ala says in the Holy Qur'an that He will not, (and therefore no-one else can), alter the time of someone's death. Muslims reject such statements as "the doctor saved his life", or "he would have lived longer in..". Such statements are made by those who do not believe in Allah or do not have the understanding of the necessity to believe in Allah, thus exposing themselves to Shirk (associating partners with Allah), by believing and saying that the power over life and death is within human capability.


Ajza

Parts. The Holy Qur'an is divided into thirty parts. Singular: Juz.


Akala

Literally means "ate". In Islamic theology, it usually means:

  1. Devouring what is forbidden, whether it be mental,moral, social, physical or spiritual. See Holy Qur' an, Al-Maida (5):69.
  2. Spiritual "eating" of the good things in the Hereafter in Jannah (Paradise). See Holy Qur' an, Ar-Ra'd (13)35.


Akbar (Shirk Al)

Major Shirk. This is divided into four categories:

  1. Shirk Ad-Du'a.
  2. Shirk al-Niyyah wal Iraada wal Qasd.
  3. Shirk al-Ta'a.
  4. Shirk al-Muhabbah.
For full explanation see Shirk .


Akhira

The Hereafter. Not the life in the Barzakh (the life of the grave), but the life of the Jannah (Paradise) or the Nar (Hellfire).


'Ala (Al)

"The Most High" See Surah 87 of the Holy Qur 'an.


Alaihi Salaam

Peace be upon you. This is said whenever the name of a Malak (an angel), a nabi (a prophet) or a rasool (a messenger) of Allah is mentioned, except for the name or title of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu 'alaihe wa sallam). See Sallallahu 'alaihe wa sallam . See Mursaleen.


'Alam

World. Singular of 'Alameen. See 'Alameen.


'Alameen

Takes its root word "'Alam", meaning world. The Qur'anic meaning of 'Alameen varies from verse to verse, depending on the context in which it is placed.

  1. In Surah 1:2, it means "of all the worlds".
  2. In Surah 3:42, it means "of all nations".
  3. In Surah 3:97, it means "of all created beings". "Wa ma arsalnaka illa rahmatan lil 'alameen."(We have not sent you [O Muhammad] but as a mercy to all creation.) Surah Al-Anbiya 21:107.


'Alaq

"The clot of blood". Also called Surat Iqraa. Ayat (verses) 1-5 of this surah were the first five verses revealed to Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. They were revealed to him through the Holy Spirit, the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel), peace be on him, in the Ghar Hiraa (Cave of Hiraa) in Jabal an-Nur. See Surah 96 of the Holy Qur' an.


Al-aqiq

A valley 7km west of al-Madinah al-Munawarah.


Al-arsh

The Throne of Allah al-Malik al-Qudus al-Aziz al-Hakeem.See Surah Ta-Ha (20)5.


Al-ghurru al-muhajjalun

A name that will be given to those Muslims who, on the Day of Resurrection, will have parts of their bodies shining due to their perfect ablution practices. See Sahih Bukhari 138, book 4, Vol.1.


Al-hamd

  1. All praise (is to Allah).
  2. Another name for Suratul-Fatiha. See Surah 1 of the Holy Qur' an .


Al-hamudu lillah

Praise be to Allah. Should be said on all occasions and especially after sneezing. Abu Huraira related that the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: 'When any one of you sneezes, then he should say "Al-hamdu lillah", and his brother or friend (who listens) should respond by saying "Yarhamuka Allah", (Allah have mercy upon you);


Ali ibn Abi Talib, May Allah be pleased with him.

One of the greatest companions of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. The last of the four rightly guided Khalifs (al-Khulafaa al-Rashideen), may Allah bless with him, he ruled from 36AH to 4OAH. He was martyred whilst praying in the Masjid (mosque). See Khalifa.


Alif lam mim

Abbreviated letters, called al-Muqatta' at, revealed at the start of certain Suwar of the Holy Qur'an.


'Alim

An Islamic religious scholar. Plural: Ulamaa.


Al-infitar

"The Cleaving". See Surah 82 of the Holy Qur~ an.


Al-Juhfa

Miqat of the people of Shaam. See Miqat.


Al-kursi

The Seat of Allah, al-Hayyu al-Qayoum. The size of His Seat extends over all the heavens and earth. Even though it is such a huge creation, it is still much smaller than the 'Arsh (the Throne) of Allah Ta'ala. Surah 2:255 is called Ayatul Kursi. See Surah al-Baqara (2):255. See also 'Arsh.


ALLAH

The Name of the Creator of the Universe and all that it contains. Derives from the word "Ilah" which means "the One deserving all worship", the One to Whom all hearts submit in love, fear, reverence, desire, trust and sincerity, and to Whom all limbs submit in all forms of worship such as prayers, supplications, sacrifices, invocations, etc.

  1. Allah has decreed that His Holy Name is "Allah" and has ordained that all His creation call upon Him by the name of "Allah". In the original Bible and Taurat (in the Hebrew text), the name "Allah" is used.
  2. In Islam the name "God" is not used for the fear of misunderstanding. To the Christians it will give them a mental image of a human being (the Prophet Jesus, son of Mary, peace be on him), to some Hindus it creates a mental picture of an animal (a cow). To the Zoroastrians it creates a picture of a fire, Allah, there is none but He, King of the Universe, the Creator and Originator of all that there is. He has no beginning nor end. He was not begotten nor did He beget. He is not like any thing.


Allahu akbar

Other Commonly Used Spellings: ALLAHOO AKBAR,ALLAHU AKBER,ALLAHOO AKBER,ALLAH AKBAR

This statement is said by Muslims numerous times. During the call for prayer, during prayer, when they are happy, and wish to express their approval of what they hear, when they slaughter an animal, and when they want to praise a speaker, Muslims do say this expression of Allahu Akbar. Actually it is most said expression in the world. Its meaning: "Allah is the Greatest." Muslims praise Allah in every aspect of life; and as such they say Allahu Akbar.


Allahumma

"O Allah". This is said when invoking Allah Ta'ala. For example, "Allah humma atina fid dunya hasana wa fil akhirati hasana wa qin a 'ad hab an-nar". "OAllah, give us the good of this world and the good of the Hereafter and preserve us from the Hellfire."


Allah ta'ala

Allah the Exalted. See Subhana hu wa Ta'ala.


Al-'uzza

A famous goddess in the Hijaz that used to be worshipped by the pagan Arabs in the pre-Islamic period of ignorance. See Holy Qur' an, An-Najm (53):19.


Amin

Other Commonly Used Spellings: AAMIN, AAMEEN, AMEEN

means custodian or guardian. Someone who is loyal or faithful.


Amir

Amir is used in Islam to mean leader or commander.


Amirul Mumineen

Commander of the Faithful. Title of the leader of the Islamic nation after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. The first four commanders of the faithful of the new Islamic nation were called al-Khulafaa al-Rashideen, "the rightly-guided Khulafaas" (see Khalifa . They were given this title because they carried out their duties perfectly according to the Holy Qur'an and the practices and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.


Amr Bill Ma' roof

Enjoining the good. The full version is "Amr bill Ma'roofwa nahi 'anil Munkar", (enjoining the good and forbidding the evil).


An'aam (Al)

"The Cattle". Surah 6 of the Holy Qur' an.


'Anaza

A stick with a spearhead. Read Sahih Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 90, book 15, Vol.2


Anbiyaa (Al)

"The Prophets". Surah 21 of the Holy Qur' an.


Anfaal (Al)

"The Spoils of War". Surah 8 of the Holy Qur'an.


'Ankaboot (Al)

"The spider" The spider who made its web over the Ghar Thaur (Cave of Thaur) where the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, hid from the Quraish on his way to Madinah. Surah 29 of the Holy Qur' an.


Ansaab

Idols. See Holy Qur'an, Al-Baqara (2):219


Ansar

Literally means "helpers".

  1. The inhabitants of Madinah, the Aus and the Khazraj tribes, who embraced Islam and supported the Muslim emigrants against the pagan Quraishi and other tribes who made war on the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.
  2. Helpers of the Prophet Isa (the Prophet Jesus, son of Mary), peace be on him. See Holy Qur'an, As-Saff (61):14. Singular: Ansari.


Ansari

Singular of Ansar .


'Aqaaid

Plural of 'Aqeeda .


Aqabah

a place just outside of Mecca, in Mina where the first Muslims from Yathrib Madinah pledged allegiance to the Prophet in the year 621 C.E.. A similar meeting took place the next year when more Muslims from Yathrib pledged their allegiance to the Prophet.


'Aqeeda

Plural : 'Aqaaid. Literally means belief. In Islamic terminology, it means articles of faith. There are six articles of faith:

  1. Belief in Allah. We believe:
    1. He is the Lord and Creator of all that there is.
    2. He is the True God and all other deities are false.
    3. He is One, and has no associates (sons or otherwise).
    4. He alone has the knowledge of the Unseen and of the Hour.
    5. In His Names and Attributes .
    6. He never came down to earth in any shape or form.
    7. He is Everlasting, He did not beget nor was He begotten, and He is not like anything.
  2. His Mala'ikah (angels). We believe:
    1. They are His honoured servants.
    2. They act only by His command.
    3. They are made out of light ( Nur ).
    4. They obey all of Allah's commands.
    5. All angels are good and incapable of wrong doing. (We do not believe in the notion of a "fallen angel".)
    6. They may be seen by some men only by Allah's consent.
  3. His Revealed Books. We believe:
    1. He has sent down books with every messenger.
    2. The original books of Allah that were sent to the Prophets Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus no longer exist in their original form. We believe only in the original Taurat (Torah), Zaboor (Psalms) and Ingeel (Gospel).
    3. The Holy Qur'an that was revealed to the Seal of the Prophets, Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, is the only perfect book of Allah that is free from corruption and is a true source of light for all mankind.
  4. His Rusull (Messengers). We believe:
    1. The Messengers of Allah Ta'ala include Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, Abraham, Noah, Jesus, Moses, peace be on them all.
    2. All messengers are human beings.
    3. Muhammad's message encompasses and abrogates all the messages of all the other messengers, since Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, is the last Messenger and the Holy Qur'an is the Last Message from Allah before the end of the world.
  5. Belief in the Day of Judgement. We believe:
    1. In the Final Day, which is the Day of Judgement.
    2. There will be no intercessors except by Allah's leave.
    3. Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, will be given permission to intercede on behalf of all those who believed in Allah and the Last Day and who submitted their will to Him, that is, those who are "Muslims" (Muslim = One who submits his or her will to Almighty Allah).
    4. Heaven is for the believers and Hell is for the rejecters.
    5. Our book of deeds will be given to us in our right or left hand (to the believers and unbelievers respectively).
  6. Belief in Fate and the Divine Decree. We believe:
    1. In fate, whether good or bad, which Allah has measured and ordained for all His creatures.
    2. His decree cannot be changed except by His leave.
    3. Allah has granted man the free will to choose between good and evil. Thus, there is no excuse for wrong action in the sight of Allah Ta'ala.
    4. All that is to happen until the Day of Judgement is already written down on the Lauh al-Mahfudh.
O Allah! Let me not die except in Islam, and raise me on the Day of Judgement only as a Muslim. Ameen!


Araak (Al)

A tree from which Siwak is made. See Siwak.


'Araaf (Al)

"The Heights". Surah 7 of the Holy Qur'an.


'Arafat

A pilgrimage site, ahout 25km 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).


'Areem

May be translated as dams or embankments. The 'Areme (dam) that is referred to in Surah 34:16 is the Maarib Dam whose traces still exist in Yemen.


Arkan

Pillars. This refers to the indispensable pillars of Islam. There are five Arkan of Islam:

  1. Shahadatain, bearing witness. All Muslims must believe in and utter the Shahadatain.
  2. Salat, prayers. To perform all the five compulsory daily Salat (prayers) regularly in the exact manner as was practised by the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.
  3. Seeaam, fasting. Also spelled as Saum. To fast in the month of Ramadan.
  4. Zakat, wealth dues. To pay 2.5% of one's yearly savings o the poor and needy Muslims. The Zakat is compulsory on all Muslims who have saved (at least) the equivalent of 85g of 24 carat gold at the fime when the annual Zakat payment is due. Zakat is also due on other things such as silver, animals, crops, etc. For full explanation on Zakat refer to the relevant books written on the subject.
  5. Hajj, pilgrimage. To perform the pilgrimage to the Holy City of Makkah at least once in one's lifetime (if one is able to afford it).

'Arsh

The Throne of Allah. The 'Arsh is the immense starless heaven that encompasses the visible Universe, which is referred to as the Kursi. Sayyidina 'Ali, may Allah he pleased with him, said that the relationship of the Kursi to the 'Arsh is like that of a small ring lying in the middle of a vast desert. This is why 'Arsh is correctly translated as 'Throne' and Kursi as 'Seat or 'Foot-stool', although sometimes those who are unaware of the existence and nature of the Arsh translate Kursi as 'Throne'.


AS

See Alaihi as-Salaam


Asabiyyah

It means tirbal loyalty, nationalism.


Asbab An-Nazul

The specific reason and circumstances for the revelation of various verses of the Holy Qur'an. For example: Surat at- Taubah, Ayat 79-80 (the story of Abu 'Aqeel). In 9AH the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, asked for contributions to finance his Tabuk expedition. Being very poor, but still yearning to contribute, Abu 'Aqeel decided to offer his services, which lasted from dusk till dawn. He received only two handfuls of barley in payment. He took the entire payment and presented it to Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. A group of Munafiqeen (hypocrites) saw this and started to deride Abu 'Aqeel by saying, "Look at Abu 'Aqeel, does he think that Allah is in need of such a pathetic donation?" Allah Ta'ala became so angry with them that He immediately sent down the Holy Spirit Jibreel (The Angel Gabriel), peace be on him, to reveal Surah 9: 79-80 to Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.


Asghar (Kufr Al)

A minor disbelief. Being unappreciative of what Allah Ta'ala has provided. See Kufr.


Asghar (Shirk Al)

A minor Shirk:

  1. Shirk ar-Rea'. It is carrying out a religious act for worldly gains and not for the pleasure of Allah. For example, giving Zakat (charity) for the sake of fame or praise.
  2. Shirk At-Tasmee':
    1. Swearing by other than Allah.
    2. To say: "I depend on Allah and you."
    3. To depend on any man.
    4. To say: "Oh Allah, by the honour of Muhammad do such and such for me."
    5. Any belief, saying or action that might lead to al-Shirk al-Akbar (major Shirk). See Shirk.


Ashab Al-Maimana

Literally means "companions of the Right", the righteous people. On the Day of Resurrection, Allah Ta'ala will sort out the good and the evil. They will be divided into three groups:

  1. Muqarraboon - the exalted class, those who are nearest to Allah Ta'ala.
  2. Ashab al-Maimana - the righteous people, those who are destined to enter Jannah (Paradise).
  3. Ashab aI-Mash'ama - literally means "companions of the Left"; these people will be the inheritors of the Nar (Hellfire).
For full explanations of: Muqarraboon, see Surah Al-Waqi'ah (56):11-26; Ashab al-Maimana, see Surah 56:27-40. Ashab al-Mash 'ama, see Surah Al-Waqi'ah (56):41-56.


Ashab Al-Mash'ama

Literally means "Companions of the Left", the evil-doers. These people will he the companions of the Nar (Hellfire) on the Day of Resurrection. For full explanation: See Ashab al-Maimana . See Holy Qur'an, Al-Wa qi'a (56):41-56.


Ashabul Aika

Dwellers of the wood. Another name for the Midianites. See Madyan . See Holy Qur'an, Al-Hijr (15):78, Al-Shu'ara (26):176-191.


Ashraful Mursaleen

The most honoured of all the prophets. One of the titles of the Holy Prophet Muhammad , may Allah bless him and grant him peace.


Asharatul mubashshirun (Al)

the ten people that were given the glad tidings of assurance of entering Paradise. They were Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali, Abdur Rahman ibn Awf, Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah, Talhah ibn Ubaydullah, az-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam, Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, Sa'id ibn Zayd.


Ash-Shajara

A famous place between Madinah and Makkah.


'Ashura

  1. The 10th day of Muharram (the first month of the lunar Islamic calendar).
  2. It is a Sunnah to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram to commemorate the freeing of the people of the Prophet Musa (Moses), peace be on him, from the Fir'aun (Pharaoh) of Egypt. Refer to Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 222,book 31, Vol.3. See Mursaleen .


Asiya

The wife of Fir'aun (Pharaoh). She is one of the four greatest created females, the other three being:

  1. Mariam (Mary), may Allah be pleased with her, the mother of the Prophet Isa (Jesus), peace be on him.
  2. Khadija ,may Allah be pleased with her, the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.
  3. Fatima, may Allah be please with her, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.


Aslaha

Reformed, mended, corrected, improved ways of behaviour. See Holy Qur' an, Al-Anbiyaa (21):90.


Asma wa Sifaat (Tawheed Al)

Unity of Names and Attributes of Allah Ta'ala. To believe that:

  1. None can qualify or name Allah except as He or the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, named or qualified Him.
  2. None can be named or qualified with the Names of the Attributes that belong only to Allah Subhana wa Ta'ala. For example, none may be called 'Al-Muhyee" (the Giver of Life) except for Allah Subhana wa Ta'ala Himself.
  3. We must believe in all the Ayat and Ahadeeth (Sahih) regarding the Attributes of Allah without altering their meaning in any way whatsoever.
See Tawheed .


Asmaul Husna (Al)

The ninety-nine Beautiful Names (Attributes) of Allah Ta'ala. It is haram to add to or delete from the list of Attributes of Allah. It is also haram to give such attributes to anyone else. For the full list of al-Asmaul Husna, see Asmaul Husna Al-asmaul Husna(List).


'Asr (Al)

"Afternoon". The third compulsory Salat (Prayer) of the day. It can be prayed at any time between mid-afternoon and a little before sunset. Surah 103 of the Holy Qur'an.


Assalamu 'Alaikum

"Peace be on you". Greeting of the Muslims. The response to this greeting is "Wa 'Alaikum Assalam wa Rahmatul-lahi wa Barakatuh", And on you be the Peace and Mercy of Allah and His Blessings.


As-Siddiq

"The Truthful". This title was given to Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, by the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. When the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, related his experience of al-Isra (his night journey to the Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem) wal Mi'raj (and his ascension through the seven heavens) to Abu Bakr , may Allah he pleased with him, he immediately and without any reservation replied "Sadaqt" : "You have spoken the truth". From that time on, Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, came to be known as Abu Bakr as-Siddiq.


Astaghfirul'lah

I seek forgiveness of Allah.


Athar

Sayings of the Sahabah, the companions of the Prophet Muhammad, may the peace and blessing of Allah be on him and them.


'Aura

The part of the body that must always be concealed, except in front of spouses.

  1. Man: from his navel down to just below his knees.
  2. Woman: her whole body, except for her face, hands and her voice.


A'uzu billahi minashaitanir rajim

This is an expression and a statement that Muslims have to recite before reading to Qur'an, before speaking, before doing any work, before making a supplication, before taking ablution, before entering the wash room, and before doing many other daily activities. The meaning of this phrase is: "I seek refuge from Allah from the outcast Satan." Allah is the Arabic name of God. Satan is the source of evil and he always tries to misguide and mislead people. The Qur'an states that Satan is not an angel but a member of the Jinn, which are spiritual beings created by Allah. So the belief that Satan is a fallen angel is rejected in Islam.


'Awaamir (Al)

Snakes living in houses.


Awliyaa

Protectors, friends, supporters, helpers. Comes from the same root word as Maula. Singular: Walee.


Awqiyyah

It means weight, like the ones used to weigh items.


Ayah

A verse of the Holy Qur'an. Literally means "a sign". Plural: Ayat.


Ayat

Literally means signs (of Allah Ta'ala).

  1. Verses of the Holy Qur'an are called Ayat because each one is a sign from Allah Ta' ala for those who understand.
  2. Within the Ayat (verses) themselves Allah gives us numerous Ayat (signs), amongst which are:
    1. His Power.
    2. His creation (earth, heavens, universe, etc.).
    3. What is in store for those who reject Allah and His messengers and what is in store for the righteous who accept Allah and His messengers.


Ayat al-Kursi

The 255th verse of Surah al-Baqara (2) in the Holy Qur'an.

Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheem

Allah! There is no god but He, the Living, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep seizes Him. Unto Him belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is on the earth. Who is there can intercede with Him except by His leave? He knows that which is in front of them (His creatures) and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge except what He wills. His seat extends over the heavens and the earth, and He is never weary in preserving them, for He is the Most High, the Most Supreme (the Most Great).

Al-Baqara (2):255


Ayoub, Peace be upon him .

Job. A prophet of Islam. He was renowned for his patience, hence the idiom "Sabr Ayoub" (the patience of Job), which means complete patience and constancy.See Mursaleen .


'Aziz

  1. "Al-'Aziz". The Almighty. One of the ninety-nine attributes of Allah Ta'ala. See Holy Qur'an, Al-Hajj' (22):40. See Asmaul Husna LIST????.
  2. Title of Egyptian noblemen during the time of the Pharaohs. Zulaikha was the wife of the 'Aziz who tried, but failed, to tempt the Prophet Yusuf (Joseph), peace be on him, into seduction. See Holy Qur' an, Yusuf(12):23 - 24.

Azlaam

Literally means "arrows". It was used in divination to seek good fortune in any decision taken by the pre-Islamic pagan Arabs. See Holy Qur' an, al-Maida (5):90.


Azwaja

Pairs, as in husband and wife.