Islam Key Terms and defintions

Akhirah

The Muslim term for the belief in the Final Judgement and life after death. The choices humans make in this life will determine how they live the afterlife.

Al-Qadr

The Muslim term for 'predestination'. This means Muslims believe God has set out the destiny of all things.

Burkha

A long, loose-fitting garment which covers the whole body from head to feet. It is worn in public by some women and is compulsory for women in some Islamic countries.

Hijab

Often used to describe the headscarf, veil or modest dress worn by many Muslim women, who are required to cover everything except face and hands in the sight of anyone other than immediate family.

Id-ul-Fitr/Eid

Celebration of breaking the fast on the day after Ramadan ends. At this time Muslims are rewarded for their self-control and strength during fasting.

Isa

Isa is the 24th and penultimate prophet of Islam. In Christianity he is known as Jesus. Muslims believe Isa to be a messenger of God, and in no way divine. Isa is believed to have had a miraculous, fatherless birth. He was a healer of the sick and foretold the coming of the final Prophet, Muhammad.

Lesser Jihad

The word jihad means 'to strive'. Lesser jihad is a physical struggle or 'holy war' in defence of Islam.

Mecca/Makkah

Islam's holiest city, located in Saudi Arabia. Mecca is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the place where Islam originated. Mecca is the site of the Ka'ba, Islam's most sacred shrine, and is the destination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Muslims pray and worship facing towards Mecca, wherever they may be in the world.

Mosque

'Masjid' in Arabic, a 'place of prostration' for Muslims; it is a communal place of worship for a Muslim community.

Muhammad

The final prophet of Islam, to whom the Qur'an was revealed. Muslims believe Muhammad is/was a role model for Muslims because of the moral and spiritual way he lived his life.

Prophet

A messenger of Allah. The Qur'an says there are 25 prophets in Islam, beginning with Adam and ending with the Prophet Muhammad.

Ummah

Means 'community' and refers to the worldwide community of Muslims who share a common religious identity.