Key Terms and Concepts in Islam

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to Islam, including definitions and significance.

Ka’ba

Sacred cube-shaped shrine in Mecca, central to the Hajj pilgrimage.

Qur’an

Islam’s holy book, believed to be the word of God revealed to Muhammad.

Hijrah

Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina; marks the start of the Islamic calendar.

Hajj

Pilgrimage to Mecca, required once in a lifetime if financially/physically able.

Hadith

Recorded sayings and actions of Muhammad; guide for living out the Qur’an.

Shahadah

Declaration of faith – 'There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His prophet.'

Sawm

Fasting during Ramadan to cultivate self-discipline and empathy.

Zakat

Almsgiving; a duty to give to those in need, often calculated as a percentage of wealth.

Mecca

Birthplace of Muhammad and site of the Ka’ba; holiest city in Islam.

Medina

City where Muhammad established the Muslim community; second holiest city.

Ummah

The global Muslim community united in faith.

Mosque

A place of communal worship, learning, and prayer.

Salah

Ritual prayer performed five times daily facing Mecca.

Prophets’ Importance

Prophets like Abraham laid the foundation of monotheism; Muhammad, as the final prophet, shaped rituals and beliefs.

Muhammad’s Life

He preserved monotheism, taught the Qur’an, and united tribes under Islam, building spiritual and political foundations.

Five Pillars of Islam

Shahadah (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), Hajj (pilgrimage)—each represents submission, discipline, and community in Islam.

Sacred Spaces

Mecca and Medina hold deep religious meaning; mosques function as centers for prayer, learning, and unity.

Qur’an’s Role

Regarded as God’s direct word, it guides belief, law, and daily life.