Key Concepts in Islamic History

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts in Islamic history.

Sunni

The majority Muslim religious tradition that reveres the first four Caliphs as Muhammad’s legitimate successors.

Sufism

Muslim religious orders that emphasize individual salvation and love between man and God through devotional practices.

Shi’a

Muslims who believe that prophecy passed from Muhammad to his son-in-law Ali and his blood descendants.

Quran/Qur’an

The sacred text of Islam, believed to be the word of God as dictated to Muhammad.

Hadith

Authenticated reports of the actions or sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, a key source of Islamic law.

Jizyah

A tax levied on non-Muslims.

Umma

The worldwide community of Muslims.

Shari’ah

The law of God based on the Quran and Hadith.

Muhammad

The Prophet of Islam, who lived from 570-632 AD.

Fatima

The daughter of Muhammad and wife of Ali, lived c. 606–632.

Ali

Cousin of Muhammad, married to Fatima, fourth Caliph according to Sunnis and first rightful Caliph according to Shi’as.

Timur

A Turkic conqueror born in the 1320s, known for his conquests in Central Asia.

Osman

The founder of the Ottoman Empire, born in 1290, died in 1324.

Babur

The founder of the Mughal Empire, born in 1483, died in 1530.

Shah Ismail

The founder of the Safavid Empire, born in 1487, died in 1524.

Ulema/ulama

Muslim clergy, learned in Islamic sciences.

Caliph

The political successor to the Prophet Muhammad.

Mahdi

A future redeemer in Islam associated with the end of times.

Imam

Leader of a Shi’a community, also a prayer leader in a mosque.

Qadi

A judge of Islamic law.

Shaikh/pir

A Sufi teacher.

Dervish/Darwish

A member of a Sufi order.

Jinn

Spirits lower than angels, capable of influencing humans for good or evil.

Shah/padishah/shahanshah

Titles for rulers or kings in Islamic tradition.

Sultan

The ruler of an Islamic country.

Mansabdar

Mughal military and bureaucratic elite with temporary land grants.

Vizier

A minister, especially in the Ottoman Empire.

Rajput

Hindu ruling communities of northwestern India.

Maratha

A Hindu community from Western India that opposed Mughal rule in the late 1600s.

Qizilbash

Shi’a militant groups that influenced the formation of the Safavid state.

Janissary

Members of the elite infantry units of the Ottoman sultan's household troops.

Dhimmi

Persons tolerated in a Muslim state, usually Jews and Christians.

Dargah

The tomb of a Muslim saint; a Muslim shrine.

Jagir

Military land grant awarded to support troops in Mughal India.

Madrasa

Muslim religious college, often adjacent to a mosque.

Hammam

Public bath, often built near a mosque.

Harem

The part of a Muslim palace reserved for women.

Caravansarai

A fortified rest house for merchants traveling in caravans.

Masjid

A mosque.