islam terms

mosque

place of worship; community center for prayer, education, and social gatherings

Surah

chapter in the Qur’an. each varies in length covers a wide range of moral/storied themes. 114 surahs, sorted by longest to shortest length

Mecca

birthplace of Muhammad in now-Saudi Arabia, holiest city in Islam, pilgrimage destination during Hajj and includes the Kaaba

Qur’an

holy book of islam (recitation); direct words of Allah revealed to the Prophet Muhammad → 114 surahs written in Arabic

Prophet Muhammad

final prophet in Islam, born in Mecca around 570. received divine revelations forming Quran, unified tribes of Arabia under Islam

Salah

prayer; performed 5 times a day facing the Kaaba as part of the Five Pillars, connect with Allah w/ movements and recitations

Ghaflah

forgetfulness of Allah or deviation from the straight path; similar to sin

Minaret

a tall, slender tower attached to a mosque; used for call to prayer (adhan) and symbolizes presence of Islam in a community

Zakat

form of almsgiving (charity) treated as a tax, portion of wealth to those in need to help community; part of Five Pillars

Hijrah

the migration of Muhammad and his followers to Medina to gain refuge; first year of the Islamic calendar from 622 CE

Angels

celestial beings created from light; serve God by delivering his messages, recording human actions, and carrying out divine commands

Ummah

global community of Muslims united by their faith; emphasizes brotherhood, solidarity, and support

Sunnah

the practices/examples set by Muhammad, serving as a model to follow and shapes traditions/law

Ka’aba

cube structure located in the Great Mosque of Mecca; most sacred site in Islam and serves as qibla (direction to face during prayer)

Five Pillars of Islam

foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practice: Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (ramadan fast), and Hajj (mecca pilgrimage)

Medinah

city that was a refuge for Muhammad and his followers; second holiest site in Islam

Muslim

someone who follows and practices Islam

Imam

spiritual leader/teacher/guide in Islam, holds community role for worship and teaching to help support followers

Hajj

annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, mandatory for all to take at least once in life, done during month of Dhul-Hijjah; part of Five Pillars

Jerusalem

third holiest city in Islam, location of “Farthest Mosque” where Muhammad was miraculously transported during the Night Journey from Mecca, ascending to Heaven and receiving divine instructions

Prophets

messengers chosen by Allah to guide humanity, like Abraham, Jesus, and Muhammad (final)

Tawhid

concept of monotheism (extremely strict), singular and here forever, reject all polytheism or partners or idols

Salvation

achieved through obedience to Allah and his guidance from the Qur’an and Sunnah, performing righteous deeds, and maintaining faith; done to ensure paradise after death

Islam

submission to Allah, peace

Ramadan

ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, period of dawn to dusk fasting for spiritual reflection and growth

Afterlife

individuals held accountable for their actions during their lifetime, Day of Judgement determines their fate in paradise (Jannah) or hell (Jahannam)

Hadith

collections of sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, serving as a major source of guidance for Muslims; clarifies law and ethics