World Relgions - Islam Vocabulary

Abu Bakr

First caliph of Islam after the death of Muhammad

Arabic

Language of Islam

Caliph

successor to Muhammad as political and religious leader of Muslim

Sunni

A branch of Islam whose members acknowledge the first four caliphs as the rightful successors of Muhammad

Shia

A branch of Islam whose members acknowledge Ali and his descendants as the rightful successors of Muhammad

5 Pillars : Shahada

Declaration of faith, distinguish themselves as muslim

5 Pillars : Salat

Prayer, Muslims are supposed to pray 5 times a day

5 Pillars : Zakat

Almsgiving and Charity, annual donation of 2.5% of wealth

5 Pillars : Sawm

Fasting during Ramadan, Muslims are to abstain from food, drink, smoking, and sexual activity from dawn to dusk

5 Pillars : Hajj

Pilgrimage to Mecca, once in a Muslims life they visit the holiest city

Hadith

The compiled work of the life and teachings of Muhammad and commentary on the Qur'an (Sunni believe to be holy)

Qur'an

The sacred writings of Islam revealed by God to the prophet Muhammad (main scripture of Islam)

Sharia

Body of Islamic law that includes interpretation of the Quran and applies Islamic principles to everyday life

Imam

The religious leader of Sunni and Shia branches; a leader of prayer in a mosque

Kaaba

A black stone building in Mecca that is shaped like a cube and that is the most sacred Muslim pilgrim shrine

Masjid

Arabic word for mosque

Mecca

the holiest city of Islam; Muhammad's birthplace

Belief in the Oneness of God

God is the all-powerful, all-knowing creator of all things. Only him and he is without a body

Belief in Angels

Angels are mentioned several times in the Qur'an

Belief in the Holy Books

Belief in the holy books

Belief in Prophets

Main prophet: Muhammad, additional prophets: Jesus, Moses, Abraham

Belief in the Day of Judgement

Those who follow God will reach paradise, but those who don't will be punished. (angel with clipboard)

Belief in God's Providence/Grace

God has a plan for our lives and the universe

Sufism

A group of devotional movements in Islam, sometimes referred to as a separate sect. (like Islamic version of Monks)