islam

Islam

A religion meaning 'submission to God's will'; practiced by 1.9 billion people.

Al-fana

The extinction of one’s sense of separate existence before achieving union with Allah; the aim for Sufi mystics.

Caliphs

The military and political leaders of the Muslim community who succeeded Muhammad after his death.

Hijra

The emigration of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Yathrib (Medina) in AD 622; the founding event of the Muslim community.

Shari’a

The divine law derived from the Qur’an and Sunna, detailing how Muslims should live in submission to God.

Shaykh

A teacher and master in Islam, particularly in Sufism.

Shi’i/Shi’a

The division of Islam dominant in Iraq and Iran, believing leadership should remain within the Prophet's family.

Sufi

An adherent of Sufism, characterized by a mystical approach to Allah.

Sunna

The teachings and actions of Muhammad, providing a model for being Muslim.

Sunni

The division of Islam practiced by most Muslims, believing any capable leader could lead the community.

Five Pillars

The core acts of worship in Islam: Shahada, Salat, Sawm, Zakat, and Hajj.

Shahada

The central confession of faith in Islam: 'There is no god except God. Muhammad is the messenger of God.'

Salat

The requirement for Muslims to pray five times a day.

Sawm

Fasting during the month of Ramadan, from dawn to sunset.

Zakat

Wealth sharing; Muslims contribute 2.5% of their wealth to a public treasury yearly.

Hajj

The pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim must undertake once in their lifetime if able.

Imam

A leader of prayer in a mosque or a spiritual leader in the community.

Jihad

Struggle, often interpreted as a personal spiritual journey or armed struggle.

Ka’ba

The sacred structure in Mecca’s Great Mosque, central to Islamic worship.

Mosque

A place of worship for Muslims, often the center of community life.

Ramadan

The ninth Islamic month, marked by fasting and prayer.

Seal of the Prophets

The title given to Muhammad, signifying he is the last prophet of Islam.

Night of Power and Excellence

The night the angel Gabriel first appeared to Muhammad, marking the beginning of his prophetic career.

Sura

A chapter of the Qur'an.

Qur’an

Islam’s primary sacred text, regarded as the direct word of Allah revealed to Muhammad.

Umma

The community of all Muslims.

Khadija

Muhammad's wife and the first follower of Islam.

Husayn

Ali’s son; his death in the Battle of Karbala was pivotal in the Sunni-Shi’a split.

Battle of Karbala

The event marking the definitive sectarian split between Sunni and Shi’a Islam.

Eid al-Fitr

The festival celebrating the end of Ramadan, also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast.

Eid al-Adha

The festival commemorating the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, celebrated during the Hajj.

Tawhid

The concept of the absolute oneness of God in Islam.

Hafiz

A person who has memorized the entire Qur'an.

Ali

Cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad, central figure in Shi’a Islam.

Karbala

The site of the significant battle that solidified the split between Sunni and Shi'a Islam.