Islam Vocab

abrogation

a doctrine that refers to the Muslim claim that the chapters at the beginning of the Quran are more authoritative than those at the end (See Surah 2:106).

Caliph

A successor of Muhammad. Sunnis believe the first was Abu Bakr [one of Muhammad's fathers-in-law], while Shi'ites believe it was Ali [Muhammad's first cousin].

dawah

To call, summon, or invite people to Islam through various missionary activities.

John L. Esposito

American Professor of International affairs and Islamic Affairs at Georgetown University in the nation's capital. Also the Director of the Prince Alwaleed Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding there too.

al- Ghazali

Influential Iranian philosopher, theologian, and mystic who helped to reconcile Sufism with orthodox Islam. Also came up with the Kalam Cosmological Argument [for God's existence].

hadith

A biography and tradition that is believed to include the words or deeds of the Prophet Muhammad; next to the Quran, can be the most important basis [and authority] for Islamic law.

imam

the person who leads prayers in a mosque.

Isa

The name for Jesus in Islam, who, according to them was a perfect, virgin-born, prophet that is also the Messiah.

jinn

One of the supernatural beings of Islam; an immaterial being of fire of lower rank than the angels.

Kaaba [Ka'aba]

Sacred space within Mecca that contains the Black Stone, an ancient site with origins linked to the patriarch, Abraham. Where Muslims gather during their hajj (pilgrimage) and circumambulate [circle] 7 times.

ibn Kathir

Famous 14th century Muslim commentator on the Quran whose writings have consistently been used by groups such as al-Qaeda and ISIS.

minaret

A distinctive feature of mosque architecture, a tower from which the faithful are called to worship.

People of the Book

Muslims are known for calling Christians and Jews this phrase in the Quran

Sahih Sitta

Refers to the "Authentic Six" in reference to the 6 biographies/traditions of Muhammad's life that are considered authoritative

Sufism

An Islamic mystical tradition--although a definite minority of Muslims--that claim a personal union with God--that was believed to be wrong, but philosopher al-Ghazali wrote and legitimized it.

Surah

The name for a chapter of the Qur'an, of which there are 114.

tawheed [tawhid]

The crucial Islamic doctrine that refers to the oneness of Allah [that God is one].

umma [ummah]

community, meant to refer to nation or islamic community everywhere

Verse of the Sword

Refers to how Muslims should be violent towards those who do not believe Allah to be God [Surah 9:29].

Zakir Naik

One of the world's most influential Muslims today. This Indian Muslim's oratory skills and knowledge of other religions is often used to influence people to want to become Muslim.