Key Terms and Concepts in Islam

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to Islam.

al-fana

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

caliphs

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

Five Pillars

Specific religious and ethical requirements for Muslims: the confession of faith (Shahada), prayer or worship, fasting during Ramadan, wealth sharing, and the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj).

hajj

The fifth of the Five Pillars; the journey to Mecca that all Muslims are to make at least once in their lifetime, if they can afford it and are physically able.

Hijra

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

imam

The leader of the Friday worship service who directs the prayers and delivers a sermon.

Imam

For Shi'i Islam, an early successor to Muhammad and leader of Islam, acknowledged as possessing special spiritual insight.

jihad

The general spiritual struggle to be a devout Muslim; sometimes counted as the sixth pillar of Islam.

Ka'ba

The stone cubical structure in Mecca's courtyard, believed to have been built by Abraham, regarded as the sacred center of the earth.

mosque

The Muslim place of worship, traditionally including a prayer hall and courtyard.

Qur'an

Islam's primary sacred text, regarded as the direct words of Allah revealed to Muhammad through the archangel Gabriel.

Ramadan

The ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which Muslims fast.

Shahada

The confession of faith, the first of the Five Pillars: 'There is no god except God. Muhammad is the messenger of God.'

Shari'a

The divine law, derived from the Qur'an and Sunna, detailing how Muslims are to live.

shaykh

A teacher and master in Islam, such as the leader of an order in Sufism.

Shi'i

The division of Islam dominant in Iraq and Iran, originating from a dispute over leadership.

Sufi

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

Sunna

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

Sunni

The division of Islam practiced by most Muslims, named after the Sunna.

Umma

The community of all Muslims.