islam review

Allah

"The Arabic word for God in Islam; the one and only deity in Islamic belief."

Hadith

"A collection of sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad; used as a source of Islamic law and moral guidance."

Hajj

"The annual pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims must perform at least once in their lifetime if able; one of the Five Pillars of Islam."

Halal

"Permissible or lawful under Islamic law

Hijab

"A headscarf worn by many Muslim women as a sign of modesty and religious commitment."

Hijrah

"The migration of Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE; marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar."

Imam

A leader of prayer in a mosque; in Shia Islam, also refers to a divinely appointed spiritual leader."

Islam

"A monotheistic religion that means 'submission to God'; followers are called Muslims."

Jerusalem

"A city considered holy in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism; home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third holiest site."

Salat

"The five daily prayers required in Islam; one of the Five Pillars."

Jinns

"Supernatural beings created from smokeless fire in Islamic belief; can be good, evil, or neutral."

Shahada

"The Islamic declaration of faith: 'There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger.'"

Ka'bah

"A cube-shaped building in Mecca regarded as the most sacred site in Islam; Muslims face its direction when praying."

Mecca

"The holiest city in Islam; birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and site of the Ka'bah."

Shari'a

"Islamic law derived from the Qur’an, Hadith, and other sources; governs both religious and day-to-day life."

Medina

"The second holiest city in Islam; Prophet Muhammad migrated there and is buried there."

Minaret

"A tower attached to a mosque from which the call to prayer (adhan) is announced."

Shiite Muslims

Followers of the Shia branch of Islam, who believe leadership should have stayed within the Prophet’s family."

Mosque

"A place of worship for Muslims."

Sufi Muslims

"Followers of Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam focusing on spiritual closeness to Allah through rituals and devotion."

Sunni Muslims

"Followers of the largest branch of Islam; believe in the elected caliphate after Prophet Muhammad's death."

Polygamy

"The practice of having more than one wife; permitted in Islam under specific conditions."

Qur'an/Koran

"The holy book of Islam, believed to be the literal word of God as revealed to Prophet Muhammad."

pillars of islam

Shahada (Creed)"Declaration of faith: 'There is no god but Allah

Salat (Prayer)"Five daily prayers facing Mecca, at specific times: dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and night."

Zakat (Almsgiving)"Annual charity—2.5% of savings—to help the poor and those in need."

Sawm (Fasting) "Fasting during Ramadan from dawn to sunset; promotes self-control and empathy for the poor."

Hajj (Pilgrimage) "Mandatory once in a lifetime (if able), pilgrimage to Mecca during specific dates in the Islamic calendar."

Marriage in Islam

"Seen as a contract and a religious duty; promotes family and community."

Women in Islam

"Women have rights to education, property, and marriage consent; roles vary by culture and interpretation."

Food in Islam

"Halal dietary laws; pork and alcohol prohibited; ritual slaughter (zabiha) required for meat."

Death Rituals

"Body washed, wrapped in white cloth, and buried quickly; no embalming; Janazah prayer is recited."

Birth Rituals

"Call to prayer (adhan) whispered in baby's ear; naming on 7th day; Aqiqah (animal sacrifice) often performed."

Allah

"The one and only God; all-powerful, all-knowing, merciful."

Holy Books

"Includes the Qur'an, Torah, Psalms, Gospel; Qur'an is the final and unchanged word of God."

Angels

"Created from light; serve God; include Gabriel (Jibril) who revealed the Qur'an to Muhammad."

Djinns

"Created from smokeless fire; free will like humans; can be good or evil."

Prophets

"Messengers of God; include Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (the final prophet)."

Day of Judgement

"All souls judged by Allah; paradise or hell based on deeds and faith."

Islam Worldwide Stats

"2nd largest religion; over 1.9 billion followers globally; fastest-growing major religion."

Prophets in Qur'an

"25 mentioned by name; key figures include Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad."

Muhammad - The Final Prophet

"Born in Mecca (570 CE), received Qur'an over 23 years via Angel Gabriel; died in 632 CE."

Qur'an vs Hadith

"Qur'an is God's word; Hadith are sayings/actions of Muhammad, secondary in authority."

Sunni vs Shi'ite

sunni: believe leadership should go to qualified person; Shi'ite: leadership belongs to Muhammad’s family (Ali)."

Ramadan

"Month of fasting from dawn to sunset; spiritual reflection and community."

Eid al-Fitr

"Festival at end of Ramadan; celebrates breaking the fast."

Eid al-Adha

"Festival during Hajj; honors Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son."

Status of Women

"Women have religious and legal rights; interpretation varies across cultures and schools of thought."