The Qur'an and the Early Life of Prophet Muhammad

Vocabulary flashcards detailing key terms, concepts, figures, and historical milestones from the notes on the Qur'an and the early life of Prophet Muhammad.

Qur'an

The uncreated Arabic Speech of Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad through Angel Jibreel, meaning 'reading' or 'recitation'.

Wahy

Direct divine inspiration delivered as a quick suggestion into the heart or mind.

Tawrah

The divine scripture revealed by Allah to Prophet Musa.

Zabur

The divine scripture revealed by Allah to Prophet Dawud.

Injeel

The divine scripture revealed by Allah to Prophet Isa.

Inimitability of the Qur'an

The miraculous nature of the Qur'an meaning no one can produce a book like it due to its unique Arabic style, perfect guidance, and absence of contradictions.

Al-Furqan

A name of the Qur'an meaning 'The Criterion'.

Adh-Dhikr

A name of the Qur'an meaning 'The Reminder'.

At-Tanzeel

A name of the Qur'an meaning 'The Revelation'.

An-Noor

A name of the Qur'an meaning 'The Light'.

Hudaa

A name of the Qur'an meaning 'Guidance'.

Rahmah

A name of the Qur'an meaning 'Mercy'.

Majeed

A name of the Qur'an meaning 'Glorious'.

Mubarak

A name of the Qur'an meaning 'Blessed'.

Nadheer

A name of the Qur'an meaning 'Warner'.

Laylatul Qadr

The 'Night of Power' in the month of Ramadan on which the first revelation of the Qur'an occurred.

Cave of Hiraa'

The cave on Jabal an-Noor near Makkah where Prophet Muhammad meditated and received the first revelation.

Surah Al-‘Alaq (96:1–5)

The first five verses of the Qur'an revealed to Prophet Muhammad, beginning with 'Read in the Name of your Lord Who has created'.

Surah Al-Muddaththir (74:1–5)

The second revelation received by Prophet Muhammad, commanding him to arise and warn.

Hajjatul Wada’

The Farewell Pilgrimage performed by Prophet Muhammad in the 10th year after Hijrah (632 CE) where he delivered the Farewell Sermon.

Soorah

A chapter of the Qur'an; there are 114 Soorahs in total.

Aayah

A verse of the Qur'an (plural: Aayaat), literally meaning a 'Sign' of Allah.

Juz'

One of 30 equal divisions of the Qur'an, helping Muslims complete its recitation in one month.

Hizb

A division of the Qur'an equal to half a Juz', totaling 60 Hizbs across the text.

Manzil

One of 7 equal divisions of the Qur'an, helping Muslims complete its recitation in one week.

Makkan Soorahs

The 85 chapters revealed before Hijrah, focusing on Tawheed, Prophethood, the Day of Judgment, and morality.

Madinan Soorahs

Chapters revealed after Hijrah, which are usually longer and focus on legal regulations, worship, family matters, and social guidance.

Nadhm

The logical connection, coherence, and structural harmony between verses and chapters in the Qur'an.

Year of the Elephant (571 CE)

The birth year of Prophet Muhammad in Makkah, named after the year Abrahah's army of elephants was destroyed while attempting to attack the Ka'bah.

Haleemah As-Sa'diyyah

The Bedouin foster mother from Banu Sa'd who raised Prophet Muhammad in the desert during his early childhood.

Splitting of the Chest

A childhood miracle where Angel Jibreel opened Prophet Muhammad's chest, removed a black clot, and washed his heart with Zamzam water to purify him.

Baheeraa

The Christian monk who recognized the signs of Prophethood in 12-year-old Muhammad during a trade journey to Syria.

Fijaar War

A sacrilegious war in which Prophet Muhammad participated indirectly at around 20 years old by collecting arrows for his uncles.

Hilf al-Fudool

The 'Alliance of the Virtuous' formed in Makkah to establish justice and protect the weak, poor, and oppressed.

As-Saadiq and Al-Ameen

Titles given to Prophet Muhammad by the Makkans meaning 'The Truthful' and 'The Trustworthy'.

Khadeejah bint Khuwaylid

A wealthy businesswoman of Quraysh who hired Muhammad for trade, married him when he was 25, and became the first believer in Islam.

Jabal an-Noor

The 'Mountain of Light' near Makkah where the Cave of Hiraa' is located.

Fatrat al-Wahiy

The temporary pause or interruption of divine revelation after the first experience in the Cave of Hiraa'.

Secret Call

The initial three-year phase of preaching Islam privately and cautiously to trusted individuals.

Mount Safaa

The hill in Makkah where Prophet Muhammad gathered the Quraysh to begin the public call to Islam.

Tawheed

The core message of Islam, asserting the Oneness of Allah and directing all worship exclusively to Him.

Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq

The first adult male Muslim, who later ordered the official compilation of the Qur'an into one book during his caliphate.

Uthman ibn Affan

The Caliph who oversaw the preparation and distribution of standard official copies of the compiled Qur'an.