ISLAM REVIEWER

7th century CE in Mecca

where and when did islam begin?

610 BCE

The first revelation from Allah through angel Gabriel

Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Abdul-Muttalib

The founder and a key figure in islamic religion

Qur’an

It is the central religious text of Islam, believed by muslims to be the literal verbatim word of God revealed in Arabic language to the prophet Muhammad over a 23 year period

Hadith

record of the words, actions, or silent approvals of the prophet Muhammad. Human report of the Prophet’s life

TAWHID

the belief in the absolute oneness of Allah. It means that Allah alone is the Creator, Sustainer, and ruler of the universe, and he only deserves worship. Allah has no partners or equals

prophethood

the belief that God chooses certain people and they are called prophets to guide and teach humanity what is right and wrong.

Angels

spiritual beings created by Allah to carry out His commands.

HOLY BOOKS

the sacred writings of different religions. They teach beliefs, values and how to live a good life.

The day of judgement

when all people are judged by allah for their actions and receive their final reward or punishment.

Divine decree

the belief that God has a plan for everything that happens, nothing occurs by accident.

Mosque

The place of worship for islam

Masjid

place of prostration

Shahada

the fundemental belief in the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad. It serves as a gateway to faith.

Salah

performing ritual prayers five times a day while facing kaaba in mecca

Zakat

Giving a fixed proportion usually (2.5%) of one’s savings to the poor and needy

sawm

fasting during the ramadan is a practice of self discipline and empathy. It allows muslims to experience hunger, fostering compassion for the poor while focusing one spiritual growth and the teachings of the Qur’an

Hajj (pilgrimage)

the pilgrimage to Mecca represents the ultimate act of worship and unity. It reminds muslims of the trials of the prophet Muhammad and emphasizes that all believers are equal before God, regardless of race or social status.

Eid al-Fitr

Marks the end of Ramadan. Celebrated with communal prayers

Eid al-Adha

also called the festival of sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. Observed with prayers and distributing meat to the poor

Qurbani

animal sacrifice

Mawlid an-Nabi

Celebrates the birth of the prophet Muhammad.

Crescent

Islam follows a lunar calendar, and the sighting of the crescent moon (hilāl) marks the beginning of each month. This is especially important for:

• Ramadan (start of fasting)

• Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha
  So the crescent became a natural visual symbol tied to Islamic practice and rhythm of life.

Star and crescent

he star is often added, but:

• It has no religious requirement or fixed meaning

• Different cultures interpret it differently (guidance, light, etc.)

Rub el hizb

• A star-shaped symbol made of two overlapping squares

• Usually shown as eight points, sometimes with a small circle in the center

Khatim

generally means “seal” or “signet”, and its importance depends on how the word is being used. The most significant meanings are these:

Kaaba

• cube-shaped structure in Mecca, inside the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram)

• Considered the House of Allah (Bayt Allah) in an honorific sense

• Empty inside—no idols, images, or objects of worship

House of wisdom (Baghdad)

also known as the center of learning

Al-Razi and Ibn Sina

They were known as islamic major medical pioneers

Zakat

Also known as charity. supports the poor, orphans and the needy