Islam Study

Islam

A religion that believes in the teachings presented by the prophet Muhammad as the word of God.

Muslim

Someone who follows the religion of Islam.

Prophet

Someone who communicates the word from God or one who has a direct relationship with God.

Muhammad

The prophet of Islam who received revelations from God in the 600s.

Allah

God; the name for God in Islam.

Qur’an

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

Mecca

The birthplace of Muhammad and a significant city in Islam.

Ka’aba

A sacred site in Mecca that Muslims face during prayer.

Five Pillars

The basic acts of worship that are central to a Muslim's faith and practice.

Hajj

The pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim is required to make at least once if financially and physically able.

Ramadan

The 9th month in the Islamic calendar, characterized by fasting during daylight hours.

Caliph

A leader in the Islamic community, regarded as a successor to Muhammad.

Sunni

A branch of Islam that accepts the first four caliphs as rightful successors to Muhammad.

Shi’a

A branch of Islam that holds that Muhammad designated Ali as his rightful successor.

“People of the Book”

A term used in Islam to refer to Jews and Christians who have received scriptures from God.

Mosque

A place of worship for Muslims.

Sakk

A financial instrument in the Islamic world, similar to a check that facilitated trade.

Urbanization

The process of making an area more urban or city-like.

House of Wisdom

An academic center during the Islamic Golden Age where scholars gathered to share knowledge.

Cosmopolitan

Familiar with and at ease in many different cultures.

Golden age

A period of great prosperity and cultural achievement in Islamic history.