Glossary of Islamic Terms & Phrases

A.H.

Refers to the years after the Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) migration from Mecca to Medina; marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

A.S.

An abbreviation for Alayhis Salaam, meaning “peace be upon him,” used for prophets and holy figures.

Abad/Azal

Means “eternal” or “forever” in positive contexts; can also mean “never” depending on usage.

Abd

Literally means “servant” or “slave,” often used to indicate a devoted worshipper of Allah.

Adab

Islamic etiquette; includes good manners, behavior, and respect for others.

Adhan

The call to prayer that signals the start of the five daily prayers.

Adl

Means “justice” or “fairness”; also one of Allah’s attributes.

Ahad

Means “the One”; signifies Allah’s unique and singular nature.

Ahlul-Bayt (Ahl al-Bayt)

“People of the Household,” referring to the family of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

Ahzab

Means “groups” or “alliances”; historically, the name of the coalition that attacked Medina.

Akhirah

Refers to life after death; the Hereafter.

Akhlaq

Good moral character, ethics, and proper behavior.

Alhamdulillah

Means “all praise belongs to Allah”; used to show gratitude.

Alhamdulillah Ala Kulli Haal

Means “praise be to Allah in every situation.”

Allahu Musta’an

Acknowledges that only Allah’s help can truly assist us.

Alim

A scholar or learned person in Islamic knowledge; also one of Allah’s names meaning “All-Knowing.”

Allah

The Arabic term for God.

Allahu Akbar

Means “God is the Greatest,” commonly recited in prayers and remembrance.

Amanah

The concept of trustworthiness; fulfilling responsibilities faithfully.

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Islamic greeting meaning “Peace and God’s mercy and blessings be upon you.”

Ayah / Ayat

A verse of the Qur’an; ayat is the plural form.

A’lam

Means “worlds” or “universes”; often used in the phrase “Rabbil-Alamin” — “Lord of all worlds.”

Allah Azza Wa Jalla / Allah Azzawajal

Honorifics for Allah meaning “The Mighty and Majestic.”

Allah Subhana Watala (SWT)

Means “Glory be to Him, the Exalted”; a respectful phrase when mentioning Allah.

Allah Yahdina

Means “May Allah guide us on the right path.”

Allah Yashfeek

Means “May Allah grant you healing.”

Allah Yerhamo

Means “May Allah have mercy on him”; said for deceased males.

Allahumma Ameen

Means “O Allah, please accept our prayer.”

Allahumma Barik

A supplication meaning “May Allah bless this or you.”

Ameen ya rabbul alameen

Means “Amen, O Lord of the Worlds,” typically said after a prayer.

Ameen

Means “O Allah, accept it”; said at the end of supplications.

Amin

A male name meaning “faithful” or “trustworthy.”

Arafah

The day before Eid al-Adha; the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah.

Asabiyyah

Refers to solidarity or loyalty within a group or tribe.

Asr

The afternoon obligatory prayer.

Auzubillah minashaitan nirajeem

Means “I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed devil.”

Awrah

Parts of the body that must be covered in public according to Islamic guidelines.

Ayatul Kursi

Verse 255 of Surah Al-Baqarah, highlighting Allah’s sovereignty; widely memorized for protection.

Baab Al Salaam

Means “Gate of Peace”; refers to bringing or entering peace.

Baligh

Someone who has reached maturity or adulthood according to Islamic law.

Baqi

Everlasting or remaining; often used for Jannatul-Baqi cemetery in Medina.

Barakah

Divine blessing; an increase in goodness or abundance.

Batil

Invalid, false, or incorrect; used for actions or beliefs that are wrong.

Batin

Inner or hidden meaning, as opposed to the outward appearance.

Biddah

Religious innovation contrary to the teachings of Islam.

Bismillah hir rahman nir raheem

“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,” recited before tasks.

Bismillah

“In the name of Allah,” used before starting activities.

Bulugh

Reaching puberty or legal adulthood in Islam.

Burqa

Garment covering the body, including the face, traditionally worn by some Muslim women.

Caliph

A leader of the Muslim community; successor to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

C.E.

Common Era; a secular calendar term corresponding to AD.

Dar-al-Islam

Land under Islamic rule where Islamic law is practiced.

Durood

Blessings and salutations sent on the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

Da’wah

The act of inviting others to understand Islam.

Deen (Din)

Religion or way of life; often refers to Islam.

Dhikr

Remembrance of Allah, often through recitation of His names.

Dhimmi

Non-Muslims living under Muslim rule with protected status.

Dua

Supplication or prayer seeking Allah’s help or blessings.

Dunya

The temporal world; life before the Hereafter.

Dhuhr

The midday obligatory prayer.

Dhul Hijjah

The twelfth month of the Islamic calendar; Hajj occurs during this month.

Dhul Qidah

The eleventh month of the Islamic calendar, a sacred month.

Eid

A festival celebrated by Muslims.

Eid ul-Adha

Festival of Sacrifice commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion.

Eid ul-Fitr

Festival marking the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting.

Fajr

The dawn prayer, the first of the five daily prayers.

Faqih

A scholar of Islamic jurisprudence.

Fiqh

Islamic jurisprudence; understanding of Islamic law.

Fard

An obligatory act in Islam.

Fitnah

Trials, tribulations, or civil strife; also temptation leading away from Allah.

Fatiha

The opening chapter of the Qur’an, recited in daily prayers.

Fatima

Name of the Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) daughter; also a common female name.

Fatwa

A legal opinion or ruling in Islamic law.

Fimanallah

“In Allah’s protection”; a farewell phrase.

Fitrah

The natural, pure state of human beings inclined toward Allah.

Ghadeer

Refers to the event at Ghadir Khumm, important in Islamic history.

Ghaflah

Negligence or heedlessness, often in spiritual matters.

Ghasbi

Wrongful or unlawful taking of something.

Ghazi

A warrior or fighter in the cause of Islam.

Ghazwah

A military expedition or battle involving the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

Ghufranaka

“We seek Your forgiveness”; used in supplications.

Ghusl

Full-body ritual purification in Islam.

Halal

Permissible under Islamic law.

Hamdullah

Expression of praise for Allah.

Haram

Forbidden under Islamic law.

Hajj

Pilgrimage to Mecca, obligatory once in a lifetime for those who can afford it.

Hijab

A head covering worn by Muslim women; also modest dress.

Hikmah

Wisdom; understanding of truth and proper conduct.

Hafiz

One who has memorized the entire Qur’an.

Halaq

Study circle or gathering for learning Islamic knowledge.

Hawa

Desires or inclinations; sometimes used to refer to human ego.

Iftar

The meal breaking the fast during Ramadan.

Ihram

State of spiritual purity and garments worn during Hajj or Umrah.

Ihsan

Excellence in faith; doing good with sincerity.

Ijaz

Miraculous quality of the Qur’an or divine permission.

Imam

Leader of prayer or community; a religious guide.

Iman

Faith or belief in Allah and the unseen.

Injil

The Gospel given to Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him).

Innallaha Ma Sabireen

“Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un

“We belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.”