Comparative Religion: Islam and Muhammad

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on Muhammad and the fundamental aspects of Islam, helping to clarify important terms and descriptions related to the religion.

Islam

A religion that means surrender or submission, where Muslims submit to Allah.

Muhammad

The Prophet of Islam, born in Mecca in 570 AD, who received revelations from Allah.

Koran

The holy book of Islam, containing the words of Muhammad as revealed by Allah.

Hijira

Muhammad's flight from Mecca to Yathrib (Medina), marking year 1 in the Muslim calendar.

Five Pillars of Islam

The foundation of a Muslim's faith and practice, including Shahadah, Salat, Zakat, Ramadan, and Hajj.

Shahadah

The Islamic creed that declares there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet.

Salat

The practice of praying five times a day, facing Mecca.

Zakat

Charitable giving or almsgiving, important in Islam for social justice.

Ramadan

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed with fasting from dawn until sunset.

Hajj

The pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime.

Allah

The Arabic word for God in Islam, with 99 names representing different attributes.

Sunni

The largest branch of Islam, comprising about 85% of Muslims, who believe in elected leadership.

Shia

The minority sect of Islam, about 15%, who believe in leadership through Ali's lineage.

Jihad

The struggle for faith; the greater jihad is personal, while the lesser jihad involves spreading Islam.

Hadiths

Records of the words and actions of Muhammad, serving as a source of guidance for Muslims.

Caliphate

The Islamic state led by a Caliph, considered a political and religious successor to Muhammad.

Kabah Stone

A sacred stone housed in the Kabah, which is the focal point of pilgrimage for Muslims.

Prostration

Complete submission in prayer, symbolizing devotion to Allah's will.

Medina

The city to which Muhammad and his followers migrated, previously known as Yathrib.

Mosque

A place of worship in Islam; the architectural design evolved from Muhammad's house in Medina.

Sura

A chapter in the Koran, each containing revelations received by Muhammad, totaling 114 chapters.

Imam

A leader in the Islamic faith; in Shia Islam, the Imam is considered a direct descendant of Muhammad.

Caliph

The political and religious leader in Islam, chosen after Muhammad's death.

Divine Revelations

The communications from Allah to prophets, including Muhammad, considered sacred in Islam.

Angels and Devils

Spiritual beings in Islam that can influence individuals, playing roles in faith and morality.

Hagar

The mother of Ishmael and an important figure in Islamic tradition, known for her search for water.

Karbala

The site of the martyrdom of Husayn, Ali's son, significant in Shia Islam.

Umayyad Caliphate

The first major Islamic caliphate established after the death of Muhammad, lasting several centuries.

Fasting

The act of abstaining from food and drink during Ramadan as a means of spiritual discipline.

Modesty

A key cultural and religious concept in Islam, particularly regarding women's behavior and dress.

Book Painting

A significant art form in Islamic culture, developing unique styles in Arab and Persian traditions.