Worship: Christian and Muslim Perspectives

A series of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to Christian and Muslim worship practices.

Eucharist

A Christian sacrament that represents the Last Supper of Jesus, also known as Holy Communion.

Transubstantiation

The Roman Catholic belief that during the Eucharist, bread and wine are transformed into the actual body and blood of Christ.

Consubstantiation

The belief held by some Protestants that the bread and wine coexist with the body and blood of Christ during Communion.

Liturgy

A set order of formal worship that combines ordinary elements (unchanging) and proper elements (changing each week).

Salat

The Islamic practice of ritual prayer performed five times daily by Muslims.

Zakat

An obligatory form of almsgiving in Islam, often seen as a form of wealth purification, typically set at 2.5% of one's total wealth.

Hajj

A pilgrimage to Mecca that is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, required at least once in a lifetime for Muslims who are physically and financially able.

Jihad

An Arabic term meaning 'struggle' or 'striving,' which can refer to both personal spiritual striving and defense of the Muslim community.

Dhikr

A form of Islamic remembrance of God, involving the recitation of specific phrases or prayers.

Ashura

A significant day for Shia Muslims commemorating the martyrdom of Husayn, the grandson of Muhammad.

Ihram

A sacred state and specific clothing that Muslims enter into during the Hajj pilgrimage.

Mihrab

A niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the direction of Mecca, towards which Muslims pray.

Khums

An annual tax of 20% paid by Shia Muslims, given to Imams for the redistribution to the poor.

Parochial Masses

Worship services that align with the Church calendar, often held regularly at local congregations.

Lent

The 40-day period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter in the Christian liturgical calendar.

Communion

The Christian practice of partaking in bread and wine to remember the Last Supper, signifying unity with God and the community.

All Hallow's Eve

The evening before All Saints Day, traditionally celebrated on October 31.