Glossary of Islamic Terms

The Arabic name of God.

A formal religious opinion on an aspect of Islamic law issued by a scholar of Islamic law.

Oral and written accounts of the words and deeds of the Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace).

The ritual pilgrimage to Mecca and surrounding places during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah. It is the fifth pillar of Islam and should be performed by all adult Muslims at least once in a lifetime if they have the physical ability and financial means to do so.

That which is permitted for a Muslim to do or to eat.

To cover one’s modesty. According to Islamic law, this means the modest covering of certain parts of one’s body depending on one’s gender and depending on whose presence one is in.

The emigration of the Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace) from Mecca to Medina in about 622 CE.

The Islamic leader, often the leader of a mosque or community. It may also be used to refer to the person that leads the prayer during Islamic gatherings. In Shi'ism, it refers to one of twelve historical persons chosen by God to succeed the Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace).

The religion followed by Muslims. It means the ‘total submission of oneself to God’.

The struggle of every individual Muslim to improve oneself, society, and the world at large for the sake of God. This struggle may be against one’s own insinuations and desires, or against a visible oppressor.

The cubical building located in Mecca, which is used as the direction of prayer for Muslims. It is also the structure around which Muslims perform ritual circumambulation during the Hajj and ‘Umra pilgrimages.

The Arabic word for a school, whether secular or religious.

Located in present-day western Saudi Arabia, it is the holiest city in Islam. It is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace) and the site of the Ka’ba, to which Muslims perform pilgrimage.

Located in present-day western Saudi Arabia, it is the second holiest city in Islam. It was the home of the Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace) after his migration from Mecca and is also his burial place.

A scholar of Islamic law, who is able to issue a fatwa.

The prophet of Islam. Muslims believe him to be the final prophet sent by God to guide all of mankind with the message of Islam.

An individual who adheres to the religion of Islam. It means ‘one who submits oneself to God’.

The holy book of Islam. Muslims believe it to be the literal word of God in Arabic, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace) over a period of twenty three years through the angel Gabriel.

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, in which Muslims believe the Qur’an began to be revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace). It is also the month in which Muslims are required to fast during daylight hours.

The second largest denomination of Islam, which emerged early in Islamic history from the partisans of the fourth caliph ‘Ali. One of the main beliefs of Shi’ism is that the caliph ‘Ali and his descendents were the true successors to the Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace).

The Islamic spiritual tradition of seeking nearness to God in this world, through turning away from everything but God and through inner contemplation of God.

The customs and actions that were performed by the Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace).

The largest denomination of Islam, which emerged early in Islamic history as a denomination that defined orthodox Islam in contrast to other sects. It is based on following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace) and the consensus of his community.

The worldwide community of Muslims.

The ritual pilgrimage to Mecca that can be performed at any time of the Islamic year. It is sometimes called the ‘lesser pilgrimage’.

The annual welfare tax that is obligatory on all adult Muslims to pay if they possess the minimum wealth required.