Islamic Glossary

The Islamic call to prayer, proclaimed loudly from the mosque five times a day by the muezzin (mu'adhdhin). It serves as a public reminder for Muslims to attend the congregational prayer.

"All praise is due to God." A phrase of gratitude used frequently in daily life and worship. It is the opening phrase of Surah Al-Fatihah.

"In the name of God." Said before beginning any action, meal, or recitation. The full form Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim opens every surah of the Quran except the ninth.

Remembrance of God through repeated phrases of praise, glorification, and supplication. Can be performed individually or in a group. Central to Islamic spiritual practice.

Personal supplication or invocation to God. Unlike the formal salah, dua can be made at any time and in any language. It is considered the essence of worship.

Islamic jurisprudence — the human understanding and interpretation of Sharia (divine law). It covers all aspects of daily life including worship, commerce, family law, and ethics. The four major Sunni schools are Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali.

A recorded saying, action, or tacit approval of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The hadith collections form the second primary source of Islamic law after the Quran.

The annual pilgrimage to Makkah, required once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is physically and financially able. The fifth Pillar of Islam, performed during 8th-12th Dhul Hijjah.

That which is permissible or lawful in Islam. Most commonly used regarding food and drink (e.g., meat slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines), but applies to all areas of life.

That which is forbidden or prohibited in Islam, such as consuming alcohol, eating pork, or engaging in interest-based transactions. The opposite of halal.

Excellence in worship and conduct — to worship God as though you see Him, and if you cannot see Him, then knowing that He sees you. The highest level of faith described in the Hadith of Jibril.

A leader of congregational prayer. More broadly, a religious leader, scholar, or the leader of the Muslim community. In Shia Islam, it refers specifically to the divinely appointed successors of the Prophet.

Faith or belief. In Islamic theology, iman encompasses belief in God, His angels, His revealed books, His messengers, the Day of Judgment, and divine predestination (qadr).

"If God wills." Said when referring to a future event or intention. A reminder of God's sovereignty over all affairs and the uncertainty of the future. Derived from Quran 18:23-24.

The second call to prayer, given immediately before the congregational prayer begins. It is similar to the adhan but recited more quickly and with slight textual differences.

Striving or struggle in the way of God. It primarily refers to the inner spiritual struggle against sin and ego (the "greater jihad"). It can also refer to defense of the Muslim community when necessary.

A sermon or public address, most commonly the Friday (Jumu'ah) sermon delivered in the mosque before the congregational prayer. Also given during Eid prayers and at Hajj.

"What God has willed" or "As God has willed." An expression of appreciation, joy, or praise for something beautiful or good, acknowledging that all blessings come from God.

A place of prostration — a mosque, the Muslim house of worship. It serves as a center for prayer, education, and community gatherings. The three holiest mosques are in Makkah, Madinah, and Jerusalem.

A semicircular niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the qibla (direction of Makkah). It serves as the focal point where the imam stands to lead prayer.

The raised pulpit in a mosque from which the imam delivers the Friday sermon (khutbah). Traditionally has three steps, following the practice of the Prophet Muhammad.

Intention. In Islam, the sincerity and intention behind an action determines its spiritual value. The Prophet said: "Actions are but by intentions." Required before prayer, fasting, and other acts of worship.

The direction of the Ka'bah in Makkah, toward which all Muslims face during prayer. Originally, the qibla was toward Jerusalem before being changed to Makkah (Quran 2:144).

The holy book of Islam, believed to be the literal word of God revealed to Prophet Muhammad through the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) over 23 years. It contains 114 surahs and 6,236 ayat.

The ritual prayer performed five times daily — the second Pillar of Islam. It involves specific physical postures (standing, bowing, prostrating) and recitations in Arabic.

Fasting, especially during the month of Ramadan — the fourth Pillar of Islam. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn to sunset.

The declaration of faith — "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God" (La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasulullah). The first and most fundamental Pillar of Islam.

"Glory be to God." An expression of praise and glorification of God, used to express awe and wonder at God's creation. One of the most common phrases of dhikr.

The practices, sayings, and way of life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Sunnah is the second source of Islamic law after the Quran, preserved through hadith collections.

Exegesis or commentary on the Quran. It involves explaining the meaning, context, and rulings derived from Quranic verses. Major works include those by Ibn Kathir, al-Tabari, and al-Qurtubi.

God-consciousness, piety, and mindfulness of God. It involves being aware of God in all actions and striving to please Him while avoiding His displeasure. A central ethical concept in the Quran.

Repentance — turning back to God with sincere regret for sins, resolving not to repeat them, and seeking God's forgiveness. Surah 9 of the Quran is named At-Tawbah.

The global community of Muslims, united by shared faith regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or language. The concept emphasizes brotherhood, solidarity, and collective responsibility.

Ritual ablution (washing) performed before prayer. It involves washing the hands, mouth, nose, face, arms to the elbows, wiping the head, and washing the feet. A prerequisite for salah.

Obligatory charity — the third Pillar of Islam. Muslims who possess wealth above a certain threshold (nisab) must give 2.5% annually to those in need. It purifies wealth and supports the community.