| COMMON ISLAMIC TERMS EXPLAINED |
| Allah Literally means God in Arabic. The same word is used by Arabic speaking Christians to refer to God. The ONLY Being worthy of a Muslim's worship. Allahu Akbar "God is the Greatest" in Arabic. Assalaamu 'Alaikum Muslim greeting. "Peace be upon you" in Arabic. Fatwah Religious opinion issued by a properly qualified religious scholar Hadith Recorded action or saying of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) Hajj Pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca) during the last month of the Islamic calendar Halaal That which is permissible according to Islamic law Haraam That which is forbidden according to Islamic law Hiijab Head scarf or veil worn for modesty In sha'Allah "God willing." Said when speaking of future expectations. Islam Peaceful submission to God. The religion and way of life established by God for the world. Jihad Struggle in the cause of God. May be a struggle to perfect oneself, struggle to establish what is just and right, or physical struggle in self-defense. Not a pre-emptive, antagonizing, or "holy" war. Madinah (Medina) Arabian city in which the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) established the early Muslim community. Makkah (Mecca) Location of the Kaaba, a house of worship built by the Prophet Abraham (pbuh), considered the most holy site in Islam. Masjid Arabic name for a mosque. Mosque A Muslim place of worship. Muhammad (pbuh) Prophet to whom the Qur'an was revealed and through whom Islam was revealed in final perfection to humanity. Muslim One who "peacefully surrenders to God" in Islam. Qur'an (Koran) Holy book sent to humanity by God. Received by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) from God through the Angel Gabriel. Shahadah Confession of faith in Islam. In Arabic, "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger." Shari'a Islamic law based on the Qur'an and the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Sunnah The example of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). An action considered optional or recommened according to the example of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Sheikh Title of respect conferred upon someone who is considered to have extensive religious knowledge and insight. |
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| With the all the events that are present on the world scene and being discussed in the media today, there have surfaced (and resurfaced) many terms that have been used in describing that which has to do with the world Muslim community. Many of these terms are words borrowed from Islamic religious vocabulary, but whose meanings as presently used have been significantly altered from their original significance within the world Islamic community. Presented here is a list of common terms and phrases used by Muslims, and their definitions as understood by Muslims. There are a great number of other terms that may be added to this list, as the rhetoric about Islam and Muslims has grown exponentially in recent times. Anyone seeking to understand the Muslim perspective on any of these terms and their meanings within the context of Islam is urged to do the research by reading, searching, and asking, and not to settle for the media definition of highjacked Islamic vocabulary. |