Al-Baldah
Explore the term 'Al-Baldah,' its etymology, and its significance in Islamic context, particularly as a name for Makkah, as mentioned in Hadith.
AL-WĀJID (الواجد‎)
Delve into the meaning of AL-WĀJID (الواجد‎), one of the ninety-nine attributes of Allah. Discover its etymology, significance, and contextual usage within Islamic thought.
Ash-Shakūr (الشكور‎)
Discover the meaning and significance of 'Ash-Shakūr' (الشكور‎), one of the ninety-nine special attributes of Allah. Learn about its implications in the Qur'anic context and how it extends to human attributes of gratitude.
Abbasid Dynasty (al-ʿAbbāsīyah) - History and Significance
Explore the history and impact of the Abbasid Dynasty (al-ʿAbbāsīyah) in Islamic civilization, from its rise to prominence to its eventual fall.
Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan
Umayyad Caliph (r. 685–705) who implemented significant administrative, cultural, and religious reforms in the Islamic Empire.
Abd al-Rahman, Aisha
Egyptian writer and professor noted for her literary approach to Quranic exegesis and contributions to Arabic literature and women's studies.
Abd Allah ibn Saba
Enigmatic alleged founder of Shii Islam who advocated rule by Prophet Muhammad’s nephew, Ali
ABDĀL (ابدال‎)
Explore the concept of 'ABDĀL' in Islamic tradition, its theological significance, and its implications for understanding the world's spiritual framework.
Abdul Rahman, Tunku
First prime minister of independent Malaysia and a significant figure in the nation’s political and social landscape.
Abdulhamid II
The thirty-fourth Ottoman Sultan during a period of substantial political, social, and economic turbulence.
Abdullah, Sheikh Muhammad
Kashmiri political leader and twice chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir State in India.
Abdulmejid, Sultan
Last caliph of the Ottoman dynasty, appointed by the Turkish Grand National Assembly, whose tenure marked the end of the caliphate in modern history
ABIM
The Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement founded in 1972.
Abraha
Ruler of sixth-century Yemen who launched an ill-fated attack on Mecca
Abraham
A pivotal figure in monotheistic traditions, honored in Islam for his faith, leadership, and contributions to the foundations of faith and practice.
Abu Bakr, Yasin
Leader of the radical Black Muslim organization Jamaat al-Muslimin in Trinidad, known for the July 1990 storming of the parliament building in Port of Spain.
Abu Dharr al-Ghifari
A Companion of the Prophet Muhammad known for his piety, social justice, and ideological significance in both Shia and Sunni traditions.
Abu Hanifah, al-Numan ibn Thabit ibn Zuta
Founder of the Hanafi school of Islamic law, noted for his use of reason and logic in jurisprudence and his emphasis on personal reasoning and free judgment in legal interpretation.
Abū Hurairah (ابو هريرة‎)
Discover the importance of Abū Hurairah, one of the Prophet Muhammad's closest companions. Learn about his life, his role in preserving Hadith, and his enduring legacy within Islamic scholarship.
Abu Hurayrah
Companion of Muhammad and a prominent transmitter of Hadith, known for his affection for cats. His hadith often restrict women's rights and confine them to domestic roles.
Abu Jahl
Member of the ruling Quraysh of Mecca and one of early Islam’s staunchest enemies.
Abū Jahl (ابو جهل‎): Definition, Historical Context, and Significance in Islam
Explore the life and significance of Abū Jahl, an implacable adversary of Prophet Muḥammad. Understand his role in early Islamic history and how he is portrayed in the Qur'anic context.
Abu Talib
A prominent figure in early Islamic history, guardian and protector of the Prophet Muhammad.
Abu Yusuf
An influential Islamic jurist and scholar, key figure in the spread of the Hanafi school of thought.
Abū Yūsuf (ابو يوسف) - Scholar and Jurist in Islamic History
A comprehensive overview of Abū Yūsuf, also known as Yaʿqūb ibn Ibrāhīm, his contributions to Islamic scholarship, his relationship with his teacher Imām Abū Ḥanīfah, and his legacy.
Abu Zahra, Muhammad
Conservative Egyptian public intellectual and scholar of Islamic law
Aceh
Aceh, a province in northern Sumatra, Indonesia, is renowned for its early role in the spread of Islam in Southeast Asia.
Ad
An ancient people mentioned in the Qur'an whose disobedience brought about their extinction.
Ad-Dahr (الدهر‎)
Explore the term 'Ad-Dahr,' its significance, and how it is used within the Islamic context. Understand the importance of the LXXVIth chapter of the Qur'an, also known as Suratu 'l-Insan, and its implications for understanding the human condition in Islam.
AD-DURRATU ʾL-BAIẓĀʾ (الـدرة البيضاء‎) in Islamic Mysticism
Learn about the term 'AD-DURRATU ʾL-BAIẓĀʾ,' its implications and usage in Ṣūfī thought. Understand the concept of the first intelligence in Islamic mysticism and its significance.
Adab
Medieval anecdotal form of prose designed to be both edifying and entertaining
Adab (أدب)
Explore the concept of 'Adab' in Islam, encompassing discipline, good manners, and conduct. Learn about its significance in Hadith and daily life, and delve into the various subjects covered under Adab.
Adat
Adat - Customs, accepted practice in Islamic jurisprudence focusing on socially accepted practices and their role in legal and cultural rules.
Adoption
Learn about the term 'Adoption,' its implications, and usage in Islamic context. Understand the regulations surrounding adoption (Tabannī) in Islamic law, and its comparison with other legal systems.
Adoption in Islam
The concept and regulations of formal and informal adoption in Islam according to the Qur'an and Islamic law.
Afsharid Dynasty
Rule of a Turkic-origin dynasty in Iran from 1736 to 1796, spearheaded by Nadir Shah Afshar, characterised by attempts at Shii-Sunni reconciliation.
Afterlife
The concept and realities of the afterlife in Islam
Aga Khan
Title of the Nizari Ismaili imams since Hasan Ali Shah, representing direct lineal descent and succession from Imam Ali and Fatimah, Muhammad’s daughter.
Aga Khan Award for Architecture
Prestigious award established in 1977 to reward architectural excellence in Muslim-majority societies, enhancing understanding and appreciation of Islamic culture.
Aga Khan Foundation
A private philanthropic institution founded by the Aga Khan in 1967 to provide care and compassion for those in need based on Islamic ideals and ethics.
Agha
Title for a high-ranking officer in the Ottoman Empire, particularly in Algeria, who held significant political and military power.
Aghlabids
Hereditary Islamic dynasty of the ninth and early tenth centuries in North Africa, centered in Qayrawan.
Ahd
Ahd: Covenant or compact, representing alliances and allegiances in early Muslim relationships and Sufi initiations.
Ahl al-Bayt
Members of the Prophet Muhammad’s family and descendants, who hold a revered status in both Sunni and Shii Islam.
Ahl al-Hadith
Term referring to adherents of a movement emphasizing the authority of the traditions (hadith) of Prophet Muhammad over juristic personal opinions (ray).
Ahl al-Hall wa’l-Aqd
The body of individuals qualified to elect or depose a caliph on behalf of the Muslim community
Ahl al-Kitab
Quranic term referring to Jews, Christians, and Sabaeans as possessors of earlier divine revelations.
Ahl al-Kitāb (أهل الكتاب): Definition, Etymology, and Significance in Islam
Explore the term 'Ahl al-Kitāb,' its etymology, meaning, and importance in Islamic theology. Understand how this concept relates to Jews, Christians, and other religious communities recognized by Islam.
Ahl al-Quran
Nineteenth-century Indian movement led by Abdullah Chakralavi that advocated total reliance on the Quran as the perfect source of guidance.
Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaah
Overview of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaah, a significant Islamic movement originated in South Asia.
Ahl-i Hadith
Ahl-i Hadith: An offshoot of the 19th-century Indian Tariqah-i Muhammadiyyah, prioritizing direct engagement with Islamic sources and ijtihad over taqlid.
Ahl-i Haqq
A religious sect based in Northwest Iran known for incorporating Shii and Sufi elements, and characterized by unique beliefs and practices regarding divinity and spiritual hierarchy.
Ahmad Khan, Sayyid
An Indian Islamic modernist writer, educationist, and political activist known for founding Aligarh Muslim University and promoting rationalism in Islam and modern education.
Ahmadis
Controversial messianic movement founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, asserting ongoing prophethood; faced rejection by mainstream Muslims.
Ahmed, Akbar
Twentieth-century Pakistani Islamic scholar known for contextualizing fundamentalism within postmodernity, globalization, and the conflict between Islam and the West.
AḤQĀF (احقاف‎)
Discover the meaning, significance, and context of the term 'AḤQĀF,' a geographic location in Yemen and the title of the 46th Sūrah of the Qur'ān. Explore its historical and religious importance.
Aishah
Aishah, also known as Aisha, daughter of the first caliph, Abu Bakr, and the youngest and favorite wife of Prophet Muhammad.
Ajam
Etymological and historical account of the term 'Ajam' in Islamic literature and its cultural implications.
Ajmer
Ajmer, a city in Rajasthan, India, known for its historical significance and spiritual heritage, especially related to the Chishti Sufi order.
Akbar I, Abu al-Fath Jalal al-Din Muhammad
First great Mughal emperor who integrated most of India, established an enduring state, and nurtured a unique Islamic civilization in South Asia
Akhbaris
Twelfth-century Twelver Shii school of thought in Iran emphasizing literal interpretation of the Quran and hadith, restricting ijtihad, and limiting the role of mujtahids.
Akhund
An Islamic term generally used to describe a religious leader.
Al-‘Aql
Intelligence, intellect, and reason within Islamic theology and philosophy
Al-Andalus
Andalus refers to the parts of the Iberian Peninsula governed by Muslims from 711 to 1492, a era marked by significant cultural accomplishments and exchange among Muslims, Christians, and Jews.
Al-Aṣḥābu ʾl-Fīl (اصحاب الفيل) - The Companions of the Elephant
Explore the significance and historical context of 'Al-Aṣḥābu ʾl-Fīl,' a term found in the CVth (105th) Sūrah of the Qur'ān. Understand the story behind the 'Companions of the Elephant' and its relevance in Islamic tradition.
Al-Azhar University
A prominent Islamic university in Cairo, named after Prophet Muhammad's daughter, Fatimah al-Zahra, with a history of evolving educational standards.
Al-Barr (البر)
Explore the term 'Al-Barr,' one of the ninety-nine names of God in Islam. Understand its meaning, usage, and significance within the Islamic faith.
Al-Fajr (الفجر‎)
Explore the term 'Al-Fajr,' its etymological roots, and significance in Islamic tradition. Understand the importance of this time of day and its spiritual connotations in the context of the Qurʾān.
Al-Falaq (الفلق)
Explore the term 'Al-Falaq,' its linguistic roots, and theological implications. Understand the significance of Surah Al-Falaq in the Qur'an, its themes, and its impact on Islamic spirituality and daily life.
Al-Furqān
Explore the term 'Al-Furqān,' its various meanings, and its significance within the Islamic tradition. Understand its application in the Qur'an and its connotations in Islamic mysticism and other contexts.
Al-Ḥaiy (الحى‎)
Explore the Islamic concept of Al-Ḥaiy, meaning 'The Living One.' Delve into its etymology, occurrence in the Qur'an, and its theological implications as one of the ninety-nine attributes of God.
Al-Ḥalīm (الحليم‎)
Explore the significance of 'Al-Ḥalīm,' one of the ninety-nine attributes of God in Islam. Understand its etymology, how it is used in the Qur'an, and its implications in the Islamic faith.
Al-Ḥamdu-Liʾllāh (الحمد لله)
Understand the phrase 'Al-Ḥamdu-Liʾllāh,' its usage, meaning, and cultural significance within Islamic practices and daily life. Learn about its origins, usage in the Qur'an, and relevance in Muslim worship and traditions.
Al-Ḥamīd (الحميد‎) - Significance, Etymology, and Context in Islam
Explore the term 'Al-Ḥamīd,' one of the ninety-nine attributes of God in Islam. Understand its meaning, significance, etymology, and Qur'anic usage. Learn why God is described as 'The Laudable' and worthy of praise.
AL-ḤAQĪQATU ʾL-MUḤAMMADĪYAH (الحقيقة المحمدية)
Explore the concept of AL-ḤAQĪQATU ʾL-MUḤAMMADĪYAH, its origins, interpretations, and significance in Islamic mysticism. Understand the varying perspectives between Ṣūfī mystics and other Islamic schools of thought.
Al-Ḥawāssu ʾL-K͟Hamsah (الحواس الخمسة)
Explore the concept of 'Al-Ḥawāssu ʾL-K͟Hamsah' (the Five Senses) in Islam. Understand its definition, etymology, and significance in Islamic thought, culture, and practice.
Al-Ḥaẓarātu ʾL-K͟hams in Sufism
Explore the concept of Al-Ḥaẓarātu ʾL-K͟hams (الحضرات الخمس‎) in Sufi mysticism. Learn about its five divine existences and their significance.
Al-Infitār (الانفطار): Definition, Etymology, and Significance in Islam
Discover the meaning and significance of Surah Al-Infitār (الانفطار) in the Qur'an. Learn about its themes, etymology, and unique blessings associated with its recitation according to Islamic tradition.
Al-Jabarīyah in Islamic Theology
Understand the Al-Jabarīyah sect, its beliefs in predestination and compulsion, its division into 'pure' and 'middle' factions, and its historical and theological context in Islam.
Al-Kāfī (الكافى‎)
Discover the concept of 'Al-Kāfī,' one of the divine attributes of God in Islam, its Qur'anic references, etymology, and significance.
Al-Karīm (الكريم‎)
Explore the meaning and significance of 'Al-Karīm,' one of the ninety-nine attributes of God in Islam. Understand the concept of divine generosity and its impact on Muslim theology and everyday life.
Al-Khulafāʾ al-Rāshidūn: Definition, Etymology, and Significance in Islam
Learn about 'Al-Khulafāʾ al-Rāshidūn,' the rightly guided caliphs who succeeded Prophet Muhammad. Understand their roles and the impact they had on the development of Islam.
Al-Kitāb al-Ḥukmī (الكتاب الحكمى‎) in Islamic Legal Tradition
Explore the term 'Al-Kitāb al-Ḥukmī,' its etymology, legal implications, and how it functions within Islamic judicial processes. Understand its role in conveying legal decisions and real evidence across different Islamic jurisdictions.
AL-LAILATU ʾL-MUBĀRAKAH (الليلة المباركة‎)
Explore the term 'AL-LAILATU ʾL-MUBĀRAKAH,' its meaning, and its spiritual significance in Islam. Learn about its connection with Lailatul-Qadr and its role in the life of Muslims.
AL-MĀʿŪN (الماعون‎)
Explore the term 'AL-MĀʿŪN (الماعون‎),' its meaning, and significance in Islamic context, particularly focusing on its mention in the CVIIth Sūrah of the Qurʾān.
Al-Muddassir
Explore the term 'Al-Muddassir,' its linguistic roots, and significance in the Qur'an. Understand the context of this Surah and its place in Islamic history.
Al-Mughnī (المغنى‎)
Explore the name 'Al-Mughnī' (المغنى‎), one of the ninety-nine names of Allah. Understand its meaning, etymology, and its significance in the Islamic tradition.
Al-Mursalāt (المرسلات‎)
Explore the significance of Surah Al-Mursalāt in the Qur'an, its etymological roots, and its theological implications in Islam.
Al-Muzzammil (المزمل)
Explore the term 'Al-Muzzammil,' the 74th Surah of the Quran, its implications, and historical context. Understand the significance of the title and its message in Islamic teachings.
Al-Muʿt̤Ī (المعطى)
Understand the meaning, significance, and etymology of 'Al-Muʿt̤Ī,' one of the ninety-nine names of Allah, and its usage in the Islamic religious context.
Al-Qaiyūm (القيوم)
Learn about the term 'Al-Qaiyūm,' its implications, and usage in an Islamic context. Understand what the attribute signifies and how it embodies the essence of God in Islamic theology.
Al-Qāriʿah (القارعة‎)
Explore the term 'Al-Qāriʿah,' its meaning, context, and significance in Islamic theology and its role in the Qur'anic depiction of the Last Day. Understand the profound impact it has on Muslims' perception of eschatology and divine judgment.

Dictionary of Islam

IslamReference.com is your go-to source for understanding Islam, its history, theology, culture, and much more. Our goal is to provide reliable and scholarly resources to students, researchers, educators, and anyone with an interest in Islamic studies.