Al-Wadūd (الودود‎)
Explore the term 'Al-Wadūd,' one of the ninety-nine special attributes of God in Islam, its occurrences in the Qur'an, and its implications in Islamic theology.
Al-Waqtu ʾd-Dāʾim (الوقت الدائم) in Sufism
Explore the term 'Al-Waqtu ʾd-Dāʾim' in Sufism, its profound implications, and spiritual significance. Learn about the concept of Everlasting Time and its link to the Eternal One.
Al-Wārith (الوارث)
Learn about the term 'Al-Wārith,' its meaning as one of the ninety-nine names of Allah. Understand its theological nuances and significance in Islamic doctrine.
Al-ʿAẓbāʾ
Explore the historical and cultural significance of Al-ʿAẓbāʾ, one of the Prophet Muhammad's favorite camels. Understand its role in Islamic tradition and its etymological roots.
AL-ʿAZ̤ĪM (العظيم‎)
Explore the name AL-ʿAZ̤ĪM (العظيم‎), one of the ninety-nine names of God in Islam, understanding its meaning, significance, and usage in daily Islamic prayers and practices.
Al-ʿIlmu ʾl-Yaqīn (العلم اليقين‎)
Explore the concept of Al-ʿIlmu ʾl-Yaqīn, its implications in Islamic theology, and its significance in the spiritual and everyday lives of Muslims. Learn about the deeper meanings and how it is interpreted within Islamic thought.
Al-ʿIrāq - Definition, Etymology, and Historical Significance
Explore the term 'Al-ʿIrāq,' its linguistic roots, geographical scope, and cultural and historical importance in Islamic tradition, with a focus on its major cities and historical context.
Alam
In Islam, the term 'Alam' refers to the worlds or realms mentioned in the Qur'an, which include the realms inhabited by humans, jinn, and angels.
Alawi Dynasty
The Alawi Dynasty, also known as Filalis or Fi-lalians, is a royal family in Morocco claiming descent from the Prophet Muhammad and has ruled since the seventeenth century.
Alawi, Abu Abbas Ahmad ibn Mustafa al-
Alawi, Abu Abbas Ahmad ibn Mustafa al- (d. 1934) Algerian Sufi and poet who established an independent Sufi order and denounced westernization, secularism, and modernization.
Alawi, Mawlay Muhammad ibn al-Arabi al-
Alawi, Mawlay Muhammad ibn al-Arabi al- (d. 1964), Moroccan reformist, educator, and opponent of the French colonial regime, key figure in Salafi reform movement
Alawis
A secretive Shii school of thought located in northwestern Syria, emphasizing the absolute oneness of God and allegorical interpretation of religious texts.
Albania, Islam in
Exploration of the history and current state of Islam in Albania, encompassing its Ottoman heritage, religious persecution, and post-communist revival.
Alexander the Great
Macedonian conqueror identified in Islamic tradition as Dhu al-Qarnayn, contributing to eschatology and Muslim beliefs.
Alhambra
A fourteenth-century palace of the Nasrid dynasty in Granada, Spain, known for its architectural brilliance and historical significance.
Ali Abd al-Raziq
An influential Egyptian qadi, intellectual, and author known for his controversial views on Islamic governance.
Ali ibn Abi Talib
Cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad, fourth caliph of Sunni Muslims, and first imam of Shii Muslims.
Alids
Discusses the Alids in early Islam, their belief in genealogical political legitimacy, and their influence on Shiism.
Aligarh Muslim University
Aligarh Muslim University, established in 1920 by Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan, originally as the Mohammadan Anglo-Oriental College. It aimed to educate Indian Muslims in contemporary European disciplines and Islamic heritage.
All-India Mohammedan Educational Conference
A forum organized by Sayyid Ahmad Khan from 1886 through 1937 to promote modern education among Muslims and foster Muslim nationalism aimed at separation from India.
Allah
The Supreme Being in Islam, worshipped by Muslims, Christians, and Jews; the Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of the universe as revealed in the Quran.
Allahu Akbar
Phrase conveying 'God is greater', used in Islamic practices and for expressing religious convictions.
Almohads
Almohads (r. 1130–1269), also known as al-Muwahhidun, were a movement in Southern Morocco focused on moral reform, religious purity, and political unity.
Almoravids
A coalition of Western Saharan Berbers, also known as al-Murabitun, who united to defend and disseminate Islamic teachings and law from 1046 to 1157.
Alp Arslan, Adud al-Dawlah Abu al-Shuja
Second Seljuk Turkish sultan who united the region from Syria to Iran and was instrumental in the developments leading toward the Crusades.
American Muslim Council
American Muslim political action committee promoting awareness of international Muslim concerns.
American Muslim Mission
The American Muslim Mission, formerly known as the World Community of Islam in the West, changed its name in 1978 and aligned more closely with mainstream Sunni Islam. It was led by Warith Deen Muhammad and became the largest indigenous Muslim organization in the United States, now known as the Muslim American Society.
Amir
A term traditionally used for a military commander, leader, governor, or prince in Islamic contexts.
Amir al-Muminin
Title conferred to notable Muslim leaders, first attributed to Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab.
An-Naba' (النباء‎)
Explore the meaning and significance of An-Naba' (النباء‎), the title of the 78th Sūrah of the Qur'an. Understand its context within Islamic theology and its implications.
An-Nājiyah
Explore the term 'An-Nājiyah,' its meaning, and significance within Islamic theology. Delve into how different Islamic sects have historically perceived themselves as 'The Saved' group.
An-Najjārīyah - Definition, Etymology, and Historical Significance
An in-depth exploration of the An-Najjārīyah sect, its founder, beliefs, and distinctions from other Islamic theological schools. Understand the divisions within An-Najjārīyah and their historical context.
An-Najm (النجم‎)
Learn about the term 'An-Najm,' its implications, and usage in an Islamic context. Understand the significance of the LIIIrd Sūrah of the Qurʾān, which begins with the words, 'By the star when it falls.'
An-Nujabāʾ in Sufism
Discover the concept of 'An-Nujabāʾ,' its etymology, and importance in Sufi tradition. Learn how these saintly figures serve the spiritual and worldly needs of people.
An-Nuqabāʾ (النقباء‎)
Explore the term 'An-Nuqabāʾ,' its origins, and its spiritual significance within Sufi tradition. Learn about the role of these individuals in Islamic thought and how they contribute to spiritual enlightenment.
Anas ibn Mālik (انس ابن مالك‎) - His Life and Legacy
Discover the contributions and significance of Anas ibn Mālik, the last of the Companions of Prophet Muhammad and a notable figure in Islamic history. Learn about his life, his role in Islamic jurisprudence, and his lasting impact on the Mālikī school of thought.
Angels in Islam
Spiritual beings in Islamic theology described as divine messengers and guardians.
Anglo-Muhammadan Law
A hybrid legal system used in British colonial India that blended elements of English and Islamic law.
Animals in Islam - Definition, Etymology, and Significance
Explore the concept of animals in Islam, their creation, significance in the Qur'an, and eschatological beliefs concerning them.
Anjuman
An assembly, meeting, or association with historical significance in Persian and Iranian context.
Ansar
Companions or supporters in the context of early Islam and the Mahdist movement.
Ansari, Murtada
First scholar universally recognized as supreme authority (marjaʿ al-taqlīd) in Shii law, key figure in the development of the 'rule of the jurist'.
Apostasy
Renunciation of one’s religion in Islam and its theological, legal, and doctrinal aspects.
Aqd
Aqd: Contract or legal transaction in Islamic context
AR-RADD (الرد‎)
Understand the term AR-RADD (الرد‎), its implications in Islamic law, and its various contexts including inheritance and theological significance.
Ar-Raḥmān (الرحمان‎)
Explore the meaning and significance of 'Ar-Raḥmān,' one of the ninety-nine names of God in Islam. Understand its occurrence in the Qur'an, its etymology, and its theological implications.
Arab League
An assembly founded in 1945 to facilitate cooperation among Arab states in multiple domains including politics, security, and culture, while supporting the Palestinian cause and other Arab and Islamic issues internationally.
Arab Nationalism
A political ideology advocating for the unity and sovereignty of Arabic-speaking nations based on shared linguistic, cultural, and historical heritage.
Arab Socialism
State-sponsored economic development in the Arab context as observed in the ideologies of Nasserism and Baathism.
Arab-Israeli Conflict
Ongoing conflict between Arabs and Israel over Palestinian territory with historical and geopolitical implications.
Arabic
A comprehensive overview of the Arabic language, its historical development, significance in Islam, and its classical form, often termed as Lisānu-ʾl-ʿArab or Lug͟hatu ʾl-ʿArab, which is the language of the Qur'an and the Traditions of Muhammad.
Arbitration in Islamic Law
The emphasis on arbitration and mediation in Islamic law, including the practices by Prophet Muhammad and the role of personal status law in resolving disputes.
Aristotle in Islamic Thought
An overview of Aristotle's influence and contributions to Islamic philosophy, as well as the transmission of his works in the Muslim world.
Ark of the Covenant: Definition, Etymology, and Significance
Explore the concept of the 'Ark of the Covenant' in Islamic, Jewish, and Christian traditions. Understand its etymology, mention in the Qur'an, and historical and religious significance.
Aṣ-Ṣāffāt (الصافات‎)
Explore the meaning, etymology, and significance of Aṣ-Ṣāffāt (الصافات‎), the title of the XXXVIIth Sūrah of the Qurʾān, which highlights the ranks of angels.
Aṣ-Ṣamad
Learn about the term 'Aṣ-Ṣamad (الصمد‎),' its implications, context in the Qur'an, and its significance in Islamic theology. Understand how this attribute of God underlines His eternal and absolute nature.
Asad, Muhammad
Statesman, journalist, author, and prominent scholar who converted to Islam and made significant contributions to Islamic thought and translations.
As̤ar (أثر)
Explore the term 'As̤ar' (أثر), its definition, historical context, and significance within Islamic traditions, particularly in Hadith literature.
Ascetic
A person who renounces worldly comforts to undertake specific practices such as fasting, seclusion, and night prayer vigils to discipline selfishness and curb temptation
Asfar
Journey or travel, especially in the context of Sufi spiritual development, which often involves a fourfold journey of mystical realization.
Ash-Shahīd (الشهيد‎)
Delve into the term 'Ash-Shahīd,' one of the ninety-nine names or attributes of God in Islam. Understand its meaning, significance, and occurrence in Islamic texts.
Ash-Shi'ra (Dog Star)
Discover the significance of Sirius, or the Dog Star, in Islamic and pre-Islamic Arab contexts. Learn about its mention in the Qur'an and its historical worship.
Ash-Shūrā (الشورى)
Explore Ash-Shūrā, the concept and practice of consultation in Islamic context, as well as the 42nd Sūrah of the Qur'an. Understand its implications, historical roots, and relevance to Muslim communities.
Ash-Shuʿarāʾ (الشعراء‎) in the Qur'an
Explore the term 'Ash-Shuʿarāʾ,' its etymology, and its significance in the Qur'an. Understand the context and themes of Surah Ash-Shuʿarāʾ and its implications regarding Arabian poets.
Ash'arī Tradition
A classical Sunni theological school founded by Abu al-Hasan al-Ash'ari that occupies a middle ground between rationalism and literalism.
Aṣḥāb (اصحاب‎)
Understand the term 'Aṣḥāb' (اصحاب‎), its etymology, and its significance in Islamic culture. Learn about the different classes of companions of the Prophet Muḥammad and their contributions.
Aṣḥābu ʾl-Kahf (اصحاب الكهف‎) - The Companions of the Cave in Islamic Tradition
Explore the concept of Aṣḥābu ʾl-Kahf, or the Companions of the Cave, their significance within Islamic scripture, and the historical background of this narrative. Learn about the Qur'anic account and its origins from early Christian lore.
Ashura
Tenth day of the Muslim month of Muharram commemorating the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali
Asma bint Abu Bakr
Daughter of the first caliph, Abu Bakr, renowned for her significant contributions during the early years of Islam.
Ass in Islamic Law
Learn about the term 'Ass' in Islamic law according to Imām Abū Ḥanīfah, including its status as an unclean animal, the implications for consumption, and related rulings on zakāt.
Association of Algerian Ulama
The Association of Algerian Ulama, founded in 1931 by Abd al-Hamid ibn Badis and other scholars, aimed at educating Algerians, promoting Arab-Islamic heritage, and critiquing Sufi orders and assimilationism during the French occupation.
Association of Muslim Social Scientists (AMSS)
An academic association founded in 1972 to foster cooperation among Muslim scholars and social scientists aiming to integrate revealed knowledge with acquired knowledge.
Astrolabe
A family of astronomical instruments used to measure celestial positions and altitudes, notably advanced in the medieval Islamic world.
At-Taghābun (التغابن)
Understand the term 'At-Taghābun,' its implications as the 64th Sūrah of the Qurʾān, and its meaning in the Islamic context. Discover the theological and ethical significance of mutual deceit as described in the Qur'ān.
AT-TAKWĪR (التكوير‎)
Explore the title of the 81st Sūrah of the Qur'an, 'AT-TAKWĪR,' which opens with a vivid announcement of the Day of Judgment, and understand its theological and eschatological implications.
AT-T̤ĀRIQ (الطارق‎)
Explore the term 'At-T̤āriq,' its meaning, Qur'anic context, and significance in Islamic tradition. Understand the diverse interpretations and implications of this title in the religious and cultural landscape of Islam.
At-Tawwab (التواب‎)
Explore the term 'At-Tawwab,' one of the ninety-nine names of God in Islam. Understand its meaning, contextual significance in the Qur'an, and implications for believers.
AT̤-T̤IBBU ʾR-RŪḤĀNI (الطب الروحانى‎) in Sufism
Explore the concept of 'AT̤-T̤IBBU ʾR-RŪḤĀNI (الطب الروحانى‎),' its etymology, and its importance in Sufi traditions. Understand how this term relates to spiritual health and the remedies prescribed for maintaining a healthy heart and soul.
Atabat
The Atabat: Key Shii Shrine Cities in Iraq and Their Significance
Attas, Syed Muhammad Naquib al-
Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas - Malaysian thinker known for his integration of Malay identity, the Islamization of knowledge, and his leadership in various Islamic scholarly institutions.
Auliyā' (أولياء‎)
Explore the term 'Auliyā',' its meaning, and significance in Islamic context. Understand who the 'favourites of God' are and how they are depicted in the Qurʾān.
Aurangzeb: Sixth Emperor of Mughal India
An exploration of the life, policies, and legacy of Aurangzeb, the sixth emperor of Mughal India, and their impact on the region's history.
Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC)
A principal body representing Muslims in Australia, founded in 1975, which provides educational, cultural, and religious services while acting as an intermediary with government and international entities.
Awami League
Major political party in Bangladesh that played a pivotal role in the country's war of independence against Pakistan in 1971.
Awdah, Abdal-Aziz
A prominent Palestinian Islamic fundamentalist leader and founding member of the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine
Aws, al-
A tribe that, along with the Khazraj, invited Muhammad to Yathrib to help settle internal feuds, playing a significant role in establishing the first Islamic community.
Aya Sofia Mosque
A major historical imperial mosque in Ottoman Istanbul, originally constructed as a church and later converted into a museum and back into a mosque.
Ayah (Ayat)
A term from the Qur'an referring to 'verse' or 'sign,' encompassing divisions within surahs, evidence of God in nature, miracles, revealed messages, and fundamental points within a surah.
Ayan wa Ashraf
Definitions and distinctions of social structures in the later Ottoman Empire and contemporary contexts.
Ayat al-Kursi, al-
A principal verse of refuge and protection in Islam, Quran 2:255.
Ayatollah
Honorific title in Twelver Shii Islam signifying 'Sign of God' and held by outstanding legal scholars qualified as mujtahids and marjas.
Ayb
An Arabic term meaning disgrace, defect, or shame associated with dishonorable behavior.
Ayn Jalut
Historical site in Palestine where significant battles including the Mamluks' pivotal victory over the Mongols took place.

Dictionary of Islam

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