Juwayriyya bint al-Harith
Arabian tribal princess, daughter of the chief of the Khuzaa, captured during the raid on Banu Mustaliq and later married by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Juʿl (جعل‎) in Islamic Law
Discover the term 'Juʿl,' its implications, and significance in Islamic legal concepts. Understand its use in labor compensation and rewards, particularly in the context of Islamic law.
Kaaba
Cube-shaped “House of God” located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and focal point of the hajj pilgrimage and Islamic prayer.
Kabylia
A rugged mountainous region east of Algiers, known for its ancient Berber culture and unique linguistic and social organization.
Kachkūl in Islamic Culture
Explore the meaning and cultural significance of 'Kachkūl,' the begging bowl of religious mendicants in Islamic tradition. Learn about its etymology, historical context, and role within Sufi practices.
Kafālah - An Overview of Bail in Islamic Law
Understand the concept of 'kafālah,' its types, and implications in Islamic legal theory. Learn about 'bail for the person' and 'bail for property' with references to traditional Islamic jurisprudence.
Kaffarah
Kaffarah (expiation or atonement) in Islam refers to self-imposed penitential acts to atone for specific transgressions or failures in religious duties.
Kafir
A term used in Islam to denote an unbeliever, particularly one who actively rejects divine revelation.
Kalila wa Dimna
An originally Indian allegory narrated by two jackals with stories aimed to guide humanity on ethical and moral issues.
Kandhalavi, Muhammad Zakariya
Influential Hadith scholar in India and supporter of the Tablighi Jamaat movement
Karamah
Grace, miraculous acts in Sufi tradition signifying divine favor and sanctity
Karbala
One of the holiest cities in Shia Islam, renowned for the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali and his followers in 680 CE.
Kartosuwiryo, Sukarmadji Maridjan
Leader of the Darul Islam movement in Indonesia, advocating for an Islamic state based on the Quran and engaging in militant activities against Dutch colonial rule.
Karūbīn (كروبين‎)
Explore the term 'Karūbīn,' its etymology, significance in Islamic theology, and its relation to the concept of cherubim in biblical texts. Understand the role of Karūbīn in Islamic literature and thought.
Kasb
Concept of legitimate economic gain in Islamic legal terminology
Kashani, Abd al-Razzaq
Medieval Sufi leader in Iran, known for defending and promoting the thought of the mystic Ibn al-Arabi and concerns with esoteric metaphysics, predestination, and individual responsibility.
Kashf
Uncovering or revealing what is hidden, often used in Sufi terminology to describe the mystical process of illumination and seeking hidden truths.
Kashmir
A historically disputed territory between India and Pakistan, predominantly Muslim, with a complex political history.
Kātibu ʾl-Wāqidī - The Trustworthy Historian
Understand the role and contributions of Kātibu ʾl-Wāqidī, the secretary of the renowned historian al-Wāqidī. Explore his significance in Islamic historiography and traditional literature.
Kawakibi, Abd al-Rahman al-
Syrian Islamic revivalist and advocate of Arab caliphate known for his criticism of Ottoman rule and his vision for an elected Arab caliph.
Kaʿbah - Description, Etymology, and Significance in Islam
An in-depth look into the Kaʿbah, its structure, significance, and historical details as described by Burckhardt and Burton. Explore the physical and religious attributes of this central Islamic symbol.
Kelantan
Predominantly ethnic Malay state in the northeast of peninsular Malaysia, noted for its Islamic traditions and the political base of the Partai Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS).
Kemal, Mehmet Namik
Ottoman Turkish poet and writer whose works blend traditional Islamic concepts with liberal European ideals.
Kemalism
Principles of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder and first president of the Turkish Republic, encompassing the official state ideology known as Kemalism.
Khadijah bint Khuwaylid
The First Wife of the Prophet Muhammad and the First Believer in Islam
Khadim al-Haramayn al-Sharifayn
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in Islam, currently held by the king of Saudi Arabia, responsible for the upkeep of Mecca and Medina, and the protection of pilgrims.
Khafī (خفى‎) in Islamic Studies
Discover the term 'Khafī,' its significance in Islamic exegesis, and how it distinguishes between hidden and obvious meanings in the Qur'anic text.
Khaibar (خيبر‎) - Definition, Etymology, and Historical Significance
Learn about Khaibar, its implications, and its usage in the Islamic context. Understand the historical significance of the Khaibar campaign, including the conquest led by the Prophet Muhammad.
Khalafallah, Muhammad Ahmad
Egyptian Islamic modernist thinker known for his literary interpretation of Quranic accounts and advocacy of Arab socialism consistent with Islam
Khalid ibn Abd al-Aziz Al Saud
King of Saudi Arabia from 1975 to 1982; known for events like the Grand Mosque seizure and Shii uprising
Khalid ibn al-Walid
A prominent early Islamic military commander known as the 'Sword of God'
Khālid ibn al-Walīd - Life, Military Achievements, and Legacy in Islam
Explore the life of Khālid ibn al-Walīd, his transition from opposing Prophet Muhammad to becoming one of Islam's most significant military leaders. Understand his military exploits, contributions, and the controversies surrounding him.
Khalid, Khalid Muhammad
Review of Khalid Muhammad Khalid's contributions to Islamic thought and political philosophy.
K͟halīfate of Cordova: History, Impact, and Legacy
Explore the K͟halīfate of Cordova in Spain, its establishment by ʿAbdu ʾr-Raḥmān ibn Muʿāwiyah, and its historical significance. Learn about the successive K͟halīfahs, the golden age of Islamic Spain, and the eventual fall of Granada, which marked the end of Muslim rule in Spain.
Khalil, al-
A historically significant town revered by both Muslims and Jews, located in the West Bank of the River Jordan.
Khalwati Tariqah
A Sufi order known for the practice of periodic retreat, which stresses a combination of knowledge and practice.
Khan
Title traditionally designating tribal nomadic leaders in various regions, which became widespread following Genghis Khan’s thirteenth-century conquests.
K͟HĀN
Explore the term 'K͟HĀN,' its historical context, and its usage in Islamic and Persian cultures. Discover the various meanings and connotations of this term, from rulership to its association with caravanserais.
Khan, Inayat
Sufi of the Chishti tariqah from India who established the order in the West.
Khanaqah
A Sufi meetinghouse where devotees engage in spiritual practices and communal rituals.
Kharaj
Tax on agrarian land owned by non-Muslims, introduced after the Battle of Khaibar.
Kharijis/Kharijites
An early sectarian group in Islam, known for their secession and opposition to both Sunni and Shia factions.
Khassah
Term referring to passages from the Quran believed to apply to specific persons, times, places, or circumstances.
Khatam al-Nabiyyin
Title and honorary epithet meaning Seal of the Prophets, referring to Prophet Muhammad and regarded as signifying the end of the prophetic tradition in Islam.
K͟HĀTIMU ʾN-NABĪYĪN (خـاتـم النبيين‎)
Discover the concept of 'K͟HĀTIMU ʾN-NABĪYĪN,' its mention in the Qur'an, and its theological implications in Islam. Learn about the declaration of Prophet Muhammad as the last of the prophets.
Khatmi Tariqah
The Khatmi Tariqah is a Sufi order founded in Sudan in 1817 by Muhammad Uthman al-Mirghani, known for its devotion, political activism, and spiritual rejuvenation practices.
Khatt (خط‎)
Explore the concept of 'Khatt' (خط‎) in Islam, encompassing its linguistic, historical, and cultural significance. Understand its origins, uses, and development in Islamic civilization.
Khayr al-Din al-Tunisi
Islamic modernist and reformist leader in 19th century Tunisia and Ottoman Empire
Khazraj, al-
Al-Khazraj — One of two prominent clans in early seventh-century Medina, instrumental in early Islamic history.
Khilafah
Explore the term 'Khilafah,' its historical and contemporary implications, and its significance in Islamic governance. Understand the legal, cultural, and theological aspects of Khilafah in the Islamic world.
Khirqah
The Sufi patched cloak symbolizing initiation and authority within the Sufi order.
Khiva Khanate
A historic Khanate formed in the early sixteenth century that became a significant regional power in Central Asia.
K͟HIYĀR (خيار‎) - Definition, Types, and Legal Implications in Islamic Law
Explore the concept of K͟HIYĀR in Islamic law, the different types of options available to parties involved in a contract, and their legal implications. Understand how K͟HIYĀR facilitates fairness and transparency in trade and transactions.
Khoi, Abol-Qasem
An Iraqi Shii mujtahid, teacher of jurisprudence and theology, and spiritual leader
Khojas
Khojas: Hindu Indian converts to Shii Islam with three resultant groups - Sunnis, Twelvers, and Nizari Ismailis.
Khojki Script
A historical script devised for the Ismaili community to facilitate learning Islamic principles in the Sindhi language
Khomeini, Ruhollah al-Musavi
Iranian Shii cleric, leader of the Islamic revolution, and ideologue of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Khoqand Khanate
Eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Central Asian state in the Ferghana Valley, resulting from the decline of the Bukharan Khanate.
Khorasani, Muhammad Kazim
Distinguished religious scholar and influential figure during Iran's Qajar period renowned for his political guidance during the Constitutional Revolution.
Khudāi (خداى‎)
Explore the definition, etymology, and significance of the term 'Khudāi,' its usage in Islamic context, and understand its implications in the cultural and religious practices of Muslims.
Khul'
Islamic procedure for a woman-initiated divorce
K͟HUMS (خمس‎)
Discover the term 'K͟HUMS' (خمس‎), its implications, and its usage in the Islamic context. Learn about the historical and modern significance of K͟HUMS (خمس‎) in the Islamic financial system and to whom it is applied.
Khutbah
A sermon or speech delivered by an imam during the Friday midday service and major Islamic festivals
Khwarizmi, Abu Jafar Muhammad ibn Musa al-
Renowned polymath in mathematics, astronomy, and geography whose works laid foundational principles in algebra and introduced Arabic numerals.
Kinānah (كنانة‎) - Definition, Etymology, and Historical Significance in Islam
Explore the multifaceted term 'Kinānah,' its tribal and historical context, and its relevance in early Islamic history. Understand the roles played by prominent figures named Kinānah, the connections with the Quraysh tribe, and the significant events related to the Jewish chief of Khaybar.
King
Explore the term 'King' in Islamic context, its Arabic and Hebrew roots, usage in the Qur'an, and different titles used by Muslim rulers across regions.
King Faisal Foundation
Saudi Arabian philanthropic organization established in 1976, promoting Islamic education, healthcare, and global solidarity.
KIRĀMAH (كرامة‎)
Explore the concept of KIRĀMAH (كرامة‎), its implications in Islamic spirituality, and its differentiation from the miracles of prophets. Understand its role and the beliefs surrounding it in Islamic tradition.
Kirmani, Hamid al-Din
Medieval Ismaili philosopher and missionary known for his contributions to metaphysics and his role in upholding the Fatimid imamate.
Kishk, Shaykh Abd al-Hamid Abd al-Aziz Muhammad
Shaykh Abd al-Hamid Kishk, a prominent Egyptian preacher known for his dissent against governmental policies and emphasis on personal piety.
Kiswah
The ceremonial drape covering the Kaaba, embroidered with verses from the Quran.
Kitab
A term in Arabic referring to something written; commonly used to denote a book, especially in an Islamic context.
Kitābī
Explore the term 'Kitābī,' its significance in Islamic theology, and its implications for interfaith relations. Understand how this term uniquely identifies Jews and Christians within the Islamic tradition.
KITĀBU ʾL-AʿMĀL (كتاب الأعمال‎)
Understand the term 'KITĀBU ʾL-AʿMĀL (كتاب الأعمال‎),' its significance, and usage in Islamic context. Explore the historical, theological, and cultural dimensions of this concept in Islam.
Komiteh
Revolutionary committees active during the Iranian Revolution of 1979
Küçük Kaynarca, Treaty of
The Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca, signed in 1774, was a crucial agreement between the Ottoman Empire and the Russian Empire, granting the Russians control over the Black Sea and occupation of Ottoman Crimea.
Kufa
A major historic city in Iraq notable for its political, religious, and cultural significance in early Islamic history.
Kufic
Dominant style of early Arabic calligraphy known for its angular script, originating from the city of Kufa in southern Iraq.
Kufr
Disbelief and ingratitude as significant concepts in Islamic thought.
Kurds
Ethnic minority group with sizeable populations in Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria.
La'nah (لعنة‎)
Explore the term 'La'nah,' its implications, and usage within an Islamic context. Understand the gravity of imprecation and how it reflects in Islamic teachings and the Qur'ān.
Labor Party of Egypt
The Labor Party of Egypt was the only legal Islamist party in Egypt and from 1987 became the leading opposition party, aiming to end one-party rule and chronic corruption.
Lailatu ʾl-Qadr (ليلة القدر‎) - Night of Power in Islam
Discover the significance of Lailatu ʾl-Qadr, its etymology, Qur'anic references, and spiritual implications within Islam. Learn why this night in Ramadan holds profound importance for Muslims.
Lalla Zaynab bint Shaykh Muhammad ibn Abi al-Qasim
Algerian female saint and head of Rahmania Sufi zawiyah, known for her opposition to the French colonial order and her spiritual and social contributions
Laqab (لقب‎)
Explore the concept of 'Laqab,' a significant element in Islamic culture for identifying individuals either by titles of honor or by nicknames. Understand the usage, historical background, and its implications in the social and cultural context of Muslim societies.
Larceny: Definition, Etymology, and Legal Implications in Islam
Learn about the term 'Larceny' (Arabic: Sariqah), its legal definitions, and implications in Islamic jurisprudence. Understand the varying opinions among Islamic scholars regarding the degree of punishment for theft.
Lashkar-e-Taiba
A Pakistan-based Islamic militant group involved in armed struggles in Indian Kashmir.
Lat, al- (al-Lāt)
One of the three pre-Islamic goddesses worshiped at the Kaaba in Mecca prior to the rise of Islam.
Lawh Mahfuz
The concept of the Well-preserved Tablet in Islam, which refers to the original heavenly inscription of the Qur'an.
Lebanon, Islam in
Overview and analysis of the diverse Muslim sects in Lebanon and their sociopolitical roles.
Legal Disabilities to Marriage in Islamic Law
Explore the term 'Legal Disabilities to Marriage' in Islamic jurisprudence, including such prohibitions as consanguinity, affinity, fosterage, and others. Understand the differences between Sunni and Shia interpretations of these legal disabilities.
Legitimacy in Islamic Law - Waladu ʾl-ḥalāl (ولد الحلال‎)
Explore the concept of legitimacy in Islamic law, focusing on 'Waladu ʾl-ḥalāl' and its implications for lawful paternity, conception, and inheritance within Sunni and Shia traditions.
Lepanto, Battle of
The decisive naval battle in 1571 between the forces of the Ottoman Empire and a coalition of the papacy, Venice, and the Austro-Hungarian Hapsburgs.
Levant
A historical and geographical term referring to the Eastern Mediterranean region
Lexicography in Islam
The discipline of lexicography explained in the context of Islamic scholarship and history.
Lian
Mutual repudiation in Islamic law where a husband accuses his wife of adultery without evidence.
Liberalism in Islamic Context
An ideology encompassing beliefs in electoral democracy, civil rights, gender equality, human progress, and social hierarchies, and its specific adaptations and interpretations within Islamic thought.
Liberality in Islam - Definition, Etymology, and Significance
Explore the concept of liberality in Islam, its etymology, and its significance in Islamic teachings. Understand the importance of sak͟hāwah and infāq as praised by Prophet Muhammad in various Hadiths.
Libraries in the Islamic World
Historical, scholarly, and cultural significance of libraries in the Islamic tradition.

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.