Masjid al-Haram (مسجد الحرام)
Learn about Masjid al-Haram, its historical and religious significance, and detailed architectural features. Understand why it is a central element of Islamic devotion and its role within the broader context of Muslim pilgrimage and daily prayers.
Mukātib (مكاتب‎)
Explore the concept of 'Mukātib' in Islamic law, its etymology, cultural and theological implications, and significance in the historical context of slavery.
Nisab (نصاب‎)
Learn about the term 'Nisab,' its implications, and its usage in the context of Islamic taxation. Understand the criteria for Nisab and how it affects the financial responsibilities of Muslims.
Nūru ʾl-Anwār
Explore the term 'Nūr al-Anwār,' its profound implications, and its rich usage in Islamic mystical traditions. Understand its relation to the Divine Being and its significance in Sufi terminology.
Rūḥu ʾllāh
Explore the term 'Rūḥu ʾllāh,' its significance as the special title for Jesus in Islamic scripture, and its broader implications in Islamic theology and philosophy.
ṢĀD (صاد‎)
Explore the significance of ṢĀD (صاد‎), the fourteenth letter of the Arabic alphabet, its usage in the Qur'an, and its etymological background.
Safura (Zipporah)
Explore the significance of Safura, also known as Zipporah, in Islamic tradition. Understand her role in history, her connection to Prophet Shuaib, and her impact on Islamic culture and theology.
SĀʾIBAH (سائبة‎)
Explore the concept of 'Sāʾibah,' its historical and religious implications, as well as its specific mention in the Qur'an.
Sidratu ʾl-Muntahā (سدرة المنتهى‎)
Explore the term 'Sidratu ʾl-Muntahā,' a significant concept in Islamic theology detailing the Lote-tree at the extremity of the seventh heaven. Understand its origins, Qur'anic references, and cultural importance.
Slavery in Islam - Definition, Etymology, and Historical Context
Explore the concept of slavery in Islamic tradition, its Qur'anic basis, and how it was implemented and regulated. Understand the nuances of slavery in Islam, including the social and legal implications.
Slavery in the Qurʾān: Teachings and Interpretations
Explore the Qurʾānic verses associated with slavery, focusing on the regulations, ethical considerations, and the theological implications within Islamic context. Understand how the Qurʾān addresses the subject of slavery and the responsibilities it places on slave owners.
Tat̤awwuʿ (تطوع‎) - An Act of Supererogation in Islam
Explore the meaning and significance of 'Tat̤awwuʿ' in Islamic practice. Understand how it encompasses both Sunnah and Nafl actions, and its impact on a Muslim's spiritual journey.
The Fifth Period – Analysis of Thirty-one Sūrahs
An analysis of the Thirty-one Sūrahs revealed during the fifth period of Muḥammad's ministry. These Sūrahs cover various theological themes, narratives from the Gospel, pilgrimage rites, and vivid descriptions of the Resurrection and Judgment.
Yawning in Islam: Definition, Etymology, and Significance
Explore the significance of yawning in Islam, its perception in Islamic traditions, and practical guidelines for Muslims when experiencing a yawn.
Ẕū al-Ḥijjah (ذو الحجة‎)
Explore the significance and context of the month of Ẕū al-Ḥijjah (ذو الحجة‎) in the Islamic calendar. Learn about its etymology, importance in Islamic practices, and its association with the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
ʿILMU ʾL-MŪSĪQĪ (علم الموسيقى‎) - The Science of Music in Islamic Context
Explore the term 'ʿILMU ʾL-MŪSĪQĪ,' its historical development, cultural implications, and significance within the Islamic tradition. Learn about its role in Islamic intellectual history, notable scholars, and the theological perspectives on music.
Hadith Classification - An Overview of Tradition Bearers in Islam
Explore the classification of Hadith based on the character of their narrators. Understand the criteria for genuine, mediocre, and weak traditions in Islamic scholarship.
Ḥadīth Qudsī
Discover the concept of Ḥadīth Qudsī, its etymological roots, and its profound significance in Islamic teachings. Learn how Ḥadīth Qudsī differs from other ḥadīths and its role in the spiritual life of Muslims.
Kibr (كبر‎)
Explore the concept of 'Kibr' in Islamic teachings, its implications as a vice in humans and a divine attribute when referring to God. Understand the roots, significance, and teachings related to 'Kibr' in Islamic theology and jurisprudence.
Mazalim
Mazalim refers to instances of injustice in Islamic legal and administrative systems, often corrected through the institution of 'Diwan al-Mazalim'.
MUWAḤḤID (موحد‎)
Explore the term 'Muwaḥḥid,' its etymology, usage, and significance in Islamic theology. Understand how Muslims express their monotheistic beliefs through this concept.
Ṣūfīism
Explore the profound mystical tradition of Ṣūfīism within Islam, its doctrinal roots, philosophical implications, and cultural impact. Learn about key figures, practices, and literary contributions that have shaped Ṣūfī thought.
ʿUqbah Ibn ʿĀmir Al-Juhanī - A Companion and Governor in Early Islam
Learn about ʿUqbah Ibn ʿĀmir Al-Juhanī, his contributions as a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, and his later role as Governor of Egypt. Understand his significance in early Islamic history and governance.
Al-Barāʾ ibn ʿĀzib - Life, Contributions, and Historical Significance in Islam
Explore the life and contributions of Al-Barāʾ ibn ʿĀzib, a notable companion of Prophet Muḥammad, his participation in key Islamic battles, and his role in early Islamic history.
Al-ʿArabu ʾl-Bāʾidah: The Lost Tribes of Ancient Arabs
Explore the origins, myths, and significance of Al-ʿArabu ʾl-Bāʾidah, the ancient 'lost Arabs' known from Islamic tradition. Learn about the tribes of ʿĀd, S̤amūd, Jadīs, and T̤asm as preserved in Islamic texts.
Ali Suavi: Ottoman Journalist and Politico
Ali Suavi (d. 1878) was an influential journalist and political activist who contributed to Turkish nationalism and pan-Turkism within the Ottoman Empire.
Amina bint Wahab
Mother of the Prophet Muhammad, noted in Islamic history for celestial signs preceding the birth of Muhammad.
Fatimah
Fatimah, Daughter of Muhammad and Khadijah, wife of Ali ibn Abi Talib, and mother of Hasan and Husayn.
Fatimid Caliphs - History, Etymology, and Significance in Islamic Civilization
Explore the history and significance of the Fatimid Caliphs, a dynasty that claimed the Caliphate during the Abbasid period. Learn about their origins, reign, and contributions to Islamic civilization.
FAʾL (فال‎) - Understanding the Concept of Good Omens in Islam
Explore the term 'FAʾL,' its meaning, context, and usage in Islam. Understand how good omens are distinguished from bad omens, and their implications in Islamic tradition and daily life.
Garden (Jannah)
Examine the Islamic concept of 'Jannah,' its etymology, varied usage in the Qur'an, and the multi-faceted stages of heavenly bliss in Islamic eschatology.
Jewels
Understand the term 'Jewels' from an Islamic perspective. Learn about the rulings related to jewels, their importance, and how they should be handled in Islamic law.
Liberation Movement of Iran
An Iranian political party based on a moderate interpretation of Islam that played a significant role in the opposition to the Shah’s regime and the subsequent Iranian Revolution.
Maimūnah (ميمونة‎)
Explore the life and significance of Maimūnah (ميمونة‎), the last of Prophet Muhammad’s wives. Learn about her familial connections, her marriage to the Prophet, and her legacy in Islamic history.
Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan
Islamic revivalist organization in Jordan seeking to promote Islamic values and education, despite its historically complex relationship with the monarchy and regional influences.
Nafaqah in Islamic Law
Explore the concept of Nafaqah, its legal implications, and its comprehensive significance within Islamic jurisprudence. Understand the roles and obligations regarding maintenance across different scenarios in a Muslim's life.
Nikah (Marriage) in Islam - Definition, Etymology, and Significance
Explore the concept of 'Nikah' in Islam, its etymological roots, significance in Islamic culture, and the rituals associated with the Islamic wedding ceremony. Understand the values and legal rulings that underpin the institution of marriage in Islam.
Polygamy
Explore the Islamic perspective on polygamy, its historical context, theological arguments, and its current practice within Muslim communities.
Resignation (Islām)
Explore the concept of resignation in Islam, its significance, and related terms. Understand how resignation is described in the Qur'an and the meanings of related Arabic words like Ṣabr, Taslīm, and Riẓāʾ.
Sexuality in Islam
The concept of human sexuality within the Islamic tradition, its expressions, regulations, and theological underpinnings.
Suwāʿ (سواع‎)
Understand the term 'Suwāʿ (سواع‎),' its historical roots, and its mention in the Qur'an. Discover its significance and archaeological context in pre-Islamic Arabia.
Al-Māniʿ (المانع‎) - The Withholder
Explore the meaning and significance of Al-Māniʿ (المانع‎), one of the ninety-nine names of Allah in Islam. Learn about its etymology, Qur'anic context, and theological implications.
Istinshāq (استنشاق‎) - Definition, Etymology, and Religious Significance in Islam
Explore the concept of Istinshāq, its religious importance, and how it fits into Islamic practices of ablution (waẓū). Learn about its etymology, practice, and significance in daily Muslim rites.
Nimrod in Islamic and Judeo-Christian Traditions - Definition, Etymology, and Significance
Explore the various narratives surrounding Nimrod in Islamic and Judeo-Christian traditions, his interaction with the Prophet Abraham, and the etymological roots of his name.
Resurrection in Islam - Definition, Etymology, and Significance
Understanding the concept of ‘Resurrection’ in Islam, its references in the Qur'an, the eschatological beliefs, associated traditions, and theological implications for Muslims.
SABAʿU ʾL-MAS̤ĀNI (سبع المثانى‎)
Explore the term 'SABAʿU ʾL-MAS̤ĀNI,' its etymology, significance, and reasons for its designation within the Islamic tradition.
Ṣāriq (صارق‎)
Discover the term 'Ṣāriq,' its implications, and usage in Islamic context. Understand what actions and behaviours are considered theft, and how Islamic law addresses this issue.
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal – A mausoleum built for Mumtaz Mahal, wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, located in Agra, India and completed around 1648.
The Shīʿah Law of Divorce - Definition, Etymology, and Specifics
Explore the Shīʿah law of divorce and its unique provisions distinguishing it from Sunnī practices. This entry delves into the requirements and conditions for a valid Shīʿah divorce.
ʿAbdu ʾllāh ibn Saʿd
Explore the life and contributions of ʿAbdu ʾllāh ibn Saʿd, one of Prophet Muḥammad’s secretaries, and his role and significance in Islamic tradition. Learn about the controversies surrounding his actions and his reference in the Qurʾān.
Al-Mutakabbir
Explore the term 'Al-Mutakabbir,' one of the 99 names of Allah, understand its etymology, and learn about its importance and usage in Islamic theology.
Arkoun, Mohammed
Mohammed Arkoun (1928-2010), a pioneering French-Algerian intellectual who utilized modern critical methodologies to critique traditional Islamic thought.
ḤAJB (حجب‎) in Islamic Law
Explore the term 'ḤAJB' in Islamic inheritance law, its implications, and its legal and linguistic origins. Understand how 'ḤAJB' affects the distribution of inheritance among heirs in Islamic jurisprudence.
Painting
The art of painting in the Islamic world, its formats, cultural significance, and historical contexts.
Qadi Askar
Senior judicial officials in the Ottoman Empire responsible for overseeing legal matters, particularly those related to the military-administrative branch.
Sin in Islam (ذنب / Günah)
A breach of the laws and norms set forth by Islam, categorized into major and minor with the most severe being shirk.
Successor by Contract or Mutual Friendship in Islam
Explore the concept of 'Successor by Contract or Mutual Friendship' in Islamic context. Understand historical, theological, and cultural significance of succession & friendship contracts and how they impact Islamic legal and social structures.
Taif
An oasis located in the South Hejaz, Arabia; notable for Muhammad's visit in 619.
UṢŪL (اصول‎): Definition, Etymology, and Significance in Islam
Explore the concept of Uṣūl (اصول‎), its components, and its importance in Islamic studies. Understand how these foundational elements underpin Islamic jurisprudence and theology.
Al-Kitābu ʾl-Mubīn
Explore the term 'Al-Kitābu ʾl-Mubīn,' its meanings and significance within the Qur'anic context. Learn how it is used to refer both to the Tablet of Decrees (Lauḥu ʾl-Maḥfūz̤) and the Qur'an itself.
al-Mutanabbi (d. 965)
Al-Mutanabbi, also known as Abu al-Tayyib Ahmad ibn al-Husayn, is considered the greatest Arabic poet. Born in Kufa, Iraq. Known for his pre-Islamic heroic motifs in panegyrics during the Islamic era.
Al-Qurʾānu ʾl-ʿAz̤īm (القران العظيم‎)
Explore the term 'Al-Qurʾānu ʾl-ʿAz̤īm,' a revered title given to the opening chapter of the Qur'an by Prophet Muhammad. Understand its meaning, significance, and role in Islamic texts and daily prayers.
Aqiqah
Aqiqah is an Islamic birth ritual involving various traditional practices such as shaving the child's head, distributing money to the poor, making an animal sacrifice, and naming the child.
Ginans
Sacred hymns embodying contemplative and reflective knowledge within the Ismaili tradition
Ḥawāmīm
Explore the term 'Ḥawāmīm,' its definition, significance in the Qur'an, and its place within Islamic tradition. Learn about the specific chapters of the Qur'an that are referred to as 'Ḥawāmīm' and their importance in the Islamic faith.
Ḥayāʾ
Learn about the term 'Ḥayāʾ,' its implications, and usage in Islamic context. Understand its application in everyday life and its significance within the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
Kalīsa, Kilīsa (كليسة‎)
Explore the term 'Kalīsa, Kilīsa,' its origins, and its usage in Islamic legal and cultural contexts. Understand how this term is applied to Christian and Jewish places of worship within the framework of Muhammadan law.
Qalb
Central concept in Sufi epistemology and psychology, referring to the heart as the intuitive faculty perceiving inner realities.
SABT (سبت‎)
Explore the term 'SABT,' its etymology, translations, and cultural significance in the Islamic context. Understand its connection to the concept of Sabbath and its impact on Islamic practices.
Shihab al-Din al-Qarafi
13th-century Maliki jurist known for his contributions to Islamic legal theory and jurisprudence
Terrorism
Deliberate use of violence against noncombatants for political ends
Batin
Inner, interior, inward, hidden aspect of Islamic thought, especially prevalent in Shii, Ismaili, and Sufi traditions.
Bilalians
Name used by early African-American Muslims referring to Bilal, former black slave of the Prophet Muhammad.
Ḥilf
Explore the concept of 'Ḥilf,' its implications, and usage in the Islamic context. Understand the significance of oaths and vows, and how they are utilized in both religious and societal aspects of Muslim life.
IẔN (اذن‎)
Learn about the term 'IẔN (اذن‎),' its implications, and usage in an Islamic context. Understand the significance of permission and intercession within Islamic theology and daily practices.
Trinity in Islam and Christianity - Definition, Etymology, and Significance
Explores the concept of the Trinity in Islamic and Christian theology, highlighting its references in the Qur'an and contrasting Islamic perspectives with Christian doctrine.
Zainab (زينب‎) - Etymology, Historical Context, and Significance in Islam
Explore the figure of Zainab bint Jahsh, her historical and theological significance, the implications of her marriage to Prophet Muhammad, and the relevant Qur'anic verses.
ẔAWŪ ʾL-ARḤĀM (ذوو الارحام‎)
Explore the term 'ẔAWŪ ʾL-ARḤĀM (ذوو الارحام‎)', its implications in Islamic theology and legal theory, and understand its importance in Islamic law and family relations.
'ʿUkūf (عكوف‎)
Explore the term 'ʿUkūf,' its etymology, and its importance in Islamic practices. Understand how this term is associated with a life of prayer and devoutness within the mosque.
Ablution (Wuḍūʾ) in Islam - Definition, Rituals, and Significance
Learn about the significance of Wuḍūʾ (Ablution) in Islam, its procedures, various interpretations, and the role it plays in the daily spiritual practices of Muslims.
Adil Düzen
Adil Düzen, meaning ‘just order’ in Turkish, was a central program of Turkey’s Welfare Party focused on social and economic justice.
AL-ANʿĀM (الانعام‎)
Explore Sūrah Al-Anʿām, its significance, themes, and context within the Qur'an. Understand the historical and cultural backdrop to its revelation and the specific mention of customs related to cattle.
ĀYĀTU ʾL-ḤIFZ̤ (ايات الحفظ‎) - Verses of Protection in Islam
Learn about ĀYĀTU ʾL-ḤIFZ̤, the verses of protection from the Qur'an. Understand their significance, usage in Islamic tradition, and their role in providing spiritual and physical protection.
Aymān (ايمان‎)
Explore the meaning and significance of the term 'Aymān' in Islamic context. Learn the etymological roots, religious implications, and how this term is used within Islamic theology and law.
BAITU ʾL-QUDS (بيت القدس‎) in Sufism
Explore the term 'BAITU ʾL-QUDS,' its meaning, usage, and significance within Sufi traditions. Learn what it represents for the true seeker of God and how it relates to Sufi meditation practices.
Banūn (بنون‎)
Discover the significance of 'Banūn' in the Islamic context, its usage in classical texts, and its historical relevance to various tribes in early Islamic history.
Bint Mak͟hāẓ (بنت مخاض‎)
Explore the term 'Bint Mak͟hāẓ,' understand its definition, etymology, and its role within the context of Islamic practices such as Zakat. Learn about the specific criteria for alms regarding camel herds.
Biruni, Abu Rayhan Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-
A Persian philosopher, scientist, and polymath of the Islamic Golden Age, significant for his contributions to numerous scientific fields and for introducing Hindu philosophy to the Islamic world.
Cevdet Pasha, Ahmad
Ottoman administrator and reformer of the Tanzimat period who balanced secular and religious influences.
Dhat: Essence in Islamic Thought
An exploration of the term 'Dhat' as it relates to the essence or substance, often in reference to God in Islamic theology and philosophy.
G͟HĀZĪ (غازى‎)
Learn about the term 'G͟HĀZĪ,' its implications, and usage in the Islamic context. Understand the historical and contemporary relevance of this title, and how it has been bestowed upon significant figures in Islamic history.
Ghishawah (غشاوة)
Explore the term 'Ghishawah' (غشاوة), its etymology, and profound implications in the Islamic context. Understand its usage in the Qur'an and how it symbolizes spiritual impediments.
Hasan al-Askari
Eleventh imam of the Twelver (Ithna Ashari) Shia Islam
IʿTĀQ (اعتاق‎)
Explore the term IʿTĀQ (اعتاق‎), its meaning, etymology, and significance in the Islamic context. Understand the Islamic approach to slavery and the concept of manumission.
Jannatu 'l-Khuld (جنة الخلد‎)
Explore the concept of Jannatu 'l-Khuld (جنة الخلد‎), also known as the Garden of Eternity. Delve into its etymology, mentions in the Qur'an, and its integral role in the Islamic understanding of the afterlife.

Dictionary of Islam

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