Supererogation, Acts of (Nafl)
Learn about the concept of supererogation acts, known as Nafl, in Islam. Understand their types, significance, and how they enrich the spiritual lives of Muslims.
Tahannus (تحنث)
Explore the concept of 'Tahannus,' its implications, and usage in an Islamic context. Understand the practice of tahannus and its historical significance, particularly in the context of Prophet Muhammad’s early revelations.
Taleqani, Mahmud
Iranian cleric and key ideologue of the Islamic revolution known for advocating social justice and contributing to the Liberation Movement of Iran.
The Sixth and Last Period of Revelation
An overview of the surahs revealed during the sixth and last period at al-Madīnah, focusing on their content, themes, and historical context.
The Sunnī Law of Divorce: Overview, Etymology, and Regulations
An extensive examination of the Sunni Islamic law of divorce, its types, procedures, and implications in Islamic jurisprudence.
Uḥnūkh (اخنوخ‎)
Explore the term 'Uḥnūkh' in Islamic tradition, its etymology, historical background, and its possible identification with the prophet Idrīs mentioned in the Qur'an.
Uhud
Discover the historical and religious significance of the Battle of Uhud in Islam and its impact on the development of the early Muslim community.
Wahhabis
An eighteenth-century reformist/revivalist movement for sociomoral reconstruction of society in Arabia.
WALAHĀN - The Distracting Demon in Islamic Tradition
Explore the concept of WALAHĀN, a demon known in Islamic tradition to trouble individuals during their ablutions. Learn about its etymology, cultural significance, and context within Islamic practice.
Walāʾ (ولاء)
Explore the term 'Walāʾ,' its definitions, implications, and categories in Islamic law. Understand different kinds of Walāʾ and their impacts on social and legal structures within Islamic contexts.
YAʿQŪB (يعقوب‎)
Explore the term 'YAʿQŪB' (يعقوب‎), equivalent to the Bible's Jacob, its etymology, and its significance in Islamic tradition. Understand the role of Prophet Yaʿqūb in Islamic teachings and his contribution to Islamic culture and theology.
Yūnus (Jonah)
Explore the story and significance of the prophet Yūnus (Jonah) in Islamic teachings. Understand his narrative as 'He of the Fish' and 'Sāḥibu ʾl-Ḥūt' through Qur'anic references.
Ẕū al-Fiqār (ذو الفقار)
Explore the historical and symbolic importance of the sword Ẕū al-Fiqār, its etymological roots, and its significant role in Islamic tradition.
ʿĪSĀ (عيسى‎)
Explore the term 'ʿĪSĀ,' its etymology, and its importance in Islamic theology. Understand how Jesus, referred to as ʿĪSĀ, is portrayed in the Qur'an and other Islamic writings.
Ar-Rabb (الرب‎)
Explore the term 'Ar-Rabb,' its connotations, and its usage in Islamic theology. Understand what it signifies and how it is utilized in the context of divine attributes and daily life of Muslims.
Aṣḥābu ʾṣ-Ṣuffah - The Sitters on the Bench in Early Islam
Learn about Aṣḥābu ʾṣ-Ṣuffah, their significance in early Islamic history, and their unique role within the nascent Muslim community in Medina. Understand their living conditions and relationship with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Duʿāʾ-i-Maʾs̤ūr
Learn about 'Duʿāʾ-i-Maʾs̤ūr,' its implications, significance in Islamic practice, and how it reflects the devotion of Muslims by adhering to the prayers handed down from the Prophet Muhammad.
Faraq (فرق‎) in Islam and Sufism
Explore the term 'Faraq,' its meanings, and implications within Sufism. Understand how this concept applies to the stages of spiritual contemplation in the Islamic context.
Forbidden Fruit
Explore the concept of the 'Forbidden Fruit' as mentioned in the Qur'an, its interpretations by Islamic scholars, and its implications in Islamic theology.
Free Will in Islam
A comprehensive definition of Free Will (ikhtiyar) in Islamic theology, focusing on its significance and impact.
G͟HAUS̤ (غوث‎)
An in-depth exploration of the term 'G͟HAUS̤ (غوث‎),' its significance, and its usage in the context of Islamic spirituality. Discover what defines a G͟HAUS̤ and its rank among other titles of sanctity.
Hakim, Tawfiq al-
In-depth look into Tawfiq al-Hakim, an Egyptian dramatist, novelist, essayist, and short-story writer who significantly influenced modern Arabic literature.
Hamka
Hamka (d. 1981) was an Indonesian religious scholar and prolific author known for his works on fiction, politics, history, Islamic doctrine, and mysticism. He played a significant role in the revolutionary struggle for Indonesia's independence and contributed to the interpretation of Pancasila.
ḤIRĀʾ (حراء‎)
Explore the significance of ḤIRĀʾ, the mountain near Makkah, in the context of the first revelation given to Prophet Muhammad. Understand its historical, theological, and cultural importance in Islam.
Hours of Prayer in Islam: Definition, Etymology, and Significance
Explore the concept of 'Hours of Prayer' in Islam, its origin, scriptural backing, and significance. Understand the five stated periods of Muslim prayer (Salah) and their spiritual importance.
Ismailis
A major Shii Muslim community known for their esoteric traditions and significant historical contributions, particularly during the Fatimid period.
JUZʾ (جزء‎)
An exploration of the term 'JUZʾ (جزء‎),' its structure, significance, and usage in the context of the Qur'ān, including its etymology and related terms.
Khubab or Khabbab (خباب‎) - Early Muslim, Persecution, and Loyalty
Explore the life of Khubab ibn al-Aras̤s̤, an early Muslim convert who endured severe persecution for his faith, and his significant interactions with Caliph ʿUmar. Understand his struggle, resilience, and the scars of his devotion to Islam.
Labbaika
Explore the meaning and spiritual significance of the term 'Labbaika' in Islam. Understand its context within the pilgrimage rituals and its broader cultural and devotional importance.
Masjidu ʾT-Taqwā (مسجد التقوى‎) - First Mosque of Islam
Explore the significance of Masjidu ʾT-Taqwā, its historical background, and religious importance in Islam. Understand its connection to Prophet Muhammad and its standing among other sacred Islamic sites.
Modesty (ḥayāʾ حياء)
Understand the concept of modesty (ḥayāʾ) in Islam, its significance in the Hadith and Islamic teachings, and its impact on the daily lives of Muslims.
Muezzin
A representative responsible for issuing the adhan (call to prayer) five times daily in Islam.
Pentateuch (Taurat)
Explore the term 'Pentateuch,' known as 'Taurat' in Islamic context, its scriptural significance, and its role in both Jewish and Islamic traditions.
Qabḍ wa Basṭ in Sufism
Explore the Sufi concepts of Qabḍ and Basṭ. Learn about their meanings, implications, and how they delineate opposite states of the heart, contributing to the spiritual journey of a Sufi practitioner.
Road of God
Explore the term 'Road of God,' its meaning, usages in the Qur'an, and its greater significance in the Islamic faith. Learn about how it guides both individual and collective Muslim actions, particularly in ethical and religious contexts.
Saiyid (سيد‎)
Explore the term 'Saiyid' (سيد‎), its usage, and the historical and contemporary importance of those who bear this title. Understand its significance in daily prayers, social standing, and Islamic culture.
Sakinah
Sakinah represents the presence or peace of God, associated with divine support, piety, and mystical illumination in Islamic tradition.
Ṣalātu ʾs-Safar (صلاة السفر‎)
Explore the concept of Ṣalātu ʾs-Safar, the prayers of travel in Islam. Learn about its origins, rules, and implications for Muslim travelers.
ṢALĀTU ʾT-TARĀWĪḤ (صلاة التراويح‎)
Explore Ṣalātu ʾt-Tarāwīḥ, the 'Prayer of Rest,' and its importance during the month of Ramaḍān. Understand its etymology, practices, and how it contributes to the spiritual life of Muslims.
Seven Salāms
Explore the concept of 'Seven Salāms' in the Qurʾān, their meanings, and their significance in Islamic practices. Discover the relevant verses and their applications in daily Muslim life.
Singing (Ghināʾ)
Explore the complexities of singing (ghināʾ) in Islamic tradition, its legal rulings, theological debates, and cultural practices. Understand the historical and contemporary perspectives on singing within the Muslim world.
Tariqah
Tariqah refers to the Sufi order or spiritual regimen of a specific teacher or master, encompassing devotional practices, recitations, and literature of piety.
Tazkiyah
Explore the concept of 'Tazkiyah,' its etymology, and its dual significance in Islamic context. Understand its role in both personal purification and legal frameworks.
Young Ottomans
Liberal movement that developed the first constitutional ideology of the Ottoman Empire, influential in the 19th century.
Zakāt (زكوة‎): Definition, Etymology, and Significance in Islam
Learn about Zakāt, its religious and ethical implications in Islam, its calculation for various assets, and its impact on Islamic social justice. Explore the historical and theological background along with practical guidelines for its implementation.
ʿABBĀS (عباس‎)
An in-depth look at ʿABBĀS (عباس‎), his role within Islamic history, his contributions, and his influence that led to the establishment of the Abbaside dynasty.
ʿĀshūrāʾ
Learn about the significance of ʿĀshūrāʾ (عاشوراء), a voluntary fast day observed by Muslims on the tenth of Muḥarram. Discover its historical context, religious implications, and how it is observed among different communities within Islam.
ʿIlm al-Taṣawwuf
Explore the study of ʿIlm al-Taṣawwuf, its etymology, and its profound significance in Islamic mysticism (Sufism). Understand the nature of ʿIlm al-Taṣawwuf, its historical development, and its role in the spiritual life of Muslims.
Abū ʾl-Qāsim (ابو القاسم‎)
Understand the term 'Abū ʾl-Qāsim,' its etymology, relevance, and significance in Islam, including its association with the Prophet Muḥammad.
Adultery (Zināʾ) - Definition, Etymology, and Implications in Islam
Explore the concept of adultery, known as 'Zināʾ' in Arabic, within an Islamic context. Understand its implications, legal proceedings, and penalties as outlined in Islamic law, and its parallels with other Abrahamic traditions.
Ahmad al-Qushashi
Ahmad al-Qushashi: Sufi mystic and scholar influential in therology and mystical interpretations of hadith.
Al-Humazah (الهمزة‎)
Learn about Surah Al-Humazah, its significance, context, and how it addresses slander in Islamic teachings. Discover the historical background and key messages conveyed in this Qur'anic chapter.
Al-Ilhāmu ʾr-Rabbānī (الالهام الربانى‎) - Divine Inspiration in Islamic Thought
Explore the concept of Al-Ilhāmu ʾr-Rabbānī in Islamic theology, including its definitions, implications, and significance. Learn about the etymology, cultural context, and how it shapes the spiritual lives of Muslims.
Al-Kīmiyāʾ (الكيمياء‎) - The Islamic Concept of Alchemy
Discover the historical and theological dimensions of Al-Kīmiyāʾ (الكيمياء‎) in Islamic tradition and its significance ranging from classical alchemy to Sufi mysticism.
Al-Kitāb (الكتاب‎)
Explore the term 'Al-Kitāb' (الكتاب‎), its meanings, and its significance within the Islamic tradition. Understand its application to the Qur'an and other sacred texts of Jews and Christians.
AL-MUSABBIḤĀT (المسبحات‎)
Learn about the term 'AL-MUSABBIḤĀT,' its meanings, associated Qur'anic Surahs, and the significance of these praises in Islamic worship and tradition.
Al-Wahhāb (الوهاب‎)
Explore the attribute Al-Wahhāb, its meaning, occurrence in the Qur'an, and its significance in Islamic theology. Understand how this Divine Name reflects God's generosity and beneficence.
AMAL
Lebanese Shia political movement formed to advocate for Shia rights and resist external influence.
Amīr (أمير)
Explore the term 'Amīr,' its historical roots, cultural implications, and roles in Islamic governance. Understand the various titles and responsibilities associated with 'Amīr' within Muslim states.
Amīru ʾl-Muʾminīn - Definition, Etymology, and Historical Significance
Explore the term 'Amīru ʾl-Muʾminīn', its origins, and its historical and cultural significance in Islamic leadership. Understand its usage among early Islamic figures, Caliphs, and the Sultans of Turkey.
Apostasy from Islām (Arabic: Irtidād - ارتداد‎)
Explore the concept of apostasy in Islam, defined as irtidād in Arabic, its legal implications, historical context, gender-specific rulings, and scholarly interpretations. Understand how apostasy has been treated in Islamic jurisprudence and the diversity of opinions within the Muslim legal tradition.
AZ̤-Z̤ILLU ʾL-AUWAL (الظل الاول‎) in Sufism
Discover the meaning and significance of the term 'AZ̤-Z̤ILLU ʾL-AUWAL' in Sufism. Understand its relation to al-ʿAqlu ʾl-Auwal and its importance in Islamic mysticism.
Breach of Trust
Understand the concept of 'Breach of Trust' (خيانة‎ - k͟hiyānah) in Islamic law, including its legal implications and the differences from ordinary theft.
Clean and Unclean Animals
Explore the classification of clean and unclean animals in Islam, the legal rulings around them, and their implications for Muslim dietary practices.
Dabūr (دبور‎)
Discover the term 'Dabūr,' its implications in Ṣūfī teachings, and its influence on Islamic thought. Understand what 'Dabūr' represents and its impact on spiritual practices.
Elijah (Ilyās)
Explore the significance of the prophet Elijah (Ilyās) in Islamic tradition. Learn about his mentions in the Qur'an, his role as a prophet, and various scholarly interpretations.
Ezekiel
An exploration of the Prophet Ezekiel, also known as Hizqil or Dhu al-Kifl, who is mentioned in the Qur'an and noted for his faithfulness and patience.
Fosterage
Delve into the concept of 'Fosterage' in Islam, understanding its definitions, legal implications, and various scholarly interpretations. Learn about the period of fosterage and its nuances involving prohibitions in matrimonial connections.
Futa Toro
The successor state to the medieval Takrur kingdom located in the Senegal River basin, noted for its Islamic reform movement in the 17th century.
Gabr (گبر‎)
Explore the term 'Gabr' and its multifaceted implications within an Islamic context, including its etymology, historical references, and cultural significance.
ḤUKM (حكم‎)
Explore the term 'ḤUKM' (حكم‎), its diverse implications in the Qurʾān, and its profound significance in Islamic jurisprudence and theology. Understand how ḤUKM shapes the legal and moral framework of a Muslim's life.
I'thar (ايثار)
Discover the term 'I'thar', its meanings, and its profound implications in Islamic teachings and daily practices. Learn how this concept shapes human relationships by prioritizing others' well-being over one's own.
Ibn Saad, Muhammad
A pivotal 9th-century biographer and compiler known for producing early works on the Prophet Muhammad's life and a biographical dictionary.
Idolatry (Shirk)
Explore the concept of idolatry, known as shirk in Islam. Understand its theological implications, scriptural basis, and its evolution within Islamic history.
Images in Islam in Islamic Context
Explore the Islamic rulings and perspectives on images and representations in Muslim households. Understand the significance of prohibitions against images within the Islamic worldview.
Istibrāʾ
Learn about Istibrāʾ, its implications in Islamic law, and its historical context concerning female slaves. Understand the purification waiting period required before a newly purchased female slave is taken to her master's bed.
Jizyah
Explore the concept of Jizyah in Islamic law, its historical context, and its implications for non-Muslim subjects under Islamic rule. Learn about who is subject to Jizyah, its rates, and its exceptions.
Juwayni, Abu al-Maali al-
An influential Iranian Ashari theologian and political philosopher, teacher of al-Ghazali, and proponent of the centralized authority of the sultan or amir.
Kanisah
Places of worship for non-Muslims, particularly churches, synagogues, or temples in Islamic contexts.
Kindah (كندة‎) - Definition, Etymology, and Historical Significance
Explore the Arab tribe of Kindah, its noble heritage, and influential descendants like the philosopher al-Kindī. Learn about Kindah's cultural and historical significance in the Islamic and pre-Islamic eras.
Kuls̤ūm
Understanding the significance of Kuls̤ūm ibn Hadam, a pivotal figure during the Prophet Muhammad's migration to Qubāʾ, and the location where the first mosque was built.
Moses – Definition, Etymology, and Significance in Islam
Explore the life and significance of Prophet Moses, known as Mūsā (موسى‎) in Arabic, in Islamic theology and history. Understand his role as one of the six great prophets and the Qur'anic narratives describing his mission.
Muḥtasib (محتسب‎) - Definition, Etymology, and Role in Islamic Society
Learn about the term 'Muḥtasib', its duties, historical context, and significance in Islamic jurisprudence. Understand how the role of Muḥtasib has been implemented across different Islamic cultures.
Musailamah - Definition, Etymology, and Historical Significance in Islam
Explore the history and significance of Musailamah in Islamic history, the self-proclaimed prophet who opposed Muhammad. Understand the events surrounding his claim and his eventual downfall.
Nafaqah
Explore the concept of 'Nafaqah,' its etymology, and its crucial role in Islamic law and daily life. Understand how this term is applied within family and marriage contexts in Islamic teachings.
Nik Abdul Aziz
Profile of Nik Abdul Aziz, a prominent Malaysian cleric and politician in Parti Islam Se Malaysia (PAS)
Nineveh - Historical and Islamic Context
Explore the city of Nineveh, its historical significance, and its mention in Islamic tradition. Understand its reference in the Qur'an and its importance in the story of Prophet Jonah.
Obsequies of the Dead (Janazah)
Learn about the Janazah or funeral rites in Islam, including the processes, cultural practices, and significance attached to the funeral prayers and burial of deceased Muslims.
Qissīs (قسيس)
Explore the term 'Qissīs,' its etymology, usage in the Qur'ān, and its implications in Islamic and interfaith contexts. Discover how the term underscores the relationships between Muslims and Christians as presented in Islamic texts.
Raddu 's-Salām
Discover the importance of 'Raddu 's-Salām,' the returning of a salutation in Islam. Understand its obligatory nature and its role in fostering community bonds among Muslims.
Rakʿah (ركعة‎)
Delve into the concept of 'Rakʿah' in Islam, its etymology, significance during prayers, and its role in the daily lives of Muslims.
Resurrection in Islam
The concept of life's reawakening in Islamic belief, denoted by a series of eschatological events leading to final judgment.
Sabeans
Explore the term 'Sabeans' (Ṣābiʾ), their etymological origins, historical significance, and depiction in Islamic texts including the Qur'an. Understand their belief system and how they are perceived within Islamic theology.
Seal of Prophecy: K͟hātimu ʾn-Nubūwah (خاتم النبوة‎)
Explore the concept of the Seal of Prophecy in Islam, K͟hātimu ʾn-Nubūwah, and its significance as a divine mark on the Prophet Muhammad indicating his status as the final prophet.
Sectarianism in Islam
Sectarianism in Islam refers to the divisions and conflicts that have emerged within the Muslim community despite the Quranic warnings against such divisions.
Statues (Sculpture)
Explore the Islamic perspective on statues and sculptures, including their historical context, theological implications, and contemporary views. Understand how Islamic law has influenced the creation and display of statues.
Sunnah
Established custom, normative precedent, conduct, and cumulative tradition based on Muhammad’s example
Taghut
Quranic term for a false god or idol, also applied to tyrannical rulers usurping God’s power

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.