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.
Ayatollah Hajj Sayyid Abol-Qasem Kashani
A prominent Iranian cleric and nationalist leader who played a crucial role in mid-20th-century Iranian politics.
Ayatollah Sayyid Shihab al-Din Marashi-Najafi
An influential Iranian cleric known for his scholarship, social and educational activities, and his support for the Iranian Revolution.
Āyatu'l-Kursī
Learn about 'Āyatu'l-Kursī,' its implications, and usage in Islamic context. Understand its significance in the Qur'an and its spiritual benefits according to Islamic belief.
ĀYATUʾL-MAWĀRĪS̤ (اية المواريث‎) - Definition, Etymology, and Importance in Islamic Law
Discover the significance of ĀYATUʾL-MAWĀRĪS̤ (اية المواريث‎), also known as 'The Verse of Inheritances', and its impact on Islamic inheritance law as outlined in the Qurʾān.
Ayaz Ishaki
Tatar political activist, writer, and promoter of Turkic unity and national autonomy
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.
Ayodhya Incident
The Ayodhya Incident refers to the December 1992 destruction of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, an ancient city in northern India, followed by widespread Hindu-Muslim riots.
Ayyāmu ʾn-Naḥr
Explore the term 'Ayyāmu ʾn-Naḥr', its importance during the Hajj pilgrimage, and its broader implications within Islamic practices and rituals.
Ayyāmuʾl-Bīẓ
Explore the term 'Ayyāmuʾl-Bīẓ,' its meaning, religious significance, and its references in Islamic texts. Learn about the practices associated with these days.
ĀZAR (آزر‎)
Explore the term 'ĀZAR (آزر‎),' its role in Islamic tradition, its mention in the Qur'an, and its cultural and theological significance. Discover how Āzar is viewed in Islamic and Eastern literature.
Azerbaijan, Islam in
The historical and contemporary presence and influence of Islam in Azerbaijan.
Azizah al-Hibri
Azizah al-Hibri: Muslim professor, lawyer, and advocate for human rights and Islamic jurisprudence.
Bābu ʾL-Abwāb (باب الابواب‎) in Sufism
Explore the term 'Bābu ʾL-Abwāb' in Sufi tradition, its linguistic roots, and its deep spiritual significance in the practice of repentance.
Badawī (بدوى‎)
Explore the term 'Badawī,' its significance, etymology, and cultural implications within the context of Islamic and Arab culture. Understand the historical and modern-day perspectives on the Bedouin Arabs.
Baghdad
Baghdad: The City of Peace and the Cradle of Islamic Civilization
Baha Allah
Title used by Mirza Husayn Ali Nuri, the prophet-founder of the Bahai faith.
Baha'i
Follower of the Iranian Baha'u'llah, Mirza Husayn Ali Nuri (d. 1892)
Bahira
Christian monk believed to have recognized signs of prophethood in the child Muhammad, affirming the continuity of his prophethood with that of Moses and Jesus and the continuity of Muhammad’s message with Jewish and Christian scriptures.
Baitu ʾl-Māl (بيت المال)
Explore the concept of Baitu ʾl-Māl, its etymology, sources of income, and its function as the public treasury in a Muslim state. Learn about its roles and responsibilities in Islamic governance.
Baiʿu ʾL-Wafāʾ (بيع الوفاء‎)
Understand the concept of Baiʿu ʾL-Wafāʾ, a sale with a promise in Islamic finance. Learn about its implications, legality, and usage in historical and contemporary contexts.
Bakkai al-Kunti, Ahmad al-
West African religious and political leader during the 19th century, known for his accommodationist approach towards European Christian presence and for his influence in the Qadiri brotherhood.
Bakri Tariqah
A specialized branch of the Khalwati Sufi order established in the mid-eighteenth century in Egypt by Mustafa ibn Kamal al-Din al-Bakri.
Balad
Explore the term 'Balad' (بلد), its broader meanings, significance in Islamic texts, and its specific importance with reference to Makkah and the Qur'anic context.
Bangladesh, Islam in
A brief historical and contemporary overview of the role and influence of Islam in Bangladesh.
Bani Sadr, Abol-Hasan
Iranian dissident, theorist of the revolutionary movement, and the first President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Banishment (Taghrīb)
Explore the concept of Banishment (Taghrīb) in Islamic law, its basis in Shari'a, varying opinions among Islamic jurists, and its application as a punishment for certain crimes.
Banu Israil
Historical Jewish community referred to in the Qur'an and subject of God's various favors.
Banu Qurayza
A significant Jewish tribe in Medina known for their alliance and subsequent conflict with Prophet Muhammad and the early Muslim community.
Baqa
Abiding or remaining in God, a state achieved following annihilation of the self in Sufi practice.
Baqillani, Abu Bakr Muhammad al-
Ash'ari theologian and Maliki jurist of Iraq, instrumental in the propagation of Ash'ari Kalam.
Barakah
Blessing conferred by God upon humankind, central to diverse aspects of Islamic belief and popular practices
Barelwi, Sayyid Ahmad Reza Khan
North Indian reformer and activist, associated with the family of Shah Wali Allah of Delhi, known for his opposition to certain Sufi, Shii, and local practices, and his jihad against Sikh domination in Punjab.
BĀRIQAH (بارقة‎) in Sufism
Explore the concept of BĀRIQAH in Sufism, its etymology, spiritual significance, and role in the enlightenment journey of a true Muslim. Learn about the transformative power of this initial refulgence of the soul.
Barmakids
A powerful family of originally Buddhist priests from Balkh who became influential administrators within the Abbasid Caliphate.
Barter
Explore the concept of barter (Bai') in Islamic tradition, its legal and economic implications, and its role within the Islamic financial system. Understand the traditional and contemporary applications of barter in Islamic culture.
Basmachis
Basmachis: Anti-Soviet Muslim rebels in Central Asia during the early 20th century.
Bathing
Explore the significance of bathing and religious purification in Islam, including the terms 'ghasl' and 'ghusl,' and their implications in the daily lives of Muslims.
Battle of Badr
The pivotal battle fought in 624 by Prophet Muhammad and his followers against the larger Meccan army, symbolizing the triumph of Islam over polytheism.
Battle of Kosovo
The decisive 1389 battle between the Ottoman and Serbian forces, pivotal in Ottoman expansion into the Western Balkans.
Battle of Siffin
A significant battle fought in 657 between the forces of Caliph Ali ibn Abi Talib and the governor of Syria, Muawiyah, marking a crucial event in early Islamic history
Battle of the Camel
A pivotal battle in 656 CE between followers of Caliph Ali ibn Abi Talib and Meccan aristocrats led by Aishah, stemming from disputes over the caliphate and justice for the murder of Uthman.
Bay'ah
The oath of allegiance to a leader in Islamic tradition.
Bayan
Bayan refers to clearness, lucidity, and manifestation in Islamic literature and Arabic rhetoric.
Baybars I
Third Mamluk sultan of Egypt known for his military prowess, statecraft, and major contributions to the Mamluk Empire.
Baydawi, Abd Allah al-
Medieval Shafi'i jurist and Ash'ari theologian renowned for his concise Quranic commentary
Bayrami Tariqah
An overview of the Bayrami Tariqah, a Turkish Sufi order established in the fifteenth century by Hacı Bayram Veli.
Bayt al-Hikmah
Bayt al-Hikmah, also known as the House of Wisdom, was an influential institution of learning in Baghdad renowned for its significant contributions to the translation of Greek and Persian works into Arabic, particularly during the Abbasid Caliphate.
Bayt al-Mal
Historical financial institution responsible for administration of taxes, royal treasury functions, and zakah distribution in Islamic governance.
Bayyumi Tariqah
An Egyptian successor to the Badawi tariqah, founded by hadith scholar Ali ibn al-Hijazi al-Bayyumi, notable for its divergence from the Khalwati tariqah and its role in championing the rights of the poor.
Bazaaris
Small shopkeeper/merchant sector of the traditional middle class of Iran involved in both economic and religious spheres, historically supporting anti-state movements.
Bazargan, Mehdi
An influential Iranian modernist, professor, and reformer active in the pre- and post-1979 revolutionary eras.
Bazzaz, Abdul-Rahman al-Bassaz
Iraqi Arab nationalist politician instrumental in shaping Iraq's mid-20th century political landscape.
BAʿS̤ (بعث‎)
Explore the multifaceted term 'BAʿS̤ (بعث‎),' its etymology, significance within Islamic theology, and its dual references to the Day of Resurrection and the mission of prophets.

Dictionary of Islam

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