The Sixth and Last Period of Revelation in Al-Madina - Detailed Overview
An in-depth look at the twenty surahs revealed during the sixth and last period at al-Madina, including their themes, contexts, and key messages.
Muhammad Shibli Numani
Muhammad Shibli Numani (d. 1914), founder of Urdu historiography and key figure in Islamic revival
Abu al-Fath Muhammad ibn Abd al-Karim al-Shahrastani
Shahrastani, Abu al-Fath Muhammad ibn Abd al-Karim al- (d. 1153) was a scholar, philosopher, theologian, and historian of religions from the Iranian province of Khurasan.
Ali Shariati
Iranian Shii thinker and political activist, proponent of Islamic modernization and social justice.
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
Islam in Senegal
A comprehensive overview of the practice and history of Islam in Senegal
Islam in Somalia
Islamic faith practices permeate nearly the entire population of Somalia, with significant historical influences from various Sufi orders and persistent contemporary engagement in global and regional Islamic revivalist movements.
Islam in South Africa
Overview of the history, demographics, and sociopolitical involvement of Islam in South Africa
Islam in South Asia
An overview of the history, cultural impact, and current dynamics of Islam in South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Islam in Southeast Asia
The history and development of Islam in Southeast Asia, focusing on its spread, cultural influence, and political role.
Islam in Sudan
An overview of Islam's presence and influence in Sudan, encompassing its historical evolution, cultural integration, and political dynamics.
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
Mahmud Shabestari
Persian mystic poet and scholar famous for his mystical poem 'Golshan-i Raz'.
Mimar Sinan
The chief architect of the Ottoman Empire known for his contributions to Ottoman architecture.
Muhammad Shahrur
Syrian engineer and author of works on the Quran and Islamic jurisprudence known for his contemporary readings and radical reinterpretations.
Musa al-Sadr
Iranian cleric and leader of the Shii movement Harakat al-Mahrumin in Lebanon
Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas
Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas: Early convert to Islam, prominent Companion of Prophet Muhammad, and key military leader in early Islamic history.
Sa'di, Musharrif al-Din Muslih
Sa'di, Musharrif al-Din Muslih (d. ca. 1291), Persian mystic poet member of the Suhrawardi tariqah.
Sabaʾ (سبا‎)
Explore the tribe and province of Sabaʾ as mentioned in the Qur'an. Understand the historical, cultural, and theological significance of Sabaʾ in Islamic and Biblical contexts.
Sabbah, Hasan-i
Eleventh-century founder of a branch of Ismaili Shi'is known as the Nizaris or Assassins.
Sabbath
Explore the term 'Sabbath' (Sabt) as used in the Qur'an, its implications within Islamic context, and its historical and theological significance in relations to the Jewish tradition.
Sabil
Islamic term referring to the way, road, or path, often used in the context of correct belief and behavior
SABĪLU ʾLLĀH (سبيل الله‎)
Understand the term 'SABĪLU ʾLLĀH (سبيل الله‎),' its usage in Islamic context, especially in relation to religious warfare and meritorious deeds. Explore references from the Qur'an and its broader implications in the life of Muslims.
Sacrifice
A ritual involving the slaughter of an animal as an act of devotion in Islamic tradition, observed during significant events like Hajj and Eid al-Adha.
Sadaqah
Charity or alms given freely to those in need, distinct from the obligatory alms (Zakah) in Islam.
Sadr-i Azam
The title given to the chief minister in Safavid and Qajar Iran and in Ottoman Turkey.
Sadr, Muhammad Baqir al-
Iraqi Shii intellectual, philosopher, political leader, and author whose works significantly influenced Islamic philosophy, economics, and constitutional law.
Safavid Dynasty
The ruling dynasty of Persia (Iran) from 1501 to 1722, known for establishing Twelver Shiism as the state religion and initiating a cultural renaissance.
Saffah, Abu al-Abbas al-
First Abbasid caliph known for initiating the Abbasid Caliphate and brutally suppressing opponents
Sahih Muslim
Compendium of Hadith, recognized as one of the six canonical collections in Sunni Islam, compiled by Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj
Sahnun
Sahnun (d. 855) Abu Said Abd al-Salam ibn Said ibn Habib al-Tanukhi, a distinguished Maliki scholar, and the compiler of Al-mudawwanah.
Sahu (Sobriety)
Stage of mystical or spiritual development characterized by careful observance of Shariah, manifestation of wisdom, and clarity of spiritual vision, contrasted with Sukr, spiritual 'intoxication.' In negative terms, refers to closure to spiritual influences.
Said, Hakim Mohammed
Prominent Pakistani philanthropist, physician in traditional Yunani medicine, founder of educational institutions, and former governor of Sindh province.
Saiḥūn (سيحون‎) - Definition, Etymology, and Historical Significance
An in-depth look into the term 'Saiḥūn,' its historical context, and significance in Islamic tradition. Understand the river's inclusion in both religious and cultural narratives.
Saj
A distinctive style of Arabic rhyming prose that blends rhyme, rhythm, and cadence, utilized notably in the Quran and later in the maqamah genre.
Sajdatu ʾs-Sahw (سجدة السهو‎)
Learn about 'Sajdatu ʾs-Sahw,' its importance in Islamic prayer, and how it rectifies lapses or forgetfulness during Salah. Understand the basis from Hadith and responsibilities on performing these prostrations.
Salaam
Etymology, significance, and usage of the term 'Salaam' in Islamic tradition.
Salaam(u) Alaykum(u)
A customary greeting among Muslims meaning 'Peace be upon you.'
Salafi
A reform movement emphasizing a return to the pure form of Islamic doctrines, adherence to Quran and Sunnah, with a modernist intellectual basis.
Salah al-Din
Commander of Muslim forces during the third phase of the Crusades and founder of the Ayyubid dynasty.
Salat
Mandatory prayers performed by Muslims five times daily as the second pillar of Islam.
Salat al-Asr
Midafternoon prayer, the third of the five obligatory daily prayers in Islam.
Salat al-Duhr
Noon prayer in Islam; the second of the five obligatory daily prayers (salat) containing four cycles (rakah)
Salat al-Isha
Salat al-Isha: The fifth and final mandatory daily prayer in Islam, consisting of four cycles and performed after sunset.
Salat al-Jumah
The congregational Friday prayer in Islam, required primarily of Sunni men and under specific conditions for Shi'i men.
Salat al-Khawf
The prayer performed in times of danger or warfare, based on the Prophet Muhammad’s example during military battles.
Salat al-Maghreb
The fourth of the five mandatory daily prayers in Islam, performed after sunset.
Salat al-Tarawih
Recommended prayers performed in the month of Ramadan, indicating piety.
Salihi Tariqah
A branch of the Sanusi tariqah that emphasizes revivalist and reformist Islamic principles and has had a notable influence in East Africa.
Salman the Persian
Salman the Persian: Iranian Companion of the Prophet Muhammad, renowned for his contributions to Islamic history and legend.
Samarra
Ancient town on the east bank of the Tigris River in Iraq, notable for being the capital of the Abbasid Empire between 836 and 892, and renowned for its architectural and artistic heritage.
Sanad (سند‎)
Explore the concept of 'Sanad,' its definition, etymology, and importance in Islamic jurisprudence. Understand its various uses, including historical, legal, and scholarly contexts.
Sanctuary
Explore the concept of 'Sanctuary' in Islamic tradition, the legal implications of seeking refuge in a mosque, and its historical contexts in Islamic and Biblical law.
Sanusi Tariqah
Revivalist Sufi order founded in 1841 by Muhammad ibn Ali al-Sanusi, known for its resistance to colonialism and emphasis on learning, piety, and work ethic.
Saracens
Saracens - Term initially used by Romans for nomadic groups in Syria, later applied to Arabs, and then extended by medieval Christian writers to all Muslims.
Sarah
Wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac; notable figure in Islamic tradition known for her piety and faithfulness.
Sarekat Islam
Indonesia’s first mass political party with deep-rooted Islamic nationalist and socialist ideologies.
Sariqah: Theft in Islamic Law
An exploration of the concept of theft known as 'Sariqah' in Islamic penal ordinances (hudud), including its classifications, punishments, and legal considerations.
Satan (Shaytan)
The adversary or principle of evil in Islamic theology
Satanic Verses
Refers to an incident in Islamic tradition involving the interjection of words by Satan during the revelation of a particular Qur'anic verse.
Saud, Faisal ibn Abd al-Aziz
King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, noted for transforming the nation into an oil power and promoting Islamic values.
Saul
Saul, known as Talut in Arabic, is depicted in Islamic tradition as the king anointed by prophet Samuel who led the Israelites to victory.
S̤awāb (ثواب‎)
Explore the concept of 'S̤awāb' in Islamic tradition, understand its etymology, and its importance in the daily life of Muslims. Discover how actions are rewarded and the spiritual significance of S̤awāb.
Sawda bint Zama
Second wife of the Prophet Muhammad and an early Muslim who emigrated to Abyssinia
Sayf al-Dawlah, Abu al-Hasan Ali
Hamdanid ruler of Aleppo, known for his patronage of scholars and resilience against Byzantine aggressions.
Sayyid
Honorific title used by those claiming descent from Muhammad, especially through his grandson Husayn.
Sayyid Shaykh ibn Ahmad al-Hadi
Sayyid Shaykh ibn Ahmad al-Hadi (d. 1934) was a Hadhrami-descended reformist, writer, publisher, and educator in Malaya, known for promoting modern religious education and societal modernization among Malays.
Sayyid, Ahmad Lutfi al-
A prominent Egyptian writer, editor, and political figure known for his contribution to Egyptian nationalism and legal reforms.
Science
Refers to all systematic knowledge, both religious and secular within Islamic civilization.
Science, Attitudes Toward
A comprehensive examination of attitudes towards science within the Muslim world throughout history, focusing on the fluctuating perspectives ranging from embracement to cautious skepticism.
Sea (Baḥr)
Explore the term 'Sea' (Baḥr) in Islamic context, its Quranic references, significance, and cultural implications. Learn about how seas are conceptualized in Islamic literature.
Seclusion in Traditional Muslim Societies
An in-depth look at the practice of seclusion to protect women from unrelated men, rooted in social and religious customs, and its evolution over time.
Secularism
The concept of separating religion from state affairs, often viewed differently within Islamic contexts.
Seljuk Dynasty
A Turkic family of Central Asian origin that ruled much of the eastern Islamic world from 1038 to 1194
September Laws
Laws implemented in Sudan from 1983 to 1985 under Jafar al-Numayri aimed at instituting sharia as the law of the land, intended to unify the country, but ultimately leading to civil war.
Sexuality in Islam
A comprehensive overview of the Islamic perspective on sexuality, highlighting its ethical, legal, and cultural facets.
Shab-i-Qadr (شب قدر‎)
Explore the deep spiritual significance of Shab-i-Qadr, also known as Lailatu 'l-Qadr, within the Islamic tradition. Understand its place in the Islamic calendar, its rituals, and its profound impact on the lives of Muslims.
Shaban, Said
Lebanese Sunni political and religious activist, founder of Harakat al-Tawhid al-Islami, aligned with Syria and Iran
Shadow of God
A concept of divine right kingship popularized by Muslim rulers claiming to be vicegerents of God on earth.
Shafaa
The concept of intercession in Islam, addressing its theological intricacies and variations in interpretation.
Shafi'i School of Law (Madhhab Shāfiʿī)
A school of Islamic jurisprudence founded by Imam Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi'i in the eighth century, known for its emphasis on hadith in formulating Islamic law.
Shafii, Muhammad ibn Idris
Jurist, theologian, and founder of the Shafii school of Islamic law; key figure in the systematization of Islamic jurisprudence.
Shafiq, Durriyah
Egyptian scholar, teacher, journalist, and feminist activist known for her work in female literacy and political rights for women.
Shaghār (شغار‎)
Explore the concept of Shaghār, its historical context, and why it is forbidden in Islam. Learn about its implications and current practices.
Shah
Title commonly used by the dynastic rulers of Iran and the Turko-Persian cultural area, connoting sacred kingship.
Shah Abbas I
Major ruler of the Safavid dynasty in Iran, renowned for his military, administrative, and cultural achievements.
Shah Ismail
Founder of the Persian Safavid dynasty in 1501, proclaiming himself both a political and religious leader.
Shahadah
The Islamic declaration of faith and the first of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Shahid, Shah Ismail
Prominent scholar-activist of Muslim South Asia (d. 1831). Follower of Sayyid Ahmad Barelwi and pivotal figure in reforming Sufism through the 'Way of Muhammad'.
Shamil, Imam
Muslim leader and key figure in resistance to Russian conquest of the Caucasus in the nineteenth century.
Sharawi, Huda
Egyptian feminist leader known for her advocacy of women's rights and her involvement in the Egyptian independence movement.

Dictionary of Islam

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