Islam

Mashhad
An overview of 'Mashhad,' detailing its significance as the gravesites of Twelver Shii imams and as a city in Iran.
Mauritania, Islam in
The historical and contemporary presence of Islam in Mauritania, encompassing its introduction, Sufi traditions, and socio-political dynamics.
MAUT (موت‎) in Islam and Sufism
Learn about the term 'Maut' (Death) in its literal and figurative senses in Islam and Sufism. Understand its usage in the Qur'an and its deeper spiritual meanings within Sufi traditions.
Mawali
Term referring to non-Arab Muslims and clients of Arab tribes during early Islamic periods.
Mawdudi, Sayyid Abu al-Ala
Indo-Pakistani Muslim revivalist, prolific writer, politician, and founder of Jamaat-i Islami.
Maʾūdah (موءودة‎) – Definition, Etymology, and Historical Significance in Islam
Explore the term 'Maʾūdah,' its historical context, and its prohibition in Islam. Understand the pre-Islamic custom of burying female infants alive, and how Islam sought to abolish this practice.
Mecca
The holiest city in Islam, birthplace of Muhammad, site of the Kaabah and annual pilgrimage.
Medina
The second holiest city in Islam, the burial site of Prophet Muhammad, and a significant location for Islamic religious and political development.
Medina (Al-Madinah): Historical and Religious Significance in Islam
Explore the historical, cultural, and religious importance of Medina (Al-Madinah) in Islam. Understand its role in the early Islamic period and its continued significance.
Menstruation (maḥīẓ) - Understanding Its Role and Restrictions in Islam
Explore the term 'menstruation' (maḥīẓ), its significance, and prescribed practices in Islam. Understand the restrictions placed on women during menstruation and how Islamic tradition addresses this natural biological cycle.
Messianism
Belief in the appearance of a religio-political figure who will lead society to justice at the end of time, a concept shared by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Mi'raj
Muhammad’s Night Journey to heaven, significant in Sufi poetry and spiritual ascension.
Mihrab
An ornamental arched niche set into the wall of a mosque to indicate the direction of Mecca
Mīkā'īl (ميكائيل‎)
Explore the role and significance of Mīkā'īl (ميكائيل‎) in Islamic tradition. Understand how the archangel Michael is perceived in Islamic theology and his contributions according to Quranic verses and Hadith.
Mīkāʾīl - The Archangel Michael in Islamic Tradition
Explore the significance of the Archangel Michael (Mīkāʾīl) in Islam, including his mention in the Qur'an and his role in Islamic theology.
Minaret
A tower on a mosque from which the call to prayer is issued five times daily, often featuring a cylindrical shaft and a spiral staircase.
Moses (Musa in Islam)
Moses, known as Musa in Islam, is a prophet who played a significant role in leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and is recognized for various miraculous events.
Mosque
Discover the meaning, history, and cultural significance of the mosque (masjid) in Islam. Learn about its etymological roots and its role in the spiritual and communal life of Muslims.
Mourning in Islam - Definition, Traditions, and Legal Rulings
Explore the Islamic period of mourning, customs involved, and special considerations for widows along with the cultural practices and restrictions during mourning.
Mu'āhid (معاهد‎)
Discover the term 'Mu'āhid,' its etymology, and importance within Islamic jurisprudence. Learn about the historical and contemporary context of Mu'āhid as a non-Muslim who enters into a covenant with a Muslim state.
Mufassir
A scholar who writes a commentary on the Quran.
Muḥammad (محمد‎)
Explore the designation 'Muḥammad' within the Islamic tradition, its occurrences in the Qur’an, and its profound significance. Understand the role and legacy of the Prophet Muḥammad in the Islamic faith.
Muhammad Ilyas
Islamic scholar, Deobandi alim, and founder of Tablighi Jama'at in India
MUḤAMMAD, The Wives of - An In-depth Reference
Explore the lives of the Wives of Prophet Muhammad, known as al-azwāju ʾl-mut̤ahharāt (الازواج المطهرات‎). Understand their backgrounds, relationships with the Prophet, and their significance in Islamic history.
Muḥrim (محرم‎)
Explore the concept of Muḥrim, a pilgrim in a state of Iḥrām, within the Islamic tradition. Understand the conditions, dress, and significance of this state during the pilgrimage.
Mujahidin
A term referring to individuals engaged in jihad, often translated as 'warriors of God.'
Mukʿhaddarah
Learn about the term 'Mukʿhaddarah (مخدرة‎),' its implications, and usage in the Islamic context. Understand the legal and cultural meanings associated with a woman in a state of purity and veiled.
Mullabashi
A high religious functionary in Shii Islam, primarily within the Safavid institution, responsible for religious scholarship and legal advisement.
Mullah
Title used to identify a religious functionary, cleric, or someone with religious education in the Islamic tradition.
Mumin
Definition and exploration of the term Mumin within Islamic theology
Muntaziri, Husayn Ali
Influential Iranian Grand Ayatollah and student of Ayatollah Khomeini known for his opposition to Iran's clerical government.
Muqtadī (مقتدى‎)
Learn about the term 'Muqtadī,' its role, definition, and significance in Islamic rituals, particularly in congregational prayers. Understand the responsibilities and actions expected from a Muqtadī.
Murid
Disciple or aspirant in a Sufi order who follows the guidance of a Sufi master
Muridi Tariqah
A prominent Sufi order in Senegal, emphasizing spiritual knowledge and agricultural labor.
Murtadd (مرتد‎): Definition, Etymology, and Significance in Islam
Learn about the term 'Murtadd,' its implications, and usage in the Islamic context. Understand what entails apostasy, and the legal and theological ramifications in Islamic teachings.
Muṣāfaḥah (مصافحة‎)
Explore the term 'Muṣāfaḥah' (مصافحة‎), its etymology, cultural significance, and role in Islamic tradition. Learn about the practice of shaking hands, its ties to forgiveness, and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad regarding Muṣāfaḥah.
Muslim Council of Britain
Federation of major Sunni Muslim organizations in Britain, engaged in media, education, politics, and legal matters.
Muslim Minorities in Non-Muslim Societies
Ethnographic and theological insights into Muslim populations living as political and religious minorities in non-Muslim majority societies.
Muslim Student Association (Nigeria)
An organization of Nigerian Muslim college students founded in the 1960s, aimed at educational reform and influenced by Abubakar Gumi.
Mustadafūn: The Downtrodden in Islamic and Revolutionary Context
An examination of the term 'Mustadafūn,' its etymology, historical significance, and usage in Islamic intellectual history and revolutionary Iran.
Mustaʾmin (مستأمن)
Explore the term 'Mustaʾmin,' its origin, and its usage within the context of Islamic jurisprudence. Understand what it signifies for foreigners seeking security and immunity in Muslim territories.
Mutah (Temporary Marriage)
A private and verbal marriage contract between a man and an unmarried woman for a specified period of time; predominantly practiced among Twelver Shi'is.
Muʿallim (معلم‎)
Explore the role of a Muʿallim (معلم‎) as a teacher in Islamic tradition, its etymological roots, and its various usages and significances, including philosophical and Sufi contexts.
Muʿānaqah (معانقة‎)
Learn about the term 'Muʿānaqah' (معانقة‎), its implications, and usage in the Islamic context. Understand the cultural significance of embracing among Muslims and its endorsement by Prophet Muhammad.
Nabi: Islamic Concept of Prophethood
Definition and explanation of the term 'Nabi' in Islam, distinguishing it from 'Rasul'
Nadhir
An individual who warns; specifically referring to Muhammad's role as a messenger in Islam.
Nafaqah
Nafaqah constitutes the financial obligation of a husband toward his wife during marriage and for a time after he divorces her.
Nafs
Definition and interpretation of the concept 'Nafs' in Islam
Najaf
Najaf, a Shia religious center in Iraq reputedly founded in 791, housing the tomb of Ali ibn Abi Talib.
Names and Naming in Islam
An exploration of the importance and tradition of naming practices in Islamic cultures, as well as their religious significance and etymological roots.
Names of God
The attributes and names of God in Islam, as encouraged and described by the Quran and traditions.
Names of the Prophet
A comprehensive collection of the names attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, each significant in Islamic tradition and theology.
NAQL ṢAḤĪḤ (نقل صحيح‎)
Explore the term 'NAQL ṢAḤĪḤ,' its etymology, and its significance in Islamic Hadith science. Understand how it denotes a 'correct relation' and its role in authenticating traditions.
Naqshbandi Tariqah
A Sufi order known for its adherence to Islamic law, sobriety in practice, and historical political activism.
Naqus (Bells)
Explore the concept of 'Naqus' or bells, their historical references, cultural implications, and their place in Islamic tradition. Understand why bells are mentioned in Islamic texts and their significance in Muslim societies.
Nārāwā
Explore the term 'Nārāwā,' its meaning, implications, and usage in an Islamic context. Understand its relation to the term 'Ḥarām' and its significance in Muslim jurisprudence.
Nasif, Malak Hifni
Egyptian feminist, Islamic modernist reformer, and writer who advocated for women's rights and reforms in Islamic legal and social practices.
Nationalism and Islam
The interaction and integration of Islamic values within nationalist movements across various regions, forming a significant component of many Muslim nations' ideologies.
Natsir, Mohammad
Indonesian intellectual, writer, nationalist, journalist, and politician who advocated for the modernization of Muslim societies through a return to classical Islamic traditions.
Nestor
Explore the figure of Nestor, or Naṣt̤ūr (نصطور‎), a Christian monk who bore witness to the Prophet Muḥammad. Understand its acceptance across different Islamic sects and delve into the traditional stories surrounding his interaction with the young Muḥammad.
Nifās
Explore the concept of 'Nifās,' its implications and rules in Islamic law, and understand the practices and rituals associated with this period for Muslim women.
Nimatullahi Tariqah
An Islamic Sufi order originating in southeast Iran, initially Sunni, later embracing Shi'i practices, and emphasizing spiritual and ethical aspects of Islam.
Nīyah (نية‎)
Learn about the term 'Nīyah,' its meaning, importance, and application in Islamic practices. Understand how Nīyah influences the acts of worship and daily religious life of Muslims.
Nizam
Order, organization, system, rule in Islamic context
Nizam-i Mustafa Movement
A nine-party popular movement in Pakistan launched by Jamaat-i Islami in 1977 aimed at establishing an Islamic system of government.
Non-Muslim Minorities in Muslim Societies
The status and treatment of non-Muslim minorities in Muslim societies over time, including the concept of dhimmah and its impact on legal and social standing.
Numrūd (نمرود‎)
Explore the character of Numrūd, his portrayal in Islamic texts and its historical and theological significance.
Nūn (نون‎)
Explore the mysterious letter 'Nūn (نون‎)' as mentioned in the Qur'an's LXVIIIth Sūrah. Delve into its meanings, interpretations, and significance in Islamic theology and scholarship.
Nur
Light, one of the names of God in the Quran, signifying divine guidance
Occasionalism
A theological theory in Ash'ari theology attributing events solely to the will of God, denying natural causation.
Occultation
The hidden state of the Twelfth Shia Imam in Islamic theology, during which the Imam is believed to communicate differently with the community.
Old and New Testaments: The Testimony of the Qurʾān
Explore the references in the Qurʾān to the sacred scriptures of the Jews and Christians, highlighting the respect and acknowledgment given by Prophet Muḥammad.
Old Testament - Al-ʿAhdu ʾl-ʿAtīq: Definition, Etymology, and Significance in Islam
Discover the Islamic perspective on the Old Testament, referenced as Al-ʿAhdu ʾl-ʿAtīq, and explore its significance, as well as figures and events mentioned in the Islamic texts.
Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC)
An intergovernmental organization established to promote Islamic solidarity, economic cooperation, and international peace among member states.
Orphans (Yatīm)
Explore the term 'yatīm' in Islamic context, its definitions, cultural and legal implications, and its significance as reflected in the Qur’an.
Pan-Islamism
Pan-Islamism is an ideology advocating for sociopolitical solidarity among all Muslims.
Parwez, Ghulam Ahmad
Modernist Islamic thinker known for his rejection of hadith as a source of Islamic law.
Peter the Venerable
Abbot of Cluny who initiated efforts for better Christian understanding of Islam and commissioned the first Latin translation of the Quran.
Pillars of Islam
The five primary obligatory acts of worship and practice in Islam, also known as the arkan al-Islam.
Pluralism in Islam
The concept of religious inclusiveness in Islam that acknowledges and respects the legitimacy of other faiths.
Pork
Prohibition of pork consumption in Islam
Postmodernism and Islam
Exploration of the intersections between postmodernism and Islam, particularly in the context of hermeneutics and interpretation of religious teachings.
Prayers for the Dead
Explore the concept of prayers for the dead in Islam, based on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. Understand their significance, traditions, and the theological basis for these practices.
Privacy of Dwellings - Islamic Teachings and Qur'anic Injunctions
Explore the concept of privacy of dwellings in Islam, as established by the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and the Qur'anic injunctions. Understand the importance of asking permission before entering a house.
Prophethood
The role and significance of prophethood in Islam, encompassing divine communication and moral guidance for humankind.
Punishments of the Grave [ʿAdhābu 'l-Qabr] - Definition, Significance and Perspectives in Islam
An in-depth exploration of the concept of 'ʿAdhābu 'l-Qabr' (Punishments of the Grave) in Islam, its theological underpinnings, descriptions, and its impact on Muslim beliefs and practices.
Qabr
Understand 'Qabr,' its etymology, Islamic rituals associated with graves, and the cultural significance in the Muslim world. Learn about burial rites, their spiritual importance, and how graves are maintained in Islamic tradition.
Qadari Tariqah
Sufi order founded posthumously by followers of Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (Gilani), known for its Hanbali legal orientation and widespread influence.
Qalandar
A Persian term for mendicant Sufi mystics unattached to any specific shaykh or order, known for their disheveled appearance and unconventional public demonstrations of devotion.
Qaramita
A prominent Ismaili Shii group who established a state in the ninth century, later known for their challenge against the Abbasids and significant raids in the Islamic world.
Qassam, Izz al-Din al-
Syrian Islamic activist who organized armed resistance against Zionist movement and British authorities
Qazi Husayn Ahmad
Prominent leader of Jamaat-i Islami in Pakistan (1987-2009), influential in Pakistan's Afghan policy and global Muslim resistance movements
Qiblah
Direction Muslims face during prayer, including architectural and organizational aspects
Qimār
Explore the concept of 'Qimār,' its implications, and its prohibition in Islamic teachings. Learn about the perspectives on games of chance and their impact on the life of Muslims.
Qutb
Axis, pivot, or pole in Sufi thought representing the human manifestation of divine consciousness.
Radicalism in Islam
An exploration of radicalism within the Islamic context, highlighting its distinction from mainstream values and its regulation by Islamic law.

Dictionary of Islam

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