Islam

Rahmani Tariqah
A suborder of the Khalwati tariqah, rooted in the Kabyle region of Algeria and known for its significant sociopolitical influence.
RAJĪM
Discover the term 'Rajīm,' its etymology, historical background, and importance in Islamic theology and religious practices.
Rajʿah
Rabʿah refers to the anticipated return of a messianic figure in Shi'a Islam, particularly the Hidden Imam, as prophesied in Islamic eschatology.
Ramadan
The ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.
Rasul
Messenger of God, a term used in the Qur'an to refer to Muhammad and other prophets.
Rasūl (رسول‎)
Explore the term 'Rasūl,' its meanings, implications, and how it is used in the Islamic context. Understand the differences between a Rasūl and other types of Prophets.
Refugees
Islamic principles and historical practices regarding asylum and refuge
Relics
Objects associated with holy persons in Islam, regarded as possessing spiritual powers and are objects of veneration and devotional practices.
Repentance
An exploration of the concept of repentance in Islam, its theological foundations, and its implications for individual and social behavior.
Revolution
Exploration of the concept of 'revolution' within the context of Islamic thought, including classical and modern interpretations.
Rifai Tariqah
Rifai Tariqah is a Sunni Sufi order instrumental in the institutionalization of Sufism, established by Ahmad ibn Ali al-Rifai, and notable for its significant presence in several regions and diverse practices.
Rings - Definition, Significance, and Usage in Islam
Learn about the term 'K͟hātim (خاتم‎),' its implications, and usage in Islamic context. Understand the rules surrounding the wearing of rings for men and women in Islam, and the cultural practices associated with them.
Rites of Passage in Islam
Significant Islamic rites of passage, particularly circumcision and marriage, and their roles in reflecting the transition to adulthood.
Rushdie Affair
Incident arising from the publication of a novel entitled The Satanic Verses, by British author Salman Rushdie, in 1988.
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.
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.
Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim (صحيح مسلم)
Learn about Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, its compilation, and its importance among the Kutuub as-Sittah in Islamic tradition. Explore the work of Abū ʾl-Ḥusain Muslim ibn al-Ḥajjāj and its enduring significance.
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.
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.
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.
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-Khawf
The prayer performed in times of danger or warfare, based on the Prophet Muhammad’s example during military battles.
Ṣalātu ʾl-Jumʿah (صلاة الجمعة‎)
Understand the significance of Ṣalātu ʾl-Jumʿah, the Friday Prayer in Islam, including its structure, timing, and importance to the Muslim community.
Ṣalātu ʾl-ʿĪdain (صلاة العيدين‎) - Prayers of the Two Festivals
An in-depth look at Ṣalātu ʾl-ʿĪdain, the special prayers performed on the two major Islamic festivals: ʿĪd al-Fiṭr and ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā. Understand their significance, procedure, and cultural importance in the Muslim world.
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.
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.
Satan (Shaytan)
The adversary or principle of evil in Islamic theology
Saud, Faisal ibn Abd al-Aziz
King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, noted for transforming the nation into an oil power and promoting Islamic values.
Ṣaum (صوم‎) - Understanding Fasting in Islam
Explore the concept of Ṣaum (صوم‎) in Islam, its significance, types, and the comprehensive guidelines provided by Prophet Muḥammad. Learn about the spiritual and communal role of fasting and its deeply rooted tradition in Islamic practice.
ṢAUMU ʾT-TAT̤AWWUʿ (صوم التطوع‎)
Explore the concept of ṢAUMU ʾT-TAT̤AWWUʿ, a voluntary fast outside the month of Ramaẓān, and understand its importance in Islamic practice.
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.
Sayyid
Honorific title used by those claiming descent from Muhammad, especially through his grandson Husayn.
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.
Sexuality in Islam
A comprehensive overview of the Islamic perspective on sexuality, highlighting its ethical, legal, and cultural facets.
Shahadah
The Islamic declaration of faith and the first of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Sharif
Honorable, noble, highborn, or high-bred. Man claiming descent from prominent ancestors, usually the Prophet Muhammad through his grandson Hasan.
Sharīʿah (شريعة‎)
Explore the comprehensive framework of Sharīʿah in Islam, encompassing Qur'anic teachings and Prophetic traditions. Understand its paramount role in guiding the ethical and legal practices of Muslims.
Shath
A Sufi term referring to ecstatic expression or utterance, often of an apparently blasphemous nature.
Shaving the Head (Taḥlīq)
Explore the practice of shaving the head, known as 'taḥlīq,' in Islamic culture. Understand its religious implications, regional variations, and references in Islamic texts.
Shaykh al-Islam: A Prestigious Islamic Title
An in-depth look at the honorific and administrative title 'Shaykh al-Islam,' its etymology, roles in Islamic and Ottoman contexts.
Shirazi, Sadr al-Din al-
Iranian philosopher and theologian who merged diverse philosophical and theological traditions to create a new synthesis of Islamic thought.
SIJILL (سجل)
Explore the term 'Sijill,' its implications in Islamic jurisprudence, and its representation in the Qur'an. Understand the various interpretations of this term in historical and contemporary Islamic contexts.
Sijjīn (سجين‎)
Explore the term 'Sijjīn,' its meanings, implications, and significance within Islamic theology. Understand its context in the Qur'an and its importance in Islamic eschatology.
Sin (Arabic: Zamb)
Explore the concept of sin in Islam, the classification of sins into Kabīrah and Ṣag͟hīrah, and the major sins outlined by Islamic tradition.
Singapore Muslim Religious Council
The supreme Islamic religious authority in Singapore, established under the Administration of Muslim Law Act, responsible for advising the government, administering mosque-building programs, managing mosques and endowment properties, and coordinating the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
Sīpārah (سيپاره‎)
Explore the term 'Sīpārah,' its meaning and importance in the context of the Qur'an. Learn how the Qur'an is divided to facilitate recitation, especially during the month of Ramadan.
ṢIRĀT̤ (صراط‎)
Explore the concept of Ṣirāṭ̤ (صراط‎) in Islamic tradition, its appearances in the Qurʾān, and its religious and cultural implications as both the 'right path' and the bridge across infernal fire.
Sirat al-Mustaqim, al-
Path of righteousness; the straight path as described in the Quran for proper conduct and correct religious belief and practice.
Sirr
Mystery, secret, or the innermost part of the heart in Islamic mysticism.
Slavery in Islam
An analytical overview of the practice and regulations surrounding slavery in Islamic history and legal framework.
Sneezing - Definition, Etymology, and Cultural Significance in Islam
Explore the cultural and religious significance of sneezing in Islam, including the proper responses and historical context. Understand how this simple act is integrated into daily Islamic practices and beliefs.
Socialism and Islam
An exploration of the convergence and interplay between Socialism and Islam, and the historical and ideological context in which they intersect.
Sub-Saharan Africa, Islam in
An overview of the modes of entry and influence of Islam in Sub-Saharan Africa and its impact on demographics, culture, and interfaith relations.
Sult̤ān (سلطان‎)
Explore the term 'Sult̤ān,' its etymology, Qur'anic references, and contemporary usage. Understand the historical and religious implications of the title within Islamic culture.
Surah
A surah is a chapter in the Qur'an, distinguished by its opening phrase and thematic structure.
Surrogate Motherhood in Islam
An exploration of the concept, rulings, and debates surrounding surrogate motherhood in Islamic jurisprudence.
Swearing (Oath)
Delve into the concept of swearing and taking oaths in Islam. Understand its theological basis, associated legal rulings, and its practical implications for Muslims.
Syria, Islam in
Analysis of the Muslim population and the political dynamics of Islam in Syria, including major sects, historical events, and regime policies.
Tabaqat
Comprehensive biographical dictionaries in Islamic scholarship arranged by rank, class, or generation
Tabligh
The communication of a message or revelation; fulfillment of a spiritual mission in Islam.
Tablighi Jamaat
A global Islamic revivalist movement focused on personal spirituality and religious practices, founded by Mawlana Muhammad Ilyas in 1927.
TAḤĀLUF in Islamic Law
Discover the concept of TAḤĀLUF in Islamic jurisprudence, its etymology, applications in civil suits, and its impact on legal proceedings involving disagreements between parties.
Tahrik-i Khaksar
A movement established by Inayatullah Khan Mashriqi in 1930 to improve the conditions of Muslims in the Indian subcontinent
Takbīr
Understand the term 'Takbīr,' its meaning, usage, and significance in Islamic practices, including daily prayers and the funeral rites. Discover its etymological roots and cultural importance.
Talqīn (تلقين‎)
Explore the concept of Talqīn in Islam, a key practice during Muslim burial rites, involving posthumous instruction to the deceased for a smooth transition into the afterlife.
Tanzil
The revelation and transmission of divine guidance through prophets, culminating with the Qur'anic message delivered by Muhammad.
Taqīyah (تقية)
Explore the concept of Taqīyah, a Shīʿah doctrine in Islam that involves religious dissimulation to avoid persecution. Understand its historical context, religious significance, and theological underpinnings.
Tarwiyah: The Eighth Day of Hajj
Tarwiyah refers to the eighth day of the Hajj pilgrimage, marking significant ritualistic preparations and historical remembrance.
Tashahhud
An attestation of faith recited in the second and final unit of Islamic prayer encompassing the testimony of God's uniqueness and Muhammad's prophethood.
Tathīr (تطهير)
Explore the concept of Tathīr (تطهير) in Islam, its implications for ceremonial purity, and methods of purification for various objects and situations.
The Companions of the Cave (Aṣḥābu 'l-Kahf)
Learn about 'The Companions of the Cave' (Aṣḥābu 'l-Kahf), their story, and its significance in the Islamic context. Understand their historical background and why they are mentioned in the Qur'an.
The Cross (Arabic: Aṣ-Ṣalīb) - Denial of Crucifixion in Islam
Explore the term 'The Cross' (Aṣ-Ṣalīb in Arabic) in Islamic context. Understand the Qur'anic stance on the crucifixion of Jesus, related narrations, and legal implications within Islamic jurisprudence.
The Devil
Explore the figure of the Devil in Islam, his origins, attributes, and influence as described in the Qur'an and Hadith traditions. Discover the dual usage of Shaitān and Iblīs, and their roles in Islamic theology.
The Disciples of Jesus - Definition and Significance in Islam
Learn about the term 'al-Ḥawārīyūn,' its implications, etymology, and the significance of the disciples of Jesus in the Qur'anic context.
The Dying in Islam - Treatment and Practices
Explore the Islamic practices and instructions surrounding the treatment of the dying. Understand the religious rites, recitations, and cultural practices associated with the end of life in Islamic tradition.
The Murjīyah: Division and Beliefs in Islamic Thought
Explore the Murjīyah ('Procrastinators') sect in Islam, their various subgroups, and their unique doctrinal positions.
The Night Journey (al-Isra and Laylat al-Miraj)
The historical and spiritual journey undertaken by Prophet Muhammad from the Great Mosque in Mecca to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and subsequently his ascension into heaven.
The Position of Women in Islam
Examine the role and status of women in Islamic societies, addressing historical contexts, critiques, and the evolution of women's rights. Understand misconceptions and reforms initiated by Prophet Muhammad.
The Qur'an: Editions and Translations
A comprehensive overview of the history, editions, and translations of the Qur'an from its first printing to notable translations across multiple languages.
The Second Coming of Jesus
Explore the concept of the Second Coming of Jesus within Islamic traditions. Delve into the sources and implications of this belief for Muslims, examining significant Hadith and scholarly views.
The Treatment of Slaves in Islamic Context
Explore the nuanced perspectives on the treatment of slaves in Islam, informed by the Qur'an, Prophetic Traditions, and classical jurisprudential texts. Understand the theological, ethical, and legal frameworks governing slavery in Islamic societies.
Tijani, Ahmad al-
Founder of the Tijani Sufi order, claiming to be the 'seal of the saints' and combining strict law observance with a rejection of ascetic practices.
Tombs in Islam
Islamic tombs and their significance within popular Islam, Sufi orders, and revivalist movements.
Torah
A significant scripture in Islam, mentioned eighteen times in the Quran as a revelation preceding the Gospels and the Quran.
Trumpet (ṣūr)
Explore the term 'Trumpet' (ṣūr) in Islamic eschatology, its references in the Qur'an, and its implications on the Day of Resurrection. Understand the number of blasts and their significance according to Islamic tradition.
T̤ŪR (طور‎)
Explore the term 'T̤ŪR (طور‎),' its etymology, and significance in Islamic context. Learn about its mention in the Qur'ān and its geographical and theological importance.

Dictionary of Islam

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