Islamic Culture

ʿILMU ʾS-SĪMIYĀʾ (علم السيمياء‎) - Definition, Etymology, and Significance
Explore the term ʿILMU ʾS-SĪMIYĀʾ, its definitions and implications in Islamic culture. Understand its application in natural magic, chiromancy, and palmistry from a historical and intellectual perspective.
Dimashq (دمشق‎) in Islamic Context
An insightful exploration into Dimashq, known today as Damascus. Learn about its etymology, historical significance, and cultural importance in the Islamic tradition.
Ḥamāʾil (حمائل‎)
Learn about the term Ḥamāʾil, its etymology, and its usage as amulets or charms within the Islamic context. Understand the cultural and religious significance of Ḥamāʾil in the daily lives of Muslims.
Ihtimām (اهتمام‎)
Explore the term 'Ihtimām,' its implications, and usage in an Islamic context. Understand what 'superintendence' and 'care' mean in relation to land ownership and management.
Infāq (انفاق‎)
Explore the concept of 'Infāq' in Islamic teachings, its occurrence in the Qur'an, and its importance in the practice of charity and expenditure in the way of Allah.
Khitbah (خطبة‎)
Explore the concept of Khitbah (خطبة‎) or betrothal in Islam. Learn about its traditions, ceremonies, and cultural significance, especially in the Indian subcontinent.
SHĪS̤ (شيث‎) – SETH: The Prophet in Islamic Tradition
Explore the significance of SHĪS̤ (شيث‎), also known as Seth in the Islamic tradition. Understand his role, etymology, and impact within Islamic theology and cultural history.
Dār (دار‎)
Explore the multifaceted term 'Dār' in Arabic, signifying 'house' or 'abode' and its various combinations with significant meanings in Islamic culture, theology, and law.
Entering into Houses - Definition, Etiquette, and Significance in Islam
Understand the Islamic guidelines and cultural etiquettes associated with entering someone's house. Learn about the Qur'anic injunctions and Prophetic traditions governing respectful house entry.
K͟HULT̤ĪN (خلطين‎)
Explore the meaning and context of K͟HULT̤ĪN (خلطين‎), a fermented infusion of dates and raisins. Understand its historical background, and its significance in Islamic jurisprudence and cultural practices.
Muslim Literature - Definition, Etymology, and Historical Significance
Explore the rich history of Muslim literature, known in Arabic as 'ʿIlmu ʾl-Adab (علم الادب‎),' and its development from pre-Islamic poetry to its profound influence on global cultural and intellectual traditions.
Naḥr (نحر‎)
Explore the concept of 'Naḥr,' the lawful slaughtering of a camel in Islam, its method, significance, and implications in Islamic rituals and laws.
Qawwali
Qawwali is a group song genre of Hindustani light classical music used to present mystical poetry in Persian, Hindi, and Urdu, commonly performed in Chishti Sufi assemblies.
Tazwīj
Learn about the term 'Tazwīj,' its implications, and usage in the Islamic context. Understand the importance of the marriage contract and its place within Islamic law and cultural practices.
Ṭaʿām (طعام‎)
Explore the term Ṭaʿām (طعام‎), its etymology, cultural significance, and role in Islamic practices and daily life. Understand its importance in the broader context of Islamic dietary laws and customs.
Waqf (Benefice): Definition, Etymology, and Significance in Islam
Explore the concept of 'Waqf' in Islamic law, its historical development, legal definitions, and the roles it plays in Muslim societies today. Understand how Waqf functions as a charitable endowment and its application in modern contexts.
Ẓarb (ضرب‎)
Explore the multifaceted term 'Ẓarb (ضرب‎),' its definitions, and its usage across different contexts within Islamic culture, including arithmetic, poetry, and Sufi mysticism.
ʿAyn (عين‎): The Eye in Islamic Context
Explore the role and significance of the eye, or ʿAyn, in Islam. Understand legal rulings, cultural connotations, and theological implications related to the eye in Islamic tradition.
ʿIlmu ʾl-Handasah (علم الهندسة‎)
Explore the term 'ʿIlmu ʾl-Handasah,' its etymological origins, and its profound impact on Islamic culture and sciences. Understand how geometry was developed and utilized in Islamic civilization.
ʿURS (عرس‎)
Explore the term 'ʿURS' and its dual significance in Islamic culture, including marriage festivities and the ceremonies observed on the anniversary of the death of celebrated saints. Learn about its etymology, usage, and cultural importance in the Islamic world.
Abjad
Learn about 'Abjad,' its arithmetical arrangement, historical significance, and how it has been used in Islamic culture. Understand its origins and applications.
Al-Qamar (القمر)
Explore the term 'Al-Qamar' and its significance in the Islamic tradition. Understand its usage in the Qur'an and its cultural and theological implications.
Ayyāmu ʾl-Qarr (ايا القر)
Explore the term 'Ayyāmu ʾl-Qarr,' its etymology, and its significance in Islamic tradition, especially during Hajj. Understand the practices and what this period symbolises for Muslims.
Bazaar
A marketplace significant in Islamic culture for commerce, ethical practices, and communal engagement
Chess in Islamic Tradition: Definition, Etymology, and Jurisprudence
Explore the perception of chess (Shat̤ranj) in Islamic jurisprudence, its etymological roots, and theological debates around its permissibility.
Khatmah (ختمة)
Discover the term 'Khatmah,' its meaning, and its significance in Islamic practice. Learn about the traditional recitation of the entire Qur'an and its role in Islamic culture and rituals.
Majbūb (مجبوب‎)
Explore the concept of 'Majbūb' in Islamic context, distinguishing it from 'Khaṣī' and its usage in Islamic literature. Understand its legal and cultural implications.
MULLĀ (ملا‎)
Explore the term 'MULLĀ (ملا‎),' its origins, implications, and how it is used to refer to a learned scholar in Islamic society.
Ornaments - Regulations and Cultural Significance in Islam
Discover the regulations regarding the use of ornaments by men in Islam, particularly gold and silver, and understand its cultural and religious significance.
POETS
Explore the role of poets (Arabic: shāʿir, plural: shuʿarāʾ) in Islamic tradition, their historical background, classification, and the declination of poetry through Islamic history.
Sandals - Importance and Usage in Islamic Context
Explore the significance of sandals in Islam, including historical use, cultural implications, and religious practices. Understand how sandals are viewed within Islamic law and tradition.
Taziyah
A Shi'i passion play reenacting the passion and death of Husayn, Muhammad’s grandson, primarily performed in Iran.
Walīmah
Explore the concept of 'Walīmah' (وليمة‎), its religious significance, and the cultural practices surrounding the nuptial feast in Islam. Learn about the historical example set by Prophet Muḥammad and its implications in Muslim societies.
Carpets
Detailed exploration of the cultural, artistic, and historical significance of carpets in Islamic societies and regions.
Khirqah
Explore the term 'Khirqah,' its meanings, historical and spiritual significance in Islamic Sufi tradition, and its role in the life of ascetics and darveshes.
Māriyatu al-Qibṭīyah - Mary the Copt: A Historical and Cultural Perspective
Explore the life, significance, and legacy of Māriyatu al-Qibṭīyah (Mary the Copt), her role in early Islamic history, and her influence on subsequent Islamic culture and traditions.
Maryam
Explore the Islamic concept of Maryam (مريم‎), her significance in Islamic theology, her portrayal in the Qur'an, and her unique status among Muslims and interfaith dialogues.
Schools - Definition, Etymology, and Role in Islamic Education
Explore the concept of schools in Islamic context, the etymology of the terms 'maktab' and 'madrasah,' and the interplay between education and religious instruction within Muslim communities.
Boots (Shoes) - Cultural and Religious Significance in Islam
Explore the cultural, religious, and practical significance of boots and shoes in Islam. Understand their role in daily Muslim life, historical context, and relevant religious guidance.
Evil Eye (Iṣābatu ʾl-ʿAin)
Explore the concept of the 'Evil Eye' (Iṣābatu ʾl-ʿAin) in Islamic tradition. Understand its implications, protective measures, and its impact on the lives of Muslims.
K͟HARĀBĀT
Explore the mystical term 'K͟HARĀBĀT,' commonly interpreted as a wine-shop or tavern yet rich in symbolic meanings within Islamic mysticism. Understand its use in literature and spiritual contexts, especially within Sufi traditions.
Khilʿah (خِلْعَة) in Islamic Culture
Discover the meaning and cultural significance of 'Khilʿah' (خِلْعَة), a dress of honor presented by a ruler as a mark of distinction in Islamic tradition. Learn about its components and historical usage.
Knowledge ('Ilm)
Explore the concept of 'Ilm' (Knowledge) in Islam, including its definition, significance in Islamic theology and culture, and its usage in daily life. Understand how 'Ilm' shapes the religious and intellectual pursuits of Muslims.
Laḥd (لحد‎): Definition, Etymology, and Significance in Islam
Understand the concept of Laḥd (لحد‎), the hollow in graves on the Qiblah side for placing the deceased, its dimensions, and its importance in Islamic burial practices.
Liḥyah (لحية)
Explore the term 'Liḥyah,' its linguistic roots, cultural significance, and legal aspects within the Islamic tradition. Understand the importance of the beard in Islamic culture and how it shapes the identity and practices of Muslim men.
Majnūn: Definition, Etymology, and Cultural Perception in Islam
Understand the term 'Majnūn' in an Islamic context. Explore its etymology, cultural implications, and how it is perceived especially within Egyptian society.
Mars̤īyah (مرثية‎)
Explore the term 'Mars̤īyah,' its etymology, cultural significance, and the role it plays in Islamic traditions, particularly during the commemoration of al-Ḥasan and al-Ḥusain in Muḥarram.
Medicine
Explore the concept of medicine in Islam, its etymology, recommended forms in Islamic texts, and its significance.
Minaret
Explore the architectural and cultural significance of the Minaret (Manarah) in Islam. Understand its historical development, role in Islamic worship, and symbolism.
MIYĀN (ميان‎)
Explore the term 'MIYĀN,' its origins, and its usage as a title of respect for the descendants of prominent Muḥammadan saints. Understand the cultural and historical context behind this honorific in Islamic society.
Nuptial Feast (Walimah): Definition, Etymology, and Significance in Islam
Explore the concept of 'Nuptial Feast' in Islam, known as Walimah. Understand its legal rulings, cultural practices, and its significance in Muslim marriages.
Puberty and Minority in Islam - Definition, Etymology, and Significance
Explore the terms 'Minority' and 'Puberty' within the context of Islam. Understand their etymology, Arabic and Turkish translations, and their implications under Islamic law and cultural practices.
Raḥīl (رحيل‎) - Definition, Etymology, and Utility in Islamic Culture
Discover the meaning of Raḥīl (رحيل‎), its historical and cultural significance, and its use as a portable book-stand for the Qurʾān and other books in Islamic tradition.
Rivers in Islam - Definition, Etymology, and Significance
Explore the term 'Rivers' in an Islamic context, including its etymology, legal classifications, and significance in both worldly and heavenly realms according to Islamic texts.
Shaving in Islam: Traditions and Rulings
Explore the Islamic view on shaving, specifically the beard and head, as derived from religious Traditions and the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad.
Shaʿbān (شعبان)
Explore the month of Shaʿbān (شعبان), its etymology, historical significance, and practices in Islamic culture. Understand how it prepares Muslims for the holy month of Ramadan.
Ṭabīb (طبيب‎) - Definition, Etymology, and Role in Islamic Culture
Explore the term 'Ṭabīb' in Islamic culture, its etymology, usage, and significance. Understand the role of a Ṭabīb in the context of Islamic civilization.
Veils in Islamic Dress
Discover the historical, theological, and cultural implications of veils in Islamic context. This entry explores the types, significance, and perception of veiling practices across the Muslim world.
Vessels in Early Islam
Learn about the different types of drinking vessels forbidden in the early days of Islam, their etymology, and the Islamic rulings related to their use. Understand their cultural and religious significance in the Islamic context.
ʿĪDGĀH (عيدگاه‎)
Explore the term 'ʿĪDGĀH,' its etymology, usage, and significance in Islamic practice. Understand the cultural and religious importance of this designated prayer space for the two major Islamic festivals.
Alif - The Letter Alif (ا): Significance and Usage in Islamic Culture
Explore the multifaceted significance of the letter Alif (ا) in Islamic culture, its etymological roots, and its symbolic importance in religious texts and calligraphy.
Istiʿānah
Learn about the term 'Istiʿānah,' its implications, and usage in Islamic context. Understand the concept of seeking aid in Islam and its significance within the daily lives of Muslims.
Jihāz (جهاز‎) - Definition, Etymology, and Usage in Islam
Explore the term 'Jihāz,' its meanings in Islamic culture, and its practical applications. Understand its relevance in a wedding context as well as in funerary practices.
Monasticism (Arabic: Rahbānīyah, رهبانية‎)
Explore the concept of Monasticism as it relates to Islamic teachings, its Biblical connections, and the stand taken by Prophet Muhammad. Understand the interpretations of this concept in the Qur'an and Islamic jurisprudence.
Munafiq
Discover the meaning and significance of the term 'Munafiq,' its implications in Islamic theology and historical context. Learn about its usage in the Qur'an and its relevance to contemporary Islamic thought.
Syria (Sham) - Historical and Cultural Significance in Islam
Explore the historical and cultural significance of Syria (Sham) in the context of Islam. Understand its contributions to Islamic civilization and its role in Islamic history.
ʿAlam (علم)
Explore the term 'ʿAlam,' its historical, cultural, and religious significance, especially in the context of Muḥarram. Understand the role of flags and standards in Islamic tradition.
ʿIlmu ʾl-Kaff (علم الكفّ)
Explore the concept of 'ʿIlmu ʾl-Kaff,' its historical context, linguistic roots, and its place within Islamic heritage. Delve into the origins of palmistry in Islam and its attributed practice by the prophet Daniel.
ĀL
Learn about the term 'ĀL' (آل‎), its meanings, implications, and significance within Islamic context, particularly in reference to the offspring of the Prophet Muhammad.
Al-Aẓḥā (الاضحى‎)
Discover the meaning, origins, and religious importance of Al-Aẓḥā, also known as Eid al-Adha, within the Islamic faith. This entry delves into the rituals, cultural practices, and historical background of this significant Islamic festival.
Al-ʿAqabah - Definition, Etymology, and Historical Significance in Islam
Explore the term 'Al-ʿAqabah,' its historical context, and significance in Islamic history. Understand the events of the first and second pledges of al-ʿAqabah and their implications for early Muslim community.
An-Nār (النار‎): Definition, Etymology, and Theological Significance in Islam
Explore the term 'An-Nār' (النار‎), commonly referenced in the Qur'an to denote 'the fire' of Hell, its interpretation by different Islamic scholars, and its theological significance.
Bārah-i-Wafāt (باره وفات‎)
Explore the term 'Bārah-i-Wafāt,' its etymological roots, and its significance in Islamic tradition, particularly within the Muslim community in India. Understand the practices associated with this day and its historical context.
Feast Days
Learn about the various Feast Days in Islam, their historical and theological significance, and how they are observed by Muslims around the world.
Istīlād (استيلاد‎)
Understand the concept of 'Istīlād (استيلاد‎) in Islamic law, its implications, and historical context. Explore the legal framework governing the claim of offspring from a female slave and its impact on manumission.
Miḥjan
Discover the meaning, historical context, and cultural significance of the term 'Miḥjan.' Learn how it is used and its relevance in the lives of those with religious pretensions.
Mukhālatah (مخالطة‎)
Understand the term 'Mukhālatah,' its implications, and usage in the Islamic context. Learn about the concept of intermingling or mixing, especially in reference to ceremonial purity.
Muʿjizah (معجزة‎) - Understanding Miracles in Islam
Explore the concept of 'Muʿjizah' in Islamic theology, its significance, meanings, and implications. Learn about its etymology, notable examples, and its role in the life of Muslims.
Nikah - Marriage in Islam: Definition, Etymology, and Significance
Nikah, the Islamic marriage contract, represents more than just legality—it's an act enjoined by Muhammad, fostering religious, social, and family bonds in the Muslim community. Explore its ceremonies, legal status, and cultural nuances.
Shādi (شادى) - Definition, Etymology, and Cultural Significance in Islam
Explore the term 'Shādi' (شادى‎), its etymology, and its cultural importance in the context of Persian and Urdu-speaking Islamic communities. Understand how Shādi is different from the Arabic term ʿUrs (عرس‎) and its role in Islamic traditions.
Shāh (شاه‎) - Definition, Etymology, and Usage in Islamic and Cultural Contexts
Explore the term 'Shāh,' its royal connotations, historical significance, and contemporary usage in Islamic and cultural contexts. Understand how it has transitioned from a title of dignity to a common surname.
Sharāb (شراب‎)
Discover the meanings and implications of the term 'Sharāb' (شراب‎) in Islam. Understand its applications in various contexts, from everyday use to mystical interpretations in Islamic literature.
Son in Islam - Definition, Etymology, and Legal Implications
Explore the term 'Son' in Islamic context, its etymology, cultural, and legal significance. Insights into inheritance laws, personal status, and historical interpretations within both Sunni and Shia jurisprudence. Also includes comparison with Judeo-Christian traditions.
ʿIlmu'l-Adab (علم الأدب) - Definition, Structure, and Significance in Islamic Scholarship
Explore the term 'ʿIlmu'l-Adab,' its etymology, structure, and significance in Islamic scholarship. Understand its various branches and their respective roles in Arabic language and literature studies.
AT-TĪN (التين‎) - The Fig: Definition, Etymology, and Significance in Islam
Explore the term 'AT-TĪN' (التين‎) as it appears in the Qurʾān, its etymological roots, significance in Islamic theology, and its interpretations in classical and contemporary Islamic thought.
Bāẕaq or Bāẕiq (باذق)
Explore the term 'Bāẕaq or Bāẕiq,' its origins, prohibitions, and impact in Islamic law and daily life. Understand the reasons behind its prohibition in Islamic culture.
Betrothal (Khitbah)
Explore the concept of Betrothal, known as 'Khitbah' in Islam, including its definition, etymology, cultural significance, and legal rulings. Understand how Khitbah operates within the framework of Islamic law and its importance in the lives of Muslims.
Damascus
Capital city of the Arab Republic of Syria and a significant center of Islamic culture and history.
Hareem (Harim)
Discover the term 'Hareem' (Harim), its historical and cultural context, its significance in Islam, and its usage across the Islamic world. Understand the implications of privacy, sanctity, and family in relation to the term.
Khatn
Explore the term 'Khatn,' its implications, and usage within the Islamic legal and social context. Understand the relationships it encompasses and its importance in Islamic law and family structure.
Mawla
Multifaceted term in Islamic thought denoting protector, master, or spiritual patron.
Milk (Laban) - Definition, Etymology, and Importance in Islam
Explore the significance of milk, or laban (لبن) in Islam. Learn about its mentions in the Qur'an, related legal rulings, and its role in Islamic culture. Understand how milk is perceived as one of God's special gifts.
Muʾaẕẕin
Explore the role and significance of the 'Muʾaẕẕin,' the caller to prayer in Islam, its historical roots, and the cultural implications in Muslim communities.
Westoxification
The fascination with and dependence upon Western cultural, political, and economic practices to the detriment of traditional, historical, and cultural ties to Islam and the Islamic world.
Houses in Early Islam - Structure, Etymology, and Cultural Significance
An in-depth exploration of housing structures during the time of the Prophet Muhammad, the evolution of Islamic architecture, and its cultural and societal implications. Includes etymology, characteristics, and influential readings.
Mīr (مير‎)
Explore the meaning, etymology, and cultural significance of the title 'Mīr' in Islamic traditions. Understand its historical and social implications among the descendants of Prophet Muhammad and other celebrated figures.
Miracles
Explore the concept of miracles in Islam, including the different Arabic terms used to describe them, their theological significance, and references from the Qur'an and Hadith.
Jinn in Islamic Belief - Definition, Etymology, and Significance
Explore the concept of Jinn in Islamic theology, their origins, types, and their roles in Muslim belief as detailed in Qur'anic and traditional teachings.
KULĀH (كلاه‎)
Discover the cultural and religious importance of the KULĀH, particularly among Muḥammadan faqīrs and darweshes. Understand its etymology, varying uses, and symbolic significance.
Shab-i-Barāt (شب برات‎)
Explore the term 'Shab-i-Barāt,' understand its significance in the Islamic tradition, its etymology, and cultural practices associated with it.

Dictionary of Islam

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