Islamic History

Ruqaiyah (رقية‎)
Explore the life and significance of Ruqaiyah, the daughter of Prophet Muḥammad, her marriages, and her role in Islamic history.
Ibn ʿUmar (ابن عمر‎)
Explore the life and contributions of Ibn ʿUmar (Abū ʿAbdi ʾr-Raḥmān ʿAbdul ʾAllāh), a prominent companion of Prophet Muhammad and a renowned traditionist in Islamic history.
Fijār - Definition, Etymology, and Historical Significance in the Islamic Context
Discover the term 'Fijār' its implications, and usage in the Islamic context. Understand the sequence of sacrilegious wars termed as 'Fijār' fought between the Quraish and the Banū Hawāzin.
Mai Tatsine
Leader of a separatist sect involved in violent disturbances in Kano, Nigeria, in 1980, known for condemning modern innovations and reinterpreting the Quran.
Nabhani, Taqi al-Din al-
Palestinian judge and founder of Hizb al-Tahrir al-Islami, advocating for the restoration of Islamic rule and the caliphate.
Abbasid Dynasty (al-ʿAbbāsīyah) - History and Significance
Explore the history and impact of the Abbasid Dynasty (al-ʿAbbāsīyah) in Islamic civilization, from its rise to prominence to its eventual fall.
Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan
Umayyad Caliph (r. 685–705) who implemented significant administrative, cultural, and religious reforms in the Islamic Empire.
Abd Allah ibn Saba
Enigmatic alleged founder of Shii Islam who advocated rule by Prophet Muhammad’s nephew, Ali
Abdulmejid, Sultan
Last caliph of the Ottoman dynasty, appointed by the Turkish Grand National Assembly, whose tenure marked the end of the caliphate in modern history
Abraha
Ruler of sixth-century Yemen who launched an ill-fated attack on Mecca
Abu Dharr al-Ghifari
A Companion of the Prophet Muhammad known for his piety, social justice, and ideological significance in both Shia and Sunni traditions.
Abū Hurairah (ابو هريرة‎)
Discover the importance of Abū Hurairah, one of the Prophet Muhammad's closest companions. Learn about his life, his role in preserving Hadith, and his enduring legacy within Islamic scholarship.
Abu Hurayrah
Companion of Muhammad and a prominent transmitter of Hadith, known for his affection for cats. His hadith often restrict women's rights and confine them to domestic roles.
Abu Jahl
Member of the ruling Quraysh of Mecca and one of early Islam’s staunchest enemies.
Abū Jahl (ابو جهل‎): Definition, Historical Context, and Significance in Islam
Explore the life and significance of Abū Jahl, an implacable adversary of Prophet Muḥammad. Understand his role in early Islamic history and how he is portrayed in the Qur'anic context.
Abu Talib
A prominent figure in early Islamic history, guardian and protector of the Prophet Muhammad.
Abu Yusuf
An influential Islamic jurist and scholar, key figure in the spread of the Hanafi school of thought.
Abū Yūsuf (ابو يوسف) - Scholar and Jurist in Islamic History
A comprehensive overview of Abū Yūsuf, also known as Yaʿqūb ibn Ibrāhīm, his contributions to Islamic scholarship, his relationship with his teacher Imām Abū Ḥanīfah, and his legacy.
Ad
An ancient people mentioned in the Qur'an whose disobedience brought about their extinction.
Aghlabids
Hereditary Islamic dynasty of the ninth and early tenth centuries in North Africa, centered in Qayrawan.
AḤQĀF (احقاف‎)
Discover the meaning, significance, and context of the term 'AḤQĀF,' a geographic location in Yemen and the title of the 46th Sūrah of the Qur'ān. Explore its historical and religious importance.
Aishah
Aishah, also known as Aisha, daughter of the first caliph, Abu Bakr, and the youngest and favorite wife of Prophet Muhammad.
Akbar I, Abu al-Fath Jalal al-Din Muhammad
First great Mughal emperor who integrated most of India, established an enduring state, and nurtured a unique Islamic civilization in South Asia
Al-Andalus
Andalus refers to the parts of the Iberian Peninsula governed by Muslims from 711 to 1492, a era marked by significant cultural accomplishments and exchange among Muslims, Christians, and Jews.
Al-Aṣḥābu ʾl-Fīl (اصحاب الفيل) - The Companions of the Elephant
Explore the significance and historical context of 'Al-Aṣḥābu ʾl-Fīl,' a term found in the CVth (105th) Sūrah of the Qur'ān. Understand the story behind the 'Companions of the Elephant' and its relevance in Islamic tradition.
Al-Farazdaq
Arab poet known for his panegyrics, Bedouin values in poetry, and rivalry with Jarir ibn Atiyya
Al-Khulafāʾ al-Rāshidūn: Definition, Etymology, and Significance in Islam
Learn about 'Al-Khulafāʾ al-Rāshidūn,' the rightly guided caliphs who succeeded Prophet Muhammad. Understand their roles and the impact they had on the development of Islam.
Al-Ma'mun
Al-Ma'mun was the Abbasid caliph who significantly encouraged the translation of scientific and philosophical texts into Arabic at the Bayt al-Hikmah, or House of Wisdom, in Baghdad, and supported the Mu'tazili school of thought.
Al-Uzzah
Ancient pre-Islamic goddess worshiped at the Kaaba in Mecca, known as the goddess of strength and denounced in the Quran.
Al-ʿAẓbāʾ
Explore the historical and cultural significance of Al-ʿAẓbāʾ, one of the Prophet Muhammad's favorite camels. Understand its role in Islamic tradition and its etymological roots.
Alawi, Mawlay Muhammad ibn al-Arabi al-
Alawi, Mawlay Muhammad ibn al-Arabi al- (d. 1964), Moroccan reformist, educator, and opponent of the French colonial regime, key figure in Salafi reform movement
Ali ibn Abi Talib
Cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad, fourth caliph of Sunni Muslims, and first imam of Shii Muslims.
Almohads
Almohads (r. 1130–1269), also known as al-Muwahhidun, were a movement in Southern Morocco focused on moral reform, religious purity, and political unity.
Almoravids
A coalition of Western Saharan Berbers, also known as al-Murabitun, who united to defend and disseminate Islamic teachings and law from 1046 to 1157.
American Muslim Mission
The American Muslim Mission, formerly known as the World Community of Islam in the West, changed its name in 1978 and aligned more closely with mainstream Sunni Islam. It was led by Warith Deen Muhammad and became the largest indigenous Muslim organization in the United States, now known as the Muslim American Society.
Amir al-Muminin
Title conferred to notable Muslim leaders, first attributed to Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab.
Anas ibn Mālik (انس ابن مالك‎) - His Life and Legacy
Discover the contributions and significance of Anas ibn Mālik, the last of the Companions of Prophet Muhammad and a notable figure in Islamic history. Learn about his life, his role in Islamic jurisprudence, and his lasting impact on the Mālikī school of thought.
Ansari, Murtada
First scholar universally recognized as supreme authority (marjaʿ al-taqlīd) in Shii law, key figure in the development of the 'rule of the jurist'.
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
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.
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.
Ayan wa Ashraf
Definitions and distinctions of social structures in the later Ottoman Empire and contemporary contexts.
Ayn Jalut
Historical site in Palestine where significant battles including the Mamluks' pivotal victory over the Mongols took place.
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.
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.
Barmakids
A powerful family of originally Buddhist priests from Balkh who became influential administrators within the Abbasid Caliphate.
Basmachis
Basmachis: Anti-Soviet Muslim rebels in Central Asia during the early 20th century.
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.
Baybars I
Third Mamluk sultan of Egypt known for his military prowess, statecraft, and major contributions to the Mamluk Empire.
Berbers
Indigenous inhabitants of North Africa with a distinct cultural heritage and history, known for their contributions to the Islamic world.
Bunyad
An institution in Iran that serves fundamental socioeconomic and political roles, originating significantly from post-revolutionary foundations.
Burhan Family
The Burhan Family: A Distinguished Abbasid-era Family of Ulama from Bukhara
Cain
Explore the story of Cain (Qābil) in Islamic tradition, its etymological roots, and its significance within the Qur'an and related commentaries.
Chagatai Khanate
The Chagatai Khanate was a Central Asian subdivision of the Mongol Empire ruled by descendants of Genghis Khan’s second son, Chagatai (Jaghatai). The family adopted Islam while retaining their nomadic organization and way of life, became independent after 1259, and remained significant until their decline around 1334.
Constitution of Medina
Charter established by Muhammad outlining the rights and duties of all citizens in Medina and the relationship between Muslim and non-Muslim communities.
Crimea Khanate
A historical Muslim state established by Muslim Tatars and Turks in the mid-fifteenth century, integrating Tatar steppe traditions with Ottoman practices and ultimately annexed by the Russian Empire in the eighteenth century.
Dahlan, Kiyai Hadji Ahmad
Founder of the Indonesian Muhammadiyyah movement and advocate for modern scientific and religious education.
Damascus: Historical and Religious Significance in Islam
Explore the city of Damascus, known as Dimashq in Arabic. Uncover its rich history, religious significance, and its notable absence in the Qur'an. Learn about Jalālu ʾd-dīn Suyūt̤ī's perspectives and the remarkable Umayyad Mosque.
Dar al-Islam Movement
An Indonesian Islamic insurgent movement challenging the Republic of Indonesia's legitimacy between 1948 and 1962.
Dar al-Sulh
Territory of treaty where a non-Muslim region enters into an armistice with a Muslim government, ensuring mutual protection and often tribute arrangements.
Delhi Sultans
Delhi Sultans (r. 1206–1526): First Islamic state centered in South Asia, encompassing the Mamluk, Khalji, Tughluq, Sayyid, and Lodi dynasties.
Devshirme
Ottoman practice of levying a 'tax' of young Christian males from the Balkans to serve various roles in the sultan’s household.
Dhahabi, Shaykh Muhammad Husayn
Former Egyptian minister of religious endowments and shaykh of al-Azhar, known for his criticism of Islamic extremists. Assassinated by Takfir wa'l-Hijrah in 1977.
DīnāR
Learn about the term 'Dīnār,' its historical implications, and mention in Islamic texts. Understand its origins, weight, and use in Islamic law and currency.
Duldul (دلدل)
Explore the historical and religious significance of Duldul, the mule of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), given to ʿAlī, within Islamic tradition and culture.
Dūmah (دومة‎) - Historical Significance in Early Islamic Conquests
Learn about Dūmah, a fortified town held by Christian chief Ukaidar during the early Islamic conquests, the role of the Muslim general Khālid, and the aftermath of Ukaidar's conversion to Islam.
Duri, Abd al-Aziz al-
Iraqi educator and Arabist social historian known for his focus on Arab nationalism and identity.
Egypt (Miṣr): Significance in Islamic Tradition
Explore the historical and religious significance of Egypt (Miṣr) in Islam, its mentions in the Qur'an, and its connection to key Islamic figures.
Eritrea, Islam in
The historical development and contemporary presence of Islam in Eritrea.
Farwah (فروة‎) - Definition, Historical Context, and Significance in Islam
Explore the life and importance of Farwah, an Arab of the Banū Juẕām tribe and Governor of ʿAmmān, known for being one of the early martyrs of Islam. Discover the historical circumstances surrounding his martyrdom at the hands of Roman authorities.
Fāt̤imah
Explore the life and legacy of Fāt̤imah, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad, her role in Islamic history, and her significance in the Muslim world as one of the four perfect women.
Fatimid Dynasty
The Fatimid Dynasty (909–1171) was an Ismaili Shii empire that originated in North Africa and expanded to Egypt, establishing its capital in Cairo.
Fez
Historical capital and spiritual center of Morocco, notable for its Islamic heritage and educational institutions.
Fitan
Explore the term 'Fitan,' its etymology, significance in Islamic thought, and its prophetic context. Understand how 'Fitan' relates to historical and theological aspects of Islam.
Fulani Dynasty
West African Muslim rulers in the 19th and 20th centuries, initiated by Uthman Dan Fodio's jihad and leading to the establishment of the Sokoto Caliphate.
Futa Jallon
Geopolitical and cultural region in central Guinea, significant for its role in Islamic reform and jihad in the 17th and 18th centuries, resulting in the creation of the almaamate.
Genghis Khan
Creator of the Mongol Empire, who united diverse tribes and founded an extensive empire.
Ghadir Khumm
Historical site where Prophet Muhammad proclaimed Ali ibn Abi Talib as his successor, interpreted differently by Sunni and Shia Muslims.
Ghatfan in Islamic History
Explore the historical context and significance of the Ghatfan tribe, its origins, and its role in Islamic history. Understand the tribe's lineage and its interactions in the pre-Islamic and early Islamic eras.
Ghazan Khan, Mahmud
Celebrated Mongol ruler who converted to Islam and made significant contributions to Persian governance and culture.
Golden Calf - Qur'anic Mention and Historical Context in Islam
Explore the Qur'anic mention of the Golden Calf, the historical context of its worship by the Israelites, and key figures associated with this event, including as-Sāmirī.
Goliath (Jalut)
Goliath (Jalut in Arabic) is a figure identified in the Quran as the giant leader opposing Talut (Saul).
Gomorrah
Explore the concept of Gomorrah, its reference in Islamic texts, and its implications. Understand the historical and theological context of Sadūm (Sodom) and G͟hamūrah (Gomorrah) as depicted in Islamic tradition.
Hafsa bint Umar
A notable figure in early Islamic history, the daughter of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab and wife of Prophet Muhammad.
Hagar
Hagar, the mother of Abraham’s son Ishmael (Ismail), and the servant of Abraham and Sarah.
Hamdanids
An Arab Shiite clan that influenced political dynamics in the Islamic world from 905 to 991.
Hamzah ibn Abd al-Muttalib
Hamzah ibn Abd al-Muttalib, known as the bravest and strongest warrior of the Quraysh tribe and a key supporter of the Prophet Muhammad, played a critical role in early Islamic history.
Hasan ibn Ali
Hasan ibn Ali (d. 669), Muhammad’s grandson, oldest son of Ali and Fatimah, and second imam in the Shii tradition.
HĀSHIM (هاشم‎) - An Ancestor of the Prophet Muḥammad
Explore the significance of HĀSHIM (هاشم‎), the great grandfather of the Prophet Muḥammad, his historical background, and his contributions to Meccan society.
Ḥassān ibn Thābit
Explore the life and contributions of Ḥassān ibn Thābit, an eminent poet who embraced Islam during the time of Prophet Muhammad. Understand his literary impact and his role in early Islamic society.

Dictionary of Islam

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