Islamic History

T̤AIY (طى‎) - An Arabian Tribe: Historical and Cultural Insights
Learn about the Arabian tribe T̤AIY, their migration, religious affiliations, and contribution to Eastern poetry. Discover the legacy of Ḥātim at̤-T̤āʾīy, known for his remarkable hospitality, and understand the tribe's significant historical events.
Treaty (Arabic: ʿAhd) in Islam - Historical Context and Significance
Explore the concept of treaty (ʿAhd) in Islam, its observance as enjoined in the Qur'an, and its historical and theological significance. Understand how treaties were conducted and maintained during the early Islamic period, with a special focus on the treaty between Prophet Muhammad and John the Christian prince of Ailah.
TUBBAʿ (تبع)
Learn about the historical tribe of TUBBAʿ, their significance in Ḥimyarite and Islamic history, and their mention in the Qur'an.
Turk in Islamic Context
Explore the term 'Turk,' its historical, ethnic, and religious connotations within Islamic traditions. Understand the various meanings and implications of the term through different historical periods and cultural contexts.
Uḥud (أحد‎)
Explore the historical and religious significance of Uḥud, a hill near al-Madīnah. Delve into the Battle of Uḥud, its implications in Islamic history, and the lessons derived from it for Muslims.
Ukaidar (اُكَيْدِر‎) - Historical Context and Significance in Early Islamic History
Explore the term 'Ukaidar,' its historical importance, and the role of Ukaidar as the Christian chief of Dūmah during the early Islamic period. Understand his capture by Khalid ibn al-Walid and subsequent events that are significant in Islamic traditions.
YAG͟HŪS̤ (يغوث‎) - Definition, Etymology, and Historical Context in Islam
Learn about 'YAG͟HŪS̤' mentioned in the Qur'an, its historical background, cultural significance, and the interpretations by various scholars. Understand the transition from a historical figure to an idol worshipped before the time of Noah.
Yaumu ʾL-Ḥarāʾ (يوم الحراء‎) - Definition, Etymology, and Historical Context
Explore the term 'Yaumu ʾL-Ḥarāʾ (يوم الحراء‎),' its etymology, historical events associated with it, and its significance in Islamic history. Understand the siege of al-Madina and its lasting impact.
Zealots (Ghulat)
Explore the concept of 'Ghulat' within Islamic history and theology. Understand who the Ghulat are, their beliefs, and their impact on Islamic sectarianism and thought.
ʿAbdu ʾllāh (عبد الله) - The Father of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Learn about ʿAbdu ʾllāh (عبد الله), the father of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his life, and his untimely demise. Understand his significance in Islamic history and background.
ʿUs̤mān (عثمان‎)
Delve into the life and legacy of ʿUs̤mān ibn ʿAffān, the third Caliph in Islamic history known for his contribution to the compilation of the Qur'an and his influence on early Islamic politics.
Al-Kūfah - Historical and Cultural Significance in Islam
Explore the historical, cultural, and intellectual importance of Al-Kūfah, a significant city in early Islamic history known for its scholars and contributions to Arabic grammar and calligraphy.
Al-Walīd ibn ʿUqbah - Definition, Etymology, and Historical Significance
A comprehensive entry on Al-Walīd ibn ʿUqbah, a celebrated Companion of the Prophet Muhammad, noteworthy for his governance of al-Kūfah and his familial connection to Caliph ʿUthmān. Explore his historical significance, key contributions, and legacy.
Caliph (Khalifah)
Understand the term 'Caliph' (Khalifah) in Islamic context, its historical significance, etymology, and the role of a Caliph in the Islamic world. Learn about the duties and responsibilities associated with the position and its impact on Muslim societies.
Caliph/Caliphate
The political-military office of successor to the Prophet Muhammad, symbolizing unity and leadership in the Muslim community.
Ḥamzah (حمزة‎)
Explore the significance of Ḥamzah, the uncle of Prophet Muḥammad, his bravery, and his esteemed role in Islamic history. Delve into his heroic deeds and his legacy in Persian poetry.
ḤĀRIS̤ (حارث‎) in Islamic History
Learn about the name ḤĀRIS̤ (حارث‎), its meaning, historical significance, and notable figures in Islamic history with this name.
Hārūn (هارون‎) - Etymology, Significance, and Role in Islam
Understand the significance of Hārūn (Aaron) in Islamic tradition, including his role as a prophet, and his contributions to the religious history of Islam.
Jurf (جرف‎) - Its Meaning and Historical Significance in Islam
Explore the term 'Jurf,' its etymology, and importance in Islamic history. Understand the historical context and significance of Jurf as a location near al-Madīnah.
Kaʿbah (كعبة)
Discover the Kaʿbah, its historical, religious, and architectural significance, its role in Islamic rituals, and its influence on Muslim culture worldwide.
Kharāj (خراج‎)
Learn about the term 'Kharāj,' its implications, and usage in Islamic context. Understand the historical and contemporary practices of land taxation in Muslim societies.
Masjidu ʾN-Nabī (مسجد النبى‎) - History, Etymology, and Significance in Islam
Explore the historical, religious, and architectural significance of Masjidu ʾN-Nabī, also known as The Prophet’s Mosque, in Madinah. Understand its role in Islam and its evolution through various historical periods.
Qais ibn Sa'd (قيس بن سعد‎) - Companion of the Prophet Muhammad
Explore the life and contributions of Qais ibn Sa'd, one of the leading companions of Prophet Muhammad, eminent for his learning, wisdom, and courage. Learn about his role in early Islamic history and his governorship under Caliph Ali.
Sikandar in Islamic and Persian Culture
Discover the term 'Sikandar,' its etymology, and its historical and cultural significance, with reference to Alexander the Great in Islamic and Persian contexts.
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.
Terah [Azar] in Islamic Context
Explore the term 'Terah' (also known as 'Azar') and its implications in Islamic tradition. Understand the historical and theological significance surrounding this figure in both Islamic and Abrahamic traditions.
T̤UWĀ (طوى‎)
Explore the term 'T̤UWĀ (طوى‎)', its appearance and significance in the Qur'anic context. Understand the sacred valley where Allah spoke to Moses and its impact on Islamic history and theology.
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.
Abd al-Rahman al-Jabarti
Egyptian historiographer known for documenting the fall of the Mamluk regime, the French Occupation, and Muhammad Ali's reforms.
ABŪ-ʾL-HUẔAIL ZUFAR IBN AL-HUẔAIL - Definition, Etymology, and Contributions
Learn about ABŪ-ʾL-HUẔAIL ZUFAR IBN AL-HUẔAIL, his role as an Islamic scholar, his association with Imām Abū Ḥanīfah, and his contributions to Islamic thought. Understand the historical context and significance of his work.
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.
Ansar
Learn about the term 'Ansar,' its historical significance, and role in early Islamic history. Understand who the Ansar were, their contributions to the rise of Islam, and their lasting legacy.
Ash-Sha'm (الشام‎): Definition, Etymology, and Significance in Islam
Explore the term 'Ash-Sha'm' (الشام‎), its etymology, historical significance, and geographical importance in the Islamic context. Learn about its meaning and role in the Islamic world.
Āsiyah
Discover 'Āsiyah,' her role and significance in Islamic tradition. Learn about Āsiyah's mention in the Qur'an and why she is considered one of the four perfect women in Islam.
AT-T̤ĀʾIF - Historical Significance and Context in Islam
Explore the historical and cultural significance of AT-T̤ĀʾIF (الطائف‎), a town in Arabia. Understand its strategic importance during the time of Muhammad and its impact on Islamic history.
Bab-i Ali
Historical and administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, also known as the Sublime Porte.
Bait al-Hikmah
Explore the term 'Bait al-Hikmah,' its historical context, and its significance in Islamic intellectual traditions. Understand its role in the development of Islamic sciences and how it is perceived in Ṣūfīsm.
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.
Cairo
Cairo (Arabic: al-Qāhirah; Turkish: Kahire), the capital of Egypt, is the largest city in Africa and a major cultural, religious, and political center.
Companions
Explore the term 'Companions' (Ashab), its etymology, significance, and role within the Islamic tradition. Understand their contributions and the reverence they receive in Islamic history.
Exorcist Incantations in Islamic Tradition: A Study from the Jawāhiruʾl-K͟hamsah
An in-depth exploration of exorcist incantations in Islamic tradition, their composition, significance, and prescribed methodology as detailed in the Jawāhiruʾl-K͟hamsah.
Ghazw
Expeditionary raids by Bedouin tribes; modern connotations include raid, invasion, and aggression.
IBN ṢAIYĀD (ابن صياد) - His Life, Legends, and Significance in Islamic Thought
Explore the enigmatic figure of Ibn Ṣaiyād (ابن صياد), who lived during the time of the Prophet Muhammad. He was mistakenly associated with the Antichrist (Dajjāl) by some of his contemporaries. Delve into his interactions with the Prophet, his mysterious abilities, and his controversial legacy.
Islam in Algeria
An assessment of the historical and contemporary influence of Islam in Algeria and its role in the socio-political landscape
Jālūt (جالوت‎)
Explore the term 'Jālūt,' its etymology, and its biblical counterpart. Understand Jālūt's mention in the Qur'an and its significance in Islamic tradition.
Jeremiah - Prophet in Islamic Context
Explore the concept of Prophet Jeremiah (Armiyā) in Islamic tradition, his historical associations, and significance.
Kāmilīyah (كاملية) in Islamic History
Explore the term 'Kāmilīyah,' its origins, and its significance within the context of Islamic history. Understand the beliefs and controversies associated with this sect of Shīʿah Muslims founded by Abū ʾl-Kāmil.
Kātib
Explore the term 'Kātib,' its etymology, historical context, and its role and significance in Islamic society. Understand the duties and contributions of a Kātib in various capacities including in Islamic literature and governance.
Kaʿbīyah (كعبية‎) in Islamic Thought
Explore the origins, ideology, and historical context of the Kaʿbīyah sect, founded by Abū Qāsim Muḥammad ibn al-Kaʿbī, a notable Mu'tazilī theologian from Baghdād. Understand the unique beliefs of this group regarding the nature of God's acts.
Khalifahs of Sunni Islam: Historical Overview from the Death of Muhammad to Present Time
An exhaustive historical account of the Khalifahs in Sunni Islam, spanning from the death of Prophet Muhammad to contemporary times, covering the Rashidun, Umayyad, Abbasid, and Ottoman dynasties.
Lais̤ (ليث‎)
Explore the significance of the Arabic tribe Lais̤ (ليث‎), its descent from Kinānah, and its cultural practices. Learn about how their traditions influenced specific Qur'anic revelations.
Mālik (مالك)
Learn about Mālik ibn Anas, the founder of one of the four orthodox Sunni schools of thought in Islam. Understand his contributions, life, and the legacy of the Mālikī school of jurisprudence.
Mary the Copt (Māriyatu ʾl-Qibt̤īyah)
Learn about Mary the Copt (Māriyatu ʾl-Qibt̤īyah), her role as a concubine of Prophet Muhammad, her background, and her significance in Islamic history.
Masudi
Prolific writer and polymath known for his historical-geographical works.
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.
Muṣaddiq - Definition, Etymology, and Role in Islamic Context
Discover the meaning, historical significance, and functions of the Muṣaddiq, the collector of zakāt and ṣadaqah in an Islamic context, including historical and modern perspectives.
Najd (نجد)
Explore the region of Najd in central Arabia, its historical and cultural significance, and its role in Islamic history. Learn about the highland's connection to the Wahhābī movement and its main city, Riyāẓ.
NAJRĀN (نجران‎) - Historical, Theological, and Cultural Significance
Explore the significance of Najrān, a district between Yaman and Najd, through its historical context, theological implications in the Qur'an, and cultural impact, particularly focusing on the steadfastness of its Christian inhabitants.
Prophetesses - Definition, Etymology, and Historical Context in Islam
Explore the concept of 'Prophetesses' within Islam. Understand their roles, significance, and the historical context in which Sara, the mother of Moses, and Mary are recognized as prophetesses.
QAIṢAR (قيصر) - Definition, Etymology, and Historical Context in Islam
Explore the term 'Qaiṣar' (قيصر‎), its etymology, and historical significance within Islamic context, and how it connects to the Roman Emperor Caesar.
Quraiz̤ah (قريظة‎) - Historical Context and Significance in Islam
Explore the historical background and significance of the Quraiz̤ah tribe, its interactions with Prophet Muhammad, and the resulting events as described in Islamic and historical texts.
Raiḥānah (ريحانة‎) - Historical Context and Significance
Explore the historical figure Raiḥānah, her background, and her significance in the context of early Islamic history. Understand her story and its implications on Muslim and Jewish relations during the time of Prophet Muhammad.
SABʿATU-AḤRUF (سبعة احرف‎): Understanding the Seven Dialects in Islam
Explore the concept of SABʿATU-AḤRUF, its etymology, significance, and implications in the context of Qur'anic revelation and recitation. Understand the historical and theological underpinnings of the seven dialects.
Sakīnah
Explore the term 'Sakīnah,' its Qur'anic references, etymology, and its relevance in Islamic theology. Understand the different interpretations and its parallel with the Hebrew 'Shechinah.'
Salaf: Pious Predecessors in Islam
The concept of 'Salaf' refers to the early generations of Muslims, particularly the first three generations, who are venerated for their purity of faith and practice.
ṢANʿĀʾ (صنعاء‎) - Historical and Islamic Significance
Explore the historical and Islamic significance of ṢANʿĀʾ, a prominent city in Yemen. Learn about its role in early Islamic history, particularly in the context of the Year of the Elephant.
The Year of the Elephant - ʿĀmu ʾl-Fīl (عام الفيل‎)
Explore the significance of the Year of the Elephant, ʿĀmu ʾl-Fīl (عام الفيل), the year in which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born. Learn about the historical events, including the Abyssinian invasion led by Abrahatu ʾl-Ashram, and its impact on Islamic history.
Treaty of Hudaybiyah
A significant truce in 628 CE between the Meccan tribe of Quraysh and Prophet Muhammad, marking a pivotal moment in early Islamic history.
Ummu Salmah (ام سلمة‎) - Definition, Biography, and Significance in Islam
Explore the life and significance of Ummu Salmah, one of the revered wives of the Prophet Muhammad. Understand her contributions, background, and her role in early Islamic history.
Uthman ibn Affan
Companion of the Prophet Muhammad and the third caliph in the succession of early Islamic leaders
Wasil ibn Ata
One of the putative founders of the Mu'tazili school of theology, known for his doctrine of the intermediacy of grave sinners.
Yahya ibn Muhammad
Zaydi imam and political ruler of North Yemen from 1904 to 1948.
Zaynab bint Ali
Daughter of Fatimah and Ali, pivotal figure during the Battle of Karbala
Al-Madīnah (المدينة‎)
Explore the historical and religious significance of Al-Madīnah, the second holiest city in Islam. Learn about its etymology, key features, and its unique place in Islamic culture and theology.
ĀṢAF (اصف‎)
Explore the identity, role, and significance of ĀṢAF (اصف‎), the wazīr or prime minister of Solomon, as referenced in the Qur'an and explained by Islamic scholars.
Damascus
Capital city of the Arab Republic of Syria and a significant center of Islamic culture and history.
Faraʿ (فرع) - Definition, Etymology, and Transition in Islamic Practice
Explore the meaning and historical context of the term 'Faraʿ' (فرع), its significance in pre-Islamic pagan rituals, and how its practice was revised during the advent of Islam.
Ibadi Dynasty
Historical and political overview of the Ibadi Dynasty in Oman.
Islam in Brazil
An overview of the history, demographics, and contemporary presence of Islam in Brazil.
Islam in Uzbekistan
A comprehensive overview of the history, demographics, and current state of Islam in Uzbekistan.
Khawarij (خوارج‎) - Definition, Etymology, and Historical Significance in Islam
Understand who the Khawarij were, their origins, beliefs, and impact on Islamic history. The entry explores the sect's stance on leadership and their historical context during the early Islamic period.
Midian (Madyan)
Explore the historical and religious significance of Midian (Madyan) in Islamic tradition. Learn about its etymology, references in the Qur'an, and its importance in the broader context of Islamic history.
Muhammad's Alleged Acts of Cruelty - A Critical Examination
An analysis of the accusations of cruelty against Prophet Muhammad, including context, historical accuracy, and varying interpretations. Delve into Qur'anic principles and Hadith literature to understand the role of justice and ethics in Islamic jurisprudence.
MUNF, MANF (منف‎) - Definition and Significance in Islamic Context
Explore the term 'MUNF, MANF (منف‎),' its historical significance in Islamic exegesis, and its connection to the ancient city of Memphis where Moses killed an Egyptian, as mentioned in the Commentary of the Jalālān on the Qurʾān.
Qārūn (قارون‎)
Learn about the term 'Qārūn,' its implications, and relevance in the Islamic context. Understand the historical and moral lessons derived from Qārūn's narrative in the Qur'an.
Rachel
Learn about Rachel, her role and representation in Islamic and Judaic traditions, and her implications in religious texts. Understand the historical context and significance of Rachel in religious doctrines.
Rāfiẓīyah - Analysis, Subdivisions, and Significance in Islamic Context
Explore the Rāfiẓīyah sect, its various subdivisions, and the beliefs that distinguish each group. Understand their historical and theological contexts, and how these beliefs have impacted the broader Islamic tradition.
ṢADR (صدر‎)
Discover the term 'ṢADR' (صدر‎), its historical role and responsibilities in Islamic governance. Understand the etymology, implications, and usage of ṢADR within the context of Islamic legal and administrative systems.
The Condition of Women before the Time of Muhammad
Explore the social and cultural status of women in Arabia before the advent of Islam, including their role, rights, and treatment in pre-Islamic society.
Zainab (زينب‎)
Learn about Zainab, her significant role in Islamic history, and her contributions to the early Muslim community. Understand her legacy, titles, and importance.
ʿĀD (عاد‎)
Discover the significance of the tribe ʿĀD in Islamic history, its mention in the Qur'an, and its implications. Explore the story of the Prophet Hūd and the lessons derived from it.
ʿUkāẓ̤ in Pre-Islamic Arabia
Explore the historical significance of ʿUkāẓ̤, an annual fair held in pre-Islamic Arabia, its cultural impact, and the reasons for its eventual abolition by Prophet Muḥammad.
Abd Allah ibn Umar ibn al-Khattab
Prominent companion of the Prophet Muhammad, son of the second caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, and notable authority in hadith and Islamic law.

Dictionary of Islam

IslamReference.com is your go-to source for understanding Islam, its history, theology, culture, and much more. Our goal is to provide reliable and scholarly resources to students, researchers, educators, and anyone with an interest in Islamic studies.