Islamic Law

Misqal (مثقال)
Explore the meaning of 'Misqal,' its historical and legal implications, and its significance as a unit of weight and currency in Islamic contexts.
Mujtahid (مجتهد‎)
Understanding the role of a Mujtahid in Islam, the qualifications required, and its historical and contemporary significance.
Munaṣṣaf
Explore the term 'Munaṣṣaf,' its meaning, usage, and implications in Islamic jurisprudence. Understand the Islamic legal perspective on the consumption of Munaṣṣaf and related rulings.
Murāhiq: Definition, Etymology, and Significance in Islam
Explore the term 'Murāhiq,' its legal implications, and its role in defining the transitional phase near puberty in Islamic jurisprudence. Understand how this concept influences social and religious obligations in Islam.
Mutaqādim (متقادم) - Definition, Etymology, and Legal Context in Islam
Learn about the term 'Mutaqādim,' its implications in Islamic jurisprudence, and how it functions similarly to statutory limitations in Western legal systems.
Nābāligh
Learn about the term 'Nābāligh,' its implications, and its usage in Islamic and cultural contexts. Understand who is referred to as a Nābāligh, and how it impacts legal and social responsibilities in Islam.
Nomos (νόμος)
Explore the term 'Nomos,' its Greek origins, and its implications in Islamic context. Understand the similarities and differences between Greek and Islamic legal and moral concepts, with a focus on the term 'Namus.'
Qada
Islamic judicial ruling determined by a qadi, legally binding and enforceable
Qat
Qat: Addictive narcotic plant consumed widely in Yemen and East Africa. In Islamic law, qat falls into the category of things not prohibited but discouraged (makruh).
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.
Shajjah (شجة‎) - Definition, Etymology, and Islamic Legal Significance
Discover the meaning and implications of the term 'Shajjah' in Islamic law, its etymology, and legal rulings regarding types of wounds. Learn about how Shajjah affects compensation and legal proceedings in an Islamic context.
Shirkah (شركة‎)
Explore the term 'Shirkah,' its dual implications in Islamic commercial law and theology. Understand its usage in forming partnerships and contracts, and its theological connotation of associating partners with God.
Sunnism: Traditions, Jurisprudence, and Principal Writings
This entry explores the various traditions and jurisprudence within Sunni Islam, including the major hadith collections and the principal writings of the four Sunni schools of thought: Hanafī, Shāfiʿī, Hanbalī, and Mālikī.
Theft (Larceny)
Explore the concept of theft in Islam, its legal and moral implications, and how it is addressed within Islamic law and theology. Understand the Quranic and Hadith sources related to theft, including prescribed punishments and ethical considerations.
Toleration, Religious - Historical Context and Islamic Legal Perspectives
Examining the concept of religious tolerance in Islamic history, particularly in the time of Prophet Muhammad and later legal frameworks. Understanding the nuances of how non-Muslim communities were treated under Islamic rule.
Usury
Explore the concept of 'Usury' (Arabic: Ribā) in Islam, its implications, and legal rulings as detailed in Islamic texts. Learn about the various perspectives from the Qur'an, Hadith, and Islamic jurisprudence.
Vows (naẕr)
Explore the concept of vows (naẕr) in Islam, their theological implications, and the importance of fulfilling them. Understand the consequences of non-performance and the prescribed atonements.
ẔAWŪ ʾL-FURŪẒ (ذوو الفروض‎) in Islamic Inheritance Law
Learn about the term ẔAWŪ ʾL-FURŪẒ (ذوو الفروض‎), its implications in Islamic inheritance law, and the specific Qur'anic shares allocated to these inheritors.
Ẕimmah
Explore the concept of Ẕimmah, its roots, and its relevance in Islamic jurisprudence and socio-political context. Understand how Ẕimmah pertains to the protection of non-Muslim citizens under an Islamic state and its evolution in modern usage.
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.
Drinking Vessels in Islam - Definition, Etymology, and Significance
Explore the Islamic regulations surrounding the use of specific drinking vessels, and the reasons behind these prohibitions as per Islamic teachings.
Emancipation of Slaves Upon a Death-bed: Understanding Islamic Legal Context
Explore the intricacies of slave emancipation and deeds of gift as per Islamic law, especially in the context of actions taken on a death-bed. Understand the legal limitations, priorities, and conditions under which slaves can be emancipated.
Hibah (هبة‎)
Explore the concept of 'Hibah' or gifts in Islamic law. Understand the legal implications, conditions, and impact on the property transfer in the Islamic context.
Hilah
Stratagem employed to circumvent or adhere flexibly to legal principles in Islamic jurisprudence
Iḥṣān (احصان‎) - Definition, Etymology, and Legal Context in Islam
Explore the term 'Iḥṣān,' its etymology, legal significance, and relevance in Islamic jurisprudence. Understand how the concept of Iḥṣān relates to marital status and the implications for legal rulings in Islam.
Janābah (جنابة)
An in-depth exploration of Janābah (جنابة) in Islam, its causes, implications, and purification rituals. Understanding the state of ritual impurity and its impact on religious duties.
Kafaah (Equivalence in Marriage)
A traditional Islamic concept referring to the equivalence or compatibility of husband and wife in religion, lineage, social status, and means.
Kindred in Islam: Inheritance and Marriage
Understand the concept of 'Kindred' in Islam, focusing on its role and implications in inheritance and marriage. Explore how familial relationships are regulated and respected within Islamic law.
Kulayni, Muhammad ibn Yaqub ibn Ishaq al-
Prominent compiler of Shii hadith and a major figure in elaborating Shii law, renowned for the Kitab al-Kafi.
Lapidation (Stoning)
Explore the concept of lapidation (stoning) in Islamic law, its roots, significance, and the debates surrounding its application. Delve into the historical context and modern perspectives on this controversial practice.
Mandub
Recommended actions in Islamic law, not obligatory but meritorious.
Mufti
A jurist authorized to issue nonbinding legal opinions (fatwas) in Islamic law.
Muʿtiq (مُعْتِق‎)
Learn about the term 'Muʿtiq,' its implications, and usage in Islamic context. Understand the role and significance of a master who emancipates a slave in Islamic teachings.
Parentage - Definition, Etymology, and Legal Perspective in Islam
Explore the concept of parentage in Islamic law, including its definition, legal rulings, and implications within the Islamic context. Understand the periods of pregnancy and the conditions under which parentage is established according to Islamic jurisprudence.
Shurb (شرب‎)
Learn about the term 'Shurb,' its meaning in Islamic context, the prohibition of wine-drinking, and the broader implications for Muslim practice.
Tattooing - Islamic Perspective, Etymology, and Legal Rulings
Explore the prohibition of tattooing in Islam, its etymology, and the Prophetic traditions that speak against this practice. Understand the religious and cultural context behind this prohibition.
Wells in Islam - Definition, Etymology, and Significance
Explore the importance of wells (biʾr) in Islamic tradition, including legal rulings, communal use, and jurisprudential opinions from Islamic scholars.
Women's Rights in Islamic Law - A Comprehensive Overview
Explore the legal rights of women in Islamic Law including marriage, evidence, warfare, and their role in governance. Understand the historical and theological bases for these rights.
'Irbān (عربان‎)
Understand the term 'Irbān,' its implications, and usage in Islamic legal transactions. Learn about its etymology, significance, and the role it plays in contractual agreements.
Absconding of Slaves: Definition, Etymology, and Significance in Islamic Law
Explore the concept of 'Absconding of Slaves' (Ibāq) within Islamic jurisprudence. Understand its historical context, associated terms, and the legal implications for both the slave and the captor.
Blood - Definition, Etymology, and Its Legal Status in Islam
Explore the significance of blood in Islamic jurisprudence, focusing on the legal rulings regarding the sale and donation of blood.
Collector of Taxes in Islamic Tradition
Explore the role of the 'Collector of Taxes' (ʿĀshir and ʿĀmil mutaṣaddiq) in Islamic context, including their duties, significance, and historical roots.
Daughters - Inheritance, Marriage, and Cultural Practices in Islam
Explore the role of daughters in Islamic law and tradition, including inheritance rights, marriage contracts, cultural customs, and Qur'anic teachings. Understand the legal and socio-cultural framework governing daughters in Islam.
Evidence of Death in Islamic Law - Definition, Etymology, and Context
Understand how Islamic law, also known as Muḥammadan law, handles the evidence of death. Learn about the significance, scholarly rationale, and traditional sources that guide these rulings in the Islamic context.
Fatwa
An authoritative legal opinion in Islam provided by a mufti or legal scholar, guiding on matters not covered explicitly by Islamic jurisprudence
Gold in Islam: Definition, Etymology, and Significance
Explore the significance of gold in Islam, its etymology in Arabic, the zakat imposed upon it, the lawful trade practices, and its prescribed usage according to Islamic teachings.
Ḥanbalī
Discover the meaning of 'Ḥanbalī,' its historical background, and key characteristics of the Ḥanbalī school within Sunni Islam. Learn about its founder, doctrines, and principal texts.
Ibāq: Definition, Etymology, and Significance in Islamic Tradition
Understand the concept of 'Ibāq' (اباق) in Islam, its implications on the status of fugitive slaves, and the distinctions between different types of fugitives.
Islamic Inheritance: Farāʾiẓ (فرائض‎) and Mīrās̤ (ميراث‎)
A comprehensive exploration of Islamic inheritance laws, covering core principles, relevant Quranic verses, legal scholars, and practical applications within Sunni and Shia traditions.
Maulā (مولى‎)
Explore the term 'Maulā,' its various implications, and its usage in Islamic context. Understand its significance in the Qur'an and Islamic law.
Orphans
Refers to parentless children; a common term in the Qur'an emphasizing the need to protect and care for them.
QAẔF (قذف‎)
Understand the concept of QAẔF in Islamic law, its implications, prescribed punishments, and the historical background related to its establishment.
Saham (سهم‎)
Explore the meaning, etymology, and significance of 'Saham' in Islamic law, particularly concerning inheritance distribution. Discover its applications, cultural context, and importance in Islamic jurisprudence.
Suftajah
Explore the term 'Suftajah' (سفتجة‎), its implications, and its prohibition under Sunni Islamic law. Understand the nuances of this financial instrument and its differentiation between a loan and trust from an Islamic legal perspective.
Usufructuary Wills in Islamic Law: Definition and Practical Implications
Explore the concept of usufructuary wills in Islamic legal theory. Understand the rules governing the bequest of usufruct, including the division between legatees and heirs.
Waz̤īfah (وظيفة‎)
Explore the various meanings and implications of 'Waz̤īfah' in Islamic context, including its origins, daily recitations, pensions, and revenue.
Z̤ANN (ظن‎)
Understand the term 'Z̤ANN,' its definitions, usage in Islamic law and theology, and its presence in the Qur'an. Learn how 'Z̤ANN' influences Islamic jurisprudence and daily life.
An-Nisā (النساء‎) - Meaning, Context, and Significance in Islam
Explore the IVth Sūrah of the Qurʾān, titled An-Nisā (النساء‎), translating to 'Women.' Understand its themes and importance concerning women in Islamic thought and law.
Avenger of Blood
Explore the concept of the 'Avenger of Blood' in Islamic law, its implications, and how it is compared to and contrasted with similar concepts in Jewish law. Understand the principles of Qiṣāṣ (retaliation), its application, and the option for compensation in cases of wilful murder.
Dar al-Harb
An Islamic legal term referring to territories not under Islamic rule and without treaties of non-aggression or peace with Muslims
Dirrah (درة‎) - Definition, Etymology, and Application in Islamic Legal Context
Discover the term 'Dirrah,' its historical and religious significance, and its role in the context of Islamic law and morality enforcement. Understand its usage, implications, and how it has been perceived in Muslim societies over time.
Divorce in Sunni Islam - Etymology, Debates, and Legal Perspectives
Explore the differing views of Sunni Islamic scholars on the moral and legal status of divorce. Understand the varying positions of scholars like Imam ash-Shafi'i and Imam Abu Hanifah regarding the permissibility and implications of divorce.
Dower (Mahr): Definition, Etymology, and Significance in Islam
Explore the concept of dower (mahr) in Islam, its etymology, legal implications, conditions, and cultural practices. Understand its importance in marital contracts and its role in safeguarding the rights of the wife.
Fines in Islamic Law - Definition, Etymology, and Significance
Explore the concept of fines in Islamic law, particularly the practice known as Diyah (دية‎). Understand its historical and theological roots, its application in Islamic jurisprudence, and its impact on social justice and human rights.
Fornication (Zināʾ)
Understand the Islamic perspective on fornication, the legal definitions, and the implications of committing zināʾ. Explore the evidentiary requirements, legal penalties, and the differences between Islamic and Jewish doctrines.
Heirs
Explore the concept of 'Heirs' in Islam, its Arabic etymology, legal implications, and its integral role in Islamic inheritance laws.
Hidāyah
Explore the concept of Hidāyah in Islam, its implications, the renowned book on Sunnī law, and its historical context. Learn about Islamic guidance and its importance in Islamic legal and spiritual traditions.
Islamic Marriage Ceremony - Practices, Legalities, and Cultural Significance
Understand the Islamic marriage ceremony, its legal basis, cultural variations, and significant rites. Learn about both Sunni and Shia practices and the unique elements of Islamic matrimonial traditions.
Istishab
Islamic legal principle of presumption of continuity
Legacy (Wills)
Explore the concept of 'Legacy' in the context of Islamic wills, its importance, and the legal framework governing it according to Islamic law. Understand how legacies are treated and distributed among heirs.
Luqt̤ah (TROVES)
Explore the concept of luqt̤ah (لقطة‎), its implications, and legal rulings in Islamic jurisprudence. Learn about the process of preserving and advertising found property as per Islamic law.
Ma'zūn (ماذون‎) - Definition, Etymology, and Historical Context
Explore the term 'Ma'zūn,' its historical implications, and usage within an Islamic context. Understand the role and rights of a Ma'zūn within Islamic societies and how it affects the concept of slavery.
MAḤRAM (محرم‎)
Understand the term 'MAḤRAM,' its meanings and implications within Islamic law and culture. Learn about the legal boundaries of familial relationships and the importance of MAḤRAM in daily life and religious practices.
Manumission of Slaves: Forms and Significance in Islamic Law
Discover the various forms of manumission in Islamic law. Understand the implications and significance of freeing slaves, and the historical and legal context around these practices.
MAʿĀQIL (معاقل‎) in Islamic Law
Explore the term 'MAʿĀQIL' (معاقل‎) in Islamic law, particularly its relevance to fines for murder, manslaughter, and the concepts of blood money (Diyah). Delve into its etymology, Arabic and Turkish translations, and key texts for further studies.
MISKĪN (مسكين‎)
Explore the term 'MISKĪN,' its definition, etymology, and significance in Islamic law and culture. Learn how it differentiates from 'Faqīr' and its implications in the context of Muslim legal and social structures.
Muslah
Explore the concept of 'Muslah,' its definition, etymology, context in Islamic law, and the ethical implications. Understand why mutilation of the body is generally forbidden, with specific exceptions detailed in Islamic jurisprudence.
Mutʿah
An in-depth exploration of Mutʿah (متعة‎), its legal interpretations, historical context, and significance within various sects of Islam.
Qadi
A judge in Islamic law serving as a legal and judicial authority within an Islamic state.
RUBʿ (ربع‎) in Islamic Law
Explore the term 'RUBʿ (ربع‎),' its meaning and implications in Islamic legal contexts, especially regarding inheritance laws. Understand the circumstances under which a wife is entitled to a quarter of her deceased husband's estate.
Rules for Ascertaining a Death-bed Illness in Islamic Jurisprudence
Explore the concept of death-bed illness in Islamic law, focusing on the guidelines outlined in the Hidāyah. Understand the criteria that determine when a person is considered to be experiencing a death-bed illness and the implications for deeds of gift.
SHUFʿAH (شفعة‎) - Concept of Preemption in Islamic Law
Understand the term 'SHUFʿAH (شفعة‎)' in Islamic legal theory, its implications, conditions, and relevance. Explore its significance and application in the preemption rights for shared property.
Simsār (سمسار‎) - Definition, Etymology, and Role in Islamic Law
Explore the term 'Simsār,' its etymological roots, and its significance as an agent or broker within Islamic legal frameworks. Understand its role in commerce and trade in Muslim societies.
Tadbīr ("تدبير") in Islam
Explore the term 'Tadbīr' in the context of Islamic law and its implications for the manumission of slaves post-mortem. Understand its roots, legal usage, and its cultural and ethical considerations.
Tazir
Discretionary Islamic punishments for crimes not meeting the Hadd requirements.
Wakīl - Definition, Etymology, and Role in Islamic Law
Explore the term 'Wakīl,' its definition, usage, and significance within Islamic jurisprudence, particularly relating to the appointment of agents in various transactions, including business and marriage.
Waṣīyah (وصية) of Wills in Islam
Learn about the term 'waṣīyah,' its implications, and usage in the Islamic context. Understand the rules and regulations governing wills in Islamic law, and the significance of waṣāyā in the lives of Muslims.
Ummu ʾl-Walad
Explore the term 'Ummu ʾl-Walad,' its historical and legal implications in Islamic law. Understand the status and rights of a female slave who bears a child for her master.
Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal - His Life and Contributions to Islamic Thought
Discover the life, works, and lasting impact of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, the founder of the Hanbali school of thought in Sunni Islam. Explore his contributions to Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and hadith scholarship.

Dictionary of Islam

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