Islamic Theology

Nafs
Explore the term 'Nafs,' its implications in Islamic theology, Qur'anic context, and its multifaceted understanding relating to the human soul, conscience, and desires.
Names of the Prophet
A comprehensive collection of the names attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, each significant in Islamic tradition and theology.
NAQL ṢAḤĪḤ (نقل صحيح‎)
Explore the term 'NAQL ṢAḤĪḤ,' its etymology, and its significance in Islamic Hadith science. Understand how it denotes a 'correct relation' and its role in authenticating traditions.
Nūr-i-Muḥammadī
Explore the concept of Nūr-i-Muḥammadī, also known as the Light of Muḥammad, its meanings, and significance in Islamic theology. Understand its role within the framework of Haqīqatu ʾl-Muḥammadīyah.
Occultation
The hidden state of the Twelfth Shia Imam in Islamic theology, during which the Imam is believed to communicate differently with the community.
Orphans (Yatīm)
Explore the term 'yatīm' in Islamic context, its definitions, cultural and legal implications, and its significance as reflected in the Qur’an.
Qadar (قدر)
Explore the term 'Qadar' (قدر), its connotations in Islamic theology, and its importance within the context of fate, predestination, and the Qur'anic framework. Understand how Qadar shapes the Muslim worldview.
Qadariyyah
Classical Islamic theological school emphasizing human free will and responsibility for actions.
Qadi Abd al-Jabbar
Prominent Mutazili theologian and chief justice known for his contributions to Islamic theology and jurisprudence.
Qadīm (قديم)
Understand the term 'Qadīm,' its implications and usage in Islamic context. Explore both its linguistic roots and theological significance.
Qalam
Explore the term 'Qalam,' its etymological roots, and its profound significance in Islamic thought. Learn about its representation in the Qur'an and its theological implications.
Qiyās (قياس‎)
Understand the concept of Qiyās in Islam, a cardinal principle involving analogical reasoning grounded in Qur'ān, Ḥadīs̤, and Ijmāʿ. Learn its conditions, types, and practical applications.
Qudrah (قدرة‎)
Explore the term 'Qudrah,' its etymological roots, theological implications, and significance in Islamic thought. Discover how 'Qudrah' encapsulates the divine attribute of omnipotence and its role in Islamic theology.
Rabb
Rabb - the Lord, master, or owner, often referring to God in Islamic theology.
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.
Rule of Faith in Islam - Foundations and Implications
An in-depth exploration of the foundational sources of Islamic orthodoxy: the Qurʾān, Ḥadīs̤, Ijmāʿ, and Qiyās. Understand how these elements collectively shape the faith and practice of Muslims.
ṢAḤĪFATU ʾL-AʿMĀL (صحيفة الاعمال‎) - The Book of Actions
Explore the concept of ṢAḤĪFATU ʾL-AʿMĀL, also known as the 'Book of Actions' in Islam. Learn about its significance, etymology, and references in the Qur’ān, as well as recommended readings for further study.
Ṣanam (صنم‎)
Explore the term 'Ṣanam,' its etymology, implications, and usage in the Islamic context. Understand what constitutes an idol and its significance in Islamic theology as discussed in the Qur'an.
Shafaa
The concept of intercession in Islam, addressing its theological intricacies and variations in interpretation.
Shaykhis
A branch of Twelver Shiism founded by Shaykh Ahmad al-Ahsā'ī that emphasizes spiritual resurrection over physical resurrection and was once condemned by traditional ulama.
Ṣifah (صفة‎)
Explore the term 'Ṣifah,' its etymology, and significance in Islamic theology. Understand its usage in describing the attributes of God and its importance in Islamic tradition.
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.
Suhrawardi Tariqah
The Suhrawardi Tariqah is an orthodox Sufi order founded by Shihab al-Din Umar Suhrawardi in twelfth-century Baghdad.
T̤Ā HĀ (طه‎) - Understanding Surah Ṭā-Hā in the Qurʾān
Explore Surah Ṭā-Hā (طه‎) from the Qur'an, diving into its etymology, interpretations, and significance within Islamic teachings. Understand the various theories about the meaning of the letters Ṭā-Hā and their implications.
Tafwid
Relegation of matters to God or delegation of power in Islamic theology and law
Tahrif
Concept of textual alteration or corruption in Islamic discourse
Takfir
Formal definition of the concept of Takfir in Islamic doctrine
Tanzih
Doctrine of divine exemption emphasizing God's unique and incomparable nature
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.
Tauḥīd (توحيد‎) - Understanding the Concept of Monotheism in Islam
Explore the term 'Tauḥīd,' its profound implications in Islamic theology, and how it shapes the core beliefs of Muslims. Delve into the fundamental basis of God's unity in Islam and its significance in the religion of Muḥammad.
Theology in Islam
Philosophical, rational, or mystical discussions in Islam concerning revealed truths, known as 'kalam' in Arabic. Focuses on major doctrinal issues such as the concept of God, cosmology, ethics, religious language, imagination, and the relationship between reason and revelation.
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.
Tusi, Muhammad ibn al-Hasan
Eminent Twelver Imami Shii theologian and jurist from Khurasan, compiler of two of the four canonical books of Twelver traditions.
Ummu ʾl-Kitāb (ام الكتاب‎)
Explore the term 'Ummu ʾl-Kitāb,' its varied applications within Islamic texts, its significance in different Qur'anic contexts, and its profound implications in Islamic theology.
Waḥdanīyah
Explore the concept of Waḥdanīyah, its theological significance in affirming the Unity of God, its historical background, and its implications within Ṣūfī traditions.
Wakalat al-Ammah, al-
Concept in Twelver Shiism that justifies the assumption by the ulama of the leadership role and the prerogatives of the Hidden Imam as his collective deputy.
Wasi
The legatee of religious knowledge and esoteric truths in Shiism, designated for continuance by formal nass.
Wasīlah (وسيلة)
Learn about the term 'Wasīlah,' its profound implications in Islamic theology, and the special station it signifies in Paradise. Understand its relevance for daily prayers and its theological significance as a means of nearness to God.
Word of God: Inspiration, Old and New Testaments, Prophets, Qur'an
Explore the concept of the 'Word of God' across various religious traditions including inspiration, the Old and New Testaments, the role of prophets, and the Qur'an in Islam.
Z̤āhiru ʾl-Mumkināt
Explore the term 'Z̤āhiru ʾl-Mumkināt,' its meaning, usage in Islamic theology, and its role in demonstrating the existence, power, and attributes of God through nature.
ẔĀT (ذات‎)
Explore the term 'ẔĀT (ذات‎)' in Islamic theology, its linguistic roots, and how it pertains to discussions about the essence of God and human nature in both theology and law.
Ẕaʿfirāniyah (ذعفرانية‎)
Learn about the term 'Ẕaʿfirāniyah,' its theological implications, and the debated doctrine regarding the creation of the Qur'an within Islamic history.
Ẕū ′l-Jalāl
Explore the term ‘Ẕū ′l-Jalāl,’ its meaning, Qur'anic references, and its importance as one of the ninety-nine attributes of God in Islam.
ʿADN (عدن)
Explore the term 'ʿADN (عدن),' its meanings and implications in Islamic theology. Understand its references to both the Garden of Eden and celestial paradise.
ʿAlāmātu ʾn-Nubūwah (علامات النبوة‎)
Explore the term 'ʿAlāmātu ʾn-Nubūwah', the signs of Prophecy in Islam, and their implications in verifying the mission of Prophet Muhammad. Understand the historical and theological importance of these signs as recorded in Islamic traditions.
ʿAmal-Nāmah
Explore the concept of 'ʿAmal-Nāmah,' its etymology, role in Islamic teachings, and its significance in the daily life of Muslims. Understand the spiritual and ethical implications of this term within the broader Islamic worldview.
ʿIlmu ʾl-Ḥikmah (علم الحكمه‎)
Explore the term 'ʿIlmu ʾl-Ḥikmah,' its implications and significance in Islamic context. Understand its etymology and relationship to 'ʿIlmu ʾl-Falsafah' in Islamic philosophy, and how it affects Islamic intellectual traditions.
ʿIlmu ʾl-Kalām (عـلـم الكلام‎)
Discover the intricate world of ʿIlmu ʾl-Kalām, its implication as Islamic scholastic theology, and its role in outlining the articles of belief. Explore its etymology, primary texts, and the difference between ʿIlmu ʾl-Kalām and al-Fiqh.
ʿILMU ʾL-UṢŪL (علم الاصول‎)
Explore ʿIlmu ʾl-Uṣūl, the science of the fundamentals of Islam, covering the Qur'an, Hadith, Ijmāʿ, and Qiyās. Understand the principles and notable works of this essential Islamic discipline.
ʿIzrāʾīl (عزرائيل) - The Angel of Death in Islam
Discover the role and significance of ʿIzrāʾīl (عزرائيل), known as the Angel of Death in Islam, his duties, and the Islamic beliefs surrounding the process of death and the afterlife as depicted in the Qur'an and Hadith literature.
Idtirar
Idtirar is a term meaning compulsion or coercion by means of physical rather than moral power, often used in Islamic theology to discuss human actions performed under compulsion versus free choice.
Islamic Sacrificial Practices - Eid al-Adha and Aqeeqah
Examine the two major sacrificial practices in Islam: the Eid al-Adha festival and the Aqeeqah ceremony at the birth of a child. Discover their historical, theological, and cultural significance.
Ar-Ra'uf
Explore the meaning of 'Ar-Ra'uf,' one of the ninety-nine names of Allah, emphasizing God's kindness and mercy. Understand its occurrence in the Qur'an and its importance in Islamic theology.
Isrāfīl (اسرافيل‎) - The Archangel in Islamic Eschatology
Discover Isrāfīl (اسرافيل‎), the Archangel responsible for blowing the trumpet on the Day of Resurrection, his significance in Islamic eschatology, and his role in Islamic tradition despite not being mentioned in the Qur'an or Hadith.
ṢAFĪYU ʾLLĀH (صفى الله‎)
Understand ṢAFĪYU ʾLLĀH, its etymology, and significance in Islamic teachings. Learn how this title used for Adam shapes the understanding of his status in the Islamic tradition.
Az-Zabānīyah (الزبانية) - Definition, Role, and Significance in Islam
Explore the term 'Az-Zabānīyah,' its meaning, role in Islamic eschatology, and how it is referenced in the Qur'an. Understand the responsibilities of these angels and the context within which they operate.
Barzakh, al-
Concept in Islam referring to the period between individual death and resurrection, acting as a barrier between the deceased and the realm of the living.
Dualism
Explore the concept of dualism, particularly in its repudiation within Islamic theology as discussed by Professor Palmer and al-Baiẓāwī. Understand the context of dualism in religious thought and its refutation in the Qur'an.
Khāṣṣ (خاص) - Definition, Etymology, and Usage in Islamic Thought
Explore the term 'Khāṣṣ,' its etymology, significance, and usage in Islamic scholarship, particularly in exegesis and theology. Understand how it contrasts with 'ʿĀmm' (general) and its implications in Islamic intellectual history.
Rūḥu ʾllāh
Explore the term 'Rūḥu ʾllāh,' its significance as the special title for Jesus in Islamic scripture, and its broader implications in Islamic theology and philosophy.
Sidratu ʾl-Muntahā (سدرة المنتهى‎)
Explore the term 'Sidratu ʾl-Muntahā,' a significant concept in Islamic theology detailing the Lote-tree at the extremity of the seventh heaven. Understand its origins, Qur'anic references, and cultural importance.
Ḥadīth Qudsī
Discover the concept of Ḥadīth Qudsī, its etymological roots, and its profound significance in Islamic teachings. Learn how Ḥadīth Qudsī differs from other ḥadīths and its role in the spiritual life of Muslims.
Kibr (كبر‎)
Explore the concept of 'Kibr' in Islamic teachings, its implications as a vice in humans and a divine attribute when referring to God. Understand the roots, significance, and teachings related to 'Kibr' in Islamic theology and jurisprudence.
MUWAḤḤID (موحد‎)
Explore the term 'Muwaḥḥid,' its etymology, usage, and significance in Islamic theology. Understand how Muslims express their monotheistic beliefs through this concept.
Al-Māniʿ (المانع‎) - The Withholder
Explore the meaning and significance of Al-Māniʿ (المانع‎), one of the ninety-nine names of Allah in Islam. Learn about its etymology, Qur'anic context, and theological implications.
Resurrection in Islam - Definition, Etymology, and Significance
Understanding the concept of ‘Resurrection’ in Islam, its references in the Qur'an, the eschatological beliefs, associated traditions, and theological implications for Muslims.
Al-Mutakabbir
Explore the term 'Al-Mutakabbir,' one of the 99 names of Allah, understand its etymology, and learn about its importance and usage in Islamic theology.
Aymān (ايمان‎)
Explore the meaning and significance of the term 'Aymān' in Islamic context. Learn the etymological roots, religious implications, and how this term is used within Islamic theology and law.
Dhat: Essence in Islamic Thought
An exploration of the term 'Dhat' as it relates to the essence or substance, often in reference to God in Islamic theology and philosophy.
Qalam - The Pen of Fate in Islamic Tradition
Explore the concept of 'Qalam,' referred to as the 'Pen of Fate' in Islamic beliefs. Understand its etymology, theological significance, and place in Islamic culture, as well as recommended readings for further exploration.
Shahīd (شهيد‎)
Explore the concept of 'Shahīd,' its etymology, historical significance, and role in Islamic theology and culture. Understand what it means to be a martyr or witness in the context of Islam.
ʿAlaq (علق)
Understand the term 'ʿAlaq,' its significance as mentioned in the Qur'an, and its broader meaning in Islamic theology. Learn about its origins and the context in which it was revealed.
Anthropomorphism in Islam
The concept of anthropomorphism in Islam, its theological implications, and its interpretations within Islamic thought.
Fatrah
Explore the term 'Fatrah,' its multifaceted implications within the Islamic context, including its significance in the early period of the Prophet Muhammad's revelation, its usage in Sufi terminology, and its importance in Islamic theology.
ISM-I-JALĀLĪ (اسم جلالى‎)
Explore the concept of ISM-I-JALĀLĪ, its etymology, and its role in Islamic theology. Understand the attributes of God expressing His power and greatness, such as al-Ḥākim (the Judge) and al-Ādil (the Just).
Murtadd
An individual who has renounced their religion in Islamic context.
Al-Mumtaḥinah (الممتحنة‎)
Explore the meaning, origin, and significance of Surah Al-Mumtaḥinah from the Qur'an. Understand its themes and the context behind its revelation.
AT-TAḤRĪM (التحريم‎)
Explore the 66th Sūrah of the Qurʾān, AT-TAḤRĪM (التحريم‎), its meaning, context, and significance in Islamic theology. Understand the narrative concerning the Prophet Muhammad's personal life and its broader implications.
Azal (أزل‎)
Discover the term 'Azal', its etymology, and its profound significance within Islamic theology and philosophy. Understand the concept of eternity in Islamic thought and its distinction from 'Abad.'
Jibrāʾīl (جبرائيل‎)
Explore the significance of Jibrāʾīl, the angel Gabriel, in Islamic tradition. Understand his role in the Quran and his importance in Islamic theology and history.
Yamīn
Explore the concept of 'Yamīn' (Oath), its etymology, religious implications, and usage in Islamic jurisprudence. Understand how oaths are used within the context of Islamic belief and law.
Zindīq (زنديق)
Learn about the term 'Zindīq,' its origins, implications, and usage in an Islamic context. Understand what the term signifies, its historical applications, and its importance in Islamic theology.
ʿIlmu ʾl-Ilāhīyāt (علم الالهيات‎)
Explore 'ʿIlmu ʾl-Ilāhīyāt,' its meaning, significance, and application within Islamic thought. Understand the role of theology in the Islamic intellectual tradition and its contributions to broader Muslim scholarship.
Qadarīyah - Asserters of Free Will in Islamic Theology
An in-depth look into the Qadarīyah, Islamic theological groups advocating free will. Explore their subdivisions and unique doctrines, along with their historical and theological significance.
AN-NĀZIʿĀT (النازعات‎) - The XIXth Surah of the Quran
Explore the significance and context of Surah An-Nazi'at, its etymology, thematic elements, and the portrayal of the Angel of Death and his assistants in Islamic theology.
ḤAUẒU ʾL-KAUS̤AR
Explore the term 'ḤAUẓU ʾL-KAUS̤AR,' its significance in Islamic tradition, etymology, and references in the Qur'an and Hadith. Understand its meaning and implications for the afterlife.
Khulūd (خلود)
Understand the term 'Khulūd,' its implications, and usage in an Islamic context. Explore the nuances of eternity and eternal punishment as described within Islamic theology.
Mājūj (ماجوج‎)
Explore the term 'Mājūj,' its origin, and significance in Islamic eschatology and theology. Understand its role in Islamic tradition, and how it is perceived within broader Muslim scholarship.
RUḤ (روح) in Islamic Thought
Explore the concept of RUḤ (روح), its meanings, implications, and usage in Islamic thought. Understand how it integrates with the notions of soul, spirit, and life within Islamic theology and philosophy.
SHARʿ (شرع‎)
Explore the concept of Sharʿ (شرع‎) in Islamic tradition. Understand its etymology, legal implications, and cultural significance, and discover recommended readings for a deeper understanding.
Zuhd (زهد)
Learn about the term 'Zuhd,' its implications, and usage in the Islamic context. Understand how Zuhd represents a form of asceticism and devotion, and its impact on the daily life of Muslims.
Al-Bāqī (الباقى‎)
Explore the term 'Al-Bāqī,' one of the ninety-nine names of God in Islam. Understand its etymology, significance, and implications in Islamic theology and daily worship.
Elements
Explore the concept of the 'Elements' in Islamic thought, including their definitions, etymology, and significance in various Islamic disciplines and sciences.
Taḥrīf - Corruption of the Scriptures in Islamic Perspective
Examine the concept of 'Taḥrīf' in Islamic thought, discussing accusations of scriptural corruption directed at Jews and Christians, different types of Taḥrīf, and contrasting viewpoints among classical and modern Islamic scholars.
Dunya
Refers to the temporal world in contrast to the eternal hereafter in Islamic thought.
ḤAQQ (حق)
Explore the term 'ḤAQQ,' its meanings, implications, and significance within Islamic theology, law, and Sufism. Understand the role of Ḥaqq in the Muslim worldview and its association with one of the ninety-nine names of God.

Dictionary of Islam

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