Basic terms used by muslims.

 

If your work requires dealing with Muslims, stories in Muslim majority countries, mosques or other issues related to Islam, here are a few words that you might hear. 

Adhan - The Muslim call to prayer. The “dh” is pronounced like the “th” in “thus”. 

Ahl al-kitab - Arabic for “People of the Book”. The term is used in the Quran to describe Jews and Christians, who also follow revealed texts. 

Alhamdulilah – Arabic for “All praise is due to God”. A phrase that Muslims are encouraged to use in all of life’s situations. Pronounced al-Hamdu li-’llah. Allah - The most commonly used linguistic term for “God” in Arabic. Allah is the same monotheistic God worshipped by Christians and Jews. 

Allahu Akbar - Arabic phrase meaning “God is Great”. This phrase is used in many situations. Muslims recite it in their daily prayers and at any time that they want to acknowledge God’s magnificence. They might use it when they are happy, when they wish to express approval, or even during times of extreme stress. 

As-salaamu alaikum - Arabic phrase meaning “Peace be upon you”. This is a traditional Islamic greeting. The response is “Wa alaikum as-salaam” meaning “And upon you peace”. 

Ayatollah - A religious leader among Shia Muslims. It is used as a title of respect for one who is considered - by consensus - to be an esteemed leader among Shia clergy. 

Bismillah - Arabic for “In the Name of God”. Muslims are encouraged to begin every act with this phrase. Pronounced bis-mil-lah.

 Caliphate - Arabic word for a form of Islamic government that led the global Muslim community in past centuries. Dawah - Inviting others to Islam through words and actions. 

Dhikr - Literally, “remembrance”, this Arabic word usually refers to remembrance of God. The “dh” is pronounced like the “th” in “thus”. 

Fatwa - A religious edict or legal opinion that is written by qualified scholars commenting on issues relating to Islam. Fiqh - Islamic jurisprudence 

Hadith - Written narrations of what the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said and did during his lifetime. Hadith are considered one of the primary resources for Muslims, second only to the Quran. 

Hijab - Commonly used to describe modest Muslim dress, specifically the head scarf that many Muslim women wear. It is not a “burka” or a “veil”. NOTE: A face veil is called a “niqab”. 

Ijtihad – A component of fiqh whereby Islamic laws are derived from sources other than, or not necessarily including, the Quran or the Sunnah. Imam - One who leads congregational prayers in a mosque or in any other location. It is an honorific title. 

Insha’Allah - Arabic for “God Willing”. Muslims use this phrase to indicate that they expect to do something in the future or when they hope that something will be realised. It is also used as a reminder that God will determine the future. 

JazakAllahu Khayran - Arabic for “May God reward you with good”. Often used by Muslims in place of “thank you”. Masjid – The Arabic word for “mosque”, an Islamic house of worship. Plural: masajid. Masha’Allah - Arabic for “As God wants it”. It is used as an expression of admiration or glorifying God for anything with which one is pleased. Mufti - A Muslim jurist who interprets Islamic law. 

Mullah - A Persian word with a meaning similar to “imam”. Mussallah - Literally, a “place of prayer”. A room or space designated for prayer, but not necessarily a masjid. 

Salat - The Arabic word for “prayer”. Muslims offer salat five times a day at prescribed times to fulfil the second of their five pillars of faith. 

Shahada - The Islamic creed. It is the declaration of belief in the oneness of God and in Muhammad as His messenger. In English it translates to: “There is no god but God and Muhammad is the messenger of God.” 

Shariah - Islamic law derived from the Quran and Hadith by scholars. 

Sheikh - An honorary title of respect. 

Sunnah - Denotes the way the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) lived his life. The sunnah is the second source for Islamic jurisprudence after the Quran. The Hadith are the written source of the sunnah.

 Ummah - An Arabic word meaning “community”. It is often used to express the idea that Muslims worldwide belong to one community