Amir — A title meaning leader. an Amir, in the context of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam refers to the national president of the community in each country who is appointed by the Khalifah.
Ansar — Defined as helper. the term Ansar refers collectively to the members of the auxiliary of men older than age 40. A single member of the auxiliary, formally called Majlis Ansarullah (Association of God’s helpers) is called a Nasir. Alternatively, Ansar also refers to the original inhabitants of Medina that accepted Islam and helped the Holy Prophet(sas) and his community when they emigrated from Mecca.
Atfal — Meaning children. the term Atfal refers collectively to the members of the auxiliary of boys age 7–15. A single member of the auxiliary, formally called Majlis Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya (Ahmadi children’s organization) is called a Tifl.
Bai‘at — Oath of allegiance to a religious leader; initiation at the hands of a Prophet or his Khulafa’.
Fard — Literally means obligatory. Fard refers to obligatory religious duties for Muslims such as daily prayers, fasting, alms giving etc.
Hazrat — A term of respect used to show honour and reverence for a person of established righteousness and piety. The literal meaning is: His/Her Holiness, Worship, Eminence, etc. It is also used for God in the superlative sense.
Holy Prophet(sas) — A title used exclusively for the Founder of Islam, Hazrat Muhammad(sas).
Holy Quran — The final and perfect Scripture revealed by Allah for the guidance of mankind for all times to come. It was revealed word by word to the Holy Prophet Muhammad(sas) over a period of twenty-three years.
Jama‘at — Defined as community. In general, the Jama‘at refers to the entire community of Ahmadi Muslims.
Jamia‘ — Understood as group, but more commonly university. Jamia‘ refers to universities established around the world by the Ahmadiyya Community to train and educate missionaries and scholars.
Jihad — Literally means striving or struggling. Jihad is often used in a idiomatic expression of “striving in the path of God.”
Khalifah — Caliph is derived from the Arabic word khalifah, which means ‘successor’. In Islamic terminology, the word righteous khalifah is applied to one of the four khulafa’ who continued the mission of Hazrat Muhammad(sas), the Holy Prophet of Islam. Ahmadi Muslims refer to a successor of the Promised Messiah(as) as Khalifatul-Masih. Khulafa’ is the plural of khalifah.
Khuddam — Defined as servants. Khuddam refers collectively to the members of the auxiliary of young men age 15-40. A single member of the auxiliary, formally called Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya (Association of the Servants of Ahmadiyya) is called a Khadim.
Labaik — Literally meaning “Here I am.” It is used as an affirmation to Allah that one is ready to serve in the name of God.
Lajna — Defined as committee. The term Lajna refers collectively to the members of the auxiliary of women older than age 15 formally called Lajna Ima’illah (Committee of the maids of Allah).
MTA — Muslim Television Ahmadiyya. MTA, is a globally-broadcasting, non-profit satellite television network that is run and funded entirely by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for the propagation of the pristine teachings of Islam.
Muhammad(sas) — Founder of Islam. see Holy Prophet(sas).
Nasirat — Meaning helper. The term Nasirat refers collectively to the members of the auxiliary of girls older between age 7-15 which is formally called Nasir-at-ul-Ahmadiyyat (Girl helpers of Ahmadiyyat).
Nawafil — Roughly meaning supererogatory. Nawafil refers to religious acts and prayers that go beyond what is obligatory. Nafl (the singular form of Nawafil) prayers refer to extra supplication after obligatory prayers to seek blessings.
Nizam-e-Jama‘at — Nizam, by itself, is commonly understood as order. Nizam-e-Jama‘at refers to the organizational structure of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
Rishta — Meaning relationship. Rishta more commonly refers to a marriage proposal within South Asian communities.
Salat — Five daily Prayers that are obligatory for Muslims.
Surah — A chapter of the Holy Quran.
Tabligh — Defined as prosletyzing. Tabligh refers to propagating the message of Islam.
Tafsir — Literally interpretation. Tafsir refers to Quranic exegesis or commentaries on the verses of the Holy Quran.
Tarbiyyat — Defined as upbringing, Tarbiyyat refers to the moral upbringing and spiritual etiquette.
Taqwa — A term in Arabic that literally means ‘righteousness’.
Waqf-e-Nau — Waqf meaning dedication. Waqf-e-Nau refers to an organization created under Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(rta) where parents dedicate their children to the cause of Islam before their birth. When children become of age, they may choose whether to continue their waqf (dedication) to Islam.