Ahad (pl. Ahad), refers to those ahadith that have a solitary chain of narration and are not related by others.
Ahadith Plural of hadith. Reported statements of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sas).
Amin A term which literally means, ‘may it be so’ and is used at the end of a supplication to pray that God may accept it. It is similar in meaning to ‘amen’.
As-Sihah as-Sittah The title given to the six authentic books of ahadith.
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, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.
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.
Istikharah A special Prayer to seek guidance from Allah before making an important decision.
Maghrib Refers to the evening Prayer, immediately after sunset (one of the five daily Prayers in Islam).
Marfu‘ Applied to those ahadith whose chain of narrators reaches up to the Holy Prophet (sas) himself.
Muhaddath A recipient of divine revelation who is not a Prophet. Plural is muhaddathin.
Mujaddid Reformer. Holy personages within Islam who appeared at the head of every century.
Mutawatir See Tawatur.
Muttasil Lit. ‘Continuous’ or ‘uninterrupted’. Applied to those ahadith where there is no break in the chain of narrators.
Qiblah Direction of the Ka‘bah in Makkah, toward which Muslims face to offer formal prayers.
Rak‘at Plural of rak‘ah, which refers to one cycle of the formal Prayer, consisting of standing, bowing, sitting, and prostration.
Sahih Lit. ‘Correct or authentic.’ A grade applied to ahadith that are deemed authentic.
Surah A chapter of the Holy Quran.
Tahajjud Optional Prayer of great merit offered in the latter part of the night.
Tawatur—Lit. Recurrence. Refers to information that is transmitted by such a multiplicity of sources that it leaves no doubt as its authenticity.