‘Ad—The name of an ancient tribe mentioned in the Holy Quran. In Islamic tradition, the Adites are believed to be among the first inhabitants of Arabia who were destroyed by God. The town they lived in was called Iram. (See 89:6-14)
Ahlul-Hadith—A sect in Islam which believes in the superiority of the Ahadith to the Holy Quran.
Ahlus-Sunnah—A branch of Islam that consists of the majority of its adherents. Sunni Muslims regard their denomination as the mainstream and traditionalist branch of Islam—as distinguished from Shiites.
Amin—A term which means “May Allah make it so” and is used at the end of a supplication. It is similar in meaning to “Amen”.
Bai‘at—To pledge one’s allegiance to someone. The word literally means to sell oneself.
Buruz—Refers to a spiritual manifestation and is used to denote a reformer being the personification of a former prophet.
Eid—The Muslim festival celebrated at the end of Ramadan and to commemorate the sacrifice of the Prophet Abrahamas.
Faqih—Literally means “one who understands” and is used for Muslim jurisprudence scholars.
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.
Hakam—Literally means an arbitrator, but refers to the Promised Messiahas as a judge between countless disputes in the latter days.
Ijma‘—Consensus upon a matter. In Islamic tradition Ijma‘ is limited to the Companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad sas.
Khatam-un-Nabiyyin—Literally means “Seal of the Prophets” and refers to the Holy Prophet Muhammad sas as the most superior prophet.
Jumu‘ah—The Muslim holy day of the week which is celebrated on Friday.
Kalim—Literally means “the one who is spoken to abundantly” and is used for the Prophet Moses as to demonstrate that he was honoured with frequent Divine discourse.
Mustafa—Means the “Chosen One” and is used for the Holy Prophet Muhammad sas.
Marham-e-‘Isa—The Ointment of Jesus. Historical records indicate the use of this ointment to treat the wounds of Jesus after he was taken down from the cross.
Muezzin—the one who recites the Adhan [call to Prayer] prior to the congregational Prayer.
Muhaddith—A scholar of Hadith.
Niyoga—The ancient Hindu practice of a wife taking partners outside of wedlock for the purpose of conceiving male issue if she cannot conceive with her husband.
Ramadan—The holy month for Muslims in which they fast for the whole month.
Salam—The Islamic greeting of peace. Literally means “peace”.
Shariah—The Islamic law which is taken from the Holy Quran, the practice of the Holy Prophet Muhammad sas and his sayings.
Sheikhain—A term that means “The Two Elders” and refers to the first two Caliphs of Islam: Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq and Hazrat Umar Faruq ra.
Sufi—Literally means “the one who cleanses” and refers to an individual who actively seeks to better his life through religious practice.
Wilayat—Friendship. In Islamic tradition a Wali is someone who renounces the world and becomes friends with God Almighty and enjoys His nearness.