Aameen A term which literally means, ‘so let it be’ and is used at the end of a supplication to pray that God may accept it. It is similar in meaning to ‘amen’.
Bai’at Oath of allegiance to a religious leader; initiation at the hands of a Prophet or his Khulafaa’.
Gaddi-Nasheen and Peerzaadah Literally one who occupies the gaddi (seat) and descendent of a peer i.e., a religious preceptor. Those who occupy the position of guardians of shrines of famous saints.
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(sa) A title used exclusively for the Founder of Islam, Hazrat Muhammad(sa).
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(sa) over a period of twenty-three years.
Khaatamul-Anbiyaa’ Seal of the Prophets, title of the Holy Prophet.
Khaatamul-Khulafaa’ Seal of khulafa i.e., the most perfect among the successor (of the Prophet).
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 khulafaa’ who continued the mission of Hazrat Muhammad(sa), the Holy Prophet of Islam. Ahmadi Muslims refer to a successor of the Promised Messiah(as) as Khalifatul-Masih. Khulafaa’ is the plural of khalifah.
Muhammad(sa) Founder of Islam. see Holy Prophet(sa).
Qawwalees Congregations held for singing hymns.
Rak’at Parts of the Islamic ritual prayer each taken as one unit which consists of Qiyaam, Ruku and Sajdah.
Sahih Bukhari The most reliable collection of Ahadith.
Siddiqeen, Shuhadaa’ and Saaliheen Plural of Siddeeq, Shaheed and Salih, respectively. Terms used in the Holy Quran to denote three successive ranks in spiritual attainment, Salih is the first and Siddeeq last, this being immediately below the rank of Prophethood.
Sunnah Practice of the Holy Prophet(sa).
Surah A chapter of the Holy Quran.
Zakat Levy on wealth according to a fixed schedule, to be spent for the benefit of the poor. It is one of the five fundamental pillars of Islam.