Islamic Terminology

Islamic Concepts

• Obligatory: something that is required or must be done

Declaration of Faith

• Shahadah: the Islamic declaration of faith, a foundation of Islam

Prayer

• Ablution: washing parts of the body, especially before prayers in Islam (Wudu)
• Qiblah: the direction Muslims face when praying (towards Mecca)
• Rak'ah: a unit of prayer in Islam
• Recitation: reading something aloud from memory, especially during prayer
• Prostration: bowing down with forehead touching the ground in prayer

Mosque and Worship

• Niche: a small, special place embedded in a wall
• Mihrab: a niche in a mosque indicating the direction of Mecca
• Sermon: a speech given during a religious service
• Jumah: the Friday prayer in Islam

Fasting and Charity

• Fasting: not eating or drinking for a certain period of time
• Iftar: the meal eaten by Muslims to break their fast during Ramadan
• Alms: money or goods given to help the poor
• Nisab: the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must have before they are required to give zakat (charity)
• Sadaqah: voluntary charity given out of kindness

Pilgrimage and Morality

• Pilgrimage: a special journey to a holy place
• Ihram: special clothing worn by Muslims during the pilgrimage to Mecca
• Sins: bad actions or wrongdoings
• Temptation: the desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise
• Humility: being humble; not thinking you're better than others
• Jihad: a struggle or effort, often to do something good or to improve oneself
• Purify: to make clean or free from impurities
• Discipline: training to improve behavior or skills; self-control

Miscellaneous

• Misinterpret: to have an incorrect understanding of a concept or idea
• Id (Eid): a Muslim festival, like Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha
• Henna: a plant-based dye used to create temporary designs on the skin
• Sacrifice: giving up something valuable for a greater good or purpose
• Atonement: making up for a wrong or a mistake
• Mourning: expressing deep sadness over someone's death
• Martyrdom: dying for a cause or belief
• Ritual: a special routine or ceremony done in a certain way