B

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, related that the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: "Towards the end of the world swindlers shall be born. They shall tell you things you never will have heard before, nor will your forebears have heard them. Save yourself from their influence and let them keep away from you lest they should mislead you into wrongdoing. Saheeh Muslim

Abu Sa’id, may Allah be pleased with him, related that the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: "You shall imitate your predecessor in every way; you shall follow in their footsteps step by step. It shall come to pass that if they had entered the hole of a lizard, you will do the same." Someone asked the Prophet, "O prophet of Allah, do you mean the Jews and the Christians when you said that we shall follow our predecessor ?" The Prophet replied "Yes, who else?" Saheeh Bukhari and Saheeh Muslim.

Abu Hurairah,may Allah be pleased with him, related that the prophet Muhammad,may Allah bless him and grant him peace,said: Allah Taala said: The gates of paradise will be opened on Mondays and on Thursdays, and every servant ( of Allah ) who associates nothing with Allah will be forgiven, except for a man who has a grudge against his brother ( i. e. another Muslim).It will be said( about them), "Delay these two until they are reconciled". Saheeh Muslim

BA’ATH: In Islamic terminology, this means the resurrection of the Muslims and the Kuffar (unbelievers). The Ba’ath of the Kuffar (unbelievers) and the subsequent stages leading to the Nar (Hellfire) is in five stages: (1). The Kuffar will be raised with all their senses being active, i.e. they will be able to feel, see, hear, smell and taste. (2). On their way to the place of judgment they will still have their senses active. (3). They will be judged with all their senses intact.(4). On their way to Nar (Hellfire) they will lose all their senses. (5). When put into the Nar (Hellfire), they will regain all their senses so as to feel Allah Ta’ala's wrath.

BAATIL: Evil, False.

BAATIN: Baatin has no exact translation, but the closest translation is "what is inwardly hidden, unseen; the thing or feeling that is being hidden away from human vision or knowledge." No created being has the ‘Ilm al-Baatin (the knowledge of the unseen), except with the permission of Allah Ta’ala. The knowledge of the unseen belongs to Allah Ta’ala only. Anyone who claims to have or claims that someone else has the knowledge of the unknown is in fact Shirk (associating a created being with Allah Ta’ala in his Attributes). Antonym Dhahir.

BAATIN (AL): "Al-Baatin". Has no literal meaning, but indicates "the Inwardly Hidden". It also means the One Who is close to his Creation by His Knowledge, Sight and Hearing. One of Ninety-nine Attributes of Allah Ta’ala.

BAB AL-RAIYAN: The name of one of the eight gates of Jannah (Paradise) through which the people who often observes fasting will enter on the Day of Judgment. See Jannah.

BADANA: A she-camel offered as a sacrifice. Plural: Budn.

BADR: Site of the first battle between early Muslims and the pagans of the Quraish in 2AH. Badr is located about 150km South of al-Madinah al-Munawara. The Muslim army consisted of 313 men and the Quraish had a total of 1000 soldiers, archers and horsemen, See Holy Qur’an, Al-Anfal (8):5-19, 42-48, Aali Imran (3):13.

BAGHIA: Prostitute. This is the accusation that the Jews levelled against the Virgin Mary (mother of Prophet Isa (Jesus), peace be upon them , when she conceived the prophet Isa, peace be on him, without a father. May Allah curse those whoever harbor such an accusation.

BAGYAN: Rejecting or disobeying, not through conviction, but through personal greed, jealousy, the desire to be different or just for show. See Holy Qur’an, Aale ‘Imran (3):19.

BAHIRAH (AL): A milking she-camel, whose milk used to be spared for idols and other false deities.

BAI'AH: A pledge given by the citizens etc. to their Imam (Muslim Ruler) to be obedient to him according to the Islamic religion. 

BAITUL HAMD: House of praise to Allah in the Akhira (Hereafter).

BAITUL MA’MUR (AL): House of Allah over the Seventh Heaven where the Malaikah (angels) pray.

BAITUL MADARIS: A place in al-Madinah that used to be a Jewish center.

BAITUL MAL: An Islamic treasury intended for the benefit of the Masaken (needy Muslims) and not for the leaders or the wealthy.

BAITUL MAQDIS (MASJID AL-AQSA): The famous Masjid (mosque) in Al-Quds (Jerusalem). It was the first Qiblah of Islam. Then Allah Ta’ala ordered Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, to face the first house of Allah (the ka’ba) at Makkah al-Mukarramah. Baitul Maqdis is the third greatest Masjid in t he Islamic world, the first being the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and the second being Masjid al-Rasool, may Allah bless and grant him peace, at al-Madinah. It is from the surroundings of Baitul maqdis that Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, ascended to heaven. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Isra (17):1.

BAIT-UL-MIDRAS: A place in Madinah (and it was a Jewish center).

BAI'AT UR-RIDWAN: The oath and pledge taken by the Sahabah at Al-Hudaibiyah in the year of 6H to fight Quraish in case they harmed 'Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) who had gone to negotiate with them and reported to have been taken captive.

BALAM: Means an Ox.

BABU AL-ASFAR: The Byzantines.

BAKKA: Another name for Makkah. See Holy Qur’an, Ale ‘Imran (3):96.

BALAD (AL): "The City’ of Makkah. Surah 90 of the Holy Qur’an.

BANI AL-ASFAR: The Byzantines.

BANI ISRAEL: "Tribe of Israel" The descendants of the twelve sons of Yacoub, who was also called Israel, the son of Ishaq, who was, the son of the Prophet Ibrahim, peace be on them all.

Another name for Suratul al-Isra. Surah 17 of the Holy Qur’an.

BANI NADHEER: A Jewish tribe who lived about three miles south of Madinah during the time of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Four months after their treachery at the time of the Battle of Uhud, when they planned to betray the Muslims and kill the Messenger of Allah, the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, expelled most of them to Syria and the rest to khaibar. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Hashr (45):26

BANI QURAIDHA: A Jewish tribe from Madinah. Along with the Quraish tribe of Makkah, they plotted to destroy the Prophet Mohammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, by attacking Muslims from within Madinah at the Battle of the Ditch, but when they lost they ask to have their fate judged by Sa’d ibn Muaz (the chief of the Aus ‘the Ansar’ tribe) because he used to be their ally. Sa’d judged them according to their own law, the Taurat (Torah), and ordered that every male be killed, all their women be sold as captives and all their belongings be divided amongst the Muhajirs (Deut. 20:13-14, 16). See Holy Qur’an, Al-Ahzab (33):26-27.

BAQARA (AL): "The Heifer" Surah 2 of the Holy Qur’an.

BAQI: A cemetery at Madinah. Many of the Shabiyeen (companions) of the Prophet Mohammad are buried there, may the blessing and peace of Allah be on him and his family and his companions and all those who follow him and them.

BARAAT (AL): "The Immunity". Another name for Suratul Taubah. Surah 9 of the Holy Qur’an.

BARRAH: Means pious, innocent, clean, inwardly pure.

BARZAKH: Literally means partition or barrier. In Islamic terminology it usually means the life in the grave, because the life in the grave is the interface between the life on earth and the life in the hereafter. Life in the Barzakh is real, but very different from life as we know it. Its exact nature is known only to Allah Ta’ala. It is during our life in the Barzakh that we will be asked about Allah, our faith and the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. We will also be shown the Jannah and the Nar (Paradise and Hellfire) after which we would know which of these two places we will occupy after having been judged.

BAYAN: Intelligent speech, as opposed to sounds which have no power of expression or meaning.

BAYINA (AL): "The Clear Proof". Surah 98 of the Holy Qur’an.

BID’A: Any innovated practices introduced in the religion of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said that every Bid’a is a deviation from the true path and that every deviation leads to Hellfire.

BIDH’A: A small amount. Normally the amount is between three to nine, e.g. Bidh’a Tamarat (few dates), Bidh’a Sanawat (a few years).

BINT LABUN: Two year-old she camel.

BINT MAKHAD: One year-old she camel.

BIRR WA TAQWA: Righteousness and awe of the Creator which inspires a person to be on guard against wrong action and eager for doing things which are pleasing to Allah.

BISMILLAH: "In the Name of Allah". (1). This statement is usually made by every Muslim who is about to embark on anything that is Halal (lawful), however trival that act or deed may seem. (2). First verse Suratul Fatiha.(3). To be recited before the beginning of every Surah except for Suratul Taubah (Surah 9 of the Holy Qur’an).

BU’ATH: Two miles from Madinah. Also the site of a battle between the al-Aus tribe (who later became the Ansar) and the al-Khazraj in the-pre Islamic era

BUDN: Plural of Badana.See Badana.

BUKHIL: Spendthrift. Allah Ta’ala has forbidden mankind to be either misers or over-generous to a fault. See Holy Qur’an, Suwar Al-Isra (17):26-29, Al-Furqan (25):67.

BURAIHAA: One of the Abu Talha’s gardens (opposite the Masjid al-Rasool) when Rasoolullah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, used to go to rest and drink its fresh water.

BURAQ: An animal larger than a donkey and smaller than a horse on which the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, went on the Mi’raj. See Mi’raj.

BURD, BURDA: A black ,square, narrow dress.

BURNUS: A hooded cloak.

BURUJ (AL): "The Zodiacal Signs". Surah 85 of the Holy Qur’an. This refers to the constellations in the heavens themselves, not to the astrologers' ‘Stars signs’.

BURUD: Plural of Barid. One Barid is equal to 4 Farsakh = 12 miles = 19.31 Kilometers.

BUTHAN: A valley in Al-Madinah.

D

Visiting the sick. Following the funeral procession. Invoking the Mercy of Allah upon one who sneezes (by saying Yarhamuk-Allah). Supporting the weak. Helping the oppressed. Spreading the Salaam (greetings of peace). And honouring vows. Saheeh Bukhari and Sahi Muslim.

Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, related that the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: "On the Day of Judgment people will be gathered together barefoot, unclothed and uncircumcised." I said, "O Messenger of Allah, will men and women be together looking at each other?" He said, "O Aisha, the occasion will be too grave and terrifying for them to be at ease to look at each other. Saheeh Bukhari and Saheeh Muslim.

Jarir ibn Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with him, related that the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: "He who shows no mercy to others, Allah have no mercy upon him." Saheeh Bukhari and Saheeh Muslim.

DA’WA: Propagation of Islam through words and actions, calling people to follow the commandments of Allah Ta’ala.

DHAALEEN: "Those that have gone astray" (Surah 1:7). Refers to the Nasara (Christian), because they have forgotten much of Allah Ta’ala’s message and started to worship a human (the Prophet Isa’ Jesus, son of Mary’), peace be on him, mistaking him for a divine being and thus placing themselves in the same category as those who worship created objects, such as stars, fire, idols, various animals, etc. See Holy Qur’an, al-Maida (5):15.

DABAAH: (1). The Beast. The beast that will come out of the earth and will speak to man. His appearance will be one of the major signs of the coming of the Last Day. (2). In general, every living creature that moves on this earth. See Holy Qur’an, an-Naml (27):82-83.

DABOUR (AD): A great westerly windstorm. Type of storm that destroyed the people of ‘Ad.

DAHR (AD): "The Time". Another name of Suratul Insan. Suratul 76 of the Holy Qur’an. Ad-Dhar indicates the space/time continuum.

DAGHABIS: Snake cumbers. It is a plural of Daghabus.

DAJJAL (AD): Anti-Christ. Also known as Maseeh ad-Dajjal. See Ahadeeth regarding "the Final Hour" in both Sahi books. Sahi Bukhari, Hadith 649, 650, Vol. IV. Sahi Muslim, kitab al-Fafitan wa Isharat as-Say’ah.

DANIQ: A coin equal to one-sixth of a Dirham.

DAR-AL-QADA: Justice House (court).

DAYYAN: Allah; it literally means the One Who judges people from their deeds after calling them to account.

DAWOOD, PEACE BE ON HIM: David. A prophet of Islam. The prophet to whom the Zabour was revealed, and who fought Jaluth (Goliath) and killed him. See Holy Qur’an, Saad (38):17-26.

DEEN: (1). Usually translated as ‘Religion’, but in fact meaning ‘life transaction’, the transaction being between Allah and each of his created beings. The life-transaction, or religion, of Allah Ta’ala is universal. It is the way of Islam (submission of will to Allah Ta’ala). He sent the same message to Nooh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus) and all the other Prophets, peace be upon them all, but mankind, through ignorance or intentional misguidance by others has altered that religion of Allah again and again. Allah Ta’ala sent the Holy Qur’an as the final revelation and guidance for mankind and the Jinn who will be judged on the Day of Resurrection. (2). Also indicates the Judgment itself, i.e. "Yaum al-Deen". (Judgment Day).

DHAREYAT (AL): "The wind that scatters". Surah 51 of the Holy Qur’an.

DHAHIR: The seen or the visible. The thing or feeling that is made known or visible. Antonyms: Baatin. See Baatin.

DHAHIR (AD): "Ad-Dhahir", The Outwardly Manifest. One of the ninety-nine Attributes of Allah Ta’ala. It means the One Who is above everything and nothing is above Him.

DHAT-IRQ: Miqat for the pilgrims coming from Iraq.

DHAT-UN-NITAQAIN: Asma', the daughter of Abu Bakr (ra). It literally means a woman with two belts. She was named so by the Prophet (Peace be upon him).  

DHAWI-AL-ARHAAM: Blood relative, especially parents, brother and sisters, uncles, sons and daughters, and grandparents.

DHIHAR: A type of divorce which was common in pre-Islamic Arabia, but was made Haram (unlawful) by Islam. It was a way when the husband wanted to divorce his wife he would selfishly say to her, "You are like my mother". This way she would not have conjugal rights, but at the same time she would still be bound to him like a slave. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Ahzab (33):4 Mujadilah (58):1-5.

DHI’L-KHALASA: Also known as ka’aba al-Yamaniyah. A place where a pagan idol called Daus used to be worshipped in Yemen in the pre-Islamic period of ignorance.

DHIKRUL-LLAH: Remembrance of Allah Ta’ala. Refers to every deed or action, intended or carried out, that is aimed at gaining Allah Ta’ala’s pleasure. The five pillars of Islam are its foundation. Recitation of Qur’an is its heart, and invocation of single Name of Allah, it's end.

DHIMMI: A Non-Muslim living under the protection of Islamic rule.

DHUL-FARA'ID: Those person whose share of inheritance described in the Qur'an are called Dhul-Faraid, and the rest are Asabah.

DHU’L-KIFEL, PEACE BE ON HIM: Ezekiel. A prophet of Islam. See Holy Qur’an: Al-Anbiyaa (21):85, Sad (38):48.

DHU’L-NOON, PEACE BE UPON HIM: The Companion of the Fish. This is a title of the Prophet Yunus (Jonah), peace be upon him. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Qalam (68):48 See Yunus.

DHU’L-HIJJA: The 11th month of the Islamic Calendar. See Hijri.

DHUL-KHLASAH: Al-Kahbah Al-Yamaniyah. (A house in Yemen where idols used to be worshipped. It belonged to the tribe of Khat'am and Bujailah).

DHU’L QARNAIN: One of the greatest rulers of ancient history. He was a true believer in Allah Ta’ala. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Kahf (18):83.

DHUL-MAHRAM: A man, whom a woman can never marry because of close relationship (e.g. a bother, a father, an uncle); or her own husband.

DHU-TUWA: It is one of the valleys (district) of Makkah and there is a well-known well in it. In the lifetime of the Prophet (peace be upon him), Makkah was a small city and this well was outside its precincts. Nowadays MAkkah is a Larger city and the well is within its boundary.

DHULM: Usually wrongly spelled as Zulm. It means injustice, harm, wrongdoing or transgression either against oneself or someone else. (1). Against oneself. Doing deeds or saying words which will bring the displeasure of Allah Ta’ala. These deeds may be physical or spiritual that will ultimately harm the soul. (2). Against others. In any form whatsoever, whether they be physical or mental. Its opposite id Nur, Light.

DHULUMAAT: Darkness In the sense of lurking danger. See Holy Qur’an, Al-An’aam (6):63. This is where the word Dhulm (Injustice) is derived, for injsutice in whatever form is an evil darkness.

DIBAJ: Pure silk cloth.

DINAR: An ancient gold coin.

DIRHAM: A silver weighing 50 grains of barley with cut ends. It is equal to 1/12 of one Uqiyyah of Gold in Value.

DIYA: Blood money, paid as compensation for killing, wounding, etc. Plural: Diyat.

DU’A: Supplication: Invoking Allah for whatever one desires.

DU’A (SHIRK AL): Invoking or supplicating to a false deity other than Allah Ta’ala, is a major Shirk. See Shirk.

DUHA (AD): "Forenoon": The mid-morning hours. Surah 93 of the Holy Qur’an.

DUHR: Noon. the Second obligatory Salat (Prayer) of the day. It can be prayed at any time between noon and mid-afternoon.

DUKHAN (AD): "The Smoke". Surah:44 of the Holy Qur’an. One of the signs of the proximity of the Last Day.

DUNK: Raising of the kafir in the state of blindness on the Yaum al-Qiama (Day of Resurrection).

DUNYA: "World". It refers to this existing world. In English it may imply both worlds, i.e. "this world, referring to the hereafter. Islam preaches that the real success is not in the Dunya (this world), but in the Akhira (Hereafter). The true value of this world does not lie in worldly success, but in how much success one has achieved in gaining the pleasure of Subhana wa Ta’ala.

E

Is not the time ripe for the hearts of those who believe to submit to Allah's reminder and to the truth which is revealed? That they become not as those who received the Book of the past, but the term was prolonged for them and so their hearts were hardened, and many of them are evil doers. Al-Hadeed (57):16

Surely it has been revealed to us that the punishment will be for whoever denies and turns away. Ta Ha (20):43.

EID-AL-ADHA: A four-day festival that completes the rites of pilgrimage and takes place on the 10th-13th of Dhul Hijja (the 10th is the day of Nahr and 11th -13th are the days of Tashriq). Literally means "the feast of the sacrifice". This feast commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim ‘s obedience to Allah by being prepared to sacrifice his only son Ismael, peace be on both of them. See Holy Qur’an, As-Saffat (37):100-103.

EID AL-FITR: Three-day festival marking the end of Ramadan. It takes place on the 1st of Shawal, the 10 month of the Islamic calendar.

Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, related that the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: "Our Lord will reveal (on the Day of Judgment) His leg and every male and female believer will prostrate before Him, except for the one who had said his prayers just for show and fame in the world. He will also try to prostrate, but his back will become as rigid as a plate." Saheeh Bukhari

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, related that Badawi (bedouin) came to Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and asked, "When will the Last Day be?" He replied, "When integrity has been lost, then wait for the Last Day." He asked, "How will it be lost?" He (Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, "When the government will be entrusted the unworthy people, then wait for the Last Day." Saheeh Bukhari.

Hudaifah, may Allah be pleased with him, related that the Holy Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, has forbidden us from drinking or eating from the pots made out of gold or silver and from wearing silken cloth, or silk cloth with design made with golden or silver threads and from sitting on (anything that is ) made from such cloth. Saheeh Bukhari.

FADAL (RIBA): A type of interest/ Taking something of superior quality in exchange for giving less of the same kind of thing of poorer quality. Allah Subahana wa Ta’ala has strictly prohibited any kind of Riba and has warned of severe punishment for those who have any association with it. See Holy Qur’an, Sura Al-baqara (2):275-280, Aali ‘Imran (3):130. See Riba

FADAK: A town near Al-Madina.

FANISH: One who talks evil. Boastful in loudness.

FAI: War body gained without fighting.

FAJR (AL): "The Dawn". The time of the first obligatory Salat (Prayer). It can be prayed at any time between the first light of dawn and just before sunrise. Also called Subh (morning). Surah 89 of the Holy Qur’an.

FALAAH: "Success". Real success lies in "enjoining what is right and forbidding what is evil.." (Surah Aali ‘Imran (3):104). One of the sentences that is said during the Adhan and Iqama, "Haya ‘ala Falaah" (Come to Success). Other derivations: Muflih = the person who is successful, the person whose deeds and actions have gained Allah Ta’ala's pleasure. See Holy Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqarah (2):1-5. See Aflaha: He has succeeded.

FALAQ (AL): "The daybreak". Surah 113 of the Holy Qur’an.

FAQEEH: An Islamic scholar who can give an authoritative legal opinion or judgment.

FAQIR: A poor person. In Islam, poverty may take two forms. (1). Worldly. A person who does not have the financial means to help himself. (2). In the Akhira (Hereafter). A Person who has failed to gain the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala, by way of disobedience, thus earning a place in the Nar (Hellfire).

FARAID: Plural of Farida. See Farida.

FARD: Obligatory. An act which is obligatory upon Muslims. Severe punishment awaits those who fail to carry out these acts. There are two categories: (1). Far ‘Ain: Obligatory on every Muslim who is mature, healthy and sane. (2). Fard Kifaya: Obligatory on at least one person in the Muslim community.

FARIDHA: A duty enjoined on all Muslims. Plural: Fara’idh.

FARSAKH: League; about three miles.

FASIQ: A person who engages in evil talk and deeds.

FATH (AL): "The Victory". Surah 48 of the Holy Qur’an.

FAT’HAN MUBEENA: "Manifest Victory". The Manifest victory that is referred to here is the peace treaty of Hudaibiyah. It was one of the greatest victories which the newly-born Islamic Ummah (nation) gained. On face value it seemed like a great setback for the Muslims, but infact it was, by the will of Allah Ta’ala, one of the main means by which the Muslims consolidated and grew. See Holy Qur’an, Surah Al-Fath (48).

FATIHA: "The opening Chapter". Another name for Suratul-Hamd. Surah 1 of the Holy Qur’an.

FATIMA, MAY ALLAH BE PLEASED WITH HER: Daughter of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. She is one of the four greatest women ever created by Allah Ta’ala. The other three are: (1). Mariam (Mary), Mother of Prophet Isa (Jesus), peace be on him. (2). Asiya, the wife of Fir’aun (Pharaoh). (3). Khadija, may Allah be pleased with her, the first wife of Muhammad, may the blessing of Allah be on him and his wives and family.

FATIR (AL): "The Creator". Also another name for al-Malaika. Surah 35 of the Holy Qur’an.

FATAT: A Female slave or young lady.

FATWA: A legal verdict given on a religious basis. The sources upon which a fatwa is based are the Holy Qur’an, Sahi Bukhari and Muslim, and all other authenticated Ahadeeth.

FAUZ AL-ADHEEM: The supreme victory, achievement, attainment, happiness, etc. The Fauz al-Adheem is realized only when one has gained the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and thus gained a place in the Jannah (Paradise). All worldly gains and victories count for nothing if they have not earned one place in Paradise. Allah has repeatedly stated that the real victors are the inheritors of Paradise. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Maidah (5):122.

FIDYA: Compensation for missing or wrongly practicing necessary acts of worship. Fidya usually takes the form of donating money or foodstuff or sacrificing an animal. Contrast with Kaffara (making amends). See Kaffara.

FEEL (AL): "The Elephant". Surah 105 of the Holy Qur’an.

FIQH: Islamic Law.

FIR’AUN: "Pharoah". Title of the Ancient Egyptian rulers, particularly one who rejected the Prophet Musa (Moses), peace be on him, and tried to have him killed. They were famous for their cruelty and disbelief. See Holy Qur’an, Al-BAqara (2):49, Taha (20):9-80, Al-Qasas (28):1-42, Al-Fajr (89):10-14.

FIRDAUS: The middle and the highest part of Jannah (Paradise).

FITNA: This has meanings, depending on its context in the sentence: (1). Oppression or tumult, as in Surah Al-Baqara (2):193. 2 . Trial or punishment, as in Surah Al-Maidah (5):74. (3). Trial or temptation, as in Surah Al-Anfal (8):28. It can also mean causing discord between Muslims, or sedition.

FURQAAN (AL): "The Criterion". Another name of the Holy Qur’an. Surah 25 of the Holy Qur’an.

FUSSILAT: "They are expounded." Another name for Ha Min and As-Sajda. Surah 41 of the Holy Qur’an.

Say: "O Mankind! Now has the truth come to you from your Lord! Those who receive guidance, do so for the good of their own soul; those who stray, do so to their own loss: and I am not (set) over you to arrange your affairs." Yunus (10):108

How can you reject faith in Allah, seeing that you were without life and He gave you life? Then He will cause you to die, and will again bring you to life, and then to Him you will return. Al-Baqara (2):28.

Had We sent down this Qur’an on a mountain, truly, you would have seen it humbled and split asunder from fear of Allah. Such are the similitudes which We present to mankind, that they may reflect. Al-Hasri 21.

GHAFIR (AL): "The Forgiver". Another name for Al-Mumin Surah 40 of the Holy Qur’an.

GHALIB (AL): The Unseen. ‘Ilul Ghaib = Knowledge of the unseen. No human has ‘Ilmu Ghaib. Only Allah Ta’ala has total command of that knowledge. Bil Ghaib = In the unseen. All Muslims believe in the Unseen, i.e. all that is revelaed to us by Allah Ta’ala in the Holy Qur’an and by the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, about the Malaika (angels) and the life in the Akhira (Hereafter) in all its aspects, even though they are invisible to our eyes. See Holy Qur’an, Al-baqara (2):3.

GHAIRAH: This word covers a wide meaning------ jealousy as regards women, and also it is a feeling of great fury and anger when one's honour and prestige is tainted,damaged,provoked or challenged.

GHAIR MUAKKADA (SALAT): Unascertained prayers. These types of optional Salat (prayers) were much, but not always, practiced by the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. See Nafilah.

GHARAR: Selling something which has not yet been obtained. For example, selling eggs which have not yet been hatched.

GHAYY: Deception, Name of a pit in Hellfire.

GHAZI: A Muslim fighter returning after participation in Jihad (Islamic holy fighting).

GHAZWAH: (plural : Ghazawat). A holy battle or fighting for the Cause of Allah consisting of a large army with the Prophet (Peace be upon him) himself leading the army.

GHAZAWAT: Plural of Ghazwa. Also called al-Maghazi. See Ghazwa

GHAZI: A Person who has taken part in a Ghazwa.

GHAZWA: A Holy battle for the cause of Allah the Almighty in which the Prophet Muhammad himself, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, took part: al-Maghazi or Ghazwat.

GHEEBA: Talking evil about someone in his or her absence. Backbiting. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Hujarat (49):12.

GHEERA: This has a wide range of meanings. The closest description that may be found in the English language is justifiable jealousy. It signifies a feeling of great anger when something one loves is encroached upon. Of all mankind, it was Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, who had the greatest sense of Gheera, for he was the man upon whom Allah chose to bestow such a great honour as has never been bestowed by Him upon any being before or since. The mightiest rank of jealousy is the jealousy for Islam which manifests when one hears someone treat Allah’s religion as a jest.

GHULOOL: Stealing from the war booty before its distribution.

GHURAF: Special abodes.

GHURR-UL-MUHAJJALUN (AL): A name that will be given on the Day of Resurrection to the Muslims because the parts of their bodies which they used to wash for ablution will shine then.

GHUSL: The full ritual washing of the body with water alone to be pure for the prayer. To do Ghusl: (1). Wash your private parts. (2). Do Wudu . See Wudu (3). Wash your entire body from the top to bottom and from right to left, without touching your privates parts again.

It is necessary to have Ghusl on embracing Islam, after sexual intercourse or seminal emission, at the end of menstruation, after childbirth and before being buried (when your body is washed for you). It is also customary to have Ghusl before the Jumua and Eid prayers. It is necessary to be in Ghusl and in Wudu (or alternative to do Tayyamum under certain circumtances) being doing the Salat or touching the Qur’an. See Hadath, Tayyamum, Wudu.

Ibn "Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, related that the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: "Every Muslim must listen to and obey (his ruler) in whatever he likes and dislikes provided that this does not involve disobedience to Allah. But when he (the Muslim) is ordered to disobey (Allah), he must neither listen to nor obey (the ruler’s command)." Saheeh Muslim and Saheeh Bukhari.

Abu Juhaifah, may Allah be pleased with him, related that Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said that it is forbidden to accept the price of blood, the price of dog and the earnings of a prostitute, and he (Muhammad) cursed the persons who charged interest and gave interest, and cursed the woman who tattooed herself, and cursed the picture. Saheeh Bukhari.

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, related that Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: "There are three distinctive characteristics of a hypocrite: (1). Whenever he speaks he tells a lie. (2). Whenever he makes a promise he breaks it. (3). Whenever he is trusted he betrays it." Saheeh Muslim and Saheeh Bukhari.

Abu Dharr, may Allah be pleased with him, related that the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: "Do not consider even the smallest good as insignificant, even meeting your brother with a cheerful face (is a good deed)." Saheeh Muslim.

HA MIM: "Ha Mim". Another name for Ha Mim Sahda or al-Fussilat. Surah 41 of the Holy Qur’an.

HABAL-UL-HABALAH: There were two forms of this trade called Habal-ul-Habalah. The example of the first form is to buy an offspring of an animal which is yet to be born by making the payment in advance. Second form is to sell an animal on a condition of retaining the offspring of the sold animal. Both forms of this kind of transaction are prohibited.

HADATH: This consists of two parts: (1). Minor - Passing wind, stool or urine. Impurity requires Istinja and Wudu. (2). Major- Sexual discharge, menstruation and childbirth. Requires Gushul.

HADD: Singular of Hudood. Boundary limit between the Halal (Lawful) and Haram (unlawful), set by Allah Ta’ala.

HADEED (AL): "The Iron". Surah 57 of the Holy Qur’an.

HADER: Fast recitation of the Holy Qur’an.

HADI (AL): A Cow, sheep or a goat that is offered as a sacrifice by a pilgrim during the Hajj.

HAIS: A dish made of cooking-butter, dates and cheese.

HADITH: A saying or tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Plural: Ahadeeth.

HADITH QUDSI: A saying of Allah Ta’ala narrated by the Holy prophet Muhammad , may Allah bless him and grant him peace, that is not part of the Holy Qur’an .

HAFADA: (1). Obedient service or work . (2). Descendant - son, daughter, grandchild, great grandchild, etc.

HAFADAT: Combined plural indicating all descendants - sons, daughters, grandchildren , great grandchildren , etc. Singular : Hafada . See Holy Qur’an , an-Nahl (16) :72 .

HAFSA, MAY ALLAH BE PLEASED WITH HER: Daughter of Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, and wife of Muhammad, may the blessings and peace of Allah be on him and his family and his companions.

HAJAR AL-ASWAD (AL): The ‘Black Stone’, a stone some say fell from heaven, set into one corner of the Ka’bah in Makka by the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him, which the pilgrim, in imitation of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, kiss, so unifying all the Muslims throughout the ages in one place.

HAJJ-AL-AKBAR: The day of Nahr (i.e. the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah).

HAJJ-AL-ASGHAR: 'Umbrah.

HAJJ (AL): "The Pilgrimage", which commences on the 8th of Dhul’l-Hijjah. There are three types of Hajj:

Hajjat-Tamata’a (interrrupted). Umra followed by Hajj, but taking off the Ihram in between these two stages. Hajj al-Qiran (combined). Umra then Hajj without taking off the Ihram. Hajj al-Ifrad (single). Hajj without Umra. A pilgrimage to Makkah in the twelfh month of the Islamic calendar is known also as Hajj al-Ifrad. The performance of Hajj consists of ten steps:

(i) Put on the Ihram at the appointed station, then recite the Talbiyah. Recitation is done aloud by men and quietly by women. Depending on what type of Hajj you are doing, perform the necessary rites at Ka’bah upon arrival in Makkah. See Talbiyah. (ii). Go to Mina (on the 8th of the month). Pray the Duhr, ‘Asr, magreb, Isha and Fajr prayers at their proper time, but shortening the four Rak’at to two, as if doing travelling prayers. (iii). When sun rises (on the 9th of the month), go to ‘Arafat and combine the Dhur and ‘Asr Salat. (iv). After the sun sets, go to Al-Muzdalifa, reciting the Talbiyah. Combine the Magreb and the Isha Salat. After the Fajr prayer, raise your hands and do Du’a (After midnight, women and the weak may proceed to Mina if they wish. (v). In Muzdalifah (or Minah), pick up small stones (eighter 49 or 70) to throw at the Jamra (stone pillars) of ‘Aqaba. (vi) Go to Mina (on the 10th of the month): a). Throw seven stones, one stone at a time, at the largest of three Jamras (the stone pillars that represent Shaitan). b). Sacrifice your animal. You must eat some of its meat, but give the bulk of it to the poor and hungry. (Do this step only if it is required of you. It is not required for Hajj al-Ifrad. If you are doing either of the other two types of Hajj, but cannot afford an animal, then fast three days after you first put on Ihram and seven days after you have returned home.) c). Shave your head. Women only need to cut off a lock of hair. The rules of Ihram are now lifted, except for sexual intercourse with one’s spouse. (vii). Go to Makkah and to Tawaf al-Ifada. Go to the hills of Safa and Marwa and do Sa’i. Now the rules of Ihram are completely lifted. (viii). Return to Mina and stay there for the remainder of the 10th and on the 11th, 12th and the 13th. (You may, if you wish, leave Mina after Asr on the 12th or after Asr on the 13th. You must leave Mina before the sun sets.) (ix). Each day, stone each of the three Jamras (the stone pillars) with seven pebbles. (x). If you wish to return home, you must do the Tawaf al-Wida’. No-one is excused, except for the menstruating women or women in the period of discharge after childbirth. See Tawaf al-Wida.’ See Surah 22 pf the Holy Qur’an. Performing the Hajj if you are able is one of the Arkan of Islam. See Arkan.

HAJJ AL-ASGHAR: Another name for 'Umra. See 'Umra.

HAJJ AL-WIDA: The last farewell Hajj of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, before his death. During that Hajj, Muhammad gave an immortal Khutba called "Khutbatul Wida". This sermon is still remembered word for word, for it confirmed that the deen of Islam had been completed, transmitted and established by the Messenger of Allah, may the blessings and peace of Allah be on him and his family and his companions and all who follow him and what they are able, with sincerity, until the Last Day.

HAJJ MABRUR: Hajj accepted by Allah for being perfectly performed according to the Prophet's Sunnah and with legally earned money.

HAJJAM: One Whose profession is cupping (Hejjam).

HALAL: Lawful as defined by Allah the Almighty. See Ahkam.

HAMAM: Minister of Fir’aun (Pharoah) who tried to have all the newborn babies killed at the time when the Prophet Musa (Moses), peace be on him, was born.

HAML: "To carry". Words from the same root: Hamaa, he carried; Yahmilou, they carried.

HAMU: Brother-in-Law to wife, i.e. her husband’s brother.

HANAFIA: A school of Islamic jurisprudence named after Imam Abu Hanifa.

HANIF: Upright and true to faith in the Unity of Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala. Worshipping Allah Ta’ala alone, without associating anything or anyone with Him.

HANNAH (MAY ALLAH BE PLEASED WITH HER): Grandmother of the Prophet Isa (Jesus, Son of Mary), peace be on them, and wife of ‘Imran, may Allah be pleased with him. Since the Prophet Isa had maternal grandparents, how can the Christians claim him to be Allah? Since Allah is the creator of all that there is, and was not created, do the Christians claim that Allah has a family tree? (Since they acknowledge the immaculate conception and the virgin birth, why do they trace the lineage of Jesus through Joseph the carpenter? See Matthew 1:6-16, Luke 3:23-31.) Glory be to Allah, the Most High. Cursed are those who ascribe partners to Him. The punishment of Hellfire awaits those who do not desist from the blasphemy.

HAQQA (AL): "The reality". Another name for the Last Day. Surah 69 of the Holy Qur’an.

HANIF: Pure Islamic Monotheism (worshipping Allah alone and nothing else).

HANTAH: An expression used when you don't want to call somebody by her name. (It is used for calling a female).

HARAM: Any act or deed which is prohibited by Allah and which will incur His wrath and punishment. See Ahkan. Sanctuary or boundary of any Masjid (mosque), but usually used with regard to the sanctuaries of the masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid al-Rasool, may Allah give him light and peace in his grave, in Madinah. This is why they are referred to as "Al-Haramain al-Shariffain", the two Holy Sanctuaries.

HANUT: A kind of scent used for embalming the dead.

HARAM AL-SHAREEF (AL): See Masjid al-Haram (Al).

HARAMAIN AL-SHARIFFAIN (AL): "The two Holy Sanctuaries". The Santuary of the Ka’ba at Makkah and the sanctuary of al-Masjid al-Rasool, may Allah bless and grant him peace, in Madinah.

HARBAH: A short spear.

HARJ: Killing.

HARRAH: A well-known rocky place in Al-Madinah covered with black stone.

HURURIYAH (AL): A special unorthodox religious sect.

HASBA (AL): A place outside Makkah where pilgrims go after finishing all the ceremonies of Hajj.

HAROON, PEACE BE ON HIM: Aaron. A prophet of Islam. He was the brother of the Prophet Musa (Moses), peace be on them. See Holy Qur’an, Ta Ha (20):29-36, 90-94.

HARRA: Land covered with black stones in Madinah.

HARUT AND MARUT: Two angels who, by the permission of Allah Ta’ala, taught magic to the people of Babylon. See Holy Qur’an, Al-Baqara (2):102.

HASAD: Jealousy. Hasad is forbidden in Islam, except for two specific reasons: Being jealous of a person for memorizing Qur’an by Heart. Being jealous of a wealthy person for expending his wealth in the path of Allah Ta’ala.

HASANAAT: Good deeds committed in the path of Allah Ta’ala. These are the deeds by which Allah Ta’ala will judge man and Jinn when deciding whether or not they will enter Janna. Singular: Hasana.

HASBA: A place just outside Makkah where the Hujjaj go after completing the Hajj.

HASHIR (AL): "The Exile". Surah 59 of the Holy Qur’an. Another name for the Day of Judgment, Yaumal al-Hashr, "Day of the Gathering".

HAWALA: Transfer of debt from one person to another by the agreement of both parties.

HAWAZIN: A Quraish tribe. An Arabian tribe that always gave trouble to the new-born Islamic nation before their conversion to Islam.

HAWD: The watering-place of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, whose pure drink will refresh those who have crossed the Siraat before entering the Garden on the Last Day.

HAWIYAH: The sixth level of Nar (Hellfire). This will be the home of the Christians. See Jahannam.

HAWWA: Eve, wife of Adam, peace be on them. She bore many children. Everytime she gave birth, they were twins, one male and one female. Each twin married the twin of the other. The two most famous ones of her offsprings were Habil (Abel) and Qaabil (Cain).

HAYA: This has a wide range of meanings which falls into two categories: (1). Good. i.e. bashfulness, self-respect, good standard of ethics, modesty, etc. In other words, being ashamed to do anything of which Allah the Almighty disapproves or forbids. (2). Bad. Person having the opposite traits to the above. See Bukhari, Hadith 139, Vol. 8.

HIBAH: It means to present something to someone as a gift for Allah's sake.

HIDANAH (AL): The nursing and care- taking of children.

HIJAB: Any kind of veil - it could be a curtain, a facial veil, etc. The facial Hijab is divided into two types: (1). Niqab - Full facial covering (2). Khimar - Partial facial covering, i.e. it covers the face, but leaves the eyes exposed. It is said that the Universe is what veils the creators from the creation. If you find the veil awe-inspiring, how much more awe-inspiring is the One behind the veil?

HIJAZ: The region along the western seaboard of Arabia, in which Makka, Medina, Jeddah and Ta’if are situated.

HIJR (AL): "Al-Hijr". Name of a rocky place and its people. Surah 15 of the Holy Qur’an.

HIJRA: Migration in the path of Allah.

HIJRI: Name of the Islamic lunar calendar. It took its name from the early Muslims who migrated from Makkah to Madinah, and commences from the date of the Prophet Muhammad’s Hijra, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, which he made with Abu Bakr as-Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, in 622 AC. The months of the Islamic calendar are:

(1).Muharram, (2).Safar, (3).Rabi’il al-Awal, (4).Rabi’il al-Akhira, (5).Jumada al-Awal, (6).Jumada al-Akhira, (7).Rajab, (8).Sha’ban (9).Ramadan (10).Shawal (11). Dhul Qi’da . (12). Dhul Hijjah.

HIRA: A famous cave in the jabal an-Nur in Makkah where Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, first received the divine message through the Holy Spirit, the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel), peace be on him.

HILAB: A kind of scent.

HINNA: A kind of plant used for dying hair etc.

HIQQAH: A three-year-old she-camel.

HIZB: Party. Allah Ta’ala divides all the parties into two groups; "Hizb Allah"(the Party of Allah) and "Hizbal-Shaitan" (the Party of Satan). It is irrelevant to Allah how one labels one’s party, whether it be "Democratic Party", "Labour Party", "Communist Party" or whatever. What matters is whether or not it follows the path of Allah Ta’ala.

HOORIYAT: Plural of Hooriah. See Hooriah.

HOORIAH: A Female virgin created by Allah Ta’ala, but not a descendant of Adam, peace be on him. She is created in Jannah (Paradise) and is the perfect companion of man in Akhira (Hereafter). Her beauty is insurpassable and unimaginable. She has intensely black irises and the whites of her eyes are pure whites . Also spelled as Houriah. Plural: Hooriyat.

HUBAL: The name of an idol in the Ka'bah in the Pre-Islamic Period of Ignorance.

HUBLA: A kind of desert tree.

HUDA: Chanting of camel-drivers keeping time of camel's walk.

HOUD, PEACE BE UPON HIM: A prophet sent to the tribe of 'Ad. 'Ad Surah 11 of the Holy Qur'an.

HUDAIBIYA (AL): A Famous plain ten miles from Makkah on the way to Jeddah. Site of the peace pact between the Muslims and the pagan Quraish in the year 6AH. This treaty paved the way for the spread of Islam. Surat al-Fath (Surah 48 of the Holy Qur’an) commemorates this victorious event. Allah Ta’ala called it "Fathan Mubeena" ( Manifest Victory). See Holy Qur’an, Al-Fath (48):1-4.

HUDOOD: The Boundary limits between what is Halal (Lawful) and what is Haram (Unlawful), set by Allah Ta’ala. Whoever transgresses these limits may be punished or forgiven by Allah.

HUJJAJ: Pilgrims. Persons who have been on pilgrimage to Makkah during the Hajj season in the month of Dhul Hijjah. Singular: Hajj = a male pilgrim, Hajah = a female pilgrim.

HUJRAH: Courtyard or a room.

HUKM: The closest equivalent in the English is "Verdict". It usually applies to a judgement on legal issues, especially with regard to religious matters.

HUMAZA (AL): "The Scandalmonger". Surah 104 of the Holy Qur’an.

HUMS: The Quraish tribe, together with their offsprings and allies, were called "Hums". The word was meant to be taken as meaning "strictness and enthusiasm", because they thought themselves to be Allah’s people, thus regarding themselves as being superior to other.

HUNAIN: Valley on the road from Makkah to Taif. Site of a famous battle that took place immediately after the conquest of Makkah in 8AH, between the Muslim army consisting of about 10, 000-12,000 men and the combined forces of the Hawazin and Thaqeef which amounted to 4,000 men. After a surprise attack and a near defeat, the Muslims managed to completely crush the enemy. See Holy Qur’an. At-Taubah (9):24-25.

HUTAMA: The seventh and deepest level of the Nar (Hellfire). This is where the religious hypocrites will spend eternity. The worst of Allah’s creation are the Munafiqeen (hypocrites), whether they be mankind or Jinn, because they ‘accept’ Allah and His Messenger with their tongues, but deny this ‘acceptance’ by their actions. See Jahanam.