Islamic Terms and Jargon – Love Islam

Islamic terminology is essential for understanding the core beliefs, practices, and teachings of Islam. Many of these terms are frequently used in conversations, religious discussions, and scholarly writings, making them crucial for both new and practicing Muslims. 

For new Muslims, learning these terms can help in better understanding prayers, the Qur’an, and Islamic traditions.

This guide provides a comprehensive list of commonly used Islamic jargon, along with their meanings, to aid in learning and integrating them into daily conversations and religious practices. 

 
 

Term

Meaning

AdhanThe
Islamic call to prayer.
Ahlul BaytThe
family of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
AkhirahThe
afterlife in Islamic belief.
Alhamdulillah“Praise
be to Allah” – expressing gratitude.
Allahu Akbar“Allah
is the Greatest” – used in prayers and expressions of faith.
Angels (Mala’ika)Spiritual
beings created by Allah, without free will.
AS (Alayhis Salaam)“Peace
be upon him” – used for Prophets other than Muhammad (PBUH).
Astaghfirullah“I
seek forgiveness from Allah.”
BarakahBlessings
and divine abundance.
Bismillah“In
the name of Allah” – said before starting anything.
DawahInviting
others to Islam through education and preaching.
DuaSupplication
or personal prayer to Allah.
DunyaThe
worldly life, in contrast to the hereafter (Akhirah).
FatwaA
religious ruling or verdict based on Islamic law.
FiqhIslamic
jurisprudence (understanding of Islamic laws).
FitnaTrials,
tribulations, or discord.
FitrahThe
natural state of purity and belief in Allah.
GhuslFull-body
purification after major impurity.
HadithThe
sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
HafizA
person who has memorized the entire Qur’an.
HajjThe
pilgrimage to Mecca, obligatory for those who can afford it.
HalalPermissible
according to Islamic law.
HaramForbidden
in Islam.
HijabModest
dress, often referring to a headscarf worn by Muslim women.
IjmaConsensus
of Islamic scholars on religious matters.
ImanFaith
or belief in Islam.
Insha’Allah“If
Allah wills” – expressing hope for the future.
IqamaThe
call immediately before the congregational prayer starts.
IstighfarSeeking
forgiveness from Allah.
IstikharaA
prayer for seeking guidance from Allah in making decisions.
IslamThe
religion of submission to the will of Allah.
JahannamHellfire
in the afterlife.
JannahParadise
in the afterlife.
JinnBeings
created from smokeless fire, mentioned in the Qur’an.
Khalifa (Caliph)A
leader of the Muslim community after the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
KufrDisbelief
in Allah or denial of Islamic teachings.
MadhhabA
school of Islamic legal thought (e.g., Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, Hanbali).
MaqamA
spiritual station or level of closeness to Allah.
Maqasid al-ShariahThe
objectives of Islamic law, such as justice, mercy, and wisdom.
MasjidMosque
– a place of worship for Muslims.
MuftiA
scholar who issues religious rulings (fatwas).
MuezzinThe
person who calls the Adhan (call to prayer).
MuslimA
follower of Islam.
PBUH (Peace Be Upon Him)A
phrase used after mentioning Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Qadr (Taqdeer)Divine
destiny or predestination.
Qur’anThe
holy book of Islam, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
RA (RadiAllahu Anhu/Anha/Anhum)“May
Allah be pleased with him/her/them” – used after the names of the
Prophet’s companions.
RizqSustenance
or provision from Allah.
RuqyahIslamic
healing through recitation of the Qur’an and supplications.
SabrPatience
and perseverance.
SadaqahVoluntary
charity given for the sake of Allah.
Salat (Salah)The
five daily prayers performed by Muslims.
SahabaThe
companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
SawmFasting
during the month of Ramadan.
SeerahThe
biography of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Shaikh/ShaykhA
respected Islamic scholar or teacher.
ShahadaThe
declaration of faith: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His
messenger.”
ShirkAssociating
partners with Allah, which is a major sin in Islam.
ShukrGratitude
towards Allah.
Sirat al-MustaqeemThe
Straight Path – referring to the righteous way of life in Islam.
SubhanAllah“Glory
be to Allah” – said in awe or praise.
SunnahThe
way of life prescribed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Tabi’unThe
generation that followed the companions of the Prophet (PBUH).
TafsirThe
explanation or interpretation of the Qur’an.
TahajjudA
voluntary late-night prayer.
TakbirSaying
“Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest).
TasbeehGlorification
of Allah, often repeated (e.g., SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar).
TawheedThe
concept of monotheism (oneness of Allah).
TazkiyahPurification
of the soul.
TaqwaConsciousness
of Allah and piety.
UlamaIslamic
scholars.
UmrahA
non-mandatory pilgrimage to Mecca, which can be performed anytime.
WuduRitual
purification (ablution) before prayer.
ZakatObligatory
charity given by eligible Muslims (2.5% of savings).
  
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