Common Terminology
Essential Islamic Glossary
Essential Names
Allah: God, LORD, Dios, YHWH, Yahweh, Elohim, El (the Aramaic name of God). The Arabic name of God used by Christian and Jewish Arabs and used in the Arabic Bible.The word “Allah” cannot be made plural or given gender. Other meanings of Allah are “The One -and-Only God” and “The only One who deserves all worship
Mohammad: Ahmad, Mustafa, The Prophet sent by God to humanity with the message of Islam and who received the revelation of Quran by Angel Gabriel. Mohammad is considered by Muslims to be the seal of the Prophets.
Quran: The Holy Book of Muslims first revealed in Ramadan to the Prophet Mohammad by the angel Gabriel and over 23 years, collected at the time of the Prophet. The final word of God. Contains 114 Suras (Parts), divided by Ayas(verses).
Al-Fatiha: The opening chapter of the Quran.
Islam: The religion of Muslims, the message revealed to Prophet Mohammad by God and through the Quran, the same religion of all Prophets from Adam through Noa, Ibrahim, Moses, Jacob, Joseph, Jesus and Mohammad peace be upon them. Surrendering to God’ will, from the same root of peace in Arabic.
Muslim: Follower of Islam, to surrender to God, Believer in One God, the Quran and the Prophet Mohammad
Iman: Faith. Believing in God, Prophets, Holy Books, Angels, Day of Judgment and Devine Knowledge and Destiny.
Ihsan: The essence of Islam. To worship God as if you see Him.
Ingil: Gospel
Taorat: Torah
Zabour: Psalms
Rasol: Prophet, Messenger
Nabi: Prophet
Ibrahim: Abraham
Mosa: Moses
Yakoub: Jacob
Ishak: Isaac
Ismail: Ishmael
Yahia: John
Eisa: Jesus
Yahoud: Jewish
Nasara, Masiheyon: Christians
Al-Quds: Jerusalem
Makkah: City in present Saudia Arabia were the Kaaba is present, the annual pilgrimage is made to, and where Prophet Mohammad was born
Madina: City in present Saudia Arabia were prophet Mohammad immigrated to, lived, formed he first Muslim community and died.
Al-Kaaba: The first place built to worship God, located in Mecca, the holiest Muslim site.
Al-Aqsa: The second place built to worship God, located in Jerusalem, the third holiest Muslim site
Felastin: The Arabic name of Palestine
Essential Greetings
Assalam Alaikum: Peace be upon you, Shalom
Wa Alaikum Assalam: And peace be upon you also
Ahlan Wa Sahlan: Welcome to your home and family
Maa Salama: Peace be with you
Essential Expressions
Bismi Allah: By the name of God
In Sha’a Allah: God Willing
AlHamdo LeLah: Thanks to God
Allah Akbar : God is The Greatest, God is King
Ma Sha’a Allah: Congratulations, Wow, Mazel Tov
Subhana Allah: Praise to the Lord, Halleluiah.
Jazaka Allah Khairan (JAK): May God bless you
Yarhamoka Allah: Bless you, Gesundheit
Holidays and Holiday Greetings
Ramadan: The Islamic 9th month in lunar calendar, during which the Holy Quran is revealed and fasting is prescribed on able Muslims for 29-30 days from dawn to sunset.
Laylat AlQadr: The night of Destiny or Power, the 27th night of Ramadan, the holiest night of year. The night when Quran was revealed.
Ramadan Mubarak: Blessed and Happy Ramadan
Eid: Islamic Holiday
Eid Alfitr: The Holiday of Breakfast after Ramadan
Eid AlAdha: The Holiday of Sacrifice during Pilgrimage
Eid Mubarak: Blessed and Happy Holiday, Chag Sameach
Eid Said: Happy Holiday.
Islamic Terms, Rituals & Others
Shahada (1st Pillar): Declaration of Faith, “Belief that there is only One God, and that is Mohammad is His prophet”
Salat (2nd Pilar): Islamic ritual prayer, Connection
Zakat (3rd Pillar): Mandatory Islamic almsgiving, Purification
Siyam (4th Pillar): Fasting fro food, drink and sexual acts from dawn to sunset.
Haj (5th Pillar) : Pilgrimage to Mecca for able Muslims
Iftar: Breaking the fast meal
Sohour: Before Dawn meal before fast
Maghrib: Sunset time
Taraweeh: Ramadan night time prayer
Sadaka: Zadaka, Charity
Jannah: Heaven, Garden
Nar: Hell, Fire
Dua’a: Supplication.
Dhikr: Meditations.
Dein: Way of Life, Religion
Jihad: Inner Struggle, striving to be better, defending the oppressed, fighting for good causes.
Nour: Light
Rasol Allah: Messenger of Allah
Masjid: Mosque, Islamic House of worship, place of prostration.
Azan: Islamic Call to prayer
Imam: Leader of prayer or Mosque
Sheikh: A leader, senior citizen, a head of group or tribe
Tawba: Repentance, Teshuvah
Hasana: Good Deed, Mitzvah