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267 Glossary of Arabic Terms Da‘wa. Literally, the “call” (to Islam). It can be translated as “proselytizing.” Fatwa. A religious edict by a Muslim cleric. Fedayeen. Guerrillas. The term is often used to describe Palestinian militants. Ijtihad. An independent or innovative interpretation of the Islamic text through reasoning. Infitah. Opening to the world or to other communities. Jihad. Literally, “strife” or “struggle.” It has been defined in the twentieth century by Islamists as a fight against local regimes declared as kafir or against Western powers. It has been translated by some as “holy war.” Kufr. Nonbelief, traditionally used to refer to idolatry. Mufti. A high-ranking Muslim cleric. Muhafiz. The governor of a particular province. Nahda. Literally, “renaissance.” A term used to refer to a cultural renaissance that took place in the Arab world in the nineteenth century. Qada’. Political district. Qa’immaqam. The representative of the state at the local level. Sharia. Islamic law. It is based on two main sources, the Qur’an and the Sunna. Takfir. Excommunication or anathematizing; the act of declaring someone as kafir, or nonbeliever (non-Muslim). Taqiyya. Dissimulation, a practice that was often used by persecuted minorities , especially the Shi‘a and the Druze communities. Under duress, these minorities can deny their faith or commit blasphemous acts without being held accountable. Ulama. Plural of ‘alim, or Muslim religious scholar. Ummah. Traditionally, the Islamic nation, but the term has also been used to refer to the Arab nation. Za‘ama. Leadership. 268  Glossary of Arabic Terms Za‘im (pl. zu‘ama). Community leaders who are perceived as intercessors for their clients or followers. ...

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