An Introduction to Islam for Jews

Glossary

254 Glossary The definitions and explanations that follow will occasionally include Hebrew linguistic equivalents that convey a similar (but not often identical) meaning, and Jewish religious parallels that are not necessarily equal. Where applicable, verses are indicated where a term may be found in the Qur’an with related, though not always identical, meaning. Abbasid Refers to a dynasty of caliphal rulers of the Muslim world, whose capital was Baghdad (750–258 CE). Adhān The “call to prayer,” uttered by the mu’adhdhin.`Adl Social justice (Q.4:58). Ahl al-Bayt “People of the House,” referring to the family of the Prophet, Muhammad (Q.33:33). Ahl al-Kitāb “People of the Book,” referring to members of prior scriptural religions who have legal standing in Islamic religious law but at a secondary status. Jews and Christians and also Zoroastrians have traditionally been in this category (Q.3:65). Ah . madiyya A movement following the religious reformer Mirza Ghulam 255 G L O S S A R Y Ahmad Qadian (d.908), who are considered apostates by many Muslims because they ascribe to him prophetic status. Al-Asmā’ al-H . usnā “The most beautiful names” of God, considered to number 99 (Q.7:80).`Ālim, (pl. `ulamā’) One learned in religious knowledge (`ilm). Ans .ār “Helpers,” namely, the Medinan residents who joined with Muhammad and his Meccan followers in establishing the umma (Q.9:00).`Aqīda A creedal statement of belief. Asbāb al-nuzūl The “occasions of revelation” of the Qur’an. These are historical events associated with specific sections of qur’anic revelation.`Ashūra The “tenth” of the month of Muh . arram, most likely corresponding with the 0th of the Jewish month of Tishri and Yom Kippur. Once mandatory , it became a voluntary fast day. The day is especially sacred to the Shi`a because Imām H . usayn was martyred on that day at Karbalā’. Association See shirk.`Awra (Hebrew `ervah), literally “genitals.” The portions of the body that should be covered (from navel to knees for males, and all but the face, hands, and feet according to the strictest interpreters for females). Aws (or Banū Aws) A major clan living in Yathrib/Medina when Muhammad emigrated there in 622. The Aws were engaged in a blood feud with a neighboring clan, the Khazraj. Āya (pl. āyāt) “Sign” (Hebrew ōt) of God. Also, a verse of the Qur’an (Q.6:0). Āyat Allāh “Ayatolla.” Literally, “sign of God,” but in Twelver Shi`ism, the title of a very high position in the religious hierarchy of scholars. Al-Azhar Located in Cairo, the most prestigious center of Sunnī learning in Islam and one of the oldest surviving universities in the world. Baraka (Heb. Berachah) “Blessing” or “spiritual power” (Q.7:96). 256 G L O S S A R Y Basmala (also pronounced bismala) The name of the invocation, Bismillāhi alRah . mān al-Rah . īm [“In the name of God, the Merciful and Compassionate”]. Badr The location of the first great battle and success of the early Muslims against their Meccan enemy in 624 CE, referenced in the Qur’an in Q.3:23. Bid`a “Innovation.” Deviation from Islamic tradition that is often understood as heresy in Islamic law and doctrine (Q.46:9). Caliph See khalīfa. Caliphate See Khilāfa. Chador Persian for a long, traditional garment covering most of a woman’s skin and figure. Dār al-H . arb See Dār al-Islām. Dār al-Islām “The Abode of Islam,” meaning territories under Muslim political control. The rest of the world is known as the Dār al-H . arb, “the Abode of War.” Dàwa “Call” to Islam, proselytizing of Muslims; prayer [calling out to God] (Q.3:4, 30:25). Dhikr (also pronounced zikr) “Mentioning” or “remembering” God; the distinctive Sufi form of meditative spiritual practice (Q.3:28). Dhimmī A person whose status is defined by the dhimma (“protection,” “obligation ”), meaning a member of the “People of the Book” (Ahl al-Kitāb) who has legal status in Islam protected by the state, but at a lower status from Muslims (Q.9:0). Dīn “Religion” (Q.09:6). Du`ā’ “Calling” upon God in prayer. Spontaneous or unofficial, to be distinguished from the formal prayer service called s .alāt (Q.3:38). Faqīh (pl. fuqahā’) An expert in fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence). 257 G L...