GLOSSARY
of Arabic Islamic Terms and Their English Meanings.

ADHAAN:
The call to prayer.

ANSAAR:
The Muslims of Madinah.

`ARAFAH:
A pilgrimage site, about 25km east of Makkah al-Mukarramah - Standing on `Arafah on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah and staying there from mid-day to sunset is the essence of the Hajj pilgrimage.

`AQIQAH:
The sacrifice of one or two sheep on the occasion of the birth of a child, as a token of gratitude to Allah.

`ASHURAA:
The tenth day of the month of Muharram. It is the day God saved Moses and the children of Israel from the Pharaoh. Muslims are encouraged to fast during this day.

DA`WAH:
Invitation to Islam or to God.

EID:
One of the two yearly Islamic festivals.
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FITRAH:
Man's inborn nature.

HADI:
A sheep, goat, cow or camel offered as a sacrifice by a pilgrim during Hajj.

HAJJ:
The pilgrimage to Makkah, which is the fifth pillar of Islam.

HIZB:
A one-sixtieth portion of the Qur'an.

IHRAAM:
The state of consecration for Hajj or `Umrah.

I`TIKAAF:
Seclusion in the mosque with the intention of becoming closer to Allah.

JAMRAH:
A pillar built of stone at Mina, which is stoned by pilgrims.

JUMU`AH:
Friday, or the Friday congregational prayer.

KA`BAH:
The cubic structure built by Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) and his son, Ishmael (peace be upon him) dedicated to the worship of Allah by His command. It is the centre for pilgrimage and symbol of monotheism. Muslims face toward it in prayer.
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MUHAAJIR:
An emigrant from Makkah to Madinah for the cause of Islam.

MUSALLA:
An open prayer area on the outskirts of a city.

NAAFILAH:
A voluntary prayer.

QIBLAH:
The direction Muslims face during prayer, which is toward the Ka`bah in Makkah.

QUNOOT:
A supplication recited during prayer in the standing position.

QUR'AN:
The divine scripture revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).

RAK`AH:
A unit of Islamic prayer.

SA`I:
Making seven trips between the hills of Safa and Marwah, one of the required rights of Hajj and `Umrah.

SUHOOR:
The pre-dawn meal for one intending to fast the following day.
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SUNNAH:
The way or method practiced by Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) in his life and worship.

SURAH:
A chapter of the Qur'an.

SUTRAH:
An object placed in front of a person to prevent people from crossing in front of him while he is praying.

TAWAAF:
Circling the Ka`bah seven times.

TAYAMMUM:
Substitute ablution using clean elements of the earth instead of water for purification.

THIHAAR:
A kind of divorce that was practiced before Islam, and which Islam prohibited.

UMMAH:
The global community of Muslims.

ZAKAH:
An obligatory annual expenditure due from Muslims for the benefit of their community.