Introduction to Islam

The literal meaning of Islam is peace; surrender of one’s will i.e. losing oneself for the sake of God and surrendering one’s own pleasure for the pleasure of God. The message of Islam was revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) 1, 400 years ago. It was revealed through angel Gabriel (on whom be peace) and was thus preserved in the Holy Quran. The Holy Quran carries a Divine guarantee of safeguard from interpolation and it claims that it combines the best features of the earlier scriptures.

The prime message of Islam is the Unity of God, that the Creator of the world is One and He alone is worthy of worship and that Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) is His Messenger and Servant. The follower of this belief is thus a Muslim - a Muslim’s other beliefs are: God’s angels, previously revealed Books of God, all the prophets, from Adam to Jesus (peace be on them both), the Day of Judgement and indeed the Decree of God. A Muslim has five main duties to perform, namely; bearing witness to the Unity of God and Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) as His Messenger, observing the prescribed prayer, payment of Zakat, keeping the fasts of Ramadhan and performing the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Islam believes that each person is born pure. The Holy Quran tells us that God has given human beings a choice between good and evil and to seek God’s pleasure through faith, prayer and charity. Islam believes that God created mankind in His image and by imbuing the attributes of God on a human level mankind can attain His nearness. Islam’s main message is to worship God and to treat all God’s creation with kindness and compassion. Rights of parents in old age, orphans and the needy are clearly stated. Women’s rights were safeguarded 1,400 years ago when the rest of the world was in total darkness about emancipation. Islamic teachings encompass every imaginable situation and its rules and principles are truly universal and have stood the test of time.

In Islam virtue does not connote forsaking the bounties of nature that are lawful. On the contrary one is encouraged to lead a healthy, active life with the qualities of kindness, chastity, honesty, mercy, courage patience and politeness. In short, Islam has a perfect and complete code for the guidance of individuals and communities alike. As the entire message of Islam is derived from the Holy Quran and indeed the Sunnah and Hadith (the traditions and practices of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings on him) it is immutable in the face of change in time and place. It may appear rigid to the casual eye, in actual fact it is most certainly an adaptable way of life regardless of human changes.

Islam teaches that the path to spiritual development is open to all. Any individual who searches the One Creator can seek nearness to God through sincere and earnest worship; it is central to establishing a relationship with the Almighty. This positive message for humanity fills hearts with hope and courage.

At present there are 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide and they form the majority in more than 50 countries of the world. Today Islam is the fastest growing faith in the world - its beautiful message is reaching millions in the far corner of the earth.

Attributes of Allah

Allah is the proper name of God, however, we know Him generally through His attributes. These attributes describe how Allah manifests Himself to us. God's attributes are innumerable since human intellect cannot possibly comprehend every aspect of the Supreme Being. A Hadith of the Holy Prophet (peace be on him) makes mention of Ninety Nine names of Allah commonly known as al- Asmaul Husna, the Most Names. In the Holy Quran we read: "And to Allah alone belong all perfect attributes. So call Him by these. And leave alone those who deviate from the right way with respect to His Attributes." (7:181).

"Allah - there is no God but He, the Living, the Self-Subsisting and All-Sustaining. Slumber seizes Him not, nor sleep. To Him belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is he that will intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what is behind them; and they encompass nothing of His knowledge except what He pleases. His knowledge extends over the heavens and the earth; and the care of them burdens Him not;and He is the High, the Great." (2:256)

Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His light is a lustrous niche, wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as it were a glittering star. It is lit from blessed tree - an olive - neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would well-nigh glow forth even though fire touched it not.Light upon light! Allah guides to His light whomsoever He will. And Allah sets forth parables to men, and Allah know all things full well.This light is now lit in houses with regard to which Allah has ordained that they be exalted and that His name be remembered in them, Therein is He glorified in the mornings and the evenings (24:36-37)

"He is Allah, and there is no God beside Him, the Knower of the unseen and the seen. He is Gracious, the Merciful.He is Allah, and there is no God beside Him, the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace, the Bestower of Security, the Protector, the Mighty, the Subduer, the Exalted. Holy is Allah far above that which they associate with Him.He is Allah, the Creator, the Maker, the Fashioner. His are the most Beautiful Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Him, and He is the Mighty the Wise.(59: 23-25)

Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: The Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Allah has ninety nine Names, one hundred less one; and who memorized them all by heart will enter Paradise." (Bukhari, The Book of Tauhid.

Events in the Life of \Muhammad (PBUH)

Brief Description of the Event Approximate Date Age of the Holy Prophet according to Lunar Calendar Approximate Gregorian and Hijra dates BH=Before Hijra AH=After Hijra The Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, peace be upon him, born an orphan His father Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with him, had died a few months before the birth of his son. 0 years 9 or 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal 52 or 53 BH April 570 or 571 AD Hadrat Halima Sadiyya, may Allah be pleased with her, appointed wet nurse. 8 days Return to Mecca under the care of his mother 6 Years 46 BH 577 AD Mother, Hadrat Amina, may Allah be pleased with her, passes away 6 Years 46 BH 577 AD Grandfather, Hadrat Abdul-Muttalib, may Allah be pleased with him, died 8 Years 44 BH 579 AD First visit to Syria with a trading caravan 12 years 40 BH, 583 AD 12 Years 40 BH 583 AD Pledge of Fudul to help the needy and the oppressed 15 Years 37 BH 586 AD Second journey to Syria for trade as an agent of Hadrat Khadija, may Allah be pleased with her 25 Years 28 BH 595 AD Marriage with Hadrat Khadija, may Allah be pleased with her 25 Years 28 BH 595 AD Birth of a son, Hadrat Qasim (may Allah be pleased with him) 28 Years 25 BH 598 AD Birth of his daughter, Hadrat Zainab, may Allah be pleased with her 30 Years 23 BH 600 AD Birth of his daughter, Hadrat Ruqayya, may Allah be pleased with her 33 Years 20 BH 603 AD Birth of his daughter, Hadrat Um-e-Kalthum, may Allah be pleased with her 34 years 19 BH 604 AD Renovation of Ka'aba and the placement of Hajr-e-Aswad (Black Stone) 35 years 18 BH 605 AD Birth of his daughter, Hadrat Fatima, may Allah be pleased with her 35 years 18 BH605 AD Hadrat Jibrail bought the First Revelation in the Cave of Hira 40 Year 12 BH 610 AD Revelation of the Holy Quran continues, Ministry of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is established. Hadrat Khadija (the wife), Hadrat Abu Bakr (the best friend), Hadrat Ali (the dearest cousin) and Hadrat Zaid (a freed slave and adopted son), may Allah be pleased with them all, accept Islam 40 Years 6 months Friday18 Ramadan 12 BH 14 August 610 AD Open invitation to the people of Mecca to join Islam under Allah's command 43 Years 9 BH 614 AD A group of Muslims emigrates to Abyssinia 46 Years 7 BH 615 AD Blockade of Shi'b Abi-Talib 46 Years 7 BH 30 September 615 AD Hadrat Hamza (paternal uncle) and Hadrat Umar, may Allah be pleased with them, accept Islam 46 Years 6 BH 616 AD Hadrat Abu Talib, (beloved uncle and guardian) and only a few days later, Hadrat Khadija, the most beloved wife, may Allah be pleased with them, passed away 49 Years Ramadan 3 BH January 619 AD Marriage with Hadrat Sau'da, may Allah be pleased with her 49 Years 3 BH 619 AD Marriage with Hadrat Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her 49 Years 3 BH 619 AD Journey to Ta'if, about 40 miles from Mecca, for calling the citizens of Ta'if to Islam 49 Years 3 BH 619 AD Journey of Mi'raj. Five daily prayers made obligatory for Muslims 50 Years 27 Rajab 2 BH 8 March 620 AD Deputation from Medina accepts Islam 50 Years 2 BH 620 AD First Pledge of 'Aq'ba' 52 Years Dhul Haj, 1 BH 621 AD Second Pledge of 'Aq'ba 52 Years 3 months BH June 622 AD Hijra (migration) from Mecca to the cave of Thaur 52 Years Friday 27 Safar 10 September 622 Emigration to Medina begins 52 Years Monday 1 Rabi-ul-Awwal 13 September 622 AD Arrival at Medina after the first Friday Prayer at Quba's Mosque 53 Years 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1st year AH 24 September 622 AD Construction of the Holy Prophet's Mosque at Medina. Hadrat Bilal's call for Prayer (Adhan) 53 Years 1st year AH 622 AD Brotherhood pacts between Ansar (Muslims from Medina) and Muhajirin (immigrants from Mecca) 53 Years 1st year AH 622 AD Treaty with Jews of Medina 53 Years 1st year AH Permission to fight in self-defense is granted by Allah 53 Years 12 Safar 2 AH 14 August 623 AD Ghazwa (Battle) of Waddan 53 Years 29 Safar 2 AH 31 August 623 Ghazwa (Battle) of Safwan 54 Years 2 AH 623 AD Ghazwa (Battle) Dul-'Ashir 54 Years 2 AH 623 AD Hadrat Salman Farsi, may Allah be pleased with him, accepts Islam 54 Years 2 AH 624 AD Revelation and change of Qibla (direction to face for Formal Prayers, Salat) towards Ka'ba Fasting in the month of Ramadan becomes obligatory 54 Years Sha'abn 2 AH February 624 A Ghazwa (Battle) of Badr 54 Years 12-17 Ramadan 2 AH March 8-13, 624 AD Ghazwa (Battle) of Bani Salim 54 Years 25 Ramadan 2 AH 21 March 524 AD Initiation of Eid-ul-Fitr and Zakat-ul-Fitr (Alms at the Eid-ul-Fitr). 54 Years 28 Ramadan / 1 Shawwal 2 AH 24/25 March 624 AD Zakat becomes obligatory for Muslims 54 Years Shawwal 2 AH April 624 AD Nikah and Marriage ceremony of Hadrat Fatima, may Allah be pleased with her 54 Years Shawwal 2 AH April 624 AD Ghazwa (Battle) of Bani Qainuqa' 54 Years 15 Shawwal 2 AH 10 April 624 AD Ghazwa (Battle) of Sawiq 54 Years 5 Dhul-Haj 2 AH 29 May 624 AD Ghazwa (Battle) of Ghatfan 54 Years Muharram 3 AH July 624 AD Ghazwa (Battle) of Bahran 55 Years Rabi-us-Sani 3 AH October 624 AD Marriage with Hadrat Hafsa, may Allah be pleased with her 55 Years Shaban 3 AH January 625 AD Ghazwa (Battle) of Uhad 55 Years 6 Shawwal 3 AH 22 March 625 Ghazwa (Battle) of Humra-ul-Asad 55 Years 8 Shawwal 3 AH 24 March 625 AD Marriage with Hadrat Zainab Bint Khazima, may Allah be pleased with her 55 Years Dhul-Haj 3 AH May 625 AD Ghazwa (Battle) of Banu Nudair 56 Years Rabi-ul-Awwal 4 AH August 625 AD Prohibition of Drinking in Islam 56 Years Rabi-ul-Awwal 4 AH August 625 AD Ghazwa (Battle) of Dhatur-Riqa 56 Years Jamadi-ul-Awwal 4 AH October 625 AD Marriage with Hadrat Um-e-Salma, may Allah be pleased with her 56 Years Shawwal 4 AH March 626 AD Ghazwa (Battle) of Badru-Ukhra 56 Years Dhi Qad 4 AH April 626 Ghazwa (Battle) of Dumatul-Jandal 57 Years 25 Rabi-ul-Awwal 5 AH Ghazwa (Battle) of Banu Mustalaq Nikah with Hadrat Jawariya bint Harith, may Allah be pleased with her 57 Years 3 Shaban 5 AH 28 December 626 AD Marriage with Hadrat Zainab bint Hajash, may Allah be pleased with her 57 Years Shawwal 5 AH February 627 AD Revelation for Hijab, rules of modesty 57 Years 1 Dhi Qa'd 5 AH 24 March 627 AD Ghazwa (Battle) of Ahzab or Khandaq (Ditch) 57 Years 8 Dhi Qa'd 5 AH 31 March 627 AD Ghazwa (Battle) of Bani Quraiza 57 Years Dhul-Haj 5 AH April 627 AD Ghazwa (Battle) of Bani Lahyan 57 Years 1 Rabi-ul-Awwal 6A H 21 July 627 AD Ghazwa (Battle) of Dhi Qard or Ghaiba 58 Years Rabi-ul-Akhar 6 AH August 627 AD Treaty of Hudaibiyya 58 Years 1 Dhi Qa'd 6 AH 13 March 628 AD Prohibition of Marriage with non-believers 58 Years Dhi Qa'd 6 AH March 628 AD Marriage with Hadrat Habiba, may Allah be pleased with her 58 Years Dhul-Haj 6 AH April 628 AD Invitation sent to various rulers to accept Islam 58 Years 1 Muharram 7AH May 628 AD Ghazwa (Battle) of Khaibar Return of Muslims from Abyssinia. Marriage with Hadrat Safiyya, may Allah be pleased with her. Ghazwa (Battle) of Wadiyul-Qura and Taim. 58 Years Muharram 7 AH June 628 AD Performance of Umra (Umratul-Qada) Marriage with Hadrat Maimuna, may Allah be pleased with her 59 Years Dhi Qa'd 7 AH March 629 AD Hadrat Khalid bin Walid and Hadrat Umar bin Al-'Aas, may Allah be pleased with both, accept Islam 60 Years Safar 8 AH June 629 AD Ghazwa of Muta 60 Years Jamadi-ul-Awwal 8 AH August 629 AD Ghazwa (Battle) of Mecca and Fall of Mecca 60 Years 10 Ramadan 8 AH 1 January 630 AD Ghazwa (Battle) of Hunain (or Autas or Hawazan) and Ghazwa (Battle) of br>Ta'if 60 Years Shawwal 8 AH January 630 AD Arrival in Ja'rana Deputation from Hawazan accepts Islam 60 Years 5 Dhi Qa'd 8 AH 24 February 630 AD Regular establishment of Department of Zakat (Alms) and Sadaqa (Charity), and appointment of administrative officers 60 Years Muharram, 9 AH April 630 AD Deputation from Ghadra accepts Islam 60 Years Safar 9 AH May 630 AD Deputation from Balli accepts Islam 61 Years Rabi-ul-Awwal, 9 AH June 630 AD Ummul-Muminin Hadrat Mariya, may Allah be pleased with her, gave birth to a son, Hadrat Ibrahim, may Allah be pleased with him 61 Years Jamadi-ul-Akhar, 9 AH August 630 AD Ghazwa (Battle) of Tabuk, the last great battle lead by the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him 61 Years Rajab, 9AH October 630 AD Ordinance of Jizya, tax on non-believers seeking protection from Muslims and exemption from military service in defense of the country they were living in as its citizens 61 Years Rajab 9 AHOctober 630 AD Pilgrimage journey of Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique, may Allah be pleased with him 61 Years Dhi Qa'd, 9 AHFebruary 631 AD Hajj (pilgrimage of Ka'ba in Mecca) made Obligatory by Allah Interest is prohibited in Islam 61 Years Deputation Tai, Hamadan, Bani Asad and Bani Abbas, all accept Islam Deputation from Ghuttan accepts Islam 62 Years Ramadan, 10AH 631 AD Departure from Medina for Mecca for Hajjatul-Wida (Farewell Pilgrimage) 62 Years 25 Dhi Qa'd 10 AH 23 February 632 AD Entry into Mecca for Hajjatul-Wida (Farewell Pilgrimage) 62 Years 4 Dhul-Haj 10 AH 1 March 632 AD Hajjatul-Wida, departure for 'Arafat, Farewell Sermon Received the last revelation from Allah 62 Years Friday 9 Dhul Hajj 10 AH 6 March 632 AD Return from Mana, Hajjatul-Wida 62 Years 13 Dhul-Hajj 10 AH 10 March 632 AD Arrival of deputations from Nakha' Last deputation received by the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him 62 Years 15 Muharram 11 AH 11 April 632 AD Sarya Usama bin Zaid, may Allah be pleased with him, last successful military mission during the Holy Prophet's life 62 Years 28 Safar 11 AH 24 May 632 AD The Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, falls ill 62 Years Monday 29 Safar 11 AH 25 May 632 AD The Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, lead the last Salat four days before his departure from this world 62 Years Wednesday 8 Rabi-ul-Awwal 11 AH 3 June 632 AD The Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, offered his last Prayer in congregation in the Mosque lead by Hadrat Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him 63 Years Monday 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal 11 AH 7 June 632 AD The Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, passed away 63 Years Inna lillahe wa inna elaihe rajioon Janaza (funeral) Prayer and burial 63 Years Wednesday 14 Rabi-ul-Awwal 11 AH 9 June 632 AD

Muslim Festivals

For Muslims all religious festivals have their own special significance. In fact, at the end of different modes of worship, Islam has instituted a kind of festival. The festival following the daily Prayers of the week is Jum'a-tul-Mubarak (Friday); the one following the month of fasting is called Eid-ul-Fitr, while the festival following the ceremony of Hajj at the Ka'aba in Arabia is know as Eid-ul-Adhia.

Following is a list of Muslim Festivals:

Jum'a-tul-Mubarak (Friday Prayer)

Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-Adhia

Muharram

Eid Milad-un-Nabi

Shab-i-Miraj

Lailat-ul-Qadr

Salat, The Prayer

The human being is the only creature who has been distinguished from other creatures with the instinct of knowing right from wrong. He is, therefore, the only one who is expected to be the perfect image of his Creator. That is why the objective of his life is to know his Creator and become a perfect image of his attributes, as Allah says in the Holy Qur'an:
"I have not created jins and humans but, for my worship"

SALAT or the method of worship is the main media through which a human can establish a relationship with his Creator and it is one of the main doors which leads to his complete submission to Allah's will.

Salat also prevents him from wrongdoings. Allah says:
"Surely prayer restrains one from indecency and manifest evil." Which shows that Salat or prayer is a guarantee from Allah that if a worshipper observes prayer with all its conditions, he will be safe from evils, manifest or hidden, small or great. The Holy Prophet (peace be on him) asked to the companions, "if one of you had a stream running by his door and he takes a bath in it five times a day, would any dirt be left on him?." They replied! "No dirt would be left on him". The Holy Prophet said: "This is the case with Salat (the five daily prayers) Allah makes the Salat wipe out his sins".
When we reflect on the creation of the universe and the law that governs it and the design and variety that pleases our eyes, we naturally are convinced of existence and greatness of Allah.

Allah says in the Holy Quran:
"In the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation of the night and the day there are indeed signs for men of understanding;" Those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and ponder over the creation of the heavens and the earth: "Our Lord, Thou hast not created this in vain; nay, Holy art Thou; save us, then, from the punishment of the Fire." (Aal-e-Imran, v19l-192)

This verse beautifully tells us that when a worshipper reflects upon the structure of the Universe he becomes overwhelmed with the greatness of its Creator. The ENTITY Who created such an awe-inspiring structure with such detailed arrangement and accuracy. He is alone to be worshipped and so right for protection.

There are five daily prayer services participation in which is obligatory. This may seem a little too much, but it is all a matter of comparative values. Those who realize the true value of prayer through experience are convinced that time spent in it is occupied much more beneficially than that spent in other pursuits.

There is no ordained priesthood in Islam. Every Muslim can be Imam (who leads congregational prayer) and can deliver a sermon. The members of the congregation may select, and for this purpose, they should choose one from among themselves who knows the Holy Quran better than the others. No vestment is prescribed for the Imam nor any special dress for the congregation. All that needed is the body and the head should be decently and cleanly covered.

Glossary of Terms

Words	Definitions
Al-Asmaul Husna	Most excellent (beautiful) names of Allah
Allah	Is the proper name of God
Allahu Akbar	Allah (God) is the Greatest
Amina	Muhammad’s (PBUH) mother
Ansar	Helpers - Muslims from Medina
Asr	The Third of the five daily Prayer services, offered any time between when the sun starts declining and sunset
Adhan	The Islamic call for prayer
Dua-e-Qunoot	Arabic name of the special Prayer recited in the last Rakat of Vitr Prayer
Durood (Assalat-u-Alannabi)	Invocation of blessings upon the Holy Prophet of Islam, (PBUH)
Eid-ul-Adhia	Islamic Festival commemorating the obedience to God of Prophet Ibrahim (or Abraham), peace be upon him, and his son and Prophet Ishmael (PBUH)
Eid-ul-Fitr	The Islamic festival concluding the fasting of the month of Ramadhan
Fajr	The first of five daily Prayer services, offered any time during the period starting from dawn and ending a few minutes before sunrise
Faraidh	Plural form of Fardh (compulsory Prayer)
Fitrana	Money contributed by Muslims before the Eid-ul-Fitr so that the needy and poor also join the festivities
Ghazwa	Battle in which Muhammad (PBUH) himself lead the Muslims
Ghazwa (Battle) of Tabuk	The last great battle lead by the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him
Hadrat Abdul-Muttalib	Muhammad’s (PBUH) Grandfather
Hadrat Fatima	Muhammad’s (PBUH) youngest daughter
Hadrat Khadija	Muhammad’s first wife, one of the first people to accept Islam.
Hadrat Safiyya	Wife of Muhammad (PBUH)
Hadrat Zainab Bint Khazima	Wife of Muhammad (PBUH)
Hajj	Pilgrimage to the Ka’aba in Mecca Arabia - The fifth pillar of Islam - Performed on the 10th day of Dhul Hijja
Hajjatul-Wida	Farewell Pilgrimage. Last Hajj performed by Mohammad (PBUH)
Hajr-I-Aswad	Black Stone in Ka’aba
Hazrat Abu Bakr	Muhammad’s (PBUH) the best friend and the first person to accept Islam who also became the first Caliph or Khalifah
Hazrat Aisha	Wife of Muhammad (PBUH) and the daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakr
Hazrat Ali	The Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) dearest cousin and son-in-law who was the first child to accept Islam
Hazrat Fatima	The Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) fourth daughter, may Allah be pleased with her
Hazrat Habiba	Wife of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Hazrat Hafsa	Wife of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Hazrat Halima Sadiyya	The Holy Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) wet nurse
Hazrat Hamza	The Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) maternal uncle
Hazrat Ibrahim	The Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) second son, may Allah be pleased with him
Hazrat Jawariya bint Harith	Wife of Muhammad (PBUH)
Hazrat Jibrail	The Arc Angel Gabriel who brought the First Revelation in Cave of Hira to Muhammad’s (PBUH)
Hazrat Maimuna	Wife of Muhammad (PBUH)
Hazrat Ruqayya	The Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) second daughter, may Allah be pleased with her
Hazrat Salman Farsi	Companion of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) who migrated from Faris (Iran)
Hazrat Sauda	Wife of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Hazrat Umar	The second of the four Khulafa-e-Rashideen
Hazrat Um-e-Kalthum	The Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) third daughter, may Allah be pleased with her
Hazrat Um-e-Salma	Wife of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Hazrat Zaid	The Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) freed slave and his adopted son - one of the first people to accept Islam
Hazrat Zainab	The Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) first daughter, may Allah be pleased with her
Hazrat Zainab bint Hajash	Wife of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Hazrat Zainab bint Hajash	Wife of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Hijrat	Migration from Mecca to Medina
Hira	Cave where the Holy Propeht Muhammad (PBUH) received the first revelation from Allah
Imam	The person who leads the prayer or service
Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun.	To Allah we belong to Him we must return
Iqamah (Iqamat)	A shorten verse of the Adhan, which is recited loudly to indicate that a congregational Prayer is about to start
Isha	The fifth and last of the five daily Prayer services, offered any time between nightfall and midnight, or before going to bed
Janaza	The funeral prayer
Jilsa	The sitting position which occurs in between two prostrations during Prayer
Ka’aba	The first house of worship ever built on the face of the earth for the worship of One and Only Allah - re-constructed by Hazrat Ibrahim and his son for worship of Allah - All daily prayers are offered facing in the direction of Ka’aba from all over the world
Kalimah	The credo of Islam, “There is none worthy of worship save Allah; Muhammad is the messenger of Allah"
Kalimah Shahadah (Kalima)	The deceleration of Islamic faith
Khusoof	Eclipse of the moon, during which a special Prayer is to be offered
Kusoof	Eclipse of the Sun during which a special Prayer is to be offered
Madina	Second Holiest place after Mecca - City where the Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) settled after the migration from Mecca
Maghrib	The fourth of the five daily Prayer services, which can be offered any time in the period starting from immediately after sunset and ending when there is still some light left on the horizon
Makroohat	Acts which are considered inappropriate during Prayer
Malikis	One of the sects of Islam
Muadhin	The person who says the Adhan, or call to Prayer
Muhajirin	Immigrants from Mecca
Muhammad	The Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, peace be upon him (PBUH)
Mustahab (plural Mustahabbat)	Preferable or praiseworthy things, when referring to the style or manner of performing Prayer
Nawafil	Optional category of Prayer
Nikah	Contract of marriage
Niyyah (Niyyat)	The formal intention which one makes in one’s mind before starting a Prayer
Ordinance of Jizya	Tax on non-believers seeking protection from Muslims and exemption from military service in defense of the country they were living in as its citizens
PBUH	Peace be upon him
Q'ad b>	Sitting position adopted towards the end of the second Rakat in Prayer
Qadhaa	Offering a missed Prayer
Q	The Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) first son, may Allah be pleased with him
Qasr	The act of shortening ones Prayer, especially during long distance travel
Qauma	The Posture of standing erect after Ruku
Qibla	Revelation and change of direction to face for Formal Prayers, (Salat) towards Ka’aba
Q	The standing position in Prayer
Quba	Town near Medina
Quba Mosque	Location of first Mosque of Islam
Rakaat	Plural form of Rakat
Ra	One complete unit within a Prayer
Ramadan	Name of a month in Islamic Calendar - Fasting in the month of Ramadan is obligatory for all stationed adult and healthy Muslims
Ruku'	The bowing down position in Prayer
Sadqa	Charity
Sajdah	The position of Prostration in Prayer
Salat	Prayer
Salat-ul-Zohr	The second phase of Salat-ul-Ishraq
Salat-ul-Hajaat	Prayer offered when one is in need or difficulty
Salat-ul-Tasbih	Optional prayer of four Rakaat to be offered at least once in one’s lifetime
Saum	Fasting in the month of Ramadhan also known as the forth pillar of Islam
Shias	One of the sects of Islam
Sujood (Sajdah)	The posture of Prostration in Prayer
Sujood-us-Sahv	Prostrations of atonement preformed when a mistake has been committed during Prayer and which may affect its validity
Sunan	Plural of Sunnat
Sunnah (Sunnat)	One type of category of Prayer, compulsory but not Fardh (obligatory), more important than a Nafl (voluntary) prayer
Sunnis	One of the sects of Islam
Sura (Surah)	Arabic word for a chapter - used for designating the chapters of the Holy Quran
Sutra	An object which a worshipper places before him to mark the physical boundary of his Prayer
Tahajjud	Optional Prayer of great merit offered in the latter part of the night
Tahmeed	The prescribed words recited by the congregation in response to the Tasmee' of the Imam, also words of praise and remembrance of God
Taif	Town 40 miles from Mecca
Takbeer	A set formula, recited loudly in order to indicate that a congregational Prayer is about to start
Takbir-I-Tahreema	The Arabic expression Allahu Akbar (God is the Greatest) proclaimed by the Imam while he raises his two hands to his earlobes at the very beginning of a congregational Prayer service
Taraveeh	Special Prayer offered after Isha Prayer during the month of Ramadhan
Tashahhud	A prayer recited at the beginning of the Qadah (second sitting position) in Prayer
Tawwudh	Set words for seeking the protection of God against Satan, recited at the beginning of a prayer
Thaur	The cave where Prophet (PBUH) took refuge with Hazrat Abu Bakr from the people of Mecca on their way to Medina
Ummul-Muminin	Mother of the believers - A title for the wives of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him
Umra (Umratul-Qada)	A pilgrimage to Mecca that can be performed during any time of the year except when Hajj is being performed
Zakat	Mandatory offering of alms
Zakat-ul-Fitr	Alms at the Eid-ul-Fitr
Zuhr	The second of the five daily Prayer services offered