Key Terms and Definitions

Glossary of Key Terms

• Allah (AJ): The Arabic name for God.
• Sayyidina Muhammad (ﷺ): The Prophet of Islam. The texts stress his importance as the intermediary between Allah (AJ) and humanity, and a model for believers.
• Ramadan: The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.
• Laylatul Qadr: The "Night of Power" during Ramadan, considered the holiest night of the year, when the Qur'an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and which holds immense blessings.
• Qur'an: The holy scripture of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the word of God revealed to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
• Nafs: The ego, the lower self, or desires that can pull a person away from divine obedience.
• Taqwa: Consciousness of God, an awareness of one’s actions and their consequences. A deep sense of piety and righteousness.
• Bay'at: A pledge of allegiance or a covenant made with Allah (AJ) through a spiritual guide or shaykh, connecting one to the lineage of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
• Zikr: The remembrance of Allah (AJ) through repetitive recitations, such as His names or phrases of praise.
• Salah: The ritual prayer performed by Muslims five times a day.
• Qurban: The act of sacrifice performed during the Hajj pilgrimage to draw closer to Allah (AJ).
• Hajj: The annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam, it’s an outward and inward journey, symbolizing a complete submission to Allah (AJ).
• Shaitan: The devil or Satan, often portrayed as a tempter and an enemy of humanity, which resides both within and outside of us.
• Ulul Amr: Those in authority or those who are the spiritual inheritors of the Prophet (ﷺ), often referred to as saints or guides.
• Rahmah: Mercy, compassion, and blessings from Allah (AJ).
• Tajalli: Divine manifestation, the unveiling of the divine attributes.
• Amanat: Trust. The concept that gifts are given by Allah (AJ) and are therefore a trust.
• Wujud: Existence. The code of one's existence.
• Tarbiyah: Discipline. The discipline enacted through a relationship with a spiritual guide.
• Adab: Manners. The etiquettes of the spiritual path.
• Nazar: Gaze. The attention or gaze of a spiritual guide, which is thought to grant blessings to the seeker.
• Sadaqah: Charity. Giving to those in need.
• Maqamul Ihsan: The station of moral excellence.
• Ayn: The source. The concept that all is emanating from Allah.
• Haqqaiq: Realities. The inner, spiritual realities behind the outer expressions of worship and devotion.
• Saalik: Seeker. The person seeking divine realities, and striving to purify themselves and follow the spiritual path.
• Rizq: Sustenance. The provision that Allah (AJ) gives to his creation.
• Iftar: The meal eaten by Muslims after sunset during Ramadan, breaking their fast.
• Barakah: Blessings. Divine blessings, sacred power, and continuous increase in good.
• Kawthar: The Fountain of Abundance. A source of blessings and light from the Prophet (ﷺ).
• Lisan as Siddiqil 'Ali: A truthful tongue.