Tranquil Heart

Glossary

 
This glossary has been complied to assist readers not familiar with Islamic terminology in understanding the above recollections.
 
(a.s.)
Short for ‘peace be upon him.’
 
Adhaan
Call to prayers
 
Ashura
10th of Muharram in the Islamic calendar.  This is the day the 3rd Imam of the Shias, Imam Hussein (a.s.) was martyred in the Islamic year 63 A.H.
 
Ayatul Kursi
Verses 255-257 of the second chapter of the Holy Quran.
 
Baaligh
Age at which certain actions and duties become compulsory for Muslims.  Typically this is approximately 9 years for girls and 15 years for boys.
 
Haram
Any sacred religious place particularly used for Shrines of a religious personalities.
 
Imam Hussein (a.s)
3rd successor of the Holy Prophet for Shia Muslims.
 
Khums
Compulsory tax to be paid by Muslims representing one-fifth of savings.
 
Mashad
City in North-Eastern Iran where the 8th successor of the Holy Prophet for Shias (Imam Raza (a.s.)) is buried.
 
Mohr
Prayer tablets upon which mainly Shia Muslims prostrate whilst praying.
 
Namaz-e-Shab
Also known as Salaatul-Layl.  Recommended prayers of 11 units to be recited before the dawn prayers.
 
Prayers (Fajr, Zohr, Ast, Magrib, Isha)
Names of the 5 compulsory daily prayers for Muslims consisting of 2, 4, 4, 3, and 4 rakaats respectively.
 
Qibla
Direction towards Mecca which Muslims face to pray.
 
Qum
City in Northern Iran.  Centre for religious learning.
 
Quran
Muslim Holy Book revealed by God to Prophet Muhammad
 
Rakaat
Unit of prayer
 
Ramadhan
Ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which fasting has been prescribed for Muslims.
 
Salaam and Ziyaraats
Prescribed greetings and prayers salutations usually recited when visiting the shrines of the Prophet and Imams.
 
Sura Aal-e-Imran
Third chapter of the Holy Quran
 
Sura Fateha
First chapter of the Holy Quran
 
Tasbih
Glorification of God
 
Tayammum
Actions to be performed when no water is available for the performance of wudhoo.
 
Wudhu
Ablutions performed before reciting prayers.