Glossary of Terms

A  
   
Allah The Arabic name for God. Arab Muslims and Christians alike use the word "Allah" when referring to God. Muslims from around the world generally use this word to refer to God as it is considered the Highest of Names of God. The Qur'an identifies 99 Names or God.
   
Awliya
 Literally means the Friends of God. Plural of Wali which generally refers to the Illuminated Saints of God.
   
B  
   
Burdah Shareef
 Sharaf al-Din Muhammad al-Busiri's (608-696 Hijri - Islamic Calendar) illustrious poem, al-Kawakib al-durriyya fi madh khayr al-bariyya (The resplendent stars in the praise of the Best of Creation - peace be upon him), which became known as Qasidat al-Burdah, is one of the literary treasures of the Arabic language. It is a model of true and excellent praise for the Prophet (peace be upon him), which contains the rarest pearls and lessons on the etiquette of humility and respect before the Elect One of creation and the Beloved of the Lord (peace be of the worlds upon him).

This poem was taught, copied, distributed, recited, transcribed on mosque walls, memorized, commented on, studied, and considered required reading by countless scholars, including the hadith masters Sakhawi and Suyuti, and their students (may God have mercy on them). Hafiz Abu Shama (may God have mercy on them) wrote a commentary on it that is yet unpublished. Ibn Taymiyya (may God have mercy on them), in the book attributed to him under the title al-Sarim al maslul `ala shatim al-rasul (The drawn sword against those who disrespect the Prophet), said:

The foundation of the religion of Islam is built on praising, glorifying, and treating with dignity the Leader of all the Prophets, may peace be upon them all. Such praise, glorification, and treating with dignity is praise for the entire Religion; and its removal is the end of the Religion. By not giving such respect to the Prophet (peace be upon him), all religion comes to an end. -- Source (http://sunnah.org/ibadaat/alburda_alsharif.htm)
   
D  
   
Du'a Supplication to God for the fulfillment of a need.
   
   
I  
   
Iftar The dinner taken to break the fast.
   
Isaal-e-Sawaab The act of sending the reward of one’s good deeds to the souls of those who have passed away from this world and are experiencing a life in grave (the realm in which the soul resides between its separation from the body and the Day of Judgment).
   
L  
   
Langar Qadriyya A free dinner open to the public based on the tradition of the Great Saint Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani (May God be pleased with him).
   
F  
   
Fatiha Fatiha literally means Opening; however, this term is used to describe the recitation of the Qur'an (which includes the Opening chapter of the Qur'an) and dedicating the benefit of the recitation to souls of the Prophets (peace be upon them), and any great personalities of Islam, or muslim souls in general.
   
N  
   
Na'at Poetry recitation praising the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). These recitations invoke a deep sense of love and honor for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and all that is connected with him.
   
   
Q  
   
Qur'an The Holy Book of the Muslims as revealed by God to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) over a period of 23 years.
   
   
R  
   
Ruqya The Prophetic (peace be upon him) healing method of treatment which includes the recitation of the Qur'an either by the patient or the practitioner. Often includes blowing on water and giving the patient to drink or on the affected part of the body. Ruqya may also involve healing by touch while the practitioner reads the verses or supplication.
   
   
S  
   
Sufi A Muslim who takes the spriritual path or Tariqa to God. The practice of which has come to be known as Sufism or Tasawwuf.
Salaam Sending blessings, prayer, or greetings upon the Prophet Muhammad - peace be upon him.
   
T  
   
Taweez Derived from the Arabic root letters ('A, W, Z) from which "A'uzu" is derived, which means to "seek protection of " of God, generally from something, such as Satan, sickness, and so forth. Generally involves the writing of Qur'anic verses on a piece of paper, and wearing a means of protection. Verses written with natural coloring (Saffron flower) on non-toxic paper and submerged in water is also generally administered and the patient is required to drink water in which the verses are disolved. An extremely effective form of treatment for various illnesses here at the IECRC. See image below.
 
   
Z  
   
Zikr Remembrance of God Most High and His Beloved Prophet - peace be upon him, in any form. Reciting the Qur'an, reciting poetry praising God or His Beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), mentioning the Divine Names of God, all are forms of Zikr and may be performed in group or alone. Quite often sounds like a form of chanting when done in a group.