The explanations of some Arabic terms

 In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

The explanations of some Arabic terms

Collected by Ummu Mariam.

Ahl-ul-Kitaab: Literally means the People of the Book. This is the Koranic term
which is often translated as Jews and Christians, but should in fact be translated as
Jews and Nazarenes. In al-Qur‘aan and as-Sunnah there occurs no mention of the
terms Christianity [Messianism (Masiihiyyah)] or Christians [Messianists
(Masiihiyyuun)], instead the terms Nazarene (Nasraaniyyah) and Nazarenes
(Nasaaraa) are used. Thus, for the interpretation of the meaning of the Noble
Qur‘aan and al-hadiith, we will use for the Arabic words Nasraaniyyah and
Nasaaraa the terms Nazarene and Nazarenes respectively, but as for the usual text
we will continue using the same term Christians for whomsoever deviated from the
unity of God and claims to hold by the religion that follows Jesus Christ's teachings.

Al-hamdulillaah: 'All praises and thanks are to Allah'. This invocation is said by
the Muslim upon any occasion of joy, acceptance of an occurrence good or bad, or as
a response to an inquiry of 'How are you?' Its meaning is very broad and it denotes
giving thanks to Allah as well as reaffirming that He Alone is to be praised for all that
occurs.

'Alaihissalaam (AS): An invocation of security and sanctity that is said on

behalf of the prophets and messengers of Allah and the angels when hearing their
names mentioned.

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The explanations of some Arabic terms

Allah denotes the personal name of the Supreme Being. It is not subject to gender
(like god and goddess) or plurality (gods). That is why one has to use the name Allah
for the Supreme Being, since that it can't be used for anyone else in the whole
universe.

The word Allah means "the Being Who comprises all the attributes of perfection", i.e.
the Being Who is perfect in every way (in His knowledge, power etc.), and possesses
the best and the noblest qualities imaginable in the highest degree. Allah is One and
Unique. He has neither a wife, nor a son, nor a partner, nor an equal. He is the sole
Creator and the Lord of the universe. Allah is the only One who has the right to be
venerated and worshipped.

The word Allah is unique among the names of God in all the languages of mankind, in
that it was never applied to any being other than God. Some names of God used by
mankind, such as "Lord", "Generous", etc. have also been used for beings other than
God. They have meanings which refer to some particular attribute of God, but Allah is
the name which refers to the Being Himself as His personal name.

Allah was not "one of the gods" of the pre-Islamic Arabs, as some missionaries claim
falsely, but was recognised by them as the Supreme God. There was no idol which
they called "Allah". The pre-Islamic Arabs used the name Allah to refer to the
Supreme Being, and never applied it to any of the other things they worshipped. Al-
Qur‘aan quotes the idol-worshippers as presenting the argument that: "We
worship them (i.e. the idols) only that they may bring us nearer to Allah."
(Al-Qur‘aan 39:3 – interpretation of the meaning)

In this connection, we would like to indicate that the word God is not the correct
English translation for the name Allah. The synonymous name for God (with capital
letter) in Arabic is al-Ilaah ("al"-prefix being the definite article in Arabic language).
In Arabic language the word ilaah simply means "the one who is worshipped" or
what we generally imply by the word "god" in the English language.

Moreover, Allah and al-Ilaah are two different names from the names of Allah and
not synonymous. Allah, the Exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning): "And (all)
the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allah, so call on Him by them, and
leave the company of those who belie or deny (or utter impious speech
against) His Names. They will be requited for what they used to do." (Al-
Qur‘aan 7:180)

Abu Huraira (RAA) narrated that Allah's Messenger (SAAS) said: "Allah has ninety-
nine Names, i.e. one hundred minus one, and whoever believes in their meanings
and acts accordingly, will enter Paradise; and Allah is Witr (One) and loves 'the
witr' (i.e. odd numbers)." (Al-Bukhari)

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The explanations of some Arabic terms

'Azza wa jall: This is an expression that Muslims use when the name of Allah is
pronounced or written. The meaning of this expression is: "He is the Mighty and the
Majestic."

Muslims use also other expressions when the name of Allah is written or pronounced.
Some of which are: "jalla jalaaluh": He is the Exalted Majestic; "subhaanahu wa
ta'aalaa": Allah is pure of having partners and He is exalted from having a son.

Al-barzakh is the period between a person's death and his resurrection on the
Day of Resurrection. Whoever dies as a Muslim, obeying Allah (SWT), will be in a
blessed state in the world of al-barzakh, and whoever dies as a kaafir, disobeying
Allah (SWT), will be punished, and the punishments vary according to the sins
committed. Allah, the Exalted, says about the folk of the Pharaoh (interpretation of
the meaning): "The Fire, they are exposed to it, morning and afternoon.
And on the Day when the Hour will be established (it will be said to the
angels): 'Cause Pharaoh's people to enter the severest torment!'" (Al-
Qur‘aan 40:46)

Bid'ah: Literally means "innovation". In Islam it refers to introducing new things

into religion which have no basis in al-Qur‘aan or as-Sunnah, and in addition to this,
to regard these new things as acts of worship.

The bida' (pl of bid'ah) of the people of innovations will be rejected. Allah's
Messenger Muhammad (SAAS) said: "He who innovates something in this
matter of ours that is not of it will have it rejected." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Ahl-ul-bida' (the people of innovations) have been warned by Fire. Allah's

Messenger Muhammad (SAAS) said: "Every innovation is a deviation, and
every deviation is in the Fire." (At-Tirmidhi)

Moreover, repentance shall not be accepted from them. Allah's Messenger

Muhammad (SAAS) said: "Verily Allah does not accept the repentance of
saahib-ul-bid'ah (one who commits innovations), until he stops the bid'ah."
(Sahiih – narrated by at-Tabaraani and al-Maqdisi in al-Mukhtaarah)

Ad-Dajjaal: The one-eyed beast popularly known as the Antichrist. It refers also

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The explanations of some Arabic terms

to any great liar or deceiver.

Fatwaa: Legal opinion concerning Islamic Law (pl Fataawaa).

Fiqh: The meaning of the word fiqh is understanding, comprehension, knowledge

and jurisprudence in Islam. According to Islamic law, actions can be categorized
according to their degree of lawfulness and unlawfulness. In fiqh, five such classes
have been determined:

1. Fard or waajib refers to an act that is obligatory for which the one who
performs it gets a reward but if not incurs a sin, such as praying the five daily
prayers, fasting the month of Ramadan.

2. Mustahabb or sunnah or manduub (something liked) refers to an act that is

recommended or desirable for which the one who performs it gets a reward but
if not incurs no sin, such as praying nawaafil (supererogatory prayers).

3. Haraam or mahdhoor (unlawful or prohibited) refers to an act that is evil and

harmful for which the one who performs it incurs a sin but if not gets a reward,
such as committing murder, committing adultery, drinking alcohol.

4. Makrooh (something hated) refers to an act that is detested for which the one
who performs it incurs no sin but if not gets a reward, such as letting the nails
grow, sleeping on one's stomach.

5. Mubaah (allowed): This category is left undecided and left for the person, such
as having a personal preference for one type of lawful food over another. Doing
or not doing al-mubaah does not count as a good or bad deed. However,
intention of a person can change the mubaah to fard, manduub, makrooh or
haraam. Other things could also change the status of the mubaah. For example,
any mubaah becomes haraam if it is proven harmful, and any necessary thing
to fulfil a fard is a fard, too.

Al-fuqahaa‘: The scholars of jurisprudence (sing. faqiih). A faqiih is a jurist who

is an expert in the matters of the Islamic Law. A faqiih passes verdicts within the
rules of the Islamic Law namely sharee'ah.

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The explanations of some Arabic terms

Al-ghaib literally means a thing not seen. It includes everything that is hidden
from the people and which is beyond human perception. Al-ghaib is exclusive to
Allah's knowledge.

This word includes vast meanings: Belief in Allah, His angels, His Books, His
Messengers, Day of Resurrection and al-qadar (Divine Preordainment). It also
includes what Allah and His Messenger (SAAS) informed about the knowledge of the
matters of past, present, and future, e.g., news about the creation of the heavens and
earth, botanical and zoological life, the news about nations of the past, and about
Paradise and Hell. From the matters of al-ghaib are also those pertaining to the
Hereafter, al-barzakh, contents of the womb, secrets of the hearts and matters
relating to Allah. That is, as far as Allah is concerned, He is beyond human
comprehension. Allah, the Exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning): "No vision
can grasp Him, but He grasps all vision. He is al-Lateef (the Most Subtle and
Courteous), Well-Acquainted with all things." (Al-Qur‘aan 6:103)

Allah, the Exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning): "And with Him are the
keys of al-ghaib (all that is hidden), none knows them but He. And He
knows whatever there is in the land and in the sea; not a leaf falls, but he
knows it. There is not a grain in the darkness of the earth nor anything
fresh or dry, but is written in a Clear Record." (Al-Qur‘aan 6:59)

Al-hadiith: The second type of revelation from Allah, the Almighty. As-Sunnah of
the Prophet Muhammad (SAAS) is derived from al-hadiith. The terms al-hadiith and
as-Sunnah are often used synonymously, though a hadiith is specifically a narration
of a statement, action, tacit approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (SAAS) or
description of his character and features, while Sunnah is specifically the ruling or
principle derived from hadiith. When the term as-Sunnah is used in general it
encompasses both definitions.

Hajj: Literally means pilgrimage. In Islam it refers to the annual pilgrimage to

Mecca. It is the 5th pillar of Islam. It is a great sin for an able person not to perform
Hajj. Allah, the Exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning): "In it are manifest
signs, (for example) the maqaam (place) of Abraham; whosoever enters it,
he attains security. And Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) to the House (Ka'bah) is a
duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for
one's conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies
Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca), then he is a disbeliever of Allah], then Allah stands
not in need of any of al-'aalamiin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)." (Al-

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Qur‘aan 3:97)

Halaal: That which is lawful or permissible in Islam.

Haraam: That which is unlawful or prohibited in Islam.

Al-hijrah: When spoken of Islamic events, we use Islamic calendar. Al-hijrah

specifically refers to the migration of Prophet Muhammad (SAAS) from Mecca to
Yathrib (Medina) and it is the date upon which the Islamic calendar begins. Al-hijrah
is usually signified by A.H. In general al-hijrah means the act of migrating from the
land of the disbelievers to the lands of Muslims for the sake of Islam.

Al-hizbiyyah: Fanatic loyalty to a group or ideology. In Islam it is forbidden to

join any ideology or party other than the party of Allah (i.e. hizbullaah). It is
important to note that this hizbullaah does not refer to the Shia group in Lebanon
which was founded in 1982! Instead, "whosoever takes Allah, His Messenger
(SAAS), and those who have believed, as Protectors, then the party of
Allah will be the victorious." (Al-Qur‘aan 5:56 - interpretation of the meaning)

Allah, the Exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning): "You will not find any
people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, making friendship with
those who oppose Allah and His Messenger [Muhammad (SAAS)], even
though they were their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their
kindred (people). For such He has written Faith in their hearts, and
strengthened them with rooh (proofs, light and true guidance) from Himself.
And He will admit them to Gardens (Paradise) under which rivers flow, to
dwell therein (forever). Allah is pleased with them, and they with Him.
They are the Party of Allah. Verily, it is the Party of Allah that will be the
successful." (Al-Qur‘aan 58:22)

To follow or have loyalty to any group, party, organization or association in violation

of the sharee'ah is a great sin.

Ilaah: Anything that is worshipped or given unconditional obedience, or is the

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control centre of emotions such as love, fear, hope, reliance and other actions of the
heart. In other words, there can be many deities, both abstract and concrete.
Examples of such deities include idols, trees, stones, talismans, money, power, one's
wife, children or parents, and so on. Allah, the Exalted, says (interpretation of the
meaning): "Have you seen him who takes his own lust (vain desires) as his
ilaah (god)? And Allah knowing (him as such), left him astray, and sealed
his hearing and his heart, and put a cover on his sight. Who then will
guide him after Allah? Will you not then remember?" (Al-Qur‘aan 45:23)

However, if the definite Arabic article "al" is added to the word Ilaah, it results in one
of the names of Allah, the Almighty, which is al-Ilaah. Contrary to popular belief, the
word Allah is not a contraction of al-Ilaah, but a distinct name.

In shaa‘ Allah: 'If Allah wills' should be said by every Muslim when promising to
do any action as it is a recognition that Allah is in fact in control.

Jazaakallaahu khairan: 'May Allah reward you with good.' One says this as a
supplication to Allah when showing thanks to another Muslim after he performs a
righteous or good deed. One should respond 'Wa eyyaak' (And you too).

Jinn are creations, which Allah has created from fire, like human beings are
created from dust, and angels from light.

Khaliifah: Linguistically, one who succeeds whoever precedes him. It refers to

the overall leader or imam of the Muslims. Also commonly spelled Caliph, Kalif, or
Khalif.

Al-Kholafaa‘-ur-Raashiduun: Literally the "Rightly Guided Caliphs" and often

mistranslated as the "Orthodox Caliphs". This refers to the first four Caliphs in Islam,
namely, Abu Bakr as-Seddiiq (RAA), 'Umar al-Faarooq (RAA), 'Uthman ibn 'Affaan
(RAA) and 'Ali ibn Abi Taalib (RAA) who all succeeded Allah's Messenger
Muhammad (SAAS) in leading the Muslims after his death. Their periods of rule are
considered the best period of government of the Islamic state based upon al-Qur‘aan
and as-Sunnah. The Prophet (SAAS) referred to their rule in a statement urging the

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ummah (Islamic nation) to follow them and hold tightly to their Sunnah with "the
molar teeth".

Koran or al-Qur‘aan is the word of the Lord of the Worlds, which the Creator
revealed to His Messenger Muhammad (SAAS), to bring mankind forth from
darkness into light. Allah, the Exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning): "It is
He Who sends down manifest aayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs,
revelations, etc.) to His slave [Muhammad (SAAS)] that He may bring you out
from darkness into light. And verily, Allah is to you full of kindness, Most
Merciful." (Al-Qur‘aan 57:9)

Allah (SWT) has told us in al-Qur‘aan the stories of the earlier and later generations
and the creation of the heavens and the earth. He has explained what is lawful and
what is unlawful, the basics of good manners and morals, the rulings of worship and
dealings with others, the lives of the Prophets and the righteous, and the reward of
the believers and the punishment of the disbelievers. He has described Paradise, the
abode of the believers, and He has described Hell, the abode of the disbelievers. He
has made al-Qur‘aan an explanation of all things. Allah, the Exalted, says
(interpretation of the meaning): "And (remember) the Day when We shall raise
up from every nation a witness against them from amongst themselves.
And We shall bring you [O Muhammad (SAAS)] as a witness against these.
And We have sent down to you the Book (al-Qur‘aan) as an exposition of
everything, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have
submitted themselves (to Allah as Muslims)." (Al-Qur‘aan 16:89)

It should be taken in consideration that every translation of al-Qur‘aan, whether it is

in English or in any other language, is not al-Qur‘aan or a version of al-Qur‘aan. It is
rather a translation of the meaning of al-Qur‘aan. Al-Qur‘aan exists only in Arabic,
the very language that it was revealed with originally. Allah, the Exalted, says
(interpretation of the meaning): "And truly, this (al-Qur‘aan) is a revelation
from the Lord of al-'aalamiin (mankind, jinn and all that exists), which the
trustworthy Rooh (Gabriel) has brought down; upon your heart [O
Muhammad (SAAS)] that you may be (one) of the warners, in the plain
Arabic language." (Al-Qur‘aan 26:192-195)

The same applies also to the ahaadiith [sing. hadiith (tradition)] of the Prophet
(SAAS). So when we use the terms "Allah, the Exalted, says…" or "The Prophet
(SAAS) said…" we do not mean the specific sayings, but rather their meaning.

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Madhhab represents the entire school of thought of a particular mujtahid imam

(e.g. Abu Hanifah, Malik, ash-Shafi'i or Ahmad ibn Hanbal) together with many first-
rank scholars who came after the imam, and who checked his evidences as well as
refined and upgraded his work. Al-madhaahib (pl of al-madhhab) are named after
the imams, and the four well-known madhaahib are al-Hanafi, al-Maaliki, ash-
Shaafi'i and al-Hanbali.

Mahram: A man, whom a woman cannot marry because of close relationship,

such as a brother, a father and an uncle.

Mushrik: A polytheist, an idolater, a disbeliever in the Oneness of Allah.

Mutawaatir: Consecutive. This refers to a hadiith whose narrators in each level

of its chain of transmission are so numerous that it is not possible for all of them to
have conspired in falsehood - whether intentionally or mistakenly.

Muwahhid: A person who has fulfilled the requirements of tauhiid, i.e. a person
who submitted to his Creator by recognizing His unity, obeying Him, and avoiding
polytheism and its people. Such person is also called a Muslim.

Qiblah: The direction towards which all Muslims face in prayers and that
direction is towards al-Ka'bah in Mecca (Saudi Arabia).

Ar-Rabb: There is no proper equivalent for ar-Rabb in English language. It

means the One and the Only Lord for the entire universe, its Creator, Owner,
Organizer, Provider, Master, Planner, Sustainer, Cherisher and Giver of security. Ar-
Rabb is also one of the Names of Allah (SWT). The word "Lord" is used as nearest to
ar-Rabb. All occurrences of "Lord" actually mean ar-Rabb and should be understood
as such.

Radiallaahu 'anhu (RAA): 'May Allah be pleased with him.' Usually said in

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reference to the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (SAAS) upon hearing their
names mentioned in recognition of the favour that Allah has bestowed upon them as
the forbearers of the Islamic message.

Rahimahullaah: 'May Allah have mercy upon him.' This is said when
remembering a deceased Muslim. It can also be said to a living Muslim, but usually it
is said when remembering a deceased Muslim.

Roohullaah may be understood as the spirit of Allah, in fact, it is a soul created

by Allah, for Allah is its Creator and Sovereign, He takes it (in death) whenever He
wills and He sends it whenever He wills.

According to the early religious scholars from among the Companions of Allah's
Messenger Muhammad (SAAS), their students and those who follow their guidance,
there is a rule to distinguish between the two nouns in the genitive construction:

1. When one of the two nouns is Allah, and the other is a person or a thing, such as
Allah's spirit, Allah's House, Allah's Messenger, Allah's slave and Allah's she-
camel, the rule of the above words is that the second noun, e.g., spirit, House,
Messenger, slave or she-camel, is created by Allah and is honourable with Him.

2. But when one of the two is Allah and the second is neither a person nor a thing,
then it is not a created thing but is a quality of Allah, such as Allah's Knowledge,
Allah's Statement, and Allah's Essence (Dhaatullaah).

As-sahaabah (sing. sahaabi): Companions of Allah's Messenger Muhammad

(SAAS). Specifically anyone who saw Allah's Messenger Muhammad (SAAS) during
his lifetime, believed in him (SAAS) and died upon faith as a Muslim.

As-Salaf-us-Saalih: The Righteous Predecessors. It refers specifically to the

first three generations of Islam. The first is the Prophet (SAAS) and his sahaabah
[companions (RAA)]; the second, at-taabi'uun (the followers of the companions);
and the third, the followers of the followers of the companions. Generally, this term
refers to anyone who follows the way of as-Salaf (a shortened version of the word as-
Salaf-us-Saalih) and their methodology.

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Imam al-Awza'i (d. 157A.H.) rahimahullaah said: "Adhere to the narrations of the
Salaf, even if the people were to abandon you. And beware of the opinions of people,
no matter how much they beautify it with speech."

Salafi: The person who ascribes and adheres to the way of as-Salaf-us-Saalih or
to as-Salafiyyah.

As-Salafiyyah is the way of following the Salaf, in creed/belief, speech and

actions, regardless of time or location. It is to understand and implement the religion
as was understood and implemented by the salaf. Following it exactly to the best of
ones ability, and to beware and refrain from that which opposes it.

lbn Taymiyah (d. 728 A.H.) rahimahullaah said: "There is no criticism for the one
who proclaims the way (madhhab) of the Salaf, who attaches himself to it and refers
to it. Rather, it is obligatory to accept that from him by unanimous agreement
(ittifaaq) because the way (madhhab) of the Salaf is nothing but the truth (haqq)."
(Majmuu' al-Fataawaa 4/149)

Salla Allaahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam (SAAS): This is an invocation of blessing

that should be said upon mentioning or hearing the name of the Prophet
Muhammad. It is in fact a supplication to Allah that He exalt the mention of
Muhammad to the nearest angels (to Him) and that the angels in turn praise
Muhammad before Allah. This is a form of praise and blessing to Muhammad and a
request that he suffers no harm and is given a sanctified station in the Hereafter.
It also makes the one who mentions it worthy of praise and reward.
For more see at the End, Page #15...

Shirk: Basically it means polytheism, i.e. associating others beside Allah in any
aspect of tauhiid in whatever manner. It is the gravest sin which will not be forgiven
if the person dies upon it.

Subhaanahu Wa Ta'aalaa (SWT): This is an expression that Muslims

use whenever the name of Allah is pronounced or written. The first part
signifies recognition that Allah is free of any defects or shortcomings and is to be
glorified and praised. The second word is actually a verb that signifies that Allah is
high above His

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creation in every aspect.

Sunnah: Literally means way, manner or method. As-Sunnah refers to the whole
of Islam in certain contexts. The term sunnah is also used in fiqh terminology when
referring to a specific action that is not obligatory for which the one who performs it
gets a reward but if not incurs no sin, synonymous with manduub and mustahabb. It
may also be used in the context of being opposed to bid'ah (religious innovation or
heresy). A widespread and common mistake on the part of many is the
misapplication of the term as-Sunnah, i.e. its general meaning is mixed with its
specific meaning in al-fiqh (meaning mustahabb). For this reason, one often hears
from the tongues of some Muslims "I do not do it because it is only sunnah" when in
fact the matter which they have neglected may actually be a fard or waajib (an
obligatory act for which the one who performs it gets a reward but if not incurs sin) in
the fiqh sense. For example, a man may not let his beard grow with the
understanding that such action was merely the personal habit of the Prophet (SAAS)
which one may or may not follow, without realizing that the Prophet (SAAS) in fact
ordered Muslims to do so (to let the beard grow and to trim the moustache), and any
order of the Prophet (SAAS) becomes an obligatory duty upon the believers. Allah,
the Exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning): "…And whatsoever the
Messenger [Muhammad (SAAS)] gives you, take it; and whatsoever he
forbids you, abstain (from it). And fear Allah; verily, Allah is Severe in
punishment." (Al-Qur‘aan 59:7)

Thus, in our articles when the term as-Sunnah is used in its general meaning, it is
written with the capital letter (as-Sunnah), while when it is used in fiqh usage of the
term (manduub or mustahabb), it is written with the small letter (sunnah).

Sutrah: An object like a pillar, wall or stick, a spear etc., the height of which
should not be less than a foot (about 30 cm) and it should be in front of a person
offering prayer to act as a symbolical barrier between him and the others. Allah's
Messenger Muhammad (SAAS) used to say: "Do not pray except towards a sutrah,
and do not let anyone pass in front of you, but if someone continues (to try to pass)
then fight him, for he has a companion (i.e. a satan) with him." (Ibn Khuzaimah in
his Sahiih (1/93/1) with a sound isnaad.) However, in congregational prayer, the
sutrah of the imam is sufficient for those who follow him.

Ta'aalaa: This is actually a verb that signifies that Allah is high above His

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creation in every aspect.

Tabaaraka Wa Ta'aalaa (TWT): Similar to subhaanahu wa ta'aalaa,

however, tabaaraka signifies the blessedness and purity of Allah.

Tamthiil: To believe that the Attributes of Allah are like the attributes of a
creature. And it is absolutely forbidden to draw parallels to Allah.

Tashbiih: Making similarities or likening Allah, the Creator, to His creation in

anything that pertains to His Essence, His Actions, and His Names and Attributes.
Likewise it is forbidden to do this in Islam.

Tauhiid (belief in the Oneness of Allah) is in fact the message of all prophets
including Noah (AS), Abraham (AS), Moses (AS), Jesus (AS) and Muhammad
(SAAS). It means to believe that Allah is the one and only God who deserves to be
worshipped. Tauhiid consists of three aspects:

1. Tauhiid-ur-robuubiyyah (Oneness of Lordship): This means to believe that

there is only one Lord for the whole universe. Allah (TWT) is its Creator,
Planner, Organizer, Sustainer, and the Giver of security, etc. It is declaring that
Allah (SWT) is the One and Unique in His work, like creation, possessing,
sustenance and dominion of creatures.

2. Tauhiid-ul-uluuhiyyah or tauhiid-ul-'ibaadah (Oneness of Worship): This is the

most important aspect of tauhiid. This means to believe that none but Allah has
the right to be worshipped. All the acts of worship which Allah has commanded
must be directed to Him Alone irrespective of whether they are done with the
heart, tongue or limbs. Among the acts of worship are: supplication, praying,
giving charity, fasting, pilgrimage, sacrificing animals, vows, fear of Allah,
hopefulness of His mercy, committing affairs to Allah, fear with reverence,
seeking Allah's aid, protection and relief.

3. Tauhiid-ul-asmaa‘ was-sefaat (Oneness of the Names and Attributes): This

means to affirm the Names and Attributes, which Allah affirmed to Himself in
His Book (al-Qur‘aan) and in as-Sunnah of His Messenger Muhammad (SAAS),
without distortion of the meaning (tahriif), negating the meaning (ta'teel),

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The explanations of some Arabic terms

assigning a manner to any attribute (takyiif), or drawing parallels to Allah

(tamthiil). The reason is that Allah knows best His Own Self and the selves of
others. What He says is the truest and the best, and nothing is in the likeness of
Allah, nor is anything comparable or partner to Him, "…There is nothing
like unto Him and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer." (Al-Qur‘aan 42:11
- interpretation of the meaning)

Ustaadh: Professor, teacher, lecturer, reader, master or Mr.

Az-zakaah: The 3rd pillar of Islam. It is an obligatory charity due on wealth. The
literal and simple meaning of az-zakaah is purity, while its technical meaning
designates the annual amount in kind or cash that a Muslim with means [who
possesses the minimum amount of wealth (an-nisaab) according to Islamic Law]
must distribute among the rightful beneficiaries according to al-Qur‘aan and as-
Sunnah from his yearly net saving. It is basically 2.5% of the money one has saved for
a one year period. There are specifics with regards to different types of wealth and the
specific amount owed must be calculated accordingly.

Eventually, the transliteration of Arabic words is as close as possible to their

pronunciation.

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The explanations of some Arabic terms

The letters "saas" used after the Prophet Muhammad's name are abbreviations for the
words "Salla Allahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam," which means "may the blessing and
the peace of Allah be upon him." When the name of Prophet Muhammad is
mentioned, a Muslim is to respect him and invoke this statement of peace upon him.

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Peace be upon him - Wikipedia

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Peace be upon him

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Main page This article is about the phrase used in Islam. For the Jewish honorific, see Peace be upon
Contents him (Judaism).
Featured content This article is about one of many honorifics phrases used in Islam. For other Islamic
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The Arabic phrase ʿalayhi s-salām (‫)عليه السام‬, which
Wikipedia store translates as "peace be upon him" is a conventionally
complimentary phrase or durood attached to the names of the
Interaction
prophets in Islam . The English phrase is also given the
Help abbreviation PBUH in English-language writing. An extended
About Wikipedia
variant of the phrase reads ṣallā Allāhu ʿalayhi wa-ʿala āli-hi
Community portal
wa-sallam (Arabic : ‫صلى ه عليه وعلى آله وسلم‬‎) [lit.] "blessings of
Recent changes
Contact page
God be upon him and his family and peace", and it is often
abbreviated SAW or SAWS in writing, even in English. The
Tools Arabic phrase is given the name ṣalawāt. The phrase is
What links here Ṣallā Allāhu ʿalayhi wa-sallam written
encoded as a ligature at Unicode code point U+FDFA ‫ﷺ‬
Related changes in Arabic Calligraphy
ARABIC LIGATURE SALLALLAHOU ALAYHE WASALLAM[1]
Upload file
Special pages Some Islamic scholars have voiced disagreement with the
Permanent link practice of abbreviating these phrases, arguing that it
Page information
demonstrates laziness and a lack of respect.[2]
Wikidata item
Cite this page Contents []

Print/export 1 Variants of the phrase in Arabic

2 In the Qurʾān
Create a book
3 In tafsir
Download as PDF
Printable version 4 In hadith
5 Ruling on abbreviating the phrase
Languages 6 See also
‫العربية‬ 7 References sallā Allāhu ʿalayhi wa-sallam written
বাংলা in Arabic calligraphy
Deutsch
Français Variants of the phrase in Arabic [ edit ]
Bahasa Indonesia
"Peace be upon him": ( Arabic : ‫عليه السام‬‎ ʿalayhi s-salām – AS): This
Italiano
Bahasa Melayu expression follows after naming any prophets , Imams (Shia
Русский exclusively), or one of the archangels (e.g. Jibreel (AS), Mikaeel
‫اردو‬ (AS), etc.).
Example of the name
21 more "May God honour him and grant him peace.": (‫ صلى ه عليه وسلم‬ṣallā
Muhammad with the salat

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Peace be upon him - Wikipedia

Edit links llāhu ʿalayhi wa-sallam – SAW, SAAW, or SAAS): This expression phrase attached in thuluth
follows specifically after uttering the name of Muhammad , although calligraphy.

"peace be upon him" may be used instead

"May God grant peace and honour on him and his family.":
(Arabic : ‫صلى ه عليه وآله‬‎ ṣallā llahu ʿalayhi wa-ʾāli-h(i) –
SAWW): This expression follows specifically after saying
the name of Muhammad
"Peace be upon her": ( Arabic : ‫سام ه علیها‬‎ salāmu llāh
ʿalayhā – SAA): This expression follows specifically after
the name of historical Islamic women, e.g. Fatima,
daughter of the Prophet, Asiya, wife of the Pharaoh and
Mary, the mother of Jesus .

When mentioning the Sahabah (the companions, disciples,

scribes and family of the Islamic prophet Muhammad), raḍiya "Blessings of Allah be upon him and
llāhu ʿanhu (for males) and raḍiya 'llāhu ʿanha (for women) his family and peace" (as a more
famous phrase by Shia Muslims)
are used by Sunnis; they mean, "May God be pleased with him
or her," respectively. These have often been abbreviated RA .
The phrase is sometimes also used after mentioning other names, including those of Jesus and Moses , but
the term ‫ عليه سام‬ʿalayhi salām, "On him be peace," is more common in such cases.

In the Qurʾān [ edit ]

In the translation of the meanings of the Qurʾān in Surah Part of a series on

(chapter) 33 entitled Al-Ahzab (The Confederates), Islam
ayah (verse) 56: Allah3.svg

Surely Allah and His angels bless the

Prophet; O you who believe! call for
(Divine) blessings on him and salute him
with a (becoming) salutation. Beliefs [show]

— Al-Ahzab[3] Practices [show]

Texts and laws [show]

In tafsir [ edit ]
History [show]
The Islamic scholar , ibn Kathir , titled the section in his Culture and society [show]
tafsir (i.e., explanation of the Qurʾān), the Tafsir ibn
Related topics [show]
Kathir, regarding this verse, "The Command to say Salah
upon the Prophet (Muhammad)". Islam portal

This point is further founded in the saying by v·t·e

Muhammad that,

The miser is the one in whose presence I am mentioned, then he does not send the Salam
upon me.

— Muhammad

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Peace be upon him - Wikipedia

This was recorded by Ahmad ibn Hanbal in his Musnad.

In hadith [ edit ]

The evidence for sending salat on Muhammad is not limited to the

Qurʾān. It is also found in hadith about Muhammad. Examples
include:

Al-Tirmidhi recorded that Abu Hurairah said:

The Messenger of Allah said, "May he be

humiliated, the man in whose presence I am
mentioned and he does not send Salah upon me;
may he be humiliated, the man who sees the month
of Ramadan come and go, and he is not forgiven; Prophet Muhammad Peace upon
may he be humiliated, the man whose parents live to him- ‫صلى ه عليه وسلم‬
old age and they do not cause him to be granted
admittance to Paradise."

— Abu Hurairah

Al-Tirmidhi said that this hadith was, " Hasan gharib" ("Good but only reported once").

In Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abi Dawood, Sunan al-Tirmidhi, and Al-Sunan al-Sughra (Sunan al-Nasa'i),
four of the six major Sunni hadith collections , recorded that Abu Hurairah said,

The Messenger of Allah said: "Whoever sends one Salah upon me, Allah will send ten upon
him."

— Abu Hurayrah

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal reported in his Musnad that the companion of Muhammad , Abu Talha ibn
Thabit said:

One morning the Messenger of Allah was in a cheerful mood and looked happy. They said,
"O Messenger of Allah, this morning you are in a cheerful mood and look happy." He said,
"Of course, just now someone [an angel] came to me from my Lord [Allah] and said,
'Whoever among your Ummah sends Salah upon you, Allah will record for him ten good
deeds and will erase for him ten evil deeds, and will raise his status by ten degrees, and will
return his greeting with something similar to it.'"

— Abu Talha ibn Thabit

Ahmad Bayhaqi reports that Abu Hurairah said that Muhammad said:

Send the Salat on Allah's messengers and prophets for Allah sent them as He sent
me.

— Muhammad

[ edit ]

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Peace be upon him - Wikipedia

Ruling on abbreviating the phrase

Scholars of the Wahhabi branch of Islam practised in Saudi Arabia have instructed their followers not to
abbreviate the salat to Muhammad. For example, Abd al-Aziz ibn Baz , the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia,
said:[citation needed][year needed]

As it is prescribed to send prayers upon the Prophet (peace and prayers of Allah be upon him)
in prayer when saying the tashahhud , and it is prescribed when giving khutbahs , saying
Du’a and praying for forgiveness, and after the Adhan, and when entering and exiting the
mosque, and when mentioning him in other circumstances, so it is more important to do so
when writing his name in a book, letter, article and so on. So it is prescribed to write the
prayers in full so as to fulfil the command that Allah has given to Muslims, and so that the
reader will remember to say the prayers when he reads it. So one should not write the prayers
on the Prophet (peace and prayers of Allah be upon him) in short form such as writing (S) or
(SAWS) etc, or other forms that some writers use, because that is going against the command
of Allah in His Book, where He says (interpretation of the meaning):

"Send your Salaah on (ask Allah to bless) him (Muhammad), and (you should)
greet (salute) him with the Islamic way of greeting (salutation, i.e.
As Salaamu ‘Alaykum)" [Qurʾān 33:56]

And that (writing it in abbreviated form) does not serve that purpose and is devoid of the
virtue of writing "salla Allaahu ‘alayhi wa salaam (May Allah send prayers and peace upon
him)" in full. Moreover the reader may not take notice of it and may not understand what is
meant by it. It should also be noted that the symbol used for it is regarded as disapproved by
the scholars, who warned against it.

See also [ edit ]

Subhanahu wa ta'ala
As-salamu alaykum
Na'at
Peace be upon him in Judaism

References [ edit ]

1. ^ ."Arabic Presentation Forms-A" (PDF). The Unicode Standard, Version 5.2. Mountain View,
Ca.: Unicode, Inc. 2009-10-01. Retrieved 2010-05-09.
2. ^ Al-Fayrooza-abaadee; As-Salaatu wal-Bushr; (quoted in Mu'jam Al-Manaahee Al-Laf-thiyyah);
p.351. "The Musnad"; Imaam Ahmad; (#5088); 9/105). From a handwritten answer provided by
the shaykh, Wasee Allaah 'Abbaas, file no. AAWA004, dated 1423/6/24
3. ^ Quran 33:56  (Translated by Shakir)

Categories : Islamic terminology Islamic honorifics Arabic words and phrases

Greeting words and phrases

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Peace be upon him - Wikipedia

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The letters "saas" used after the Prophet Muhammad's name are
abbreviations for the words "Salla Allahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam," which
means "may the blessing and the peace of Allah be upon him." When
the name of Prophet Muhammad is mentioned, a Muslim is to respect
him and invoke this statement of peace upon him.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_be_upon_him[2/1/2019 7:08:11 PM]