Glossary

Manners, respectful conduct, and etiquette. Adab shapes how a Muslim learns, speaks, disagrees, asks questions, and treats people.

The call to prayer that sounds before each obligatory salah. It tells Muslims the prayer time has started and calls them to gather and pray.

The next life, after death and the Day of Judgment. Belief in it is part of Islamic faith.

Good character, manners, and ethics as Islam teaches them. It shows up in honesty, patience, mercy, humility, and the way you treat people.

The Opening, the first chapter of the Quran. It has seven verses and is recited in every unit (rak'ah) of every prayer, so it is the first chapter most new Muslims learn.

A scholar; the plural is ulama. In South Asian communities it also means a graduate of a multi-year alim course; alimah is the form for a woman.

The Arabic word for God. Muslims use this name for the one Creator and Sustainer of everything that exists. Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews use the same word for God.

Trustworthiness, and faithfully looking after whatever has been put in your care: property, a secret, a duty, a responsibility. The word also covers the moral responsibility a person carries before Allah.

The core beliefs and creed of Islam: one God, the angels, the revealed books, the prophets, the Day of Judgment, and divine decree. It is the foundation the rest of the religion rests on.

An animal sacrificed to celebrate a newborn, with the meat shared. The details for boys and girls are something to ask a teacher about.

The tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic year. Fasting on it is a Sunnah, and the Prophet said it expiates the sins of the year before.

The late afternoon prayer, the third of the five daily prayers. Its window runs from mid-afternoon until sunset.

The parts of the body that Islamic modesty guidelines say should be covered in front of others. What counts as awrah depends on the situation and on the scholarly opinion being followed.

A verse of the Quran. The word literally means 'sign' or 'miracle.' The Quran is made up of chapters, called surahs, and every surah holds a number of ayahs.

Blessing, or increase that comes from Allah. It is the sense that your time, money, knowledge, or effort went further than it should have.

The barrier or in-between stage from death until the Day of Resurrection.

A religious innovation added to worship or belief without sound basis in the Quran or Sunnah. Muslims use the word carefully, since not every new worldly thing counts as bid'ah.

'In the name of Allah.' Muslims say it before eating, before wudu and before starting a task. The full form, Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim, opens Al-Fatihah.

Terms for the face-covering garments some Muslim women wear. A niqab usually covers the face and leaves the eyes visible, while a burqa is a fuller outer covering. Opinions about both differ by culture and by scholar.

Praying Dhuhr with Asr, or Maghrib with Isha, one straight after the other in the time of one of them. The Shafi'i school allows it on a journey with conditions; the Hanafi school allows it only at Arafah and Muzdalifah during Hajj.

Weak: a hadith with a problem in its chain or text. It is not used on its own to establish a ruling.

Inviting others to understand Islam through clear explanation, good manners, and wise conduct. Public preaching is one form of it, and so is the way you carry yourself day to day.

A great deceiver described in Islamic teachings about the end times, sometimes called the false messiah. Muslims are taught to ask Allah for protection from his trial.

Religion, and more broadly the whole way of living in obedience to Allah. When Muslims say deen they usually mean Islam as a way of life, with the rituals as one part of it.

The practice of remembering Allah through short phrases, set prayers, or quiet reflection. You can do it anywhere and at any time, and it is one of the easiest ways to keep Allah in mind through an ordinary day.

The midday prayer, the second of the five daily prayers. Its window opens once the sun has passed its highest point in the sky.

The twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. Hajj takes place in it, Eid al-Adha falls on its tenth day, and the Prophet encouraged fasting the Day of Arafah, its ninth day.

A personal prayer or request made to Allah. Unlike the five daily prayers, dua has no fixed form: you can make it at any time, in any language, in your own words. It is talking to God directly.

This world and its life. Muslims live fully in it, work and enjoy what is good, while remembering it is temporary.

A celebration or festival. Muslims mark two main Eids each year: Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha during the Hajj season. Both are days of prayer, gathering, and gratitude.

The dawn prayer, the first of the five daily prayers. Its window runs from the first light of dawn until sunrise. Many Muslims find this early prayer a peaceful way to start the day.

An obligatory act in Islam. Doing it is rewarded and deliberately abandoning it without excuse is sinful.

A non-binding legal opinion given by a qualified scholar in answer to a question. A fatwa explains how Islamic teachings might apply to one specific situation.

Feeding a person in need for each Ramadan fast that someone cannot keep and cannot make up later, for example because of old age or a lasting illness. The schools differ on the details, so ask a teacher about your own case.

The understanding and study of Islamic law: how to pray, fast, pay zakat, marry, buy and sell. A scholar of fiqh is called a faqih.

A trial, temptation, or tribulation that tests a person's faith and character. The word can also describe social turmoil or confusion.

The natural, pure state every human being is born in, already inclined to recognize God. Islam teaches that coming to faith is a return to that original nature rather than a move to something foreign.

A voluntary prayer of at least two rak'ahs in the forenoon, after the sun has risen.

A full-body ritual washing required after marital intimacy and after menstruation or post-natal bleeding, and recommended after accepting Islam (some schools require it). It involves washing the entire body with the intention of purification.

A recorded saying, action, or approval of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Hadith collections sit alongside the Quran as a main source of guidance, and they show Muslims how the Quran was actually put into practice.

Someone who has memorised the whole Quran. It is an honour, but a hafiz is not necessarily a scholar who can give rulings.

The annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca) that every Muslim who is physically and financially able should make at least once in their lifetime. It takes place during a specific period in the Islamic calendar and is one of the five pillars of Islam.

Anything that is permissible or lawful in Islam. It is most commonly used to describe food that meets Islamic dietary guidelines, but it applies to all aspects of life. If something is halal, you are free to enjoy it.

A study circle. A small group sits with a teacher, often at a masjid, to read and talk about the Quran, hadith or a book. Many masjids run a halaqa for new Muslims.

Anything that is forbidden or prohibited in Islam, such as consuming alcohol or pork. These boundaries are meant to protect your well-being. If you are unsure whether something is haram, it is always okay to ask and learn.

Good: a hadith grade just below sahih. A hasan hadith is accepted as evidence.

One full lunar year. Zakat is due on wealth at or above the nisab once you have held it for a hawl.

Modesty, shyness, and a dignified sense of shame that keeps a person away from wrong. It influences dress, speech, behavior, and inner attitude.

Menstruation, the monthly period. A woman does not pray or fast during it and does not make up the missed prayers.

Commonly refers to the headscarf worn by many Muslim women as an expression of modesty and faith. More broadly, hijab refers to the concept of modesty in dress and behavior for both men and women.

Migration for the sake of faith, especially the Prophet Muhammad's migration from Makkah to Madinah. More broadly, it can mean leaving behind harmful situations to protect or strengthen your deen.

The Islamic lunar calendar of twelve months, counted from the Prophet's migration (hijrah) to Madinah. Each month starts with the new moon, so Ramadan and Eid move about 11 days earlier each year.

Short blessings Muslims say or write after certain names: sallallahu alayhi wa sallam (peace be upon him) after the Prophet Muhammad, subhanahu wa ta'ala (glorified and exalted is He) after Allah, alayhis-salam (peace be upon him) after other prophets and angels, and radiyallahu anhu (may Allah be pleased with him) after the Companions. The letters are abbreviations of these phrases.

Staying in the masjid for a period to worship, most often in the last ten nights of Ramadan. Many masjids let people join for a night or a few hours.

Worship and acts of devotion done for Allah. It includes formal rituals like prayer and fasting as well as everyday good deeds done with sincere intention.

The waiting period a woman keeps after a divorce or her husband's death before she can remarry. Its length depends on the situation, so ask a qualified imam.

The meal with which a fasting person breaks the fast at sunset in Ramadan or other fasts. It is traditionally opened at Maghrib time, often with dates and water.

The sacred state a pilgrim enters before Hajj or Umrah, along with the special restrictions and intentions that come with it. The word is also commonly used for the simple garments worn during this state.

Excellence in worship: praying with real sincerity and attention, as if you can see Allah, knowing that He sees you. The word also covers doing ordinary work carefully and well.

A licence a teacher gives a student to teach or recite a text, such as the Quran or a hadith collection. It is one way to check that a teacher learned from someone qualified.

Scholarly consensus on a question of Islamic law or belief. It is one of the sources scholars rely on when working out rulings.

Careful independent reasoning used by qualified scholars to derive rulings when a matter is not addressed explicitly. It requires deep knowledge of the sources and legal method.

Sincerity: doing worship or a good deed for Allah alone, not to be seen or praised by people. Al-Ikhlas is also the name of chapter 112 of the Quran.

Knowledge, especially beneficial knowledge of faith and practice. Islam puts a lot of weight on seeking it.

The person who leads the congregation in prayer at a masjid. Many imams also teach, advise, and handle community matters, so a local imam is a good person to ask when you have questions about Islam.

Faith or belief. In Islam, iman covers believing in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Day of Judgment, and divine decree. It rises and falls in everyone, and looking after it is lifelong work.

The second call, said just before a congregational prayer begins. Its words are close to the adhan's, and it tells people to stand in rows.

The night prayer, the fifth and final prayer of the day. Its window opens once twilight has gone, and it can be prayed until midnight or, if needed, until just before Fajr.

The religion of submission and peace with God. The word comes from the Arabic root meaning 'peace' and 'submission.' Islam teaches that there is one God and that Muhammad is His final messenger.

The chain of narrators that carries a hadith back to the Prophet. Scholars judge a hadith's strength mainly by its isnad.

The Night Journey: the Prophet's journey by night from Makkah to Jerusalem (the Isra) and his ascent through the heavens (the Mi'raj).

Asking Allah for forgiveness, most simply by saying astaghfirullah (I ask Allah's forgiveness). The Prophet asked for forgiveness more than seventy times a day, so it is a daily habit, not only something for big mistakes.

Bleeding outside the normal period, such as spotting or very long bleeding. A woman in istihadah still prays and fasts. The schools differ on the details, so ask a teacher.

A prayer and supplication asking Allah for guidance when making a decision. It is done when choosing between permissible options and trusting Allah with the outcome.

Cleaning yourself with water after using the toilet. Toilet paper can be used first, and many Muslims keep a small water bottle or bidet in the bathroom.

Hellfire, the place of punishment in the afterlife for those who reject truth and persist in grave wrongdoing. Muslims mention it as a warning and reminder of accountability.

The state after sexual intercourse or a sexual discharge. A person in janabah needs the full-body wash (ghusl) before praying.

Funeral rites for a deceased Muslim, especially the funeral prayer. It also refers more broadly to the deceased person and the process of burial.

Paradise, the eternal reward Allah promises to the righteous. It is described as a place of peace, joy, and nearness to Allah.

Striving and struggling in the path of Allah. It can refer to inner struggle against sin and hardship, and in some contexts to armed struggle governed by strict ethical rules.

Unseen beings created from smokeless fire who, like humans, have free will. Some are believing and some are not.

The Friday congregational prayer, which takes the place of Dhuhr on Fridays. It includes a sermon, the khutbah. It is required of adult men; women, children, the sick and travellers are not required to attend but are welcome, and for them it replaces Dhuhr if they do. It is also the main weekly gathering and the easiest way to meet other Muslims near you.

One of the 30 roughly equal parts of the Quran (plural ajza). Reading one juz a day finishes the Quran in a month, which is why many people do it in Ramadan.

The sacred cube-shaped structure in Makkah that Muslims face when they pray. It is the point every Muslim in the world turns toward, and both Hajj and Umrah are performed around it.

The simple white cloth a Muslim is wrapped in for burial. The Prophet was shrouded in three white cotton cloths.

Expiation: a set act to make up for a specific wrong, such as breaking a deliberate oath. For an oath, the Quran sets feeding or clothing ten poor people, or fasting three days if that is not possible.

A term that literally means one who covers or rejects the truth. In Islamic usage it can refer to unbelief or a disbeliever, but it should be used carefully and not as casual abuse.

Steward, successor, or representative. The term can refer to human beings as caretakers on earth or to a caliph who leads the Muslim community.

Being alone in private with someone of the opposite sex who is not your spouse or a mahram. The Prophet said a man should not be alone with a woman unless a mahram is present, which is why meetings before marriage usually include a family member or happen in a public place.

Completing a full reading of the Quran from beginning to end. Families and masjids sometimes share one out, each person reading a juz.

A head covering that falls over the chest. The Quran uses the plural of this word when it tells believing women to draw their coverings over their chests.

A leather sock or boot that can be wiped over in wudu instead of washing the feet, if it was put on after wudu. The schools differ on which other socks count, so ask a teacher before you rely on it.

Divorce that the wife asks for, usually by returning the mahr. In the time of the Prophet a woman asked to leave her marriage this way and he agreed. Speak to a qualified imam and to a lawyer about Canadian law.

Humble focus, calmness, and reverence in prayer. It is the inward state of being present with Allah rather than praying mechanically.

A sermon delivered by the imam before the Friday prayer or during Eid prayers. It usually covers Islamic teachings, reminders, and community matters. Listening quietly during the khutbah is encouraged.

The Night of Glory, when the Quran was first revealed. Surah al-Qadr says it is better than a thousand months, and Muslims look for it in the last ten nights of Ramadan.

A school of Islamic law. Sunni Muslims follow four: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i and Hanbali. They agree on the foundations and differ on details, and this site presents those differences without choosing between them.

The sunset prayer, which is the fourth of the five daily prayers. It is performed just after the sun has set. The time window for Maghrib is relatively short, lasting until twilight fades.

The bridal gift the groom gives the bride as part of the marriage contract. It is her right and belongs to her alone.

Close family: a relative you may never marry, such as a parent, child, sibling, uncle, aunt, niece or nephew, and some in-laws such as a father-in-law or mother-in-law. You may relax your covering in front of a mahram. Religion does not change it, so a non-Muslim father or brother is still mahram. Cousins and brothers-in-law are not.

An action that is disliked in Islam but not strictly forbidden. Avoiding it may be rewarded, while doing it is not usually sinful by itself.

The higher objectives and wisdoms of Islamic law, such as protecting faith, life, intellect, family, and property. The concept helps scholars understand the purpose behind rulings.

Someone who joins a congregational prayer after it has started. You pray the rest with the imam, then stand after his salam and complete what you missed.

Doubtful: food or a product whose halal status is unclear, for example because of an unnamed ingredient such as gelatin. The Prophet said that between the clearly lawful and the clearly unlawful are doubtful things, and keeping away from them protects your religion.

A mosque: the place where Muslims gather for prayer and community life. The word literally means 'place of prostration.' You do not need permission or an invitation to walk into one.

A title for a religious scholar or imam, used mostly in South Asian communities. Like other titles, it is not regulated.

The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, which many Muslims mark in the month of Rabi al-Awwal. Scholars differ on whether and how to celebrate it. If the question comes up, ask a teacher you trust rather than settling it in an online argument.

A natural teeth-cleaning stick traditionally used for oral hygiene. Using it is widely associated with the Sunnah.

The person who calls the adhan. In a mosque, the mu'adhin announces the prayer time to the community.

Something permitted and religiously neutral in Islam. Doing it or leaving it does not bring sin or reward by itself unless intention changes the act.

A scholar trained and licensed to give formal rulings (fatwas). A fatwa answers a specific question, so ask about your own situation rather than borrowing someone else's answer.

One who migrates for the sake of Allah and faith. Historically it often refers to the early Muslims who left Makkah for Madinah.

The final Prophet and Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. Muslims love him, follow his Sunnah, and learn his life as the clearest human example of Islam in practice.

A person who follows Islam and submits to the will of Allah. The word shares a root with Islam and means one who finds peace through surrender to God. If you have said the Shahada, it describes you now.

An act that is recommended and loved in Islam but not obligatory. Doing it brings reward, while leaving it does not bring sin.

Voluntary acts of worship beyond what is required. Nafl prayers, fasts, and charity help a person grow closer to Allah.

The self or ego, including its desires. Much of Islamic character is about training the nafs gently over time.

Impure substances, such as urine and stool, that are washed off the body, clothes or place of prayer before praying. It is a different thing from being without wudu.

The bleeding after giving birth. Its rules are close to those of the monthly period.

The Islamic marriage contract. It makes the marriage lawful and outlines rights and responsibilities.

The minimum amount of wealth a person must hold before zakat is due. It is measured against the value of gold or silver, so the dollar figure changes with their prices.

Intention. In Islam, the sincerity of your intention is what gives actions their spiritual value. Before acts of worship like prayer or fasting, you set your niyyah in your heart. It does not need to be spoken aloud.

Divine decree and Allah's perfect knowledge and determination of all things. Belief in qadr includes trusting that Allah knows what was, is, and will be.

A skilled reciter of the Quran. A beautiful voice and good tajweed do not make someone a scholar who can give rulings.

The direction Muslims face in prayer, toward the Ka'bah in Makkah. Finding the qiblah helps orient acts of worship like salah and burial.

Standing in prayer. It can also refer to night prayer, especially longer standing in worship such as Qiyam al-Layl.

The holy book of Islam, believed to be the literal word of God as revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over 23 years. It is the primary source of guidance for Muslims and is traditionally recited in Arabic.

Mercy, compassion, and loving care. Muslims use this word often when speaking about Allah's mercy and the merciful character taught by the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.

A single unit or cycle of the Islamic prayer, consisting of standing, bowing, and prostrating. Each of the five daily prayers has a set number of rak'ahs. Learning the movements takes a little practice, and that is perfectly normal.

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, when Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. Most of the month goes on extra prayer, Quran reading, gratitude, and time with other Muslims. Your first Ramadan will be hard in places, and you can build up to it at your own pace.

The voluntary rak'ahs prayed before or after the obligatory prayers, such as the two before Fajr. They are not part of the obligatory prayer, and the schools count them a little differently.

Two words for someone who becomes Muslim later in life. "Revert" comes from the teaching that every child is born on the fitrah, a natural inclination to recognise God (Sahih al-Bukhari 1385), so coming to Islam is seen as a return. Some Muslims who came to Islam as adults prefer "convert", because it names a choice they made. Both words are in use. Call yourself whichever feels right, and there is no need to correct anyone who uses the other.

Usury or interest-based gain that Islamic law forbids in certain financial transactions. Muslims generally use the term for exploitative or interest-bearing dealings that violate Islamic ethics.

Showing off: doing worship or good deeds so that people will see and praise you. It is the opposite of sincerity (ikhlas). Worrying that you might be showing off is not the same as doing it.

The bowing position in salah, when a worshipper bends at the waist with hands on the knees. It is one of the main physical pillars of each rak'ah.

Walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, part of Hajj and Umrah.

Patience, perseverance, and steady self-control for the sake of Allah. It includes staying firm in worship, avoiding sin, and enduring hardship well.

Voluntary charity or a good deed done out of kindness and compassion. Unlike zakat, sadaqah is not obligatory and can be as simple as a smile, helping a neighbor, or sharing food. Every act of goodness counts.

Authentic: the highest grade of hadith, with a sound, connected chain of reliable narrators. Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim are the two best-known collections.

Prostration in prayer, when the forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes touch the ground. It is one of the closest moments of a servant to Allah.

The early righteous generations of Muslims, especially the Prophet's companions, their students, and the generation after them. They are often looked to as important examples of understanding and practice.

The formal Islamic prayer performed five times daily. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and a direct connection between you and Allah. Learning salah takes time, and it is okay to start slowly and build up.

Peace. The greeting 'As-salamu alaykum' means 'Peace be upon you' and is the standard way Muslims greet each other. The reply is 'Wa alaykum as-salam' ('And upon you, peace'). You will hear it constantly, and you can use it with any Muslim you meet.

Asking Allah to send blessings and peace on the Prophet Muhammad, for example by saying sallallahu alayhi wa sallam (peace be upon him) when his name is mentioned. The Quran tells believers to do this.

Fasting, especially during the month of Ramadan. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn to sunset. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a time for spiritual growth and self-discipline.

The declaration of faith and the first pillar of Islam: 'I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.' Saying it sincerely is how a person enters Islam. Everything else comes after it.

The divine moral and legal guidance of Islam drawn from the Quran and Sunnah. It covers worship, ethics, family life, finance, justice, and more.

A title for a scholar with years of formal study and teaching; shaykha is the form for a woman. It is also used as a courtesy for older men. Titles are not regulated, so it is fine to ask where someone studied.

Associating partners with Allah in worship, lordship, or His unique attributes. It is considered the gravest sin if a person dies without repenting from it.

Praying the four-rak'ah prayers (Dhuhr, Asr and Isha) as two rak'ahs while travelling. Fajr and Maghrib are not shortened. The schools differ on how far and how long a trip must be.

Gratitude and thankful recognition of Allah's blessings. True shukr includes feeling thankful in the heart, speaking it, and using blessings well.

The biography and life story of Prophet Muhammad. Studying the sirah helps Muslims understand the Quran and the Prophet's character.

The pre-dawn meal eaten before the fast begins. It is recommended and helps provide strength for the day of fasting.

The teachings, practices, and way of life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Following the Sunnah shows Muslims how to put the Quran into practice. It covers prayer, manners, and small daily habits alike.

A chapter of the Quran. There are 114 surahs in total, varying in length from a few verses to several pages. Many new Muslims start by learning shorter surahs from the end of the Quran for use in their daily prayers.

An object placed in front of someone praying, such as a wall, a chair or a bag, so people can walk past beyond it. Keep it close in front of you.

Offering condolences to a grieving family: visiting, bringing food, and saying words of comfort. The Prophet's words to his grieving daughter were: what Allah takes is His, and what He gives is His.

The scholarly explanation and interpretation of the Quran. Tafsir gives you the context, meaning, and lessons behind a verse. Reading a trusted tafsir alongside the Quran will save you a lot of confusion.

A voluntary prayer in the night, usually after some sleep and before Fajr. It is extra, not required, and even two units count.

Ritual purity and cleanliness required or encouraged for worship. It includes purification through wudu, ghusl, and keeping body, clothes, and place clean.

The set of rules for correctly pronouncing the letters and words of the Quran during recitation. Learning tajweed is a gradual process, and many Muslims study it over time. Do not worry about perfection at the start.

Saying 'Allahu Akbar' ('Allah is the Greatest'). It appears throughout prayer and many other acts of worship.

Divorce started by the husband. The rules have several stages and differ between the schools, so anyone facing divorce should speak to a qualified imam, and to a lawyer about Canadian law.

The words pilgrims repeat in ihram, beginning Labbayk Allahumma labbayk (here I am, O Allah, here I am).

God-consciousness, mindfulness of Allah, and protective awareness that leads a person to obey Him and avoid sin. It is one of the central goals of Islamic spiritual life.

Voluntary night prayers in Ramadan, prayed after Isha and often in congregation at the masjid. Masjids differ in how many units they pray, and you can join for part of it and go home.

Glorifying Allah by saying SubhanAllah (glory be to Allah). The word is also used for prayer beads that some people use to count their dhikr.

The sitting testimony recited during salah. It includes words of greeting, witness of faith, and prayers upon the Prophet.

Walking around the Ka'bah seven times as an act of worship, part of Hajj and Umrah.

Trust in Allah. You take the practical steps you can, then leave the result to Allah.

Repentance, or sincerely turning back to Allah after making a mistake. Islam teaches that Allah is always ready to forgive. Making tawbah simply means recognizing the mistake, feeling genuine regret, and intending not to repeat it.

The absolute oneness of Allah and singling Him out alone for worship. It is the foundation of Islamic belief.

Dry purification with clean earth, used instead of wudu or the full-body wash (ghusl) when there is no water or water would cause harm. The Quran describes it in 5:6.

Good, pure and wholesome. The Quran pairs lawful with good, so food should be both halal and tayyib.

The animal sacrifice of Eid al-Adha, called qurbani in South Asian communities. Many people in Canada arrange it through a charity or a halal butcher, and the meat is shared with family, friends and people in need.

Scholars: people with long, recognised training in Islamic knowledge. The singular is alim.

The worldwide Muslim community, held together by shared faith. Wherever you go, other Muslims are meant to treat you as a brother or sister and carry some responsibility for you.

A voluntary pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of year, unlike Hajj, which has fixed dates. It is shorter and simpler than Hajj, though many people find it moves them just as much.

Teacher. Often used for someone who has finished Islamic studies and is starting to teach, or who specialises in one subject such as Quran recitation.

A required act, especially in Hanafi terminology. It is similar to an obligation, though some scholars distinguish it from fard in strength of evidence.

A guardian, usually a bride's father or another close male relative, who takes part in her marriage contract. The schools differ on whether a wali is required, so ask a qualified imam about your situation.

The wedding meal given to celebrate a marriage. The Prophet told a companion to give one even if it was only one sheep, so it can be simple.

An odd-numbered prayer performed after Isha, often as the last prayer of the night. It is strongly encouraged, and many Muslims are attached to it.

The ritual washing performed before prayer. It involves washing the hands, mouth, nose, face, and arms, wiping the head, and washing the feet, in that order. The washing itself is calming, and it helps you settle before you pray.

Meat from an animal slaughtered by the Islamic method, with the name of Allah said at the time of slaughter. Scholars differ on some questions, such as meat slaughtered by Christians and Jews, so ask a teacher which view to follow.

Obligatory annual charitable giving, calculated as 2.5% of a Muslim's qualifying wealth. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and serves to purify one's wealth while supporting those in need. It only applies once you meet a minimum wealth threshold.

The blessed well water in Makkah near the Ka'bah. Muslims drink it with gratitude and often with personal supplication.

Sexual relations outside marriage. The Quran says not even to go near it.