Understanding key Islamic terms helps you navigate your spiritual journey with confidence.
Explore these essential words every new Muslim should know.
Shahadah
The Islamic declaration of faith: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger."
This is the first pillar of Islam.
Pillar
Salah
A set of specific actions that start with Takbir E Tahrimah, and end with Salam.
Obligatory prayer is 5 times a day. Prayer is the second pillar of Islam.
Pillar
Sunnah
The actions, sayings, silent approvals of the prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) or Companions
(May Allah Almighty Be Pleased With Them).
Practice
Hadith
A collection of narrations and reports about the sayings, actions, and approvals of
Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
Scripture
Fardh
Every command or prohibition which is proven through unambiguous scriptural evidence (Quran and Sunnah etc), for which there is no room for doubt and its rejection is Kufr.
Ruling
Wajib
Necessary – Must also be done; if not done, then one is sinful but rejection is not Kufr (disbelief).
Ruling
Wudu
Ablution is an act of washing which purifies one (as it is mandatory to be pure to Pray).
It is essential to perform ablution correctly.
Practice
Zakah
The act of giving a portion of one's wealth to those in need, aiming to promote social justice
and compassion within the community. It serves as both a religious duty and a means of fostering
solidarity among believers.
Pillar
Sawm
Fasting from dawn to dusk during the holy month of Ramadan.
Pillar
Hajj
A spiritual Pilgrimage journey every able Muslim must take once in their lifetime.
Pillar
Dua
Supplication or prayer. Muslims are encouraged to make dua at any time and in any language.
Practice
Ummah
The global Muslim community, united by faith regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or language.
Community
Ramadan
The ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.
Event
Jummah
Friday congregational prayer, which includes a sermon (khutbah).
Practice
Halal
Permissible or lawful according to Islamic law. Often used in reference to food, actions,
and lifestyle choices.
Ruling
Haram
Forbidden or prohibited in Islam. Muslims must avoid haram actions and items, such as alcohol and pork.
Ruling