Islam Glossary

Question 1

A niche in the mosque wall, showing the direction of Mecca

Answer 1

Mihrab

Question 2

A major event in Muhammad’s life when the angel Gabriel visited him, and ordered him to write down the Quran

Answer 2

Night of Power

Question 3

The great migration of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE to establish the religion of Islam

Answer 3

Hijra

Question 4

Place of Muslim worship, particularly on Fridays

Answer 4

Mosque

Question 5

The third most sacred city in Islam. Also a sacred city for Jews and Christians

Answer 5

Jerusalem

Question 6

A major festival in Islam, celebrating the end of Ramadan (or month month of fasting)

Answer 6

Id Ul Fitr

Question 7

Veil or scarf covering the head of Islamic women

Answer 7

Hijab

Question 8

The ultimate sin in Islam, which is to attribute a partner to God (Allah)

Answer 8

Shirk

Question 9

The first son of Abraham, born to Hagar

Answer 9

Ishmael

Question 10

A major event in Muhammad’s life when he journeyed to Jerusalem and travelled through the ‘seven heavens’ to meet Allah, and was directed to pray five times daily

Answer 10

Night Journey

Question 11

The second most sacred city in Islam where Muhammad first founded Islam

Answer 11

Medina

Question 12

The sacred text of Islam, considered a recitation by Muhammad from Allah

Answer 12

Qu’ran

Question 13

Considered to be a prophet (but not the son of God) by Muslims

Answer 13

Jesus

Question 14

The most sacred site in Islam said to be constructed by Abraham and Ishmael

Answer 14

Ka’aba

Question 15

The angel who appeared to Muhammad in a cave when he was about 40 years old in 610 CE and dictated the Qu’ran

Answer 15

Gabriel

Question 16

Place where the call to prayer is issued within a mosque

Answer 16

Minaret

Question 17

For Muslims, the ‘Seal of the Prophets’: the last and greatest prophet from Allah

Answer 17

Muhammad

Question 18

Submission to the will of Allah leads to this

Answer 18

Salvation

Question 19

The Biblical figure known as the ancient father of Islam

Answer 19

Abraham

Question 20

A major festival in Islam celebrating the end of the Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) Id Ul Adha

Answer 20

Id Ul Adha

Question 21

The right to defend the Islamic faith and overcome evil

Answer 21

Jihad

Question 22

The most sacred Islamic site in Jerusalem, where Muhammad made his legendary Night Journey and ascended to heaven

Answer 22

Dome of the Rock

Question 23

The United community of Islam, oneness as evident during salah (prayer) and hajj

Answer 23

Ummah

Question 24

A simple white robe worn by Muslims during the Hajj to Mecca and for their burial

Answer 24

Ihram

Question 25

Person who leads prayer in a mosque

Answer 25

Imam