Vocabulary Quiz Flashcards
qur’an
Holy book of Islam, revealed to Mohammed by the Archangel Gabriel. Literally and unerringly the word of Allah.
hadith
Collected sayings of the Prophet Mohammed and select others. Used for studying and forms part of the basis of Islamic law
sunnah
recorded episodes from the life of Mohammed, so that others may emulate his actions
Five Pillars
zakat (alms for the poor), hajj (once a lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca), shahada (creed: there is no God but Allah and Muhammed is his prophet), fasting during Ramadan, salat (prayer five times a day)
umma
Muslim community of all believers. Originally referred to the whole community of Muslims in the early years of the religion. Now, with Muslims dispersed, some extremists wish to reunite the umma under one caliphate, as they claim existed after the Prophet’s time.
Jihad (near and far)
near: internal struggle against impurity.
Shia
15% of Muslims. Believe that only those related to Prophet can truly be caliphs. Iraq, Iran gov’s,
Sunni
85% of Mohammedans. Believe that a council is a legitimate body to decide a successor to the caliphate.
Salafi
Very conservative reform movement in Sunni Islam. Takes a fundamentalist, back-to-basics approach. Divided into groups who either believe in a strict interpretation of the
wahabi
A tradition of Islam originating from Muhammed Ibn Abdul Wahab in the mid 1700s. Seeks a return to traditional, strict Islamic practice of the Prophet’s time. Focus on oneness of God, so things like visiting graves etc. are close to idolatry.
Fatwa
a legal opinion issued by a competent authority
Imam
Prayer leader. In Sunni Islam, someone who is selected by the local community to lead prayer in a Mosque. This person then has a leadership position within the local Muslim community.
Madrassa
Arabic word for an educational institution. Used to refer to a school or college that studies the Islamic religion, teaching primarily this subject.
Four rightly guided companions
Last 4 khalifs
The battle of Karbala
Took place in Karbala, modern-day Iraq. Took place between Muhammed’s grandson Ali was killed by an Umayyad army for not supporting their rule. Commemorated by Muslims, especially the Shi’a, who believe that Muhammed’s successors should be members of his family.