Adhan - The call to prayer pronounced loudly to indicate that the time of prayer is due.
Al-Fatiha - “The Opening.” The first Surah of the Qur’an.
‘Asr - Afternoon prayer, time.
Deen - A comprehensive “Way of life.” Literally, anything adhered to, such as Din of Islam (Islamic ideology).
Fard - An obligatory action. If the individual performs the action, then he or she is rewarded. Whereas, the failure to perform the action results in a punishment.
Fajr - Dawn or early morning before sunrise.
Ghusl – Taking a complete bath in a religious, ceremonial way. This is necessary for one who is junub (one who is considered impure, having a legal, lawful sexual relation; a wet dream for both male and female or for the ending of the menstrual period of women).
Hadith – The traditions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his sayings.
Iqamah – The statements of the adhan, reduced so that they are repeated once in the Iqamah, except the last occurrence of AllahuAkbar. The prayer is offered immediately after the Iqamah.
‘Isha’ – Evening prayer, the time for which starts about one-half hour after sunset.
Jalsah – The sitting position in the prayer, assumed with the palms of the hands resting above the knees on the thighs, with the fingers slightly parted and extending the them to the knees.
Khushu’ah – Concentration and focus of mind and attention.
Maghrib – Sunset prayer.
Niyyah – Intention, purpose, vow.
Nas – Mankind, the 114th Surah of the Qur’an.
Qa’dah – The sitting position in prayer in which are Tashahhud is recited. The jalsah and qa’dah positions are the same with the exception that the words recited are different.
Qiyam – The posture of standing in prayer.
Rak’ah – Prayer positions, consists of standing, bowing and two prostrations.
Ruku – The position in prayer in which the head is bent forward, with the palms of the hands resting on the knees while the arms are stretched.
Sajdah – Prostration in Prayer. Touching the ground with the forehead, nose, both hands, knees and the tips of the toes. The title of the 32ndSurah of the Qur’an. A Surah by the recitation of which prostration becomes essential when certain verses are read.
Sakeenah – Tranquility, calmness, freedom from anxiety or distress.
Surah – A row or series. Strictly used for chapters of the Qur’an.
Sunnah – Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) way of life. Consists of the sayings (hadith), actions and silent approvals of the Prophet (PBUH). All the traditions and practices of the Prophet (PBUH) that have become as models to be followed by the Muslims.
Ta’awwuth - I seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the accursed (A’oothu billaahee minash shaytaanir-rajeem).
Takbiratul-Ihram – The first takbir of saying, “Allahu Akbar,” in the beginning of a regular prayer and facing the Qiblah.
Tasbih – The expression, “Subhannah Allah,” Pure and glorified are You, O Allah. Declaring that Allah is free of any imperfection and impurity.
Tashahhud – Testimony. I bear witness that there is no god except Allah. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger.”
Tasmiyah – Bismillah (With the Name Allah).
Tayammum – Ablution (Wudu) performed with dust or sand when water is not easily obtainable. Put hands over the clean earth and then pass the palms of each in the back of the other hand, blow off the dust and then pass the hands over the face.
Thana’ – “Pure and glorified are You, O Allah. Blessed is Your Name, and exalted is Your Majesty, and there is nothing worthy or worship except You.
Wudu – Ablution made before saying the prayers in the traditional manner as described in hadith.
Witr – An odd number, optional, odd numbered Rak’ah prayers, performed after ‘Isha’ in which Du’a-al-Qunut is recited. Usually, three Rak’ahs are performed, nut any odd number is acceptable. Properly called, Shaf’il Witr.
Thuhr – Noon, midday prayer.
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