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Uhud A mountain just outside Madina, much loved by the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, at the foot of which the Muslims fought their second major battle against the pagan Qur'aish of Makka in 3AH. The Qur'aish army of 3,000 men, under the leadership of Abu Sufyan, attacked the Muslim army of about 700-1,000 men.
The battle went well at first, but the Muslims nearly lost the battle for two reasons. Firstly, some fifty archers disobeyed the Prophet Muhammad and left their posts, leaving the Muslims open to an attack from their rear; and secondly, there was treachery on the part of some 300 Munafiqeen (hypocrites) led by 'Abdallah ibn Ubai, who deserted the Muslims during the battle. Many great companions, and in panicular the uncle of the Prophet, Hamza, 'the lion of Allah', were killed in this battle. See Bani Nadheer. See Holy Qur'an, Aali 'Imran 3/121-128, 140- 180.
Ulama (Ulamaa; ulema) the learned, knowledgeble people in Islam. the leaders of Islamic society, including teachers, Imams and judges. Plural form of alim.
Ulil 'Amr Muslims who are in charge or in authonty, or who are leaders. The Muslims are ordered to obey all their commands as long as they do not contradict the commandments of Allah Ta'ala and the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. See Qur' an, An-Nisaa 4/59.
Uluhiyah (Tawheed Al) Unity of Worship. To believe that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah "Wahdahu La Shareeka'Lah" ("Alone without Partner") . See Tawheed .
Umm'me An unlettered person. This term is used in the Qur'an to describe the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, who could neither read nor write and who never received any formal education. To the unbeliever here is food for thought: how could an illiterate man have brought such a completely perfect book (the Holy Qur'an), perfect in its meaning, message, grammar and overall content, if it were not with divine help?
No other book exists on earth that has such perfect content and structure. A challenge to all unbelievers! Mankind and Jinn! Assemble together and try to produce just one Surah (chapter) like it. You will never be able to do it, even if you were to try until the Day of Resurrection you will not succeed! No created being has ever been or ever will be able to meet this challenge, for the Holy Qur'an is truly the Book of Allah. Plural: Ummiyeen. See Khatam Anbiyaa.
Ummah (umma) an ummah is a community or a people. It is used in reference to the community of Believers or Muslims. the global community of all Muslim believers. The body of the Muslims as one distinct and integrated community. The Unimah of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, refers to every Ins wal Jinn (mankind and Jinn) born after the final message was revealed through the Prophet Muhammad who have embraced Islam.
The Ummah of Muhammad, may the blessings and peace of Allah be on him and all his community (those who have lived in the past, those who are alive now and those who will live in the future), can be subdivided into two groups:
1. Ummat ad-Da'wa - the nation that was called upon to believe in Allah Ta'ala and the Last Day.
2. Ummat al-Isteajaba - the nation that responded to the call of Muhammad. Another name for this Ummah is "Al- Ummah al-Islamiah" ("the Islamic Nation"). Allah Subhana wa Ta'ala commanded the Ummat al-Isteajaba to hold together and not to disagree. Unfonunately, this decree has been ignored, and in fulfilment of the Last Messenger's prophecy, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, there are now 73 different groups of Muslims, only one of whom possesses and protects the original teachings of Islam as brought and embodied by him.
Ummiyeen Unlettered persons. Singular: Umm-me. See Umm-me
Umm al-mu'mineen UM AL-MU'MINEEN means 'Mother of the Believers'. This was the title of the Prophet's wives; (Surah 33 Ayah 6 stipulated that they could not marry after the Prophet's death because all of the believers were their spiritual children.
Umrah this is also called "the Lesser Pilgrimage" which is optional and can be performed at any time. The lesser pilgrimage performed in Mecca. Unlike hajj, ‘umrah can be performed throughout the year. Umra consists of four steps:
1. Put on the Ihram at the appointed Miqat station. Then proceed to Makka reciting the Talbiyah (aloud for men and quietly for women). See Ihram, Miqat. Talbiyah.
2. Do Tawaf of the Ka'aba seven times. During the Tawaf one may do any Du'a (and in any language) to Allah Ta'ala if one wishes. But remember to point the palm of the right hand and say "Allahu Akbar" at the start of each circuit. Each circuit starts and ends at the Hajar al-Aswad (the Black Stone). See Tawaf, Du'a.
3. Go to Safa and start the Sa'i to Marwa. The Sa'i consists of walking between Safa and Marwa seven times (each direction is considered as one time). Men must jog between two prescribed points.
4. Shave or trim the hair after the completion of the Sa'i. It is then permissible to change out of lhram.
• Synonym for Ruqba. See Ruqba.
Uqubat the branch of sharia that deals with punishment. (See hudud, qisas, tazeer)
‘Urf custom of a given society, leading to change in the fiqh
Urfut Also spelled as 'Urfut. The tree whose fruit is Maghafir, Forgiveness.
Usul (sing. asl) Principles, origins.
Usul al-Fiqh the study of the origins and practice of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh)
Uzzah a chief goddess in the religion of the pre-Islamic Arabs during the days of Jahiliyyah.
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Wafat death (Barah-wafat) Muhammad was born on the twelfth day of Rabi-ul-Awwal, the third month of the Muslim year. His death anniversary also falls on the same day, the word 'barah' standing for the twelve days of Muhammad's sickness.
Wa 'alaikumus salam WALAY KUMUS SALAM This is an expression that a Muslim is to say as an answer for the greeting. When a person greets another with a salutation of peace, the answer for the greeting is an answer of peace. The meaning of this statement is: "And upon you is the peace." The other expressions are: " Wa Alaikums Salam Wa Rahmatullah." and "Wa 'Alaikums Salam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh."
Wa'd Promise. "Wa'd Allah Haqqa" ("the Promise of Allah is true").
Waḥdat al-wujūd "unity of being". Philosophical term used by some Sufis. Related to fanaa
Wahy revelation or inspiration placed in the heart or mind of prophets for all humankind by Allah. Auha, Uhiya and Wahyun derive from the same root, 'Wahy'. The highest form of revelation is the Qur'an of which even the words are from God.
Wahn love of this life and hatred of death
Wailun
1. Literally means "woe be upon you".
2. Name of a pit in Hellfire.
Wajh Literally means "face", but may have other meanings according to its context in the sentence, e.g.:
1. Wajhahu - "his whole self", as in Al-Baqara 2/112.
2. Wajhulah - "the Glory or Presence of Allah", as in Al- Baqara 2/115.
Li-Wajhi'llahi - "for the sake of Allah", as in Al-Insan 76/8.
Wajib obligatory or mandatory see fard
Wakil WAKEEL a person who is an authorized repesentative or proxy. Lawyear.
Wali WALEE legal guardian. A friend or protector. Someone who is supposed to look out for your interest. friend, protector, guardian, supporter, helper. used particularly for the person who 'gives' a woman in marriage. Also someone who is a 'friend' of Allah, one of the Sabiqoon and Muqarraboon. Singular of Awliyaa. See Awliyaa.
Walimah a feast after the wedding. The reception.
Waqf (plur awqaaf) An endowment of money or property: the return or yield is typically dedicated toward a certain end, for example, to the maintenance of the poor, a family, a village, or a mosque A charitable trust in the Name of Allah, usually in perpetuity, and usually for the purposes of establishing the Deen of Islam, teaching useful knowledge, feeding the poor or treating the sick.
Waqi'a (Al) "The Inevitable Event". Another name for the Final Hour. Surali 56 of the Qur'an. The Khalif Uthman, may Allah be pleased with him, was in the midst of reciting this Surah when he was murdered.
Warrāq traditional scribe, publisher, printer, notary and book copier
Wasaya Wills and testaments. Bequests. Allah Ta'ala commands us to make a bequest of our goods to our parents and next of kin. See Qur'an, Al-Baqara 2/180. The exact manner of distribution of one's goods is complicated and therefore should be studied very carefully before writing out one's will. Basically one can bequeath up to one-third of one's property to whomever one wishes, but the remaining two-thirds must be divided between one's surviving relatives in fixed shares, as delineated by the Qur'an and the Sunnah.
Washm Tattoo mark. It is forbidden for a Muslim to have a tattoo on his or her body. Wasm = tattoo.
Wasil A person who is kind and considerate to his kith and kin.
Wasat the middle way, justly balanced, avoiding extremes, moderation
Waseelah the means by which one achieves nearness to Allah. The highest station with Allah on the Last Day, reserved for the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. (see tawassul )
Wathani A pagan. A person who worships idols, stones, graves, trees, persons, angels or any other deity other than Allah Ta'ala.
Wisaal Fasting for more than one day continuously without taking Suhur or Iftar. This is forbidden in Islam.
Witr a voluntary, optional night prayer of three rakaat. A Salat which has an odd number of Rak'at: two Rak'at, followed by one Rak'a. This Salat is prayed last thing at night before one goes to sleep, or else delayed and prayed at the end of the Tahajjud Salat by those who rise in the night, seeking the pleasure and the face of Allah Ta'ala.
Wudu WUZU a purification (abulution) that must be performed before someone does their salaah or reads the Quran. ablution for ritual purification from minor impurities before salat (see ghusl) The way to do Wudu is:
1. Wash hands thrice*.
2. Wash mouth thrice*.
3. Wash nostrils thrice*.
4. Wash face thrice*.
5. Wash right forearm thrice*.
6. Wash left forearm thrice*.
7. Wipe scalp and nape of neck and then ears once,(or twice or thrice).
8. Wash right foot thrice*.
9. Wash left foot thrice*.
*Once or twice is also allowed. See Qur'an, An-Nisa 4/43, Al-Ma'idah 5/7. You must already be in Ghusl for Wudu to be effective. You should ensure that your private parts and underclothes are clean before doing Wudu. Once you have done Wudu you remain in Wudu until it is broken by:
1. Any of the conditions which make it necessary to have a Ghusl. See Ghusl.
2. Emission of impurities from the private parts: urine, faeces, wind, prostatic fluid, or other discharge.
3. Loss of consciousness by whatever means: usually by sleep or fainting.
4. Physical contact between man and woman where sexual pleasure is either intended or experienced.
5. Touching your penis with the inside of your hand or fingers.
6. Leaving Islam.
It is necessary to be in Ghusl and in Wudu (or alternatively to do Tayammum under certain circumstances) to do the Salat (Prayer) and to hold a copy of the Qur'an. See Tayammum .
Wuquf Stopping places, particularly the stopping places at Arafah and Muzdalifah during the Hajj. Singular: Mawqif.
Wusta Middle. Salatul Wusta refers to the middle prayer, which is the 'Asr prayer (the third of the five compulsory daily prayers), for those whose day begins at dawn. However, some say it refers to the Fajr prayer. This is because the Muslims follow a lunar calendar: the first day of a new lunar month is only determined when the new moon is sighted shortly after sunset. Therefore the Muslim day begins at Maghreb, and the first prayer of that new day is Maghreb, which makes the third (middle) prayer Fajr.
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Ya Allah O, God!
Yahoud The Jews. This term is correctly used to describe the three tribes of Israel - the tribes of Judah, Levi and Benjamin - who after the twelve tribes had escaped from Egypt with Moses, peace be on him, and settled in the Holy Land, separated from the other tribes of Israel (who were known as the Israelites) and became known as the Judahites. The term 'Judahite' was shortened to 'Judean', which was then eventually shortened to 'Jew'. The Judahite Jews re-wrote and altered the Torah several times and formulated the Talmud (incorporating the Mishnah, the Jerusalem Gemara, the Babylonian Gemara and the Midrash), and their religion became known as Judaism. 'Yahoud' is the Arabic equivalent of 'Judahite'.
It is clear, therefore, that the term 'Yahoud' can only really be correctly used to describe the Middle Eastern and Sephardhic Jews; and can only be very loosely applied to the Ashkenazim Jews who are descended from the turkic Russian tribe of the Khazars who embraced Judaism in the seventh century, but who were not originally descended from any of the twelve tribes of Israel. It is for this reason that some commentators identify the Ashkenazim Jews with 'Jewj wa Majewj', Gog and Magog, (since they are 'Jews', but not Judahite Jews), about whom it is prophesied in Ezekiel 38-39 that they will come from their place in the far north (Russia), helped by many nations, and attack the land of Israel, and that eventually there will be a mightly battle in which they will all be destroyed.
Yajooj-o-Majooj Gog and Magog.
Yalamlam The Miqat of the people of Yemen. See Miqat.
Yaqeen (Yaqin) Certainty. Faith in general is based on the Yaqeen of the believer. It has three stages:
1. Ilm al-Yaqeen - knowledge of certainty.
2. Ayn al-Yaqeen - source of certainty.
3. Haqq al-Yaqeen - truth of certainty.
See Holy, Al-Hijr 15/99
Yar Hamukallah "Allah Ta'ala's mercy be upon you." This is the usual response to a sneezer when he says "Alhamdulillah"("Praise to Allah") after sneezing.
Yarmuk A place in Shaam. Site of a famous battle.
Yasalouna "They ask."
Yatama Orphans. Singular: Yateem. See Yateem.
Yateem (Plur Yatama) Orphan. It is a major sin to harm, abuse or cheat orphans in any way whatsoever. Allah Ta'ala will give a great reward to anyone who takes care of orphans. See Qur'an, Al-Baqara 2/220, An-Nisa 4/2,6,10,127, Al-Isra 17/34.
Yathrib the area where the city of Madinah is situated.
Yaum al-jaza Literally means the Day of Payment. Another name for the Day of Judgement, when mankind and Jinn will be paid what is due to them, either by being sent to Jannah (Paradise) or to Nar (Hellfire).
Yaum-al-qiama (Yawm ul-Qiyāmah) Literally means the Day of Standing; "Day of the Resurrection"; Day of Judgement. This is the day when we will be raised from our graves and will stand while waiting to be judged by Allah Ta'ala. This day has many names, including:
1. Al-Qari'a (Day of Clamour).
2. At-Taama al-Kubra (The Complete Covering). For a complete list of the names and description of the Yaum al-Qiama.
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Za'ama Allegation.
Zabur the Psalms revealed to King David
Zabiha see dhabiha Islamic method of slaughtering an animal. It from the root word Zakah (to purify). Using a sharp knife the animal's windpipe, throat and blood vessels of the neck are severed without cutting the spinal cord to ensure that the blood is thoroughly drained before removing the head. See halal
Zahir (zaahir) Exterior meaning. Manifest, apparent, obvious. A word or phrase is described as zaahir when it has a clear meaning. It may still however be open to interpretation.
Zaid ibn Haritha was one of the first people to accept Islam. He was a freedman of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, who treated him like his own son. In the eighth year before Hijra, the Prophet Muhammad, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, gave to Zaid in marriage his own cousin Zainab bint Jahsh. The marriage ended in divorce. It was Allah Ta'ala's will that the Holy Prophet himself should marry her.
The Prophet Muhammad's marriage to her, in 5AH, made it clear that an adopted son is not to be legally regarded as a natural son as regards re-marriage and inheritance. If Zaid had been the Prophet's natural son, then the Prophet would not have been allowed to marry Zainab, since a man is not permitted to marry the ex-wife of his natural son. See Qur'an, Al-Ahzab 33/37-38.
Zainab (Bint Jahsh) Wife of Zaid ibn Haritha. She later married the Holy Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. For further information See Zaid ibn Haritha. See Qur'an, Al-Ahzab 33/28, 37-38, 50.
Zaidi Islamic sub-sect of Shi'ah, popularly found in Yemen, has similarities with Sunni.
Zakat (Zakah; ZAKAAT) tax, alms, tithe as a Muslim duty; Sunnis regard this as the fourth Pillar of Islam. Neither charity nor derived from Islamic economics, but a religious duty and social obligation. One of the five pillars of Islam is Zakah, which means purification and increment of one's wealth. A Muslim who has money beyond a certain quantity is to pay the Zakah. It is also called the alms due or poor due.
It is to be used in eight categories for welfare of the society that are mentioned in the Qur'an, namely: the poor, the needy, the sympathizers, the captives, the deptors, the cause of Allah, the wayfarers, and for those who are to collect it. The amount to be collected is 2.5%, 5%, or 10%, depending on the assets and the method used to produce it. For example, it is 2.5% of the assets that have been owned over a year, 5% of the wheat when irrigated by the farmer, and 10% of the wheat that is irrigated by the rain.
The Muslims' wealth tax: One must pay 2.5% of one's yearly savings above a certain amount to the poor and needy Muslims. The Zakat is compulsory on all Muslims who have saved (at least) the equivalent of 85g of 24 carat gold at the time when the annual Zakat payment is due. Zakat is also due on other things such as silver, animals, crops, etc. For a full explanation on Zakat refer to the relevant books written on the subject. See Qur'an, Al-Baqara 2/43,110,177,2 77, An-Nisa 4/162, Al-Ma'idah 5/58. See Bukhari.
See Muslim Book of Zakat. Zakat is one of the Arkan of Islam. See Arkan.
Zakat-ul-Fitr Welfare payment at the end of Ramadan. A small obligatory head-tax imposed on every responsible Muslim who has the means for himself and his dependants. It is paid once yearly at the end of Ramadan before Eid al-Fitr. See Kitabuz Zakatul Fitr, Bukhari. See Muslim
Zalimun polytheists, wrong-doers, and unjust.
Zallah A major error, e.g. unintentional backbiting. Generally speaking, a person seeks Allah's forgiveness immediately after realizing that he or she has committed a Zallah.
Zalzalah "The Earthquake". One of the names of the Yaum al-Qiama. See Surah 99 of the Qur'an.
Zamzam The sacred well inside Al-Haram ash-Shareef in Makkah. The water first sprang in answer to Hajar's search and prayers (see Hajar and Sa'y).
Zanaadiqa (Zendiq) Complete and utter unbelievers in Allah and the Last Day. Atheists. One who goes so far into innovated and deviant beliefs and philosophizing, etc. without sticking to the truth found in the Qur'an and the Sunnah to such an extreme extent that they actually leave Islam altogether.
Zanjabil A special mixture that will be in one of the drinks of the people of the Jannah (Paradise). See Qur'an, Al-Insan 76/17.
Zannee Speculative, doubtful. Refers to a text which is open to interpretation as opposed to a text which is definitive, unequivocal (qat`ee).
Zaqqum An extremely bitter and thorny tree that grows at the bottom of Hellfire. See Qur'an, Al-Isra 17/60, As-Saffat 37/62- 66, Ad-Dukhan 44/43-46, Al-Waqi'ah 56/52.
Zarnab A kind of good-smelling grass.
Zeena
1. Allurements of the world. See Qur'an, Al-Kahf 18/46
2. Beauty and ornaments of women. See Qur'an, An-Nur 24/31.
Zinā sexual activity outside of marriage (covering the English words adultery and fornication) One of the Kabair (major sins) in Islam. Allah Ta'ala has prescribed flogging (100 lashes) and a year's exile for either a man or a woman who commits Zinah and is not married. Although it is not expressly stated in the Qur'an, the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, made it clear that a married man or woman who commits Zinah is to be stoned to death.
Similarly, homosexuals and lesbians in a Muslim community are put to death. These measures protect the cohesion of the family, and accordingly of the community as a whole. See Qur'an, An-Nur 24/2-10.
Zindeeq Hypocrite or unbeliever. Anyone who does not believe in Allah and who rejects His Messengers, may Allah bless them and grant them peace.
Zoor Giving false evidence. The act of committing perjury.
Zuhr the obligatory salaah, prayer, that is performed in the afternoon right after the sun moves away from it's zenith.