Glossary
There are many Arabic words and phrases that Muslims use in every day conversation, as well as in prayers and worship. When you become Muslim it can take a while to learn what they all mean. Don’t worry about it – nobody expects you to learn everything straight away.
Here are some of the most common.
If there are any that you think should be added, please use the form at the bottom of the page to let us know. .
| Akhi | My brother |
| Alhamdulillah | All praise is due to God |
| Allah | God |
| Allahu akbar | God is great |
| Asalaamu alaikum | Peace be upon you (note: the reply to this greeting is “Wa alaikum asalaam”) |
| Astaghfiru Allah | I seek forgiveness from God |
| Bismillah | In the name of God |
| Deen | Religion / faith |
| Dhikr / Zikr | Remembrance (of God) |
| Hajj | The annual pilgrimage to Mecca that all Muslims are required to complete one in their lifetime, if they are able to do so. |
| Ibadah | Worship |
| Iman | Faith |
| Insha Allah | God willing |
| Jazak Allah khair | Used as an expression of gratitude |
| Jihad | Literally this means ‘struggle’, and in a religious sense refers to all types of ‘striving for God’ |
| Ka’ba | The ‘house of God’ in Mecca, Saudi Arabia |
| La ilaha ilallah | There is no God but Allah |
| Maash Allah | As God wills |
| Mu’min | True believer |
| Nabiy | Prophet |
| Qibla | The direction of prayer (i.e. towards Mecca) |
| Qur’an / Koran | The Holy Book of Islam, revealed by God to the Prophet Muhammad |
| Rasoolullah | Messenger of God (note: this term is reserved for the Prophet Muhammad) |
| Ramadhan | The annual, month-long festival whereby Muslims fast from dawn til sunset, abstaining from all food, drink and sexual contact. Many also attend special Taraweeh prayers at night. |
| Salah | Prayer |
| Salallahu alaihi wasalam | Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him (note: Muslims says this after mentioning the name of the Prophet Muhammad as a sign of respect) |
| Shaytaan | Satan |
| Subhaan Allah | Glory be to God |
| Taraweeh | The nightly prayer during the month of Ramadhan, held in mosques |
| Tasbih | Prayer / rosary beads |
| Ummah | The worldwide Muslim community |
| Wa alaikum asalaam | And upon you be peace |
| Wu’dhu | The ritual washing that Muslims perform prior to each prayer |
Please use this form to add other words to the glossary
