Reference
Islamic Glossary
A–Z definitions of the words you will hear in the mosque, on a journey or in a talk.
28 terms
- Akhirah
- The hereafter — the life after death, and a central theme of reminders and talks.
- Ameer
- The person appointed to lead a group (Jamaat) or a particular activity. Leadership is organisational and temporary, not a religious rank.
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- Bayan
- A talk or address, usually given in a mosque, encouraging religious practice and reminding listeners of the fundamentals of faith.
- Chha Baatein
- Urdu for 'six points' — the six principles commonly revised by participants.
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- Da'wahدعوة
- Invitation — calling people towards God and towards religious practice, traditionally with gentleness and humility.
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- Dhikrذِكر
- Remembrance of God through prescribed words, praise and Qur'an recitation.
- Gasht
- A short walk in the local area to greet Muslims and invite them to the mosque. Also called Joula.
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- Hidayat Bayan
- A briefing talk given to a group before it departs, outlining conduct, etiquette and the purpose of the journey.
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- Ijtima
- A gathering — a large regional, national or international assembly for talks, learning and supplication.
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- Ikhlas-e-Niyyat
- Sincerity of intention — performing acts for God alone rather than for reputation.
- Ikram-ul-Muslimeen
- Honouring fellow Muslims — respect, kindness and service towards others.
- Ilm
- Knowledge; in this context, learning the basics of faith, worship and character.
- Khidmah
- Service — practical work such as cooking, cleaning and helping others within the group and the mosque.
- Khuruj
- Literally 'going out' — a voluntary period set aside for worship, learning and self-reformation.
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- Markaz
- A centre — a mosque that acts as a coordinating base for local or regional activity.
- Mashwara
- Consultation — a short meeting in which those present consult one another before making decisions.
- Masturat
- A term used for women's participation arrangements, which take place under family and mosque supervision.
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- Mutakallim
- The speaker appointed during Gasht who talks with the person being greeted.
- Salah
- The five daily prayers, and the central practical focus of encouragement.
- Shura
- A consultative body; a group that consults collectively on decisions.
- Taleem
- Teaching and learning — usually a sitting in which a book of narrations or virtues is read aloud.
- Tashkeel
- The process of encouraging and organising volunteers to give a period of time.
- Wapsi Bayan
- A talk given on returning home, encouraging participants to continue good habits locally.
- Zimmedar
- A person responsible for a particular mosque, area or task.
Related learning
- What Is Tablighi Jamaat? →
Meaning of Tabligh and Jamaat, Da'wah, personal reformation, mosque-centred activity and terminology.
- Understanding Khuruj →
The voluntary practice of setting aside time for worship, learning and self-reformation.
- Gasht / Joula →
Etiquette of walking locally to invite people to the mosque, adapted to UK expectations.
- Five Amaals of the Masjid →
The traditional local mosque programme and how it works in a UK context.