Islamic Glossary


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S

Saad (ص)

Saad is a letter of the Arabic alphabet. In words it sounds much like the English letter 's' but with more of a whistle sound. One of the Surahs (chapters) of the Quran is called Saad.

Saadah (سعاده)

Sa'adah means happiness.

Sabah (صباح)

Sabah means morning. It is also used as a boy's name.

Sabah Al Khair (صباح الخير)

Good Morning.

Sabir (صابر)

(1) A person who is waiting for something to happen is said to be sabir.
(2) Or a person described as being patient at the current moment is said to be sabir.

The person would only be described as saboor if he/she was patient most of the time, or it was a trait of their character.


Saboor (صبور)

The word saboor is used to describe someone who is often patient, or patient by nature

Sabr (صبر)

Patience.

Sadaqa (صدقه)

Charity for the sake of Allah - not the obligatory charity.

Sadaqah (صدقه)

Charity. Often, sadaqah is given out of personal reasons to whomever the giver deems suitable, e.g. a local charity shop. Giving sadaqah is given irrespective of the compulsory taxes and doesn't count as zakat - zakat must be payed irrelevent of the amount spent in sadaqah.

Sadaqah Jariyah (صدقة جارية)

Sadaqah Jariyah means Continuous Alms/Charity. A continuous charity is an action that someone does that remains active even after the person is dead. For example, if a person digs a well then lots of people can use it and for a very long time - even after the person dies. It is a very effective type of charity that serves better than just giving money as the person who initiated the action will get thawab (plus points) even after he dies.

A popular slogan that explains the concept has been used by different charities in their advert. It goes something like this: "Give a man a fish and he can eat for a day, but give the man a boat and a net to catch fish with then he can feed himself and his family for a life-time."


Sadiq (صادق)

Sadiq means truthful. It is a popular boy's name.

Saeed (سعيد)

The word sa`eed, also incorrectly written 'sayeed', is a popular boys' name. It means happy.

Safi (صافي)

Pure and clear from dirt. Usually this pronoun is applied to innanimate objects like water: Al Maa' al Safi - The pure water.

You may have been looking for the word 'Tahir'.


Sah (صح)

Correct.

Sahaba (صحابه)

See Sahabah.

Sahabah (صحابه)

The sahabah (companions)(RA) are all the Muslims who ever met or saw the Prophet Muhammed (SAW). There were many hundreds of sahabah and they were all very different individuals, coming from all walks of life and varied from the least notable ignorant Bedouin to the most appreciated and respected of his devout followers.

One of the great misconceptions amongst Muslims is that all the sahabah were good people, but in reality a good deal of them were initially enemies of Islam and the Prophet and many had previously killed Muslims. It is necessary to remember that the sahabah are only human and they still continued to commit sins and some were hypocrites of varying degrees.

Sahabah often have the words 'Radhiallah Anh' (May Allah be Pleased with Him) written after their names, and the acronym form is (RA). But this should not be mentioned after the names of any Sahabi willy-nilly because some of them do not deserve it.


Saheefah (صحيفه)

This (feminine) word means 'A book'. Sometimes use of this word is meant to refer to the Quran, but it could be any book.

The usual word for book is kitab.


Saheeh (صحيح)

See Sahih.

Sahib (صاحب)

Sahib means Friend. It has been used as a boy's name.

Sahih (صحيح)

Sound/correct/authentic. Used mainly to refer to hadiths and/or the books they were written in.


Sahraa (صحراء)

A Sahra` is a desert.

Saif (سيف)

Saif means sword, and it is a popular boy's name since it refers to titles of certain special people and their bravery in battle. One person to which the name is attributable is Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) who used a double-pronged sword called thul-fiqar. Ali was titled saif-ullah (Sword of God) by Prophet Muhammed (SAW). Another person the name could fall upon is Khalid bin Waleed, but the title Saif-ullah was given to him by Abu Bakr, the first Khalif (leader) after Muhammed (SAW).

Sajdeh (put forehead on soil)

prostration, adoration (Sajdah is the act of prostration in the Salat, when seven portions of the body touch the earth: the forehead on pure ground, two palms, two knees, and the two big toes. The two Sajdahs together are called sajdatain. ,face downwards)

Sajid (ساجد)

The word ٍٍSajid means 'prostrated (in worshipping God)'. It is a popular boy's name.

A variation of this name is sajjad.


Sajjad (سجاد)

Sajjad means '(One who) prostrates (in worshipping God)'. It is a popular boy's name.

A variation of this name is Sajid.


Salah (صلاة)

See Salat.

Salam (سلام)

Salam means "Peace". It's like saying 'Hi!' - It is the most shortened version of the Islamic greeting (Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh) and originates from the hebrew greeting 'Shalom'.

If someone says Salam to you, you should return the greeting by saying Salam back, or Wa Alaikum As-Salam (and upon you be peace).

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) said: "Allah created Adam from dust after He mixed the clay and left him for some time until it became sticky mud, after which Allah shaped him. After that Allah left him till it became like potter's clay [a sounding clay]. Iblis used to go past him saying 'You have been created for a great purpose.' After that Allah breathed His spirit into him. The first thing into which the spirit passed was his eye and then his nose. He [Adam] sneezed. Allah said: "May your Lord have mercy upon you, O Adam! Go to those angels and see what they would say.' So Adam went and greeted them. they replied saying: "Peace be upon you and the mercy and blessings of Allah." Allah said: "O Adam! This is your greeting and that of your offspring." (Sahih Bukhari).


This is the origin of saying as-Salamu-Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh (peace, mercy and blessings be upon you) when we greet each other; as-Salamu-Alaykum is the shorter verion of this. The Prophet Muhammed (SAW) re-established this wonderful tradition among the Muslims.


Salat (صلاة)

Prayer. Usually refering to the 5 daily obligatory prayers.

Salawat (صلوات)

Salawat is a name given to a popular Islamic phrase. So a person would say 'salawat' aloud in a congregation and they would all say together "Allahuma Salli ala Muhammed wa ala aali Muhammed" (SAW), which means "May Allah send His praise upon Muhammed and upon the Family of Muhammed". This phrase is a type of prayer (dua).

Salih (صالح)

Salih (PBUH) was a Prophet who was mistreated by his people. Allah brought his people a miraculous camel but they broke an agreement not to harm it and they slaughtered the animal. Because of this transgression and other rules they broke, they were destroyed by God.
Salih means rightous, and it is a popular boy's name.

Sallalahu Alayhi Wa Aale Wa Salam (صلى الله عليه و سلم)

This phrase is often added after mentioning the name of Prophet Muhammed. It is often represented by the acronym (SAWW) or one of its variants. It means 'Allah`s praise and peace be upon him and his Ahlulbayte', and it is a means of respect.

Salman (سلمان)

Salman is a popular boy's name. Salman al Farsi (RA) was a very respectable companion of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH&HP).span id=

Salutation

Greeting, peace , All Peaceable ( Allah's name), (a word or gesture of greeting; an expression of respect.

Salvation

Redemption (saving the soul from sin).

Samaa (سماء)

Sky or heaven.

Samawat (سماوات)

Skys or heavens.

In the Quran the spelling of this word is different to modern Arabic. In the Quran The Heavens appears like so: السموت
The 'ا' (Alif) character is shown floating above the letters to promote correct pronunciation.


Sand (رمل)

The Arabic word for sand is ramul.

Sarah (ساره)

Sarah is a very popular girls' name. Sarah (RA) is the name of Prophet Abraham's (PBUH) first wife.

Satan (شيطان)

The Arabic word for satan is 'Shaitan'.

Sawab (ثواب)

See Thawab.

Sawm (صوم)

Sawm is fasting (refraining from eating, drinking & sex). Fasting during the Holy Islamic month of Ramadhan is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. Muslims fast every day in that month from dawn till dusk - effectively ~15 hours - and is not as difficult as people think. After dusk they can eat, drink and have relations.
Fasting is also done outside of this month and is considered a very good form of voluntary worship in devotion to God. A voluntary fast can last as many days as the person wills, but it must not fall on an eid day.

Fasting isn't just refraining from food and drink. The purpose of fasting is more spiritual than physical and it is a means of devotion to God as well as self-discipline. Fasting purifies and trains the body and soul together. The Quran speaks about fasting:

[2.183] O you who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard (against evil).
[2.184] For a certain number of days; but whoever among you is sick or on a journey, then (he shall fast) a (like) number of other days; and those who are not able to do it may effect a redemption by feeding a poor man; so whoever does good spontaneously it is better for him; and that you fast is better for you if you know.
[2.185] The month of Ramazan is that in which the Quran was revealed, a guidance to men and clear proofs of the guidance and the distinction; therefore whoever of you is present in the month, he shall fast therein, and whoever is sick or upon a journey, then (he shall fast) a (like) number of other days; Allah desires ease for you, and He does not desire for you difficulty, and (He desires) that you should complete the number and that you should exalt the greatness of Allah for His having guided you and that you may give thanks.
[2.186] And when My servants ask you concerning Me, then surely I am very near; I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he calls on Me, so they should answer My call and believe in Me that they may walk in the right way.
[2.187] It is made lawful to you to go unto your wives on the night of the fast; they are an apparel for you and you are an apparel for them; Allah knew that you acted unfaithfully to yourselves, so He has turned to you (mercifully) and removed from you (this burden); so now be in contact with them and seek what Allah has ordained for you, and eat and drink until the whiteness of the day becomes distinct from the blackness of the night at dawn, then complete the fast till night, and have not contact with them while you keep to the mosques; these are the limits of Allah, so do not go near them. Thus does Allah make clear His communications for men that they may guard (against evil).

Fasting in Ramadhan is obligatory for every adult male and female except those that will find it difficult like the old, the pregnant/suckling/menstruating woman, the ill, the mentally handicapped, and the traveller. Islam is a very considerate religion and fasting is easy.
Fasting is very good for the human body as well. It gives the stomach and other organs a rest and alters the blood sugar levels so that excess energy is depleted, and then later renewed. It makes the body lean and the mind open. Fasting is a healthy change to the eating patterns of humans and it is beneficial in many ways.


Sayed (سيد)

(1) Sayed means Master or Mr (Mister). Sayed Ali means Mr Ali in most cases.
(2)It is a noble title as most people who have that title before their name are usually religiously educated or rich (or both).
(3) The word sayed is also used as a boy's name. (4) A person is the descendant of Prophet Muhammed (pbuh&hp) through his daughter Fatimah (PBUH).

Sayf (سيف)

See Saif.

Sayyi (سيئ)

Bad or not good.

Sayyid (سيد)

See Sayed.

Sayyidna (سيدنا)

Means 'Our Master'. The na on the end attributes the word master to one's-self.

Sea (بحر)

The Arabic word for Sea is Bahar.

Secondary commands

Legal commands.

Self sufficient

The Independent One (Allah's name), (able to provide what one needs without help.)

Self-standing

self-subsisting, The Eternal (existing always without beginning or end, unchanging, not affected by time)

Semantics

Meanings, Graces ( meaning and connotation in language; of semantics., the branch of linguistics concerned with meanings.)

Sermon

Admonition, exhortation, preaching ( a talk on a religious or moral subject, especially one delivered during a religious service.)

Shafee (شافي)

Heal.

Shahadah (شهاده)

The Shahadah is a special sentance: La illaha ila Allah wa Muhammadun rasoolollah (There is no (other) Lord except Allah and Muhammed is the Messenger of Allah. This phrase must be pronounced aloud infront of witnesses in order for someone to be initiated as a new Muslim.

Shaheed (شهيد)

Martyr.

Shahid (شاهد)

Shahid means 'witness', a person who has or is watching/seeing something. It is a common boy's name.

Shaitan (شيطان)

A devil; a helper or aid to Iblees (Satan) or his cause - whether they be human or jinn.

Shajarah (شجره)

Tree.

Shakur (شكور)

Thankful (to Allah).

Shalom (شالوم)

Shalom is the greeting word of the Jews. Muslims use an arabic variation of that word to greet each other - Salam. It means Peace.

Shams (شمس)

Shams means Sun. It is also a popular girl's name.

Shar (شر)

Evil.

Shareeah (شريعه)

See Shariah.

Shari'a law

Islamic law, religious law, divine law ( according to Islamic law)

Shaykh (شيخ)

See Sheikh.

Sheikh (شيخ)

(1) A Man over 40 years old generally, or
(2) A Muslim who is a student of knowledge. Even a new Muslim can be called a Sheikh if he is diligent in seeking the knowledge of Islam based upon Quran and authentic Traditions. He is a Sheikh to those he can teach.
(3) Usually a person is known as a Sheikh when they have completed their undergraduate university studies in Islamic studies and are trained in giving lectures.

The word Sheikh is not to be confused with an Alim (person of knowledge).
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Shereek (شريك)

Associate or partner.

Shifaa (شفاء)

Healing, treatment, or cure.

Shireer (شرير)

Shireer means 'wicked' or 'evil'. It is used like so: 'Innahu Shireer' - He is wicked.

Shoaib(شعيب)

Sho'aib is the name of a Prophet (PBUH). It is a popular boy's name and is also spelt 'Shuayb'.

Prophet Sho'aib was sent to the Midianite people and preached to them about God's oneness and to be fair and just to each other and not cheat in trade but they rejected him and his advice so God punished the Midianites with a deadly earthquake.


Shubak (شباك)

Window.

Shujaa (شجاع)

Brave or courageous.

Shukr (شكراً)

See Shukran.

Shukran (شكراً)

Thank you.

Shyness

Shame (a painful mental feeling aroused by a sense of having done something wrong or ridiculous.)

Siam (صوم)

See Sawm.

Sick (مريض)

See Ill.

Siddeeq (صديق)

Siddeeq (also written Sidiq) means Truthful.

Siddeeqah (صديقه)

Siddeeqah (also written siddiqah) is the feminine form of the word Siddiq. It means Truthful.

Sifr (صفر)

The number Zero (0) is called Sifr in Arabic.

Sirat (صراط)

Path or road.

In the Quran, Allah (God) gives us a Surah (Chapter) to recite every day in our prayers. It is called Al-Fatiha, the opening chapter and it mentions the spiritual sirat.


Sister (أخت)

The Arabic word for sister is 'ukhut'. Muslims call Muslim women sisters as the Muslims are like a large family.span id=

Siyaam

See sawm.

Sky (سماء)

The Arabic word for sky is 'samaa'.

Slaughtering

Sacrificing, ritually slaughtered (the killing of some of animals for food by respecting Shari'a law).

Slave (عبد)

The Arabic word for slave is 'abd'.

Soomali (صومالي)

A person who is from the country of Somalia.

Sooryah (سوريه)

The Arabic word for the country of Syria.

Sorry (عفواً)

The Arabic word for sorry is either '`afwen' or 'Al-`afoo'.

The Arabic shown is for `afwen.


Soul (روح)

The Arabic word for soul is 'rooh'.

Special capacity

Broad capacity (to expand soul that can understand the other divine worlds.).

Speeches

Sermons, Orations ( a long speech, especially of a ceremonial kind)

Star (نجمة)

The Arabic word for star is 'najm' (stars) or (singular) 'najmah'.

The true-form shown is for najmah.


Strength (قوة)

The Arabic word for strength is quwah.span id=

Subhana Rabial Aala (سبحان ربي اللأعلى)

This phrase is said during the 5 daily prayers in the sujood action. When a worshipper places their head on the earth they say this phrase before they rise back to the sitting position. The meaning of the phrase is '(Most) glorious is the Highest Lord'.

Subhanah (سبحانه)

Most glorious. Used in referance to Allah (God) in the phraze: Allah subhanah wa tala. Also written subhanahu.

Subhanahu Wa Taala (سبحانه و تعالى)

This phraze means 'Pure is He and He is exalted' and it is placed after the name of God like so: Allah (SWT), as a sign of reverence. It is often written as an acronym like so (SWT).

Subhanallah (سبحان الله)

Glory be to Allah (God).

Sublime

The Exalted, transcendental (of the most exalted, noble, or impressive kind, extreme, lofty).

Submission

humility, prostration, act of humility (being submitted, being submissive, obedience)

Suhur (سحور)

The Suhur is a light meal eaten before daybreak during the month of Ramadhan. The Prophet Muhammed (PBUH&HP) recommended the believers to observe the suhur, to wake up before the commencing of fasting and eat and drink to put them in good stead to successfully complete the day's fast. If a Muslim misses the suhur, he or she must still fast that day regardless.span id=

Sujood (سجود)

The act of bowing down to Allah in worship. It is a necessary act during salat (worship). The hands, knees, feet and the forehead touch the ground.

Sujud (سجود)

See Sujood.

Sulaiman (سليمان)

Sulaiman (PBUH) is a Prophet of God, known as Solomon in English. Sulaiman is a popular boy's name.

Sun (شمس)

The Arabic word for sun is Shams.

Sunnah (سنه)

The Sunnah is the ways, teachings and activities of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH&HP)and 12 Imams(PBUT). Muslims should emulate the sunnah of them to be good Muslims.span id=

superiority

Virtue, merit (to be in higher position or rank, to be better or greater in some way; of higher quality.)

Supplication (دعاء)

Supplication is 'Dua' in Arabic. This is a form of prayer where an individual opens their hands palms-up infront of them and recites either a written (memorized) or personal prayer to God.

Sura (سوره)

(1) See Surah.
(2) A picture or image.

The Arabic form shown is for meaning (1), but the spelling of meaning (2) is like so: صوره


Surah (سوره)

A Surah is a chapter of the Quran but it is different to what you may understand chapters to be like in normal books. There are 114 surahs in the Quran and they range from being 3 verses to 286 verses in length.

Sustenance

Provision (the process of sustaining life by food, food, nourishment).

Sweet (حلو)

The Arabic word for sweet (nice) is Hilloo. The candy type of sweet is known as Hallawah.

The Arabic shown is for the nice type of sweet.


Syahm (صوم)

Syahm (or siam) is the same as 'sawm'. See Sawm.

Syria (سوريه‏)

Official Name: Syrian Arab Republic.
The Arabic name is Sooryah.

Capital: Damascus



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