Terms starting with B

The 2nd and longest chapter of the Quran (286 verses), "The Cow". A Medinan surah containing Ayat al-Kursi and the foundations of Islamic law and faith.

Arabic rhetoric and eloquence — the science of effective, beautiful expression, central to appreciating the inimitable style of the Quran.

The "subsistence" in God that follows fana — returning to the world with one's consciousness transformed and centred on the Divine.

Saying "BarakAllahu feek" (May God bless you), a supplication of blessing offered in thanks or goodwill toward another.

The phrase 'Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Raheem' (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful) — opens 113 surahs and begins every good deed.

The first major battle of Islam (624 CE), in which a small Muslim force decisively defeated a larger Meccan army — a turning point celebrated in the Quran.

A battle (630 CE) shortly after the conquest of Mecca, where the Muslims, after an initial rout, rallied to victory over the tribes of Hawazin and Thaqif.

The killing of Husayn ibn Ali, grandson of the Prophet, with his companions at Karbala in 680 CE — a defining tragedy, especially mourned by Shia Muslims.

A decisive battle (c. 636 CE) in which the Rashidun army defeated the Sasanian Persians, opening Iraq and Persia to Islam.

A battle of the First Fitna (657 CE) between Caliph Ali and Mu'awiya, ending in arbitration and the emergence of the Kharijite faction.

The defence of Medina (627 CE) against a coalition siege, repelled by digging a trench on Salman al-Farsi's advice; also called the Battle of the Confederates.

A battle near Medina (625 CE) in which the Muslims suffered setbacks after some archers left their posts — a lesson in obedience recorded in the Quran.

A decisive battle (636 CE) in which the Rashidun army defeated the Byzantine Empire, securing Muslim control of the Levant.

The sale of a debt or receivable to a third party. Its permissibility and conditions vary considerably between the schools and modern markets.

A sale-and-buyback in which an asset is sold on credit then repurchased for less in cash, effectively a loan with interest. Most scholars prohibit it.

The public treasury of an Islamic state, historically managing zakat, war gains, land taxes, and public expenditure for the community's welfare.

Innovation in religion — introducing new acts of worship not founded in the Quran or Sunnah; the Prophet ﷺ warned every innovation is misguidance.

An Abyssinian freed from slavery, tortured for his faith yet steadfast. Chosen by the Prophet ﷺ as the first muezzin of Islam for his beautiful, resonant voice.

A sacred stone set into the eastern corner of the Kaaba. Pilgrims kiss or point to it to begin each circuit of tawaf, following the Prophet's example.

A modest swimsuit covering the body and hair while allowing swimming, designed to combine Islamic modesty with modern leisure.

A full-body outer garment that covers the entire face and body with a mesh screen over the eyes, associated especially with parts of South and Central Asia.