Terms starting with H

Black seed (Nigella sativa), of which the Prophet said it is a cure for every disease except death; a celebrated prophetic remedy.

A 'sacred hadith' — the Prophet ﷺ reports Allah's meaning in his own wording. Distinct from the Quran, which is divine in both meaning and wording.

One who has memorized the entire Quran by heart. A revered status; the Prophet ﷺ said the hafiz will be told on Judgment Day: "Recite and ascend" in Paradise.

A wife of the Prophet ﷺ and daughter of Umar. She was a devoted worshipper and entrusted with safeguarding the first complete written copy of the Quran.

The wife of the Prophet Ibrahim and mother of Ismail. Her trust in Allah in the desert of Mecca and her run between Safa and Marwah are commemorated in the Hajj.

The fifth pillar of Islam: the pilgrimage to Mecca performed during Dhu al-Hijjah, obligatory once for every able-bodied financially capable Muslim.

A passing spiritual "state" granted by God — a fleeting experience such as joy, awe, or longing — distinct from a permanent station (maqam).

That which is permissible and lawful in Islam — actions, foods, and dealings allowed by the Quran and Sunnah. The default ruling for most things.

Formal verification by an accredited body that a food, product, or service complies with Islamic dietary and ethical requirements.

Personal-care and beauty products free of forbidden ingredients such as alcohol or pork derivatives, and produced ethically; a growing market segment.

Food and drink permissible under Islamic law — excluding pork, alcohol, and improperly slaughtered meat — now a major global industry.

Meat from a permitted animal slaughtered according to Islamic rite, free of forbidden contamination — a central concern in Muslim food today.

Travel and hospitality catering to Muslim needs — prayer facilities, halal food, and family-friendly, alcohol-free environments; a fast-growing sector.

The wet-nurse of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from the tribe of Banu Sa'd, in whose desert home he spent his early childhood years.

The uncle of the Prophet ﷺ, called "the Lion of Allah" (Asadullah) and "Master of the Martyrs". A mighty warrior martyred at the Battle of Uhud.

The largest Sunni school of law, founded on Imam Abu Hanifa's teachings. Emphasises reasoning, analogy (qiyas), and juristic preference (istihsan).

A Sunni school of law founded on Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal's teachings, emphasising strict reliance on the Quran and hadith and caution toward speculation.

The diacritical marks (fatha, kasra, damma, sukoon) placed above or below Arabic letters to indicate short vowels and pronunciation, added to ease correct reading.

That which is strictly forbidden in Islam. Committing it is sinful and punishable; avoiding it is rewarded. Examples include intoxicants, pork, theft, and interest.

A "good" hadith, acceptable but ranking below sahih because one of its narrators has slightly less precision; still valid as evidence in Islamic law.

Saying "Hasbunallahu wa ni'mal-wakil" (God is sufficient for us and the best disposer of affairs); a supplication of trust in times of hardship.

The Gathering of all creation on the Day of Resurrection — every human and jinn assembled on a vast plain before Allah for the reckoning and judgement.

A transfer of debt or a traditional money-transfer system based on trust among brokers, allowing funds to move without physical cash crossing borders.

Saying "La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah" (There is no power nor strength except by God) — a treasure of Paradise affirming reliance on God alone.

The first woman, wife of the Prophet Adam, and the mother of humanity. With Adam she lived in Paradise, erred, repented, and was forgiven by Allah.

Menstruation — during which a woman is exempt from prayer and fasting (fasts made up later), until ritual purity is restored by Ghusl (full bath).

The western region of the Arabian Peninsula containing Mecca and Medina — the heartland in which Islam first arose.

A gift or voluntary transfer of property without compensation; sometimes given by Islamic banks as a discretionary reward on deposits.

The memorization of the Quran. A cherished tradition since the time of the Prophet ﷺ, preserving the Quran in the hearts of believers in every generation.

The headscarf and modest dress worn by many Muslim women, and more broadly the principle of modesty in appearance and conduct.

A semicircular low wall adjacent to the Kaaba enclosing an area that is part of the Kaaba itself; praying within it is considered praying inside the Kaaba.

The migration of the Prophet and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, marking the start of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar and the first Muslim state.

The Islamic lunar calendar of twelve months, counted from the Prophet's migration (Hijra) in 622 CE and used to fix Ramadan, Hajj, and the festivals.

The new crescent moon whose sighting determines the beginning of each Islamic month, including Ramadan and the days of the two Eids.

Half of a juz — the Quran is divided into 60 hizbs, each further split into four quarters, to enable precise daily recitation portions.

The companion whose plea to the Prophet ﷺ about her husband was answered by a revelation — the opening of Surah al-Mujadila ("She Who Disputes").

Aaron, the brother of Musa, appointed by Allah as his helper and spokesman. An eloquent prophet who supported Musa in confronting Pharaoh and guiding the Israelites.

An Arabian prophet sent to the powerful tribe of 'Ad. They rejected him and were destroyed by a violent wind. A surah of the Quran bears his name.