Terms starting with T

The science of interpreting the Quran — clarifying meanings, context, reasons for revelation and rulings. Famous works include Ibn Kathir and at-Tabari.

The night vigil prayer offered after waking from sleep, before Fajr; the most beloved Nafilah of the Prophet ﷺ.

The state of ritual purity required for prayer, Quran recitation, and other acts of worship; includes both physical cleanliness and spiritual purification.

The at-Tahiyyat supplication recited in the sitting position of prayer, beginning 'At-tahiyyatu lillah…'. Taught by the Prophet ﷺ during the Night of Ascension (Miraj).

Affirming God's oneness by saying "La ilaha illallah" (There is no god but God) — the best remembrance and the core of the testimony of faith.

Praising God by saying "Alhamdulillah" (All praise is for God), expressing gratitude for every blessing.

The science of correct Quranic recitation — the rules governing pronunciation, articulation points, and the characteristics of each letter to recite as revealed.

Islamic cooperative insurance in which participants contribute to a pooled fund to support one another against loss, avoiding interest and uncertainty.

The declaration "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest), pronounced to begin Salah, between movements, and on many other occasions.

The opening 'Allahu Akbar' that begins the prayer. A required pillar (rukn); once said, all worldly speech and action become forbidden until the closing salam.

The science of sourcing hadith — locating a report in its original collections, documenting its chains, and assessing its grade of authenticity.

Divorce initiated by the husband — the dissolution of marriage. Though lawful, it is described as the most disliked of permitted acts to Allah.

A soothing porridge made from barley flour, recommended by the Prophet as comforting for the grieving and the sick.

The pilgrim's chant during Hajj and Umrah: "Labbayka Allahumma labbayk..." — "Here I am, O Allah, here I am..."

Combining rulings from different schools of law within a single act of worship or transaction — a debated practice in Islamic jurisprudence.

One of the ten companions promised Paradise. He shielded the Prophet ﷺ with his own body at the Battle of Uhud, earning the name "the Living Martyr".

Dates, a beloved sunnah food praised by the Prophet, traditionally eaten to break the fast and valued for their nourishment and blessing.

The sending down of the Quran from Allah — revealed gradually over 23 years to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through Angel Jibril, to address events and guide the community.

Following the rulings of a qualified jurist or school of law without examining the detailed evidence oneself — the normal practice of lay Muslims.

God-consciousness — a state of being mindful of Allah, fulfilling His commands and avoiding His prohibitions; the noblest quality in His sight.

Voluntary congregational night prayers performed during the nights of Ramadan after the Isha prayer.

A Sufi order or spiritual path — a structured method of inner development transmitted from a master to disciples through a chain of teachers.

Reciting the Quran slowly, clearly, and with measured rhythm, as Allah commanded: 'And recite with measured recitation' (73:4). The ideal recitation mode.

The inward, spiritual dimension of Islam concerned with purifying the heart, perfecting character, and drawing near to God; the basis of Sufism.

Glorifying God by saying "SubhanAllah" (Glory be to God), declaring Him free of all imperfection; one of the most beloved phrases of remembrance.

A remembrance taught to Fatimah: 33 times "SubhanAllah", 33 "Alhamdulillah", and 34 "Allahu Akbar", recommended after each prayer and before sleep.

The seated recitation in the middle and end of Salah testifying to Allah's oneness and Muhammad's ﷺ prophethood ("At-tahiyyatu lillah...").

Pronouncing the name of God ("Bismillah") at the time of slaughter — a condition for the meat to be lawful in Islam.

The act of walking seven times around the Kaaba in an anticlockwise direction; a core ritual of both Hajj and Umrah.

Reliance on Allah — placing full trust in Allah for the outcome of affairs while taking the necessary means; a fruit of strong faith.

Buying a commodity on deferred payment then selling it for cash to a third party to obtain liquidity. Its common banking form is debated among scholars.

Seeking nearness to God through a permitted means — such as His names, good deeds, or the supplication of the righteous; some forms are debated among scholars.

Repentance — sincere return to Allah after sin: stopping the wrong, regretting it, and resolving not to repeat it; Allah loves those who repent.

The absolute oneness of Allah — the central doctrine of Islam affirming that Allah is unique in His essence, lordship, worship, and attributes.

A dry ritual purification with clean earth/sand, permitted when water is unavailable or its use would cause harm, replacing both Wudu and Ghusl.

Wholesome, pure, and good — a Quranic standard for food that goes beyond mere permissibility to include cleanliness, healthfulness, and lawful origin.

The purification of the soul — cleansing the heart of blameworthy traits and adorning it with virtues; the central goal of Sufi practice.

A dish of broth-soaked bread with meat, a favourite food of the Prophet, who likened the virtue of Aisha among women to its superiority among foods.

A series of religious wars (11th-13th centuries CE) in which European armies sought to seize the Holy Land; Jerusalem was eventually recovered by Salah al-Din.

The four months — Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab — declared sacred in the Quran, in which warfare was traditionally forbidden.

The act of reciting the Quran aloud with reflection and proper rules. It is itself an act of worship, with each letter recited earning multiplied rewards.

A ten-year truce (628 CE) between the Muslims and the Quraysh of Mecca that, despite seeming unfavourable, brought peace and led to mass conversions.