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Home/Arabic–English Dictionary

Arabic–English Islamic Dictionary

105 terms · Quranic vocabulary, fiqh, aqida, tafsir and Islamic concepts explained in English

Each entry includes the original Arabic script, transliteration, root analysis, theological definition, and Quranic or hadith references — designed to serve both English-speaking learners and scholars.

AllFiqhAqidahTafsirHadithSufismQuranEthicsWorship

مُبَاح

Mubah (Permitted)

mubah

Fiqh

Mubah refers to actions that are neither commanded nor forbidden in Islamic law — performing or abstaining from them carries no sin or reward in itself. It is the fifth of the five legal rulings (ahkam). Most daily activities fall under mubah. Intention can elevate a mubah act to worship if done for the sake of Allah.

مُرَاقَبَة

Muraqaba (Vigilance)

muraqaba

Sufism

Muraqaba is the Sufi practice of constant self-watchfulness with the awareness that Allah observes all deeds at every moment. It is rooted in the hadith of Ihsan: 'Worship Allah as if you see Him, for if you do not see Him, He surely sees you.' Practitioners of muraqaba internalize divine surveillance as a spiritual discipline to purify the soul.

صَلَاة

Quran ×99

Salah (Prayer)

ṣalāh

Worship · Quran

Salah (prayer) is the second pillar of Islam — the ritual prayer performed five times daily at fixed times. It consists of specific bodily postures, recitations from the Quran, and glorifications of Allah. Mentioned 99 times in the Quran, salah is described as the direct connection between the believer and Allah.

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About This Dictionary

The Islam Agenda Arabic–English Dictionary is a curated reference for English-speaking Muslims, students of Islamic studies, and anyone seeking to understand the theological vocabulary of the Quran and classical Islamic scholarship. Each entry includes the original Arabic script with diacritics, romanized transliteration, root letters (which unlock the word's family of meanings), grammatical category, and a scholarly definition.

Where applicable, entries note how many times the word — or its root — appears in the Quran, providing an immediate sense of the term's centrality in Islamic thought. Contextual sections include Quranic verse references translated according to Sahih International and hadith citations from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.

The dictionary is organised into eight disciplines — Fiqh, Aqidah, Tafsir, Hadith, Sufism, Seerah, Worship, and Ethics — reflecting the major branches of Islamic knowledge. Use the filters above to browse by category, or search for a specific term to access its full entry.

What Each Entry Contains

Arabic Script & Root

The word in its original Arabic with vowel marks (tashkeel), its three-letter root, and transliteration into Latin script.

Scholarly Definition

A concise 50–60 word definition optimised for clarity, followed by a detailed explanation drawing on classical and contemporary scholarship.

Quranic & Hadith Context

Key verses from the Quran and prophetic traditions that illustrate how the term is used in its primary sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sources does this dictionary use?

Definitions are drawn from the Quran (Sahih International translation), Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, and established works of Islamic jurisprudence and theology. Classical Arabic lexicons such as Lisān al-ʿArab inform root analyses.

نَاسِخ وَ مَنْسُوخ

Nasikh and Mansukh (Abrogation)

nasikh wa mansukh

Tafsir · Fiqh

Nasikh (the abrogating text) and mansukh (the abrogated text) refer to the Islamic legal doctrine of abrogation — where a later Quranic verse or hadith supersedes an earlier ruling. The Quran states: 'We do not abrogate a verse or cause it to be forgotten except that We bring forth one better than it' (2:106). Understanding naskh is essential for reconciling apparently contradictory rulings in Quran and Sunnah.

نَفْس

Quran ×295

Nafs (Soul/Self)

nafs

Aqidah · Sufism · Quran

Nafs refers to the soul, self, or psyche. Mentioned 295 times in the Quran, it has three states: nafs al-ammarah (the commanding soul inclined toward evil), nafs al-lawwamah (the self-reproaching soul), and nafs al-mutmainnah (the soul at peace). In Islamic spirituality, purifying the nafs is one of the highest goals of worship.

نِفَاق

Quran ×13

Nifaq (Hypocrisy)

nifaq

Aqidah · Quran

Nifaq means hypocrisy — outwardly professing Islam while inwardly rejecting it. The munafiq (hypocrite) was a major concern in early Islamic society. The Quran warns that hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire (4:145). The Prophet identified three signs of a hypocrite: lying when speaking, breaking promises, and betraying trust.

نِعْمَة

Quran ×145

Ni'mah (Blessing)

niʿmah

Aqidah · Quran

Ni'mah refers to any blessing or bounty granted by Allah to His creation. Mentioned 145 times in the Quran, blessings include health, intellect, faith, sustenance, and safety. The greatest blessing is iman (faith). Allah says: "If you were to count the blessings of Allah, you would never be able to enumerate them." (Quran 14:34)

نِيَّة

Niyya (Intention)

niyya

Fiqh · Ethics

Niyya means sincere intention of the heart before an act of worship. The famous hadith states: "Actions are judged by intentions." Without niyya, acts of worship such as prayer, fasting, and hajj are considered invalid. Niyya is made in the heart; verbalizing it is considered a sunna. Sincerity of intention is what transforms routine acts into worship.

أَسْبَابُ النُّزُول

Asbab al-Nuzul (Occasions of Revelation)

asbab al-nuzul

Tafsir

Asbab al-nuzul are the historical circumstances or occasions that prompted specific Quranic verses to be revealed. Knowledge of these occasions is essential for accurate interpretation (tafsir) of the Quran. They clarify ambiguous verses, specify general rulings, and reveal the wisdom behind divine legislation. Classical scholars like Al-Wahidi dedicated entire works to documenting these occasions.

صَوْم

Quran ×14

Sawm (Fasting)

ṣawm

Worship · Quran

Sawm (fasting) is the third pillar of Islam — abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan. It is a spiritual practice aimed at developing taqwa (God-consciousness), empathy for the poor, and self-discipline. The Quran explicitly commands fasting in Surah Al-Baqarah.

رَحْمَة

Quran ×339

Rahma (Mercy/Compassion)

rahma

Quran · Ethics

Rahma means mercy, compassion, and tenderness. It is the root of Allah's names Al-Rahman (the Most Compassionate) and Al-Rahim (the Most Merciful) — recited at the start of every surah in the Quran. The Prophet said: 'He who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.' Rahma encompasses Allah's limitless mercy toward creation, the Prophet's compassion for his community, and believers' care for one another.

رَمَضَان

Quran ×1

Ramadan

ramaḍān

Worship · Quran

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar — the holy month of fasting. The Quran was first revealed during this month. It contains Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), described as better than a thousand months. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, increase in prayer and charity, and seek forgiveness throughout the month.

رَسُول

Quran ×513

Rasul (Messenger)

rasūl

Aqidah · Quran

A Rasul (Messenger) is a prophet who was given a new scripture and a new set of laws by Allah. Unlike a nabi (prophet), a rasul brought a new divine message to his people. Appearing 513 times in the Quran, the word means "one who is sent." Prophet Muhammad is the last and final Messenger of Allah.

رِبَا

Quran ×8

Riba (Usury/Interest)

riba

Fiqh · Quran

Riba means any unjust increase in a loan or exchange transaction, broadly translated as usury or interest. The Quran prohibits it in the strongest terms: "Allah destroys riba but increases charity" (2:276). Both giving and receiving riba are declared sinful. Islamic finance offers alternatives such as murabaha, mudaraba, and ijara to enable economic activity without interest.

رِضَا

Quran ×73

Rida (Contentment/Divine Pleasure)

rida

Sufism · Ethics · Quran

Rida has two dimensions: the servant's contentment with Allah's decrees, and Allah's pleasure with the servant. The Quran describes the ultimate station: 'Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him' (98:8). In Sufi thought, rida is a higher station than sabr (patience) — not merely enduring hardship but being inwardly at peace with divine will.

صَبْر

Quran ×90

Sabr (Patience)

ṣabr

Ethics · Quran

Sabr means patience and steadfast endurance in Islam. Appearing 90 times in the Quran, it encompasses three forms: patience in times of calamity, patience in refraining from sin, and patience in fulfilling acts of worship. Allah promises to be with those who are patient and grants them immeasurable reward.

صَحِيح

Quran ×10

Sahih (Authentic Hadith)

ṣaḥīḥ

Hadith

Sahih is the highest grade of hadith authenticity in Islamic hadith science. A hadith is classified as sahih when it has an unbroken chain of reliable, precise narrators and is free from defects and contradictions. Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim are the two most authoritative hadith collections, collectively called "Al-Sahihayn."

شَهَادَة

Quran ×40

Shahada (Declaration of Faith)

shahādah

Aqidah · Worship

The Shahada is the Islamic declaration of faith: "I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His messenger." It is the first pillar of Islam. Reciting the Shahada sincerely is the entry point into Islam and the foundation upon which all other acts of worship rest.

سَنَد

Sanad (Chain of Transmission)

sanad

Hadith

Sanad (or isnad) is the chain of transmitters linking a hadith back to the Prophet Muhammad. It is one of Islam's most sophisticated scholarly contributions: a system for verifying whether a report genuinely traces to the Prophet. Scholars of hadith (rijal al-hadith) scrutinized each narrator's reliability, memory, and moral character. An unbroken, reliable sanad is necessary for a hadith to be classified as sahih.

شَرِيعَة

Quran ×5

Shari'a (Islamic Law)

shari'a

Fiqh · Quran

Shari'a is the comprehensive divine law and moral code of Islam, derived from the Quran, Sunnah, scholarly consensus (ijma'), and analogical reasoning (qiyas). The word literally means 'a path leading to water.' Shari'a governs all aspects of life including worship, family law, commerce, criminal matters, and ethics. It aims to realize five essential objectives (maqasid): preserving religion, life, intellect, lineage, and property.

شِرْك

Quran ×23

Shirk (Polytheism/Association)

shirk

Aqidah · Quran

Shirk is the sin of associating partners with Allah — the greatest transgression in Islam. The Quran states Allah will not forgive shirk but may forgive lesser sins for whom He wills (4:116). Major shirk includes explicit idol worship, while minor shirk includes showing off in worship (riya). Shirk negates tawhid and invalidates all deeds if not repented from.

صِدْق

Quran ×155

Sidq (Truthfulness)

ṣidq

Ethics · Quran

Sidq means truthfulness and sincerity in all its dimensions — in speech, intention, resolve, and action. One of the core virtues in Islam, it is one of the fundamental qualities of the Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet said: "Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise." Its opposite is kadhib (lying), which leads to hellfire.

صِرَاط

Quran ×45

Sirat (The Path)

sirat

Aqidah · Quran

Sirat has two meanings: the straight path (sirat al-mustaqim) that believers follow in this life, and the bridge over Hell on the Day of Judgment. The opening surah of the Quran, Al-Fatiha, asks Allah: 'Guide us to the straight path.' In eschatology, all humans must cross the bridge over Hell; the righteous will cross swiftly while the sinful will fall.

سُبْحَانَ اللّٰه

Quran ×41

SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah)

subhanallah

Quran · Ethics

SubhanAllah means 'Glory be to Allah' — declaring Allah free from all imperfections, deficiencies, and any likeness to creation. The act of glorification is called tasbih, and the prayer beads used for it share this name. The Prophet said these four words — SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah, and Allahu Akbar — are more beloved to him than all that the sun rises upon.

شُكْر

Quran ×75

Shukr (Gratitude)

shukr

Ethics · Quran

Shukr means gratitude and thankfulness to Allah for His blessings. Appearing 75 times in the Quran, it is expressed through the heart (acknowledging blessings), the tongue (saying Alhamdulillah), and limbs (using blessings in obedience to Allah). Allah promises: "If you are grateful, I will certainly increase you in favor." (Quran 14:7)

سُنَّة

Quran ×16

Sunnah

sunnah

Fiqh · Hadith

Sunnah refers to the practices, sayings, and tacit approvals of the Prophet Muhammad. As a source of Islamic law, it is second only to the Quran. In jurisprudence, it also denotes recommended acts — those encouraged by the Prophet but whose omission is not sinful. Following the Sunnah is considered an act of love for Allah.

سُنَّة

Quran ×16

Sunna (Prophetic Practice)

sunna

Fiqh · Hadith

Sunna refers to the words, actions, and tacit approvals of the Prophet Muhammad. It is the second primary source of Islamic law after the Quran. In jurisprudence, sunna as a legal ruling means a recommended act whose performance is rewarded but whose omission is not punished. It is divided into sunna mu'akkada (emphasized) and ghair mu'akkada (non-emphasized).

سُورَة

Quran ×9

Sura (Chapter of the Quran)

sura

Tafsir · Quran

A sura is a chapter of the Quran. The Quran contains 114 suras of varying lengths, from the three-verse Al-Kawthar to the 286-verse Al-Baqara. Meccan suras (revealed before Hijra) focus on theology and faith; Medinan suras address social, legal, and community matters. All suras except At-Tawba begin with the Basmala (Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim).

طَهَارَة

Quran ×6

Tahara (Purification)

tahara

Fiqh

Tahara means ritual purity in Islamic law, encompassing both physical cleanliness and spiritual purification. It is a prerequisite for prayer (salah) and reciting the Quran. Minor impurity (hadath asghar) is removed by wudu, while major impurity (hadath akbar) requires ghusl. The Prophet said: "Cleanliness is half of faith."

تَقْوَى

Quran ×258

Taqwa

taqwā

Aqidah · Quran · Ethics

Taqwa is an Arabic term meaning God-consciousness, piety, and mindful fear of Allah. Derived from the root meaning "to protect", it refers to guarding oneself from sin by obeying Allah's commands. Occurring 258 times in the Quran, taqwa is considered the foundation of righteous character in Islam.

تَفْسِير

Quran ×1

Tafsir (Quranic Exegesis)

tafsir

Tafsir

Tafsir is the science of Quranic interpretation and exegesis. It explains the meaning of Quranic verses using Arabic linguistics, hadith, context of revelation (asbab al-nuzul), and legal principles. Major classical tafsir works include Al-Tabari's Jami al-Bayan, Al-Razi's Mafatih al-Ghayb, and Ibn Kathir's Tafsir al-Quran al-Azim. Tafsir is divided into riwaya (tradition-based) and diraya (reason-based).

تَوَاضُع

Tawadu' (Humility)

tawāḍuʿ

Ethics · Sufism

Tawadu' means humility and modesty — the absence of arrogance and pride. One of the most prized virtues in Islamic ethics, it is displayed in one's relationship with both Allah and people. The Prophet Muhammad said: "Allah raises those who are humble." Humility is the opposite of kibr (arrogance), which is condemned in the Quran and Sunnah.

تَوَكُّل

Quran ×44

Tawakkul (Trust in Allah)

tawakkul

Sufism · Aqidah · Quran

Tawakkul means complete trust and reliance upon Allah after taking the necessary means. Mentioned 44 times in the Quran, it is not passivity but rather wholehearted dependence on Allah after exhausting one's efforts. The Prophet said: "Tie your camel, then put your trust in Allah." It is a central virtue in Islamic spirituality.

تَوْحِيد

Tawhid (Monotheism)

tawhid

Aqidah · Quran

Tawhid is the Islamic concept of the absolute oneness of Allah — the belief that Allah is one, unique, without partner or equal. It is the central pillar of Islamic theology. Scholars categorize tawhid into three types: tawhid al-rububiyya (oneness of lordship), tawhid al-uluhiyya (oneness in worship), and tawhid al-asma wa'l-sifat (oneness of names and attributes).

تَيَمُّم

Quran ×2

Tayammum (Dry Ablution)

tayammum

Fiqh · Quran

Tayammum is the dry ablution performed with clean earth when water is unavailable or its use would be harmful. It substitutes for both wudu and ghusl. Mentioned in Quran 4:43 and 5:6, it involves striking clean earth and wiping the face and hands. Tayammum is a mercy and concession (rukhsa) from Allah reflecting Islam's principle of ease.

تَوْبَة

Quran ×87

Tawbah (Repentance)

tawbah

Aqidah · Ethics

Tawbah means sincere repentance — turning back to Allah with remorse for one's sins, stopping the sinful act, and resolving never to return to it. Mentioned 87 times in the Quran, repentance is one of the most beloved deeds to Allah. The Prophet said: "All children of Adam sin, and the best of sinners are those who repent."

تَوْبَة

Quran ×87

Tawba (Repentance)

tawba

Fiqh · Ethics · Quran

Tawba is sincere repentance and turning back to Allah after sin. Its three conditions are: ceasing the sin, feeling genuine remorse, and resolving never to return to it. If the sin involved wronging another person, making amends is also required. The Quran states: 'Allah loves those who repent' (2:222). The door of repentance remains open until the soul reaches the throat at death.

أُخُوَّة

Quran ×4

Ukhuwwa (Brotherhood)

ukhuwwa

Ethics · Quran

Ukhuwwa means Islamic brotherhood — the bond of faith that unites all Muslims regardless of race, language, or nationality. The Quran declares: 'The believers are but brothers' (49:10). Brotherhood entails love, mutual support, giving sincere counsel (nasiha), supplicating for one another, and protecting each other's rights. The Prophet institutionalized brotherhood by pairing the Ansar and Muhajirun (muakhat).

أُمَّة

Quran ×64

Ummah (Muslim Community)

ummah

Aqidah · Quran · Seerah

Ummah refers to the global Muslim community united by faith in Allah and following Prophet Muhammad. Mentioned 64 times in the Quran, it transcends racial, national, and linguistic boundaries. The Prophet described the Ummah as a single body: "When one limb suffers, the whole body responds with sleeplessness and fever." Unity of the Ummah is an Islamic obligation.

وَاجِب

Wajib (Necessary)

wajib

Fiqh

Wajib in Hanafi jurisprudence is an obligatory act slightly below fard in rank, established by probable (zanni) rather than definitive (qati) evidence. Neglecting it is sinful but less severe than neglecting fard. Examples include witr prayer, udhiyya (sacrifice), and sadaqat al-fitr. In Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools, wajib and fard are synonymous.

وَحْي

Quran ×78

Wahy (Divine Revelation)

waḥy

Aqidah · Tafsir · Quran

Wahy refers to divine revelation — the communication from Allah to His prophets. Mentioned 78 times in the Quran, it occurs in multiple forms: through the angel Jibril, through true dreams, or as direct inspiration to the heart. The revelation to Prophet Muhammad produced the Quran and Sunnah. Wahy ended with the Prophet's death.

وَقْف

Waqf (Endowment)

waqf

Fiqh

Waqf is an Islamic endowment in which property is dedicated in perpetuity for charitable purposes. The principal cannot be sold or transferred; only its revenues are used for the designated charitable cause. It is considered sadaqa jariya (ongoing charity) that continues to benefit the donor after death. Mosques, schools, hospitals, and libraries have historically been funded through waqf institutions.

زَكَاة

Quran ×32

Zakat (Almsgiving)

zakat

Fiqh · Quran

Zakat is the obligatory annual almsgiving and one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is due on wealth that exceeds the nisab threshold after one lunar year. The standard rate is 2.5% on gold, silver, and trade goods. Quran mentions zakat alongside prayer 32 times, emphasizing its central role. It purifies wealth and redistributes it to eight categories of recipients mentioned in Quran 9:60.

ذِكْر

Quran ×292

Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)

dhikr

Sufism · Quran

Dhikr is the Islamic practice of remembering and mentioning Allah through repetition of His names and praises. The Quran commands: 'Remember Me and I will remember you' (2:152). Common forms include SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, and La ilaha illallah. In Sufism, dhikr is the central method of spiritual purification and proximity to Allah.

زُهْد

Quran ×1

Zuhd (Asceticism)

zuhd

Sufism · Ethics

Zuhd means renouncing excessive attachment to worldly pleasures and possessions. It does not mean becoming poor or abandoning the world, but rather freeing the heart from worldly desires while still engaging with life. A foundational concept in Islamic spirituality, zuhd redirects one's focus from the temporary to the eternal.

What does "Quran ×N" mean on word cards?

The number indicates how many times the root of that word appears in the Quran. A higher frequency generally signals the term's centrality in Islamic theology — for example, the root of "iman" (faith) appears 537 times.

What is the difference between Fiqh and Aqidah terms?

Fiqh terms relate to Islamic jurisprudence — rules governing worship, transactions, and personal conduct (e.g. halal, wudu, zakat). Aqidah terms concern articles of faith — belief in Allah, angels, prophecy, resurrection, and divine decree (e.g. tawhid, qadar, ba'th).

Why are Arabic root letters important?

Arabic is a root-based language: most words share a three-consonant root from which dozens of related words are derived. Understanding the root reveals a word's core semantic field. For example, the root s-l-m (س-ل-م) gives Islam, Muslim, salaam, and taslim — all connected by the concept of peace and submission.

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