Story 44

This glossary has been compiled to assist readers not familiar with Islamic terminology in understanding the above recollections.

(a.s.)

Short for ‘peace be upon him.’

Adhaan

Call to prayers

Ashura

10^th of Muharram in the Islamic calendar.  This is the day the 3^rd Imam of the Shias, Imam Hussein (a.s.) was martyred in the Islamic year 63 A.H.

Ayatul Kursi

Verses 255-257 of the second chapter of the Holy Quran.

Baaligh

Age at which certain actions and duties become compulsory for Muslims.  Typically this is approximately 9 years for girls and 15 years for boys.

Haram

Any sacred religious place. Particularly used for Shrines of religious personalities.

Imam Hussein (a.s)

3^rd successor of the Holy Prophet for Shia Muslims.

Khums

Compulsory tax to be paid by Muslims representing one-fifth of savings.

Mashad

City in North-Eastern Iran where the 8^th successor of the Holy Prophet for Shias (Imam Reza (a.s.)) is buried.

Mohr

Prayer tablets upon which mainly Shia Muslims prostrate whilst praying.

Namaz-e-Shab

Also known as Salaatul-Layl.  Recommended prayers of 11 units to be recited before the dawn prayers.

Prayers (Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha)

Names of the 5 compulsory daily prayers for Muslims consisting of 2, 4, 4, 3, and 4 rak'ats respectively.

Qibla

Direction towards Ka'ba, located in Mecca which Muslims face to pray.

Qum

City in Northern Iran.  Centre for religious learning.

Quran

Muslim Holy Book revealed by God to Prophet Muhammad

Rak'at

Unit of prayer

Ramadhan

Ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which fasting has been prescribed for Muslims.

Salaam and Ziyaraats

Prescribed greetings and prayer salutations usually recited when visiting the shrines of the Prophet and Imams.

Sura Aal-e-Imran

Third chapter of the Holy Quran

Sura Fateha

First chapter of the Holy Quran

Tasbih

Glorification of God

Tayammum

Actions to be performed when no water is available for the performance of wudhu.

Wudhu

Ablutions performed before reciting prayers.