Here is a selection of posts from this blog on the basics of Islam for those not familiar with it. Or those who may be interested in a different introduction than the standard Islamic “how-to” which you can find anywhere. Also, below is an explanation of a few basic terms. Because they are Arabic words, spellings vary.
Basic words
- Sura(s) or Surah(s): a word meaning “enclosure” used in the Quran to refer to its sections. Often translated “chapters,” Quranic suras do not connect chronologically as chapters often do, and each contains unique words not found anywhere else in the Quran.
- Aya (plural ayat): this word has 3 basic meanings: “verse” in the Quran (never used for poetry or other literary works); “sign,” which can refer to elements of creation that are Allah’s “signs” of His attributes; or “miracle.” All three meanings can apply to Quranic verses.
- Du’a means prayer in the English sense of the word: supplication, a prayer you say or offer to God without limits or protocols, can be thanks, asking for something, made with all due reverence. Sometimes translated “to call upon” which is closer to the Arabic meaning.
- Salat, also spelled salah, means “connection” and is the obligatory Islamic worship that includes bowing and prostration and reciting Quran facing a specific direction at specific times. Translated “prayer,” it is not the same as du’a above but includes it.
- Allah/God: everyone knows what this means, but some still think they are two different gods. No they’re just different names for the same God.
- Thikr or Dhikr Allah: means both “remembrance of Allah” and “to invoke or mention Allah,” as a mode of prayer the two are combined. The word thikr alone is the same but not in reference to God.
- Jihad: means “struggle,” to “strive” or put forth effort. It does not mean “war” or “fight”– the word for that is qatilū from the root qatl, a completely different word. Nor does it include a meaning of “holy” in any sense. The emphasis is on the strength of effort and intent to serve God in whatever capacity needed.
About Islam
Islam: Humanity’s Original and Revived Religion – Introduction to Islam, a Way to live in harmony with God/Allah’s Truth and Mercy, and one another.
What is the essence of Islam? The Meaningful Universe, Part 1 – how meaning and the purpose of life are the essential heart of Islam, and worship is an essential part of all creation.
Prayer Connection
Islamic Salat – Physical and Spiritual Connection – what is unique and meaningful about this body-soul-timespace inclusive mode of prayer.
The Difference Between Salat and Du’a: What Is Prayer? – a basic explanation of these two modes of prayer.
What Is Thikr Allah and Why Is It Greater than Salat? – how the remembrance of Allah – bringing Him to mind – is the active principle of salat, as well as a separate practice, to deepen and strengthen one’s life-force, faith/trust, understanding, and more.
Zakat and Charity
Zakat – Purification of Worldly Wealth – how sharing one’s wealth/ money builds healthy and just societies. Charity in Islam is obligatory, and not for show.
Fasting in Islam
Fasting in Ramadan: The One Aya/Verse About Ramadan in the Quran – explains the basics about fasting in the month of Ramadan and the wisdom behind it. One can also fast on other days to make up for days missed in Ramadan, to expiate sins, or just to be closer to Allah.
Hajj/Pilgrimage
A Pilgrimage of the Mind and Heart – what the Quran says about the Hajj, what its purpose is. It is recommended, if one is able, at least once in a lifetime. It’s both an experience and highly symbolic. The animal sacrifice (one doesn’t have to do the slaughter oneself) is sometimes the only meat that recipients eat in a year – the purpose of that is to help feed the poor, not as a mere ritual. Helping others is the goal, made obligatory to be sure they do get help, just as with zakat.
Prophets in Islam
Thoughts on Allah and His Prophet – this is about prophet Mohammad (who peace and the blessings of Allah upon him and all His prophets), upon whom was sent the Quran, clarifying the difference between honoring the prophet, and worship, which is for Allah alone.
Prophets and Prime Numbers in the Quran – some surprising math connections that express the close tie between each prophet and Allah, as well as an example of how tightly integrated the Quran actually is.
You’ve probably heard of some of these prophets by their English names. Muslims should not distinguish between them but honor them all equally. The most frequently mentioned prophet is Moses, 136 times, followed by prophet Abraham, 69 times. Prophet Mohammad is mentioned 4 times, but addressed directly as “messenger,” “prophet,” “you,” or “say” many times.
114 Chambers 