Qurbanis (Sacrifices) have two types, sacrifice of an animal slaughtered for the sake of Allah (Udhiya) and sacrifice in the form of giving up one's assets, time or enduring discomfort or difficulties for the sake and cause of Islam. Udhiya of animals are made on Eid-Adha (10th of the month of Zill-Hijjah) and their meat distributed amongst family and the needy. Sacrifices called Aqeeqah are also made after a child is born (male/female). A child (both boy/girl) is a blessing from the Almighty Allah. Aqeeqah is performed as a thanksgiving for this blessing.

Also referred to as: Qurbani, Udhiya, Qurbaani, Offering, Aqueeqa, Aqeeqa

See also: Eid, Hajj, Birth, Patience, Persecution, Knowledge

Saee is the pacing (Shawt) 7 times between the hillocks called Safaa and Marwah that adjoin Masjid Al-Haram (Makkah, Arabia). Saee is Wajib in Umrah. Hazrat Hajra ran between these hills 7 times in search of water for her baby son Prophet Ismaeel (Ishmail) before the well of zamzam sprung near the feet of baby Ismaeel . The pacing starts from Safaa and ends at Marwah on the 7th pacing. (the initial return from Marwah to Safaa is counted as the second pacing) Tawaaf is performed before each Saee.

Also referred to as: Saiy, Saei, Sai

See also: Hajj, Umrah , Tawaaf, Pilgrimage

Safa is a hillock adjoining Masjid Al-Haram (Makkah, Arabia) and connected by a course to Marwah

Also referred to as: Safa

See also: Hajj, Umrah

The 2nd month in the Islamic calendar.

Also referred to as: Safur, Sufur

See: Months

People who saw the Prophet Muhammad , embraced and practised Islam and died as Muslims are known as Sahaabah (May Allah be pleased with them all).
Singular: Sahaabi. Female: Sahabiyyah
Rasulullah mentioned: "All the Sahabaah are just and pious and whomsoever amongst them you shall follow, you shall be guided."

It is through their connection with Prophet Muhammad that Allah's final revelation the Quran and the blessed Sunnah relayed by the Sahabah has by Allah's will reached us - May Allah be pleased with them all.

Also referred to as: Companions, Sahaba, Sahabah, Sahaabi, Sahabiyyah, Sahaaba

See also: Prophet Muhammad , Quran, Hadeeth, Sunnah, Taabieen, Tabe-Tabieen, Pious

Sajdah means prostration and it is performed by placing one's forehead and nose on the ground between the hands whilst the palms are placed on the ground with fingers facing Qibla. Other characteristics of sajda vary between men and women. In Islam Sajdah can only be done to Allah. Sajdah is done in all Salaah (Specific Prayers) except Janaazah Salaah. Sajdah is also required after specific verses of the Holy Quran have been recited (sajda-tilawat).

Also referred to as: Sajda, Sujood, Sujud

See also: Masjid, Qibla, Salaah

Salaah is a specific form of prayer which is a gift to Muslims from Allah. It is a form of prayer that includes a number of Rakaah (praying during standing, bowing, prostrating and sitting) whilst facing the Qiblah (Direction towards the House of Allah called the Ka'ba in Makkah, Arabia). Salaah is performed in a specific manner, read in Arabic and includes recitations of the Holy Quran and words of that praise, gratify and glorify Allah - The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful.

Five salaah are (Fardh) obligatory and are the second pillar of Islaam. These five fardh salaah are performed daily at prescribed times by all persons that are sane and have reached puberty. Other Salaah range from near mandatory to optional. Mandatory prayers are recommended to be performed with Jamaat (congregation) where the Imaam leads the salaah; usually in a Masjid. A traveller (Musaafir) has a certain reduction in the amount of Rakaah he is required to pray for each Salaah.

Also referred to as: Namaz, Namaaz, Salat, Salah, Salaat, Prayer.

See also:Wudhu, Faith, Masjid, Ka'ba,

The word salaam is commonly used to refer to the islamic salutation used when greeting muslims: 'Assalaamu Alaykum warahmatullaahe wabarakaatuh' - meaning Peace be upon you and Allah's mercy and blessing. To commence salaam is Sunnah and to reply is Wajib. Salaam is also sent as a salutation and blessing prayer upon the Prophet .

See: Salaatus-Salaam

Salaatus-Salaam is the sending of salutations and blessings upon Prophet Muhammad

"Allah and his angels send blessings on the Prophet. O you who believe! Send your blessings
on him, and salute him with all respects." (The Holy Quran 56:33)

The word Durood is often used to refer to Salaatus-Salaam. Listed below are some of the many benefits a person receives by reciting Durood Shareef:
1. Almighty Allah sends ten mercies upon a person who recites Durood once.
2. Ten of his sins are forgiven.
3. The person’s rank is raised by ten degrees.
4. Ten rewards are written for him.
5. There is acceptance of Dua where Durood is recited at the beginning & at the end.
6. The person will be blessed with the intercession of Rasulullah .
7. Almighty Allah will forgive his sins.
8. Almighty Allah is pleased with him.
9. The person will be nearer to the Prophet on the day of Judgement.
10. The person will have all his worries removed in this world and the hereafter.

The following image is the arabic script of a Durood which means "May Allah send peace and blessings upon him" and is transliterated as 'Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam' :

The script, its transliteration or the meaning of the Durood is used wherever Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is mentioned.

One should recite as much Durood (Salaatus-Salaam) upon Prophet Muhammad as possible especially on the night of Jummah (commencing at dusk on Thursday Night) and on the day of Jummah (Friday before dusk).

May Allah send peace and blessing upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family continuously forever and may He accept us within his Ummah and grant us his intercession - ameen.

Also referred to as: Durood, Durud Sharif, Salawaat, Salaat & Salaam, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, SAW, S.A.W, PBUH.

See also: Prophet Muhammad

Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam is the transliteration of the arabic script of a particular Salatus-Salaam (Blessing and Salutation) which means "May Allah send peace and blessings upon him". This Salatus-Salaam is most commonly said whenever Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is mentioned.

The following image is the Arabic script of the particular Durood:

Also referred to as: SAW, S.A.W, PBUH.

See also: Salaatus-Salaam, Prophet Muhammad

Sometimes used to refer to the spoken communications of the Prophet Muhammad

See: Hadeeth, Sunnah

Whatever we need to do, know or enquire has been provided by Islam in the form of the Holy Quran and Sunnah (traditions and practice) of Prophet Muhammad and his companions . These two sources guide you throughout your life including the persuance of knowledge, its understanding, appreciation and application. for example the Quran states:

“We made the sky a preserved and protected roof, yet still they turn away.”

From this verse, we come to know that the sky above has been created to protect us. Science tells us that the atmosphere which surrounds the earth destroys many meteors, big and small as they approach the earth. The atmosphere also protects the earth, humans and animals from harmful rays by filtering them, as they come from the sun (Ozone Layer). It also protects the earth from the minus 270 degrees Celsius space temperature. This is just one example from many.

Science may be practised provided it does not contradict shariah, especially where we hold properties in trust such as our bodies.

See also: Body, Health, Healing, Man, Quran

Script is the description of the written form of an object, where the object could be a book, letter, poem, a painting, etc. It is normally used to refer to the language or type of calligraphy of the Quran, e.g. Classical Arabic language - Kufic Calligraphy type. It is synonymous with the Arabic text of the Quran. The Quran in any other language is always a translation since the original is in classical Arabic.

See: Quran

See: Pride

A sermon usually refers to a special type speech given by an Imaam in arabic which forms part of the prayers of Jumma (Friday) salaah or Eid salaah. The person delivering the Khutbah is called the Khateeb.

Also referred to as: Khutbah, Khutba, Kutba.

See also: Jummah, Eid, Khutbah, Salaah

The 8th month in the Islamic calendar.

Also referred to as: Shaban, Shabaan

See: Months

Classic Book of Hadeeth on The Virtues and Noble Character of The Prophet Muhammad by Imaam Abi 'Eesaa Muhammad bin 'Eesah bin Sorah At-Tirmidhi R.A.(209-279A.H.). Commentary by Shaykhul-Hadith Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya Muhajir Madni (R.A). 55 Chapters Presented in Arabic and English.

Also referred to as: Shamaile Tirmidhi, Shamail-e-Tirmizi

See:Prophet Muhammad

Drinks, if alcoholic then they will be haraam even if the alcoholic content quantity is small and not strong..

See: Intoxicants

The word Shariah is commonly used to describe the embodiment of Islamic Laws however the whole combination of the teachings imposed by Islam is known as the Shariat. Both sets of acts, viz., A'maal -e Zaahiri (external actions) and A'maal-e Baatini (internal actions) are included. In the terminology of the Mutaqaddimeen (the early authorities of the Shariat) the term Fiqh was synonymous with the word Shariat. Thus Imaam A'zam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullah Alayh) defined Fiqh as follows:

"The recognition of that which is beneficial and harmful to the nafs[innerself]."

Later, in the terminology of the Muta-akh-khireen (the later authorities of the Shariat) the word Fiqh was used for that branch of Islam which related to A'maal-e Zaahiri while the branch which dealt with A'maal-e Baatini became known as Tasawwuf. The ways or methods of acquiring the A'maal-e Baatini are called Tariqat.

Also referred to as: Shariat, Sharyah, Shariyah, Shariah

See also: Quran, Hadeeth, Sunnah, Faith, Practise, Rights, Tasawwuf, Tariqat

See: Beard, Birth, Tahaarah, Hair

The 10th month in the Islamic calendar.

Also referred to as: Shawwal, Shuwwaal

See: Months

Also referred to as: Molana, Moulana, Movlana, Molvi, Shaikh, Sheikh, Shaykh

see also: Hafiz, Alim, Qari, Darul-Uloom, Madrasah, Education, Tasawwuf, Pious

Shaytaan (Satan) is the Jinn who disobeyed Allah out of Takabbur (Self-importance and pride). He refused to bow in front of Prophet Adam . When Allah asked why he disobeyed Iblis (the Shaytan) replied "I am better than he, you created me of fire, while you created him of clay" (Al-A'raf 7:12). He did not repent due to arrogance and Allah cursed him and expelled him to Earth. Shaytaan vowed to misguide Man and deploys all manner of vices and schemes to prevent Humans and Jinn from obeying Allah.

Also referred to as: Satan, Iblis, Iblees, Eblis, Shaytan, Shayateen, Devil, Demon, Enemy, Adversary,Open Enemy, the Accursed.

See also: Allah Man, Jinn, Devils, Hereafter, Judgement Day, Hell, Pride

Showing off. (Riyaa)

See: Tazkiyah

Major and Minor Signs which will occur near the time of Qiyamah (Doomsday) have been documented. Some signs point to the existence of Allah through nature and miracles.

Also referred to as Signs of Qiyaamat, Signs of Judgement Day, Signs of the Hour, Sign of the End of the World, Armageddon.

See also: Hereafter, Judgement, Qiyaamah, Miracles, Healing

Prophet Muhammad said:
"Verily, Allah does not look at your external forms and your wealth, but He looks at your intentions and actions."

Also referred to as: Ikhlaas, Iklaas, Ikhlas

See: Tasawwuf, Intentions

The relationship of Sisters in Faith

See: Brotherhood

Animal Skin

See: Tanning

There are many reasons to rule smoking as prohibited including it is harmful to the Deen, health, environment, family, brotherhood and social relations, property, etc.

The prohibition of smoking is not restricted to cigarettes, but applies as well to other objects that have similar effects such as cigars, pipes, water-pipes (hukkahs/shishas), chewing tobacco or sniffing tobacco, etc. 

The prohibition of smoking also applies strongly to various types of drugs such as hashish, marijuana and heroin since these materials have additional problems such as causing drunkenness, death, madness, insanity, etc. 

The prohibition of smoking is not restricted to consuming it, but applies as well to offering it to people, sitting with people whilst smoking (causing passive smoking), or selling it. All of this involves helping people commit sins, which is prohibited, as Allah Ta'ala states:

 ‘.....Help one another in righteousness and piety, and do not help one another in sinning and transgression. And fear and revere Allah; verily, Allah is severe in punishment. (extract of Quran 5:2)

See also: Intoxicants, Health, Healing

Sociology is the study of society. Since Islamic teachings incorporate the manner in which we should live our lives it includes answers to social issues.

See also: Humanity, Rights, Manners, Morals, Sunnah

What we say and the manner in which it is said can have enormous consequences for oneself and listeners either directly or indirectly. What is said can be reported to a multitude of people for generations hence one must be careful not to speak ill of others, backbite, slander, libel, defame, misrepresent or lie, etc.

Prophet Muhammad said: "He who maintains silence has attained salvation." (Ahmad, Tirmizi )

Also referred to as: Advocate, Talk, Mention, Speech, Discuss, Conversation, Utter, Indicate, Speak, Represent, Backbite, Misrepresent, Lie, Gheebat, Geebat.

See also: Victimisation, Opining, Truth, Tazkiyah

Generally used to mean the soul of Man and Jinn.

An appelation of Prophet Isa (Jesus - Son of Mary - peace be upon them)

Also referred to as: Ruh

See also: Man, Jinn

See: Recreation

Keeping firm on Islamic beliefs and principles and leading one's life on the Straight Path of Islam whilst keeping away from the deceptions of Shaytan.

See also: Practise, Faith, Anger, Patience, Success, Dua, Sacrifices

See: Tazkiyah

Everyone wonders and dreams of how to achieve success in this life however we need to realise that following and adopting the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet will lead to everlasting success in the hereafter and contentment in this life as he was the perfect example to mankind and an embodiment of the Quran

See also: Steadfastness, Contentment, Patience, Sunnah, Living, Hereafter, Example

A person that practises Tasawwuf (Sufism).

Bayazeed Bistami Rahmatullah Alayh says:

"Do not be deceived if you see a performer of supernatural feats flying in the air. Measure him on the Standard of the Shariat - how he adheres to the limits of the Commands of the Shariat."

Also referred: Sufiyah (plural)

See: Tasawwuf

See: Tasawwuf

In one verse of the Quraan Allah informs mankind:
"And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone)". (Surah Adh-Dhariyat Verse 56)
There are a few quite specific sanctions expressed in the Quraan against self-killing. The Prophet Muhammad also assigns suicide to the lower levels of Hell. Allah says explicitly in the Quraan,
"And do not kill yourselves. Surely, Allah is Most Merciful to you". (Surah An-Nisa Verse 29)
In another verse of the Quraan, Allah says:
"And do not throw yourselves in destruction". (Surah Al-Baqarah Verse 195)

Also referred to as: Suicide pacts, taking one's own life, self-murder, self-slaughter, self-immolation, topping oneself, ending it all.

See also: Living, Trust, Fate, Health, Healing, Smoking, Intoxicants, Death

Sunnah literally, means a clear path or beaten track, however in Islam Sunnah normally means the manner or actions of Prophet Muhammad . Sometimes ‘Sunnah' is also used for Hadeeth, but usually ‘Sunnah' is used to report a deed while Hadeeth is used for spoken words. We must put the Sunnah of the Prophet into practice in all aspects of our life and not abandon it since he was sent as the best of examples for all and success lies in following the blessed habits and noble characteristics of Rasulullah .

The sunnah is a source of the Shariah and a legal proof next to the Quraan.  As a source of the Shariah the sunnah may corroborate a ruling which originates in the Quraan.  Secondly, the sunnah may consist of an explanation or clarification of the Qur'an.  Thirdly, the sunnah may also consist of rulings on which the Quraan is silent.

Sunnah as far as deeds are concerned can be Sunnah Mu`akkada (emphatic sunnah) and Sunnah Ghayr Mu`akkada (non-emphatic sunnah)

Sunnah Mu`akkada (emphatic sunnah) is an act upheld by the Prophet perpetually whilst letting it be known that its performance is not fard, such as the two rak`ahs before the fard of the fajr prayer and after zuhr, maghrib and `isha'.  The abandonment of a sunna mu`akkada is not punishable, but nevertheless the perpetrator will be reproached, because its omission would be tantamount to opposing that which the Prophet perpetuated.

Sunnah Ghayr Mu`akkada (non-emphatic sunnah) are actions which the Prophet did not perform perpetually for example the four rak`ahs before `asr and `isha' are sunna ghayr mu`akkada.

Also referred to as: Sunnat, Hadeeth, Traditions, Sunnat-e-Rasul

See also: Shamaa-il Tirmidhi, Fardh, Wajib, Adab, Haraam, Makruh, Mubaah, Mustahab, Halaal, Hadeeth, Quran, Prophet Muhammad , Rights, Sahaabah, Taqleed, Success

When an animal drinks from a small quantity of water the remaining water is then known as su'r

Also referred to as: su'r, remnant

See also: Tahaarah

Also known as dars-e-nizaami, (teaching scheme)

See also: Education