Islamic Keywords

Question 1

Tawhid

Answer 1

‘Oneness’ in reference to God. The basic
Muslim belief in the oneness of God

Question 2

Prophethood or ‘risalah’

Answer 2

The term used of the messengers of God,
beginning with Adam and ending with the
Prophet Muhammad

Question 3

Halal (permitted)

Answer 3

Actions or things which are permitted in Islam,
such as eating permitted foods

Question 4

Haram (forbidden)

Answer 4

Actions or things which are forbidden in
Islam, such as eating forbidden foods

Question 5

Jihad

Answer 5

Means to ‘strive’. There are two forms of
jihad. The greater jihad is the daily struggle
and inner spiritual struggle to live as a good
Muslim. The lesser jihad is a physical struggle
of ‘holy war’ in defence of Islam

Question 6

Mosque or ‘masjid’

Answer 6

A ‘place of prostration’ for Muslims, it is a
communal place of worship for the Muslim
community

Question 7

Shari’ah (straight path)

Answer 7

A way of life; Muslims believe that God has
set out a clear path for how Muslims should
live. Shari’ah law is the set of moral and
religious rules that put the principles set out
in the Qur’an and the Hadith into practice

Question 8

Ummah

Answer 8

Means ‘community’. Refers to the worldwide
community of Muslims who share a common
religious identity