Glossary of terms

I have had several non-muslim friends ask me about some of the terms that i used in my writings so here is a short glossary of a few of the words that you may not be familiar with.

Adhan is an Islamic way of calling Muslims to the five obligatory Prayers. The Adhan is announced daily from the Mosques.

Allah - the greatest and most inclusive of the names of God. It is an Arabic word of rich and varied meaning, denoting the one who is adored in worship, who creates all that exists, who has priority over all creation, who is lofty and hidden, who confounds all human understanding. It is exactly the same word as, in Hebrew, the Jews use for God (Eloh), the word which Jesus Christ used in Aramaic when he prayed to God. God has an identical name in Judaism, Christianity and Islam; Allah is the same God worshipped by Muslims, Christians and Jews.
"He is God, the One God, Independent

Allahu Akbar ; Allah is the Greatest

Assalamu 'Alaikum means 'Peace be on you.' Greeting of the Muslims. The response to this greeting is 'Wa 'Alaikum Assalam,' and on you be the Peace.

Basmala literally the phrase, Bismillah Rehman Rahim "In the name of Allah, the Most Kind, the Most Mericful." This utterance is usually made by every Muslim who is about to embark on something lawful (Halal), regardless of the magnitude of the task. This is also the first verse of Surah Al-Fatehah (Chapter 1) of the Holy Quran.

Insha Allah ; "If Allah wills."

Imam
1. Imam signifies the leader, and in its highest form, refers to the head of the Islamic state. 2. It is also used with reference to the founders of the different systems of theology and law in Islam. 3. A person who leads the prayer.

Jum'ah
"Friday." The Muslims' day of gathering together, when all Muslim males must go to the Masjid to hear the Friday Khutba (sermon) and to do the Jum'ah Salat (prayer), which is prayed instead of Dhur.

Khutbah
Sermon. The greatest sermon in the history of mankind was called al-Khutbatul Wida' (the farewell address), given by the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), during his last Hajj in 10 AH. There are various types of sermons:
1. Khutbatul Jum'ah (the Friday Sermon). This is given immediately before the Jum'ah Salah (Friday Prayer). 2. Khutbatul Eid (the Eid Sermon) This is given immediately after the prayer of the two Eids. 3. Khutbatul Nikah (the marriage sermon). This is given during the marriage ceremony.

Mimbar
Steps on which the Imam stands to deliver the Khutbah (address) on the day of the Jumah (Friday).