About Islam

Introduction to Islam

The literal meaning of Islam is peace; surrender of one�s will i.e. losing oneself for the sake of God and surrendering one�s own pleasure for the pleasure of God. The message of Islam was revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) 1, 400 years ago. It was revealed through angel Gabriel (on whom be peace) and was thus preserved in the Holy Quran. The Holy Quran carries a Divine guarantee of safeguard from interpolation and it claims that it combines the best features of the earlier scriptures.

The prime message of Islam is the Unity of God, that the Creator of the world is One and He alone is worthy of worship and that Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) is His Messenger and Servant. The follower of this belief is thus a Muslim - a Muslim�s other beliefs are: God�s angels, previously revealed Books of God, all the prophets, from Adam to Jesus (peace be on them both), the Day of Judgement and indeed the Decree of God. A Muslim has five main duties to perform, namely; bearing witness to the Unity of God and Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) as His Messenger, observing the prescribed prayer, payment of Zakat, keeping the fasts of Ramadhan and performing the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Islam believes that each person is born pure. The Holy Quran tells us that God has given human beings a choice between good and evil and to seek God�s pleasure through faith, prayer and charity. Islam believes that God created mankind in His image and by imbuing the attributes of God on a human level mankind can attain His nearness. Islam�s main message is to worship God and to treat all God�s creation with kindness and compassion. Rights of parents in old age, orphans and the needy are clearly stated. Women�s rights were safeguarded 1,400 years ago when the rest of the world was in total darkness about emancipation. Islamic teachings encompass every imaginable situation and its rules and principles are truly universal and have stood the test of time.

In Islam virtue does not connote forsaking the bounties of nature that are lawful. On the contrary one is encouraged to lead a healthy, active life with the qualities of kindness, chastity, honesty, mercy, courage patience and politeness. In short, Islam has a perfect and complete code for the guidance of individuals and communities alike. As the entire message of Islam is derived from the Holy Quran and indeed the Sunnah and Hadith (the traditions and practices of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings on him) it is immutable in the face of change in time and place. It may appear rigid to the casual eye, in actual fact it is most certainly an adaptable way of life regardless of human changes.

Islam teaches that the path to spiritual development is open to all. Any individual who searches the One Creator can seek nearness to God through sincere and earnest worship; it is central to establishing a relationship with the Almighty. This positive message for humanity fills hearts with hope and courage.

At present there are 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide and they form the majority in more than 50 countries of the world. Today Islam is the fastest growing faith in the world - its beautiful message is reaching millions in the far corner of the earth.

From www.islam.com

Internet Resources

The following is a list of Internet resources that you may find helpful.

Sites about Islam:

� http://www.islamicity.com

� http://islamic-knowledge.com

Sites for New Muslims:

� A New Muslim�s Guide to Islam
http://www.bahagia.btinternet.co.uk

� Guide to Islam for New Muslims
http://www.islamicedfoundation.com/guide1.htm

� Advice from Other Converts
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Agora/4229/ctiadvicefornew.html

Sites on Learning to Pray:

� The Prescribed Prayer Made Simple
http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/pillars/prayer/prescribed/pptoc.html

� The Right Way to Pray
http://www.islamway.com/english/images/prayer/contents.htm

� Beginners Guide to Performing Islamic Prayers
http://www.islam-usa.com/pray1.html

Classes and Visits

REGULAR CLASSES
Introduction to Islam
Every Sunday
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Second floor of Al-Iman School Building
This informal class is intended for non-Muslims but Muslims are highly encouraged to attend with their non-Muslim guests. The class introduces non-Muslims to the basic articles of Islam and focuses on topics that are brought up by the participants. Only main issues of the faith are discussed; fiqh questions are forwarded to the Imam. This class is presented by different teachers.

PRESENTATIONS AND VISITS
The Da�wah (Outreach) Committee arranges onsite and offsite presentations for schools, churches, and other organizations. Presentations are given by trained Da�wah (Outreach) Committee members.

To find out more about these activities or schedule a presentation, please email us at aboutislam@islam1.org.

Classes, Programs, and Services

REGULAR CLASSES
Al-Noor: Guidance to Islam
Every Sunday
Women�s class: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Men�s class: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Second floor of Schools Complex Building
These classes are intended for new Muslims. Separate classes for men and women focus on basic Quranic Arabic, fundamental belief or aqeedah, and the meaning of the Quran in the light of the Quran and Sunnah.

The Al-Ansar Program
The goal of this program is to match up new Muslims with volunteers to provide help and support. Services will include a New Muslim Package, mentoring, training for volunteers, and halaqahs for new Muslims. This program is closely linked to the Al-Noor program for new Muslims. (Note: Not all these services are available at this time.)

SOCIAL EVENTS
Eid and Iftar Socials
Dates and times vary.

To find out more about these activities, join and volunteer for the Da'wah (Outreach) Committee, or schedule a presentation, please email us at aboutislam@islam1.org.

How to Pray

Prepared by Mohamed Baianonie
Imam of the Islamic Center of Raleigh
Raleigh, NC, USA

Acknowledgements
All praise and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of Al-'Alamin (all that exists) and peace be upon the Messenger Muhammad, his family and all his companions.

I would like to give my gratitude to all of the brothers and sisters who volunteered their time, effort, and funds to put together this booklet that so many will benefit from. I ask Allah, the Exalted, the Most Merciful to accept this booklet as an ongoing charity. May Allah give us sincerity in all of our sayings and actions and reward us all with the best in this world and the Hereafter. Ameen

Imam Mohamed Baianonie
December 10, 2005

Contents
Introduction
Preparation Before Salah
Impurities to be Removed Before Performing Salah
How to Purify Things
Minor Hadath and Major Hadath
Wudu (Ablution)
What Nullifies Wudu
Ghusl (Bathing)
Tayammum (Dry Ablution)
What Tayammum Makes Permissible
What Nullifies Tayammum
The Times of the Five Daily Prayers
Adhan: (Call to Prayer)
Iqamah
Fard (Compulsory) Salah
Sunnah (Optional) Salah
How to Perform Salah
When to Recite Aloud or Silently
Salatul Witr
What Invalidates Salah
What is Permissible during Salah
What to do When You Miss Salah
What to do When Praying in a Congregation
The Excellence of Salah

Download How Do I Pray?

Outreach Committee Services

REGULAR CLASSES
Introduction to Islam
Every Sunday
2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Second floor of Schools Complex Building
This informal class is intended for non-Muslims but Muslims are highly encouraged to attend with their non-Muslim guests. The class introduces non-Muslims to the basic articles of Islam and focuses on topics that are brought up by the participants. Only main issues of the faith are discussed; fiqh questions are forwarded to the Imam. This class is presented by different teachers.

Al-Noor: Guidance to Islam
Every Sunday
Women�s class: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Men�s class: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Second floor of Schools Complex Building
These classes are intended for new Muslims. Separate classes for men and women focus on basic Quranic Arabic, fundamental belief or aqeedah, and the meaning of the Quran in the light of the Quran and Sunnah.

PRESENTATIONS AND VISITS
The Da�wah (Outreach) Committee arranges onsite and offsite presentations for schools, churches, and other organizations. Presentations are given by trained Da�wah (Outreach) Committee members.

REGULAR PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Da�wah (Outreach) Committee Meetings
Second Saturday of every other month
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Schools Complex Building: Activity Hall
Meetings involve updates of Da�wah (Outreach) Committee activities, discussion of issues, and planning for new activities.

The Al-Ansar Program
The goal of this program is to match up new Muslims with volunteers to provide help and support. Services will include a New Muslim Package, mentoring, training for volunteers, and halaqahs for new Muslims. This program is closely linked to the Al-Noor program for new Muslims. (Note: Not all these services are available at this time.)

SOCIAL EVENTS
Eid and Iftar Socials
Dates and times vary.

To find out more about these activities, join and volunteer for the Da'wah (Outreach) Committee, or schedule a presentation, please email us at aboutislam@islam1.org.

Volunteer Opportunities

The IAR Da'wah (Outreach) Committee is looking for committed volunteers to help coordinate and provide our services. You can choose the extent of your involvement, from making presentations or coordinating one of our programs to making copies or sticking labels. No activity is too small. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: The most beloved deed to God is that which is the most regular and constant, even though it were little."
Click here to read about the services and programs offered by the Da'wah (Outreach) Committee. Below is a sample of volunteer responsibilities for each of these activities. Depending on how much time you can commit, you can volunteer for one whole group of responsibilities or for one activity within that group. To volunteer for the Outreach Committee, please email aboutislam@islam1.org. Remember to include your area of interest in the subject line.

REGULAR CLASSES
Introduction to Islam for Non-Muslims
Volunteers may be needed once a month.
Training is provided.
Presentations have already been prepared.
Making Presentations
� Give presentations
� Greet visitors, and get their contact.
� Keep contact with the visitors after their visit for a follow-up.
� Pass on the time/date and place where a Non-Muslim took Shahada so that an announcement can be made in the Masjid.
� Provide the new Muslim with a New Muslim Packet
Support
� Help set up the equipment for the presentation
� Set up chairs and tables
� Make sure the restrooms and lobby are clean
� Pass out pamphlets and literature
Al-Noor Classes for New Muslims
Administrative
From home:
� Follow up with students who are not coming any more to find out if they�re okay and why they dropped out.
� Try to organize rides for students who can�t come because of transportation problems.
At the Islamic Center:
� Teacher assistant: make photocopies from the office; get supplies, etc. if needed; help students in class if needed.
Coaching
� Help new students catch up to the Arabic class. (This can be done at whatever location and on whatever day suits both the student and the volunteer.)
Social
� Arrange socials (eating out etc.), exercise activities, outings, etc.

PRESENTATIONS & VISITS
Give onsite or offsite presentations when needed.
Training is provided.
Presentations have already been prepared.
Making Presentations
� Give presentations.
� Prepare for the presentation using the Instructor Guidelines that will be provided.
Support
Volunteers should arrive at least half an hour before the time of the presentation/visit. Volunteer responsibilities include the following:
� Set up chairs in musallah facing the wall opposite the entrance � number depends on how many guests are expected.
� Set up chairs for the volunteers near the gym wall, and facing the qiblah.
� Clean up lobby area.
� Make sure both bathrooms are clean.
� Make sure there are no shoes lying around in the lobby or the hallways.
� Make sure that the area is picked up and looks tidy � sometimes there is left over bread, brochures or flyers, etc. lying around.
� Set up table with brochures, etc.
� Greet and welcome visitors � show them where to put their shoes, let them know where the presentation is.
� Someone needs to stay in the lobby to guide late guests or direct people to the restrooms, etc.
� Be prepared to answer questions from people as they leave.
� Write down questions asked by the guests and e-mail them to aboutislam@islam1.org

REGULAR PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Al-Ansar Program
Mentoring
Serve as mentor for a new Muslim. Responsibilities include doing the following activities for at least one year, so that the new Muslim can be guided through all the five pillars:
� Call your assigned person once a week.
� Offer to bring them to the masjid.
� Invite them for dinner once every couple of months.
� Call your assigned person about the lectures at the masjid, classes, and activities.
� Ensure that they are getting information and instruction in the five pillars. (We can set up workshops or classes for these at the masjid.)
Making New Muslim Packets
Prepare New Muslim Packets with the �How Do I Pray?� booklet, an accompanying tape, and some other basic information. The tasks include the following:
� Print out information to include in packets.
� Make copies of the How Do I Pray tape.
� Make sure that all the subcommittee members have a stock of the New Muslim Packets.
Following Up on Questionnaire
Based on the information provided in the questionnaire, contact the new Muslim and make sure that their needs are being met.
Library
� Keep an updated catalog of books and audio/video material owned by the Outreach Committee.
� Track and follow up on loaned books.

SOCIAL EVENTS
Organize social events, including potluck and Eid or Ramadan get-togethers:
� Organize food or refreshments, if needed
� Send out food signup e-mail for potluck
� Advertise (posters, e-mail, etc.)
� Set up tables, chairs, and trash cans for the event
� Bring supplies: 2 or 3 table cloths, large spoons, knife, nametags and markers, etc.
� Maybe organize �getting to know each other� games

Schedule a visit to the Islamic Center

The Outreach Committee of the IAR arranges presentations and visits to the mosque for schools, churches, and other organizations.

Presentations are given by trained members of the Outreach Committee.

For more information about these activities, email aboutislam@islam1.org.

Glossary of Islamic Terms

This glossary has been compiled from various sources. Please forward any suggestions and comments to aboutislam@islam1.org.
adab: good manners; etiquette.
adhan: the call to congregational prayers. In some Muslim countries this call is issued from a minaret.
adl: justice.
A.H.: abbreviation for after hijrah. A.H. refers to the migration of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions from Mecca to Medina in the year 622. The Islamic lunar calendar starts from this historical event.
ahadith or hadith: plural of hadith.
ahadeeth: see ahadith.
akhirah : life in the hereafter.
akhlaq: morals.
alaihi salam: may peace be upon him.
al-akhirah: see akhirah.
alhamdulillah: all praise is for God.
alim: a learned, knowledgeable person or scholar in Islam.
Allah: according to Muslim belief, the true name of God, the Creator of the universe. Allah also has 100 attributes which describe His power, glory and characteristics. Some of His attributes are the Merciful, the Beneficent, the Wise, the All-Knowing, the Protector, the Mighty, the Loving, the First, the Last, the Eternal.
Allahu akbar: God is the Greatest. These words are repeated by Muslims many times during the course of the day, making them the most frequently chanted words on earth. Muslims say Allahu akbar when issuing the call for prayer, praying, expressing a happy feeling, approving an uplifting statement, and otherwise praising God.
amanah: trust
ameer: see amir.
amir : a leader or commander of the Muslims.
Amir al-Mumineen or Amir ul-Mumineen: leader or commander of the believers. Historically this title has been reserved for the Muslim caliph.
Amir al-Mumineen: see Amir ul-Mumineen.
assalamo alaikum: see assalamu alaikum
assalamu alaikom: see assalamu alaikum
assalamu alaikum: peace be upon you; the Islamic greeting for Muslims. Other extended forms are assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah (may the peace and mercy of Allah be upon you) and assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh (may the peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you).
athan: see adhan
ayah: a sign; verse of the Quran. In literal Arabic, ayah means miracle or sign. The Quran itself being a miracle, each of its verses (sentences) is called an ayah. The plural is ayat.
ayat: see ayah.
azan: see adhan
barakah: blessing
C.E.: the Christian Era. In Islamic texts C.E. is preferred over the term A.D. to refer to time before Hijrah, the start of the Muslim calendar.
dhimmi: A non-Muslim citizen of an Islamic state. Dhimmis are exempt from military service and zakah (an Islamic alms due) but instead pay a tax called jizyah. Their life and property is protected by the Islamic state.
deen : religion or way of life. Islam is referred to as a deen, or way of life, because it covers every facet of human life.
din: see deen.
dua: supplication; calling upon God.
dunya or ad-dunya: this life; this world.
emaam: see imam.
emam : see imam.
emaan: see iman.
faqih: an expert on Islamic jurisprudence.
fiqah: see fiqh
fiqha: see fiqh
fiqh: the body of Islamic jurisprudence or law. In Islam it also means understanding, comprehension and knowledge. A jurist is called a faqih because he or she is an expert in Islamic legal matters. A faqih passes verdicts within the rules of the Islamic Law or Shariah.
fuqaha: plural of faqih.
fard: obligatory.
fatwa: a legal opinion that is rendered by a person knowledgeable in Islamic jurisprudence.
fitnah: civil strife, war, riots, any trial or tribulation.
hadis: see hadith.
hadeeth: see hadith.
hadith: the sayings, actions and approvals of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him); the authentically recorded and reported narrations from the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which is modeled after the teachings of the Quran.
Hajj: one of the five pillars of Islam, hajj is the pilgrimage to Makkah that Muslims must make at least once during their lifetime.
halal: permitted in Islam.
haq: see haqq.
haqq: the truth. One of the attributes of Allah is Al-Haqq.
haneef: see hanif.
hanif : People who, during pre-Islamic days, rejected idolatry in their society. These people were in search of the true religion of Prophet Ibraheem (Abraham).
haraam: see haram.
haram: 1 unlawful or prohibited in Islam. 2 sanctuary or sacred territory. Mecca has been declared a haram since the time of Prophet Ibraheem (Abraham). All things within the limit of the haram are protected and considered inviolable. Medina was also declared haram by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
harem: see haram 2.
harum: see haram 2.
hijra: see hijrah.
hijrah: migration to seek sanctuary of freedom from religious or other persecution. In Islamic history terms, hijrah refers to the migration of Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina to escape persecution. This journey took place in the twelfth year of his mission (622 C.E.). The Islamic calendar starts from this historical event. Hijrah can also mean to leave a bad way of life for a good or more righteous way.
huq: see haqq.
ibadah: worship.
ijtehaad: see ijtihad.
ijtehad: see ijtihad.
ijtihaad: see ijtihad.
ijtihad: To uncover Allah's rulings on any issue by using one's knowledge of the Quran, Sunnah, ijma (consensus of scholars) etc. Only the most knowledgeable about Islamic sources of legislation can engage in ijtihad.
imaam: see imam.
imam: 1 the leader of the Muslim community (also called amir or khalifah); 2 leader of the congregational prayers. An imam is not infallible. He is responsible for his mistakes to all the members of the community and above all he is responsible to Almighty Allah.
imaan: see iman.
iman: literally, belief; Islamically, faith and trust in Allah.
Injeel: see Injil.
Injil: the revelations that were sent down to Prophet Isa (Jesus); what is referred to by Christians as the Gospels.
insha Allah: if God wills. Muslims say insha Allah whenever they speak about something in the future.
iqamah: call to stand for congregational prayer.
Isa: Jesus.
Islam: derived from the Arabic root words of silm and salam, Islam means, among others things, peace, greeting, salutation, obedience, loyalty, allegiance, and submission to the will of Allah. Muslims believe that Islam is the last and final religion for all mankind till the end of time, irrespective of color, race, nationality, ethnic background, language, or social position. The term Mohammedanism is sometimes mistakenly used for Islam. This is a misnomer and is offensive to Muslims.
jahannum: hell; fire.
jama'ah: gathering; congregation.
jannah: paradise; heaven.
jihaad: see jihad.
jihad : derived from the Arabic root word of jahada, jihad means to strive one's utmost to achieve something good. The first and foremost jihad is against one's own carnal desires and sinful temptations. There is also jihad against a tyrant ruler or oppressor. The jihad of the latter kind is defensive in nature and can only be called by a legal Islamic authority. The term Holy War does not apply to jihad as it cannot be found anywhere in Islamic history. Therefore, Holy War should not be used to describe jihad.
jilbab: a long, loose-fitting garment worn by Muslim women.
jin: see jinn.
jinn: spiritual beings that inhabit the world and are required to follow the orders of Allah. Just like humans, jinn can be good or bad
and are accountable for their deeds. The word jinn in Arabic means hidden, which indicates that they are invisible creatures. They were created by
Allah from fire.
jizyah: a tax paid by non-Muslims living in a Muslim State. Since the non-Muslims are exempt from military service and taxes imposed on Muslims, they must pay this tax. The Islamic state guarantees its non-Muslim citizens security and protection in return for jizyah.
juz: 1 part; 2 one part of the Quran.
Kaaba: see Kabah.
Ka'bah: see Kabah.
Kabah: a cube-shaped structure in the city of Mecca to which all Muslims turn during their prayers. The first house of worship built for mankind, it was originally built by Prophet Adam and later reconstructed by Prophets Ibraheem (Abraham) and Isma'il (Ishmael), peace be upon them all.
kady: see qadi.
kafir: a person who hides or covers up the truth and refuses to submit to Allah (God); a disbeliever in God.
khaleefa: see khalifah.
khaleefah: see khalifah.
khalifaah: see khalifah.
khalifah: successor or representative of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or one of his successors. This person acts as the head of state for the entire Muslim community of the world. Another title for the khalifah is Amir Al-Mumineen, which means the leader of the believers.
khateeb: see khatib.
khatib : an orator or speaker; a person who gives sermons, especially at Friday noon prayers.
khutba: a speech or sermon; sometimes used to refer to the sermon given during the Friday noon congregational prayer.
Koran: see Quran.
kuffar: plural of kafir.
kufr: 1 the act of concealing, denying or refusing to accept the truth about Allah; 2 showing ungratefulness to Allah for His bounties.
Kur'an: see Quran.
malaikah: plural of malak.
malak: angel, one of God's creations.
masha Allah: whatever Allah wills. Muslims say masha Allah when they hear something good
masjid: called mosque in English, the Muslim place of prayers and worship. The life of the early Muslims used to revolve around the masjid. Meetings would be held there, discussions would take place there.
Mehmet: Muhammad in Turkish.
minbar: a pulpit from where a sermon or speech is delivered.
muhajirin: emigrants; Prophet Muhammad's companions who migrated to escape persecution by the nonbelivers.
Mohamad: see Muhammad.
Mohamed: see Muhammad.
Mohammed: see Muhammad.
Muhammad: The name of the last and final messenger of God. The Quran says that the coming of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was foretold by each one of the foregoing prophets and the people were commanded to follow him when he appeared. His distinguishing feature was that he would confirm the truth of all prophets and revelations that preceded him. While other prophets were sent to a particular nation or tribe, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent to all mankind.
Muhamed: see Muhammad.
Muhammed : see Muhammad.
muathin: see muazzin.
muazzen: see muazzin.
muazzin: a person who issues the call for the five daily prayers.
mumin: someone who has a sincere belief and faith in Allah and is a righteous person.
muminun: plural of mumin.
munafiq : hypocrite.
munafiqun: plural of munafiq.
mus-haf: a written, printed copy of the Qur�an in the form of a published book.
mushrik: polythiest; a person who ascribes partners to Allah.
mushrikun: plural of mushrik.
Muslim: one who submits to God.
muttaqin: those who are constantly aware of God.
nabee: see nabi.
nabi: prophet; one who has received revelation from Allah.
niyyah: intention
P.B.U.H.: abbreviation for peace be upon him, derived from the Arabic words alaihi salam. Muslims traditionally say this after the name of all prophets to show respect and love. (Because Muslims are supposed to say sallallahu alaihe wasallam after the name of Prophet Muhammad and because P.B.U.H. does not accurately convey that meaning, many instead prefer the abbreviation S.A.W.)
qadhi: see qadi.
qadhy: see qadi.
qadi: an Islamic judge. A person who gives a hukm, or a binding verdict in a disputed matter that is presented to the Islamic court.
qadr: God's plan; fate
qibla: see qiblah.
qiblah : the direction Muslims face when praying. Muslims turn in prayers toward the Kabah, the cube-shaped house of worship that Prophets Ibraheem and his son Isma'il built in Mecca.
Qur'an: see Quran.
Quran: the Muslim book of revelations is called the Quran. It was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Allah through angel Jibril (Gabriel) over a period of 23 years. There is only one Quran in the whole world and it is in the Arabic language. The Quran has one text, one language, and one dialect. It has been memorized by millions of Muslims in different parts of the world.
qiyaas: a method for deducing or reaching a legal decision in Islam for which there is no clearcut evidence in the Quran, the Hadith, or the consensus of the companions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or Muslim scholars. The qiyaas must however be based on some precedents in the above sources.
rahim: compassionate.
rahman: merciful.
Ramadan: the Islamic month of dawn-to-dusk fasting. It falls on the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Fasting is obligatory for every healthy and able Muslim man and woman. It was during this month that the Qur'an began to be revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Muslims engage in extra prayers and charity during this month.
Ramadhan: see Ramadan.
Ramazan: see Ramadan.
rasool: see rasul.
rasul: messenger; one who receives revelation from Allah and is commanded to deliver the message to his people. Allah sent many prophets and messengers to mankind. Amongst them, the names of twenty-five are mentioned in the Quran. Five among them are major messengers: Nuh (Noah), Ibraheem (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus) , and Muhammad, peace be upon them all. Prophet Muhammad is the last messenger.
Rasulallah: messenger of Allah
rokoo: see rokoo.
rukoo: derived from the root word raka'a, which means to bow down. During prayers (salah), Muslims make rukoo to show respect to Allah. Rukoo consists of bowing forward at the waist level and is different from prostration.
ruku: see rukoo.
S.A.A.S.: see S.A.W.S..
S.A.W.: see S.A.W.S..
S.A.W.S.: abbreviation for the words sallallahu alaihi wasallam, which means "May the blessing and peace of Allah be upon him." When the name of Prophet Muhammad is mentioned, Muslims show respect to him by reciting this statement of peace.
sabr: patience in difficulty
sadaqah: charity beyond that which is obligatory
sahaba: plural of sahabi.
sahabah: plural of sahabi.
sahabi: companion of Prohet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
salaah: see salah.
salaat: see salah.
salah: an Arabic word meaning a spiritual relationship and communication between the creature and his Creator. It is commonly understood as ritualistic prayers. Salah is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandated five times a day: Fajr (dawn), Zuhr (noon), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (late evening). On Friday noon there is a special congregational prayer called Salatul Jumah that includes a sermon by the imam. Salah is not to be confused with du'a or supplication.
salam: peace
sallallahu alaihi wasallam: peace and blessings of Allah be on him
sawm: fasting
seerah: the biography of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which includes his personality, his life story, his prophethood, his leadership, and his ways of handling different situations. The seerah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the highest example and source of inspiration for all Muslims in all phases of their daily life.
shahadah: to bear witness; declaration of faith
shaikh: see sheikh.
Shaitan or Shaitaan: called Satan in Judaism and Christianity, Shaitan is the source of evil in the world. He always tries to misguide and mislead people. The Quran states that Shaitan is not an angel but a member of the jinn family. His other name is Iblis. The plural name is Shayatin.
Shareeah: see Shariah.
Shariah: derived from the root word shara'a, the Shariah refers to the revealed and canonical laws of the religion of Islam. Some other names of it are shar, shirah, and tashri.
sheikh: a title or a nickname for an elderly person or one who is knowledgeable in religion. This title is also given to a leader or a wise person.
shirk: associating partners with Allah; disbelieving in the unity and oneness of Allah and believing that someone else shares authority with Allah or has the same attributes or characteristics as Allah. This is major shirk and it will not be forgiven. There can also be minor shirk, which is to do a good deed with the purpose of showing off rather than to please Allah.
sirah : see seerah.
siyam: fasting
subhan Allah: glorified is Allah; Allah is pure. Muslims say subhan Allah when they appreciate something.
sujood: derived from the root word sajada, sujud is the prostration to Allah in the daily prayers. In the position of sujud Muslims praise Almighty Allah and glorify Him. During sujud, Muslims make sure that the forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes, are all touching the floor. This is the most humble position in the prayer and making supplications is highly recommended.
sujud: see sujood.
sunnah: In general, habit, practice, customary procedure, or action, norm, and usage sanctioned by tradition. In purely religious terms, it refers to Prophet Muhammad's (s.a.w.) sayings, actions and approvals as authentically recorded by his companions.
soorah: see surah.
sura: see surah.
surah: chapter of the Quran. The Quran is composed of 114 chapters. The plural of surah is suwar.
taharah: purification.
taqwah: love, fear, and awareness of God.
tawbah: repentance.
tauheed: see tauhid.
tauhid: confirming the oneness and unity of Allah; to believe that there is no one worthy of worship except Allah, that He does not share His power or authority with anyone, and that He is the Creator. This belief is the foundation of Islam.
tawheed: see tauhid.
tawhid: see tauhid.
Tawrat: the Torah; the revelations that were sent down to Prophet Musa (Moses).
ulama: plural of alim.
ummah: community or people; used in reference to the community of believers or Muslims.
wahi: revelation.
wudhoo: see wudu.
wudhu: see wudu.
wudu: the act of purifying (ablution) before daily ritual prayers or before reading the Quran.
wuzu: see wudu.
Zabur: Psalms; the revelations that were sent down to Prophet Da'ud (David).
zakaat: see zakah.
zakah: meaning purification and increase in one's wealth, zakah is one of the five pillars of Islam. All Muslims who have annual savings beyond a certain amount, or live off farming, are obligated to pay zakah. The rate at which zakah should be paid and its recipients are clearly identified.
zakat: see zakah.

Support Group: Al-Ansar

What does Al-Ansar mean?
Al-Ansar is Arabic for �the helpers.� The Ansar were people who helped the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions when they fled from Mecca to Medina to escape persecution. The Ansar took them into their homes, gave them provision, and generally welcomed them and gave to them generously.

What is the Al-Ansar program?
The Al-Ansar program provides you with the basic tools you need to pray, read Qur�an, and obtain resources on Islam. It also provides you with your own Ansar or helper who can be your mentor, point of contact, or perhaps can help you with transportation if you need a ride to the mosque for prayers, classes, or lectures.
NOTE: WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR COORDINATING THE AL-ANSAR PROGRAM. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER OR NEED MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM, PLEASE CONTACT US AT aboutislam@islam1.org.

How do I sign up?
Fill out the questionnaire designed to assess your individual needs. Someone will contact you within a few days.

The best congratulations to you on becoming Muslim. May Allah guide you in the journey you are about to take and continue to lead you towards what is right and best.

Assalaamu alaikum (peace be upon you)