Faith

The set of beliefs that constitute the principle tenets of Islam. Belief in: Allah, His Angels, His Revelations, His Messengers (Prophets ), The Day of Judgement and that Fate both good and bad, is given by Allah and that there is Life after Death (Hereafter).

People who were classified as followers of the Prophets of their era had the same Faith described above and are known as the believers in that era and the Ummah of the particular Prophet. The Prophet of this last and final prophetic era is Prophet Muhammad and his followers (Muslims) are the final set of believers and are titled the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad , the Last and Final Messenger. To be a Muslim you must believe in the principle tenets of Islam (above) including the belief that there is no Deity other than Allah and Prophet Muhammad is His Messenger.

Also referred as: Faith, Iman, Creed, Doctrine, Faith, Belief, Practice, Tenets, Principles, Articles, Islam.

Inter-Islam items: Faith

See also Allah, Quran, Muhammad, Messenger, Fate, Hereafter, Believer, Muslim, Angels, Revelation, Qiyaamah

Linguistically fardh means to decree, whilst in the Shari`a, it denotes that which is delineated in such a manner that no increase or decrease is possible. The command of a fardh is communicated by a definite (qat`i) text wherein there is no ambiguity, clear and specific. As a consequence the obligation emanating from a fard is of a greater degree than that from a wajib. The omission of a fard invalidates the act.
To act upon it and to believe in it is binding. One who refuses to believe in a fard such as salah or zakah is rendered an unbeliever.

Communal obligation (al-fard al-kifaya)  is an obligation which is incurred upon all, without specifying those who should perform it. Its obligation upon all will be lifted if fulfilled by a few. Examples of al-fard al-kifaya are the funeral prayer, to enjoin good and forbid evil, furnishing definite proofs upon the existence of Allah etc.

Also referred as: Farz, Faraz, Fard, al-fard al-kifaya, compulsory, obligatory, obligation

See also: Waajib, Sunnah, Adab, Haraam , Makruh, Mubaah, Mustahab, Halaal

Another name for the Persian language (old Iranian). Many early Islamic books were first translated from Arabic to Persian.

Also referred as: Pharsi, Pharsee, Persian.

In Islam Fasting is to refrain from certain activities between dawn and dusk including smoking, eating, drinking and intercourse, etc. It is one of the five Fardh (Compulsory) pillars upon which Islam stands. Fasting acts like a shield and protects one from evil, it has five types: Compulsory (including Fasting the month of Ramadhan), Expiatory, Compensatory, Qadhaa and Optional.

In previous prophetic eras fasting restricted other activities also, such as speaking which was restricted at the time of the birth of Prophet Isa (Jesus son of Mary, peace be upon them). In this Prophetic era speaking is permitted during fasting and it gained perfection in Islam. The injunction about fasting was revealed in 2AH in Islam. It gave the institution of fasting a finishing touch and introduced therein method, regularity, and meaning.

Also referred as: Saum, Sowm, Rowza, Siyaam, Fast.

Inter-Islam items: Fasting

See: Eid

Man is commanded to do good and prohibited from doing evil. Humans wilfully choose to do good or evil. Every individual has been given free-will and should use it to work towards attaining the pleasure of Allah and Allah has full knowledge of the individual’s actions; past, present and future.

Despite destiny being pre-ordained there is the possibility of increase in one's wealth, lifespan and the aversion of calamities. Allah says, “Allah blots out what he wills and conforms (what he wills): and with Him is the mother of the book (i.e. book of conclusive records).” ( 13:39)
All favours are by Allah's will alone and no misfortune can happen except by the will of Allah.  Therefore we should not despair over any misfortune or boast over any favour. We should be thankful to Allah for his favours and patient over any misfortune.

Also referred as: Taqdeer, Muqaddar, Kismet, Destiny, Predestination, Predetermination, Written Book, Conclusive Record .

Inter-Islam items: Fate

See also: Imaan, Dua

Animal Skin with hair such as wool

See: Tanning