The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) – Volume III — Page 229
Glossary of Terms Volume III Aḥādīth: Traditions pertinent to the sayings or deeds of the Holy Prophet sa as recorded by his faithful companions. Ḥadith is the singular form of this word. Amīr: A term in Islāmic phraseology, which refers to a leader or commander. Islām has put great emphasis in obeying the Amīr in order to maintain unity. Allāh: The personal name of God in Islām. Anṣār: Literally means ‘The Helpers’, which was a title of veneration given to the Muslims of Madīnah, on account of their giving protection to the Holy Prophet sa and his companions of Makkah, when they migrated to Madīnah. ‘Anṣārī’ is the singular form of this word. Anṣārī: Refer to ‘Anṣār’ Aṣḥābul-Fīl: Refers to Abraḥah and his armies who marched forward to destroy the Ka‘bah astride elephants prior to the birth of the Holy Prophet sa and literally means, ‘People of the Elephant’. Ashhur-e-Ḥurum: Refers to the four sacred months in which any and all violence or bloodshed is prohibited as per the ancient law of the Arabs. The four sacred months are Muḥarram, Rajab, Dhul-Qa‘dah and Dhul-Ḥijjah. Bai‘at: Oath of allegiance to a religious leader; initiation at the hands of a prophet or his caliph. Literally means ‘to be sold’. Baitullāh: Refers to the Holy Ka‘bah originally erected by Abraham as and his eldest son Ishmael as in the Valley of Becca and literally means ‘House of Allāh’. Dhul-Ḥijjah: The twelfth month of the Islāmic calendar and the last of the ‘Four Sacred Months. ’ Ghazwah: A military expedition, campaign or war in which the Holy Prophet sa participated himself. The plural is Ghazwāt. Ḥadith: A tradition, saying or narration of the Holy Prophet sa as recorded by his faithful companions. Aḥādīth is the plural form of this word. Ḥajj: Pilgrimage to the Ka‘bah, which takes place once a year. All Muslims who are financially able must perform the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime as a pillar of faith. Ḥaram: A term which refers to the sacred proximity of the Ka‘bah