The Light of Truth — Page 509
GLOSSARY Ahad A report that is not widely trans- mitted, coming from one or a limited number of narrators in each genera- tion. Contrast with Tawātur. Ahadith see Hadith Ahl as-Sunnah The mainstream major- ity of Muslims who follow the Holy Quran, the Sunnah, and the consen- sus (ijma') of the early Muslim gener- ations. Akhirīn, al- Lit. 'The Later Ones. Re- fers to the people of the Latter Days, during which time the advent of the Promised Messiahas would take place. Āmīn Lit. 'Let it be so. Arabic equiva- lent of 'amen. Anna see Currency values. Aş-Şiddiqah 'The Truthful. A title of Ayeshaha, wife of the Holy Prophetsas. Auliya' Literally means 'Friends' and is the plural of Wali, which is gener- ally used to refer to a saintly person. Shorter version of Auliyā'ullāh. Awwalin, al- 'The First Generations. Typically refers to the Companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsas and next two generations. Ayyām al-Bīd 'The days of white (nights). Refers to when the moon is fullest in a lunar month, when a lunar eclipse can occur. Badr An Arabian city near the Red Sea, southwest of Madinah, and site of an early pivotal battle between 313 Muslims and more than a thousand idolaters. Bai'ah Oath of allegiance to a religious leader. Balaghah The art of eloquent and effec- tive expression in Arabic. Bayyināt Clear, evident proofs. Currency values The Rupee is the main unit of currency in India. Anna is 1/16 of a rupee. Da'if 'Weak. Hadith category. Dajjal An Arabic word literally mean- ing 'deceiver' and is translated as An- tichrist. In Islamic terminology, refers to those satanic forces which would be unleashed in the Latter Days, and would be opposed by the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdias. Dhul-Qa'dah 'The one of sitting. Name of 11th month of Islamic calen- dar. Dhū Mirrah 'Possessor of strength, used to describe the Angel Gabriel (Ji- brā'īl) in the Holy Quran.