The Mirror of the Excellences of Islam — Page 716
GLOSSARY Adhan The Islamic call to prayer. Aḥādīth Sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad sas. Ahl-e-Bait The members of the household of the Holy Prophet Muhammad sas. 'Alaqah The three stages of develop- ment of the embryo, nutfah (sperm drop), alaqah (clot) and mudghah (lump of flesh) or to the three forms mentioned in 86:7, 8; 3:7 and 16:79, or to the three critical periods of preg- nancy: (a) from the second to the third month of pregnancy; (b) from the third to the fifth month and (c) the beginning of the eighth month. During pregnancy there is danger of miscarriage at these three stages. Akhirīn Literally means 'later ones' and refers to the people in Latter days when the prophecy of the advent of Promised Messiah would be fulfilled. Amanat The amānat (Trust) refers to the divine Law of the Quran. Of all creation, only the Holy Prophet sas al-Insan-the Perfect Man-was found worthy of receiving and ful- filling this Trust, owing to his un- matched spiritual perfection and ca- pacity to discharge this final and most sacred responsibility. Āmīn Let it be so. Arabic equivalent to amen. Anna See Currency values. Annual Convention (Jalsa Salana) A conference held annually and at- tended by Ahmadi and non-Ahmadi Muslims and other people through- out the world in large numbers. The annual conference was initiated by the Promised Messiahas in 1891. It is known by its original Urdu name, Jalsa Salana. Ansar Anṣār (Helpers) were the early Muslims of Madinah who provided shelter and support to the Muhaji- rin (Refugees) who migrated from Makkah due to persecution. They are praised in the Quran as true believers for their sacrifices and commitment to Islam. Along with the Muhajirin, they were promised forgiveness and an honourable provision by Allah. Aqtab Plural of qutb, which means the polar star. Metaphorically applied to a saintly leader who guides people out of darkness. Āryah Samaj A Hindu sect founded by Pandit Swami Dayanand Saraswatī in 1875.