Historical and Religious Terms

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Abrahamic Faiths

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The religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which all trace their origins through a common ancestor, the prophet Abraham.

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Caliph

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An Islamic title designating a spiritual and secular leader.

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Caliphate

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An area under the control of a Muslim ruler called a caliph.

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Hadith

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The words and actions of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and his immediate successors that, along with the Quran, form the fundamental basis for Islamic law.

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Hajj

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The Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.

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Hijra

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An Arabic term meaning 'emigration' that describes a defining moment for early Muslims as they fled Mecca for Medina in 622 CE.

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Imam

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The religious leader of Shia Muslims (Those in favor of Hereditary rule).

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Islamization

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The religious and cultural conversion of those living under Islamic rule.

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Mawali

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Non-Arab converts to Islam in the early Islamic period who had to be adopted by an Arab tribe as part of the conversion process.

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Quran

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The holy scripture of Islam, which Muslims believe was given to humanity by God through Muhammad.