Mosque & Islam glossary

A

Adab

The etiquette and good manners expected during a respectful visit or an act of worship. Learn more →

Adhan

The call to prayer, announced aloud before each of the five daily prayers. Learn more →

D

Dome (qubba)

The rounded roof of many mosques, both symbolic and practical, often set over the prayer hall. Learn more →

Dua

A personal supplication made in one's own words, which can be offered at almost any time. Learn more →

E

Eid

One of the two major Islamic festivals, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, often marked by large mosque gatherings. Learn more →

H

Hadith

A recorded saying or action of the Prophet Muhammad, used alongside the Qur'an as a source of guidance.

Hajj

The annual pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the pillars of Islam, required once of every able Muslim. Learn more →

Halal

That which is permitted under Islamic law, most often used of food and drink that Muslims may consume.

Hijab

The headscarf worn by many Muslim women, and more broadly the principle of modest dress. Learn more →

I

Ihram

The state of ritual purity entered for pilgrimage, and the plain white garments worn during it. Learn more →

Imam

The person who leads the prayer, often a mosque's religious leader, teacher and point of contact. Learn more →

Iqamah

The second, shorter call announced immediately before the congregation stands to pray. Learn more →

J

Jamaat

The congregation, or the act of praying together in a group behind an imam. Learn more →

Jami (jami masjid)

A large congregational mosque used for the Friday prayer and sermon. Learn more →

Jumua

The Friday congregational prayer, the main weekly gathering, held in place of the midday prayer. Learn more →

K

Kaaba

The cube-shaped structure at the centre of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, toward which all Muslims pray. Learn more →

Khatib

The person who delivers the Friday sermon, often but not always the imam. Learn more →

Khutbah

The sermon given before the Friday and festival prayers, usually delivered from the minbar. Learn more →

M

Madrasa

A school, often attached to a mosque, where children learn to read the Qur'an and study Arabic. Learn more →

Maktab

An elementary religious class, usually for children, teaching Qur'an reading and the basics of the faith. Learn more →

Masjid

The Arabic word for mosque, literally a place of prostration where Muslims gather to pray. Learn more →

Mihrab

The niche in the qibla wall that marks the direction of prayer toward Mecca. Learn more →

Minaret

The tower from which, traditionally, the call to prayer was given over the surrounding area. Learn more →

Minbar

The raised pulpit, often a short staircase, from which the sermon is delivered. Learn more →

Muezzin

The person who gives the call to prayer, historically from the minaret. Learn more →

Musalla

A simple prayer room or prayer space, smaller than a full mosque and often lacking a minbar. Learn more →

Q

Qibla

The direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, which worshippers face during prayer. Learn more →

Qur'an

The holy book of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the word of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

R

Rak'ah

A single unit or cycle of the prayer, comprising standing, bowing and prostration. Learn more →

Ramadan

The month of fasting, when many mosques fill for night prayers and the breaking of the fast. Learn more →

S

Sadaqah

Voluntary charity or giving, offered freely and at any time beyond the obligatory zakat.

Sahn

The open courtyard of a traditional mosque, sometimes containing a fountain for ablution. Learn more →

Salah

The ritual prayer performed five times a day, one of the pillars of Islam. Learn more →

Sujud

The prostration in prayer, in which the forehead touches the ground, the act that gives the mosque its name. Learn more →

Sunnah

The example and practice of the Prophet Muhammad, followed by Muslims alongside the Qur'an.

T

Tasbih (misbaha)

Prayer beads used to count phrases of remembrance, and also the act of glorifying God. Learn more →

Tawaf

The rite of circling the Kaaba seven times, performed during the pilgrimage to Mecca. Learn more →

U

Ummah

The worldwide community of Muslims, united by shared faith across nations and cultures.

Umrah

The lesser pilgrimage to Mecca, which can be undertaken at any time of the year. Learn more →

W

Wudu

The ritual washing of the hands, face, arms and feet performed before prayer. Learn more →

Z

Zakat

The obligatory annual giving to those in need, one of the pillars of Islam.