Key Concepts in Sunni Islam

Ijma

Consensus, one of the four sources of law in Sunni Islam, along with Quran, sunna, and qiyas.

Ijtihad

The use of personal effort to make a decision on a point of law not explicitly covered by the Quran or sunna; the person with the authority to do this is called a mujtahid.

Imam

The prayer leader in the ßalåt who keeps worshippers' actions in unison during prayer. Also a title for revered Shia leaders and founders of Sunni schools of law.

Islam

The religion preached by Muhammad, meaning 'submission'; adherents are called Muslims.

Isma

A doctrine stating that prophets, especially Muhammad, were protected from sin during their lifetimes.

Isnad

The chain of authorities through whom a hadith report has passed; the list forms the first part of the report.

Isra

Muhammad's 'night journey' to Jerusalem, connected to the heavenly ascension.

Jahiliyya

The 'Age of Ignorance,' referring to ignorance of Islam with moral overtones.

Jihad

'Striving for the faith' or 'holy war,' sometimes seen as a 'sixth pillar' of Islam.

Jinn

Genies, another dimension of animate creation on earth.

Juma

The Friday noon gathering of the community for prayer, enjoined in the Quran.

Khalifa, Caliph

The leader of the Sunni community, the 'successor' to Muhammad.

Khatib

The person at the Friday noon prayer who delivers the sermon to the community.