Key Islamic Terms: A Glossary

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Salaf

The "pious ancestors," the first three generations of Muslims, whom some modern Islamists (also known as Salafis) uphold as embodying the ideal manifestation of Islam.

Salat

The prescribed five daily prayers, one of the "Five Pillars" required of all Muslims.

Sawm

Fasting performed during the month of Ramadan, one of the "Five Pillars" required of all Muslims.

Sayyid

An honorific title denoting people accepted as descendants of the Prophet Muhammad.

Shahada

Witness to faith; stating (in Arabic), "There is no god but God and Muhammad is His messenger"; one of the "Five Pillars" required of all Muslims, signifying conversion to Islam and a part of the ritual prayer (salat).

Sharia

The religious law derived from the four sources of law in Sunni Islam (Quran, Sunna, Qiyas, and Ijma).

Shaykh/Sheikh

Literally, "an old man," used as a term of respect for a religious teacher, especially a Sufi master.

Shia

The second largest branch of Islam after Sunni. The religio-political party championing the claims of Ali and his heirs (the Twelve Imams) to the rightful leadership of the Islamic community and their status as Imams. Since the early sixteenth century, Shia Islam has been the official state religion of Iran, where most of its followers reside. They comprise about 12% of the global Muslim population.

Shura

"Consultation," a concept frequently invoked by Islamists when discussing Islamic governance.

Su

Sufi

An adherent of Sufism, the mystical path of Islam.

Sunna

"Custom"; the way of life of Prophet Muhammad, emulated by Muslims. The source material for the Sunna is found in hadith reports. The Sunna is one of the four sources of law for Sunni Islam, along with the Quran, Qiyas, and Ijma.

Sunnis

The largest branch of Islam; those who follow the Sunna and do not recognize the authority of the Shia Imams.

Other Terms

Sura

A chapter of the Quran.

Tafsir

Interpretation of the Quran, especially in written form.