Islamic Terms – no 2

In order to understand Islam it is necessary to know the meaning of certain key terms and the identity of some proper names. Most of them are in the Arabic language, and there is often no equivalent in English or in other tongues.

ALLAHU AKBAR
This statement is said by Muslims numerous times. During the

call for prayer, during prayer, when they are happy, and wish to

express their approval of what they hear, when they slaughter an

animal, and when they want to praise a speaker, Muslims do say

this expression of Allahu Akbar. Actually it is most said

expression in the world. Its meaning: “Allah is the Greatest.”

Muslims praise Allah in every
aspect of life; and as such they say Allahu Akbar.

ASSALAMU ALAIKUM
This is an expression Muslims say whenever they meet one

another. It is a statement of greeting with peace. The meaning of

it is: “Peace be upon you.”

Muslims try to establish peace on earth even through the friendly

relation of greeting and meeting one another.

The other forms are: “Assalamu ‘Alalikum Wa Rahmatullah,”

which means:”May the peace and the Mercy of Allah be upon

you,” and “Assalamu Alalikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,”

which means :”May the peace, the mercy, and the blessings of

Allah be upon you.”

BISMILLAHIR RAHMANIR RAHIM
This is a phrase from the Qur’an that is recited before reading

the Qur’an. It is to be read immediately after one reads the phrase:

“A’uzu Billahi Minashaitanir Rajim.”

This phrase is also recited before doing any daily activity. The

meaning of it is: “In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the

Most Merciful.”

LA ILAHA ILLALLAH
This expression is the most important one in Islam. It is the

creed that every person has to say to be considered a Muslim. It

is part of the first pillar of Islam. The meaning of which is: ” There

is no god except Allah.”

SUBHANAHU WA TA’ALA
This is an expression that Muslims use whenever the name of

Allah is pronounced or written. The meaning of this expression

is: “Allah is pure of having partners and He is exalted from

having a son.”

Muslims believe that Allah is the only God, the Creator of the

Universe. He does not have partners or children. Sometimes

Muslims use other expressions when the name of Allah is written

or pronounced. Some of which are: “‘Azza Wa Jall”: He is the

Mighty and the Majestic; “Jalla Jalaluh”: He is the exalted

Majestic.

S.W.T. These letters are abbreviations for the words of

“Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala”.

P.B.U.H.
These letters are abbreviations for the words Peace Be Upon

Him which are the meaning of the Arabic expression ” ‘Alaihis

Salam”, which is an expression that is said when the name of a

prophet is mentioned. This expression is widely used by English

speaking Muslims.