lissa in Egyptian Arabic
When I started learning Egyptian Arabic, there was one word which gave me a headache: lissa -لِسّه; sometimes also written لِسَّى or لِسّة. Let's see why.
How do you spell لكن in Arabic?
Many students are confused why words like هذا, ذلك or لكن are written with a dash (dagger Aleph). Should they be pronounced with a long vowel ("aa")? Yes.
What is the plural of كافر – “unbeliever”?
There are many options to form the plural of kafir (كافر) which is unbeliever in Islam. The most common are Kuffār and Kāfirūn. Do they mean the same?
What is a Kafir?
The Arabic term Kāfir (Kafir - كافر) is probably the most controversial word in Islam. It is the opposite of believer – in Arabic: Mu’min / مؤمن.
Pasha, Mister, and Baksheesh – etymology of Arabic words (part 3)
In Arabic, there are words that don’t look Arabic - and they aren't. The etymology of basha, bakshish, sitt, efendim, khan, dulab, fingan and Khorchide.
Prison, ice cream, and shoes – etymology of Arabic words (part 2)
In Arabic there are words that don’t look Arabic - and they aren't. The etymology of liman, odah, dondurma, shish tawouk, gazma, dughry, fihris.
Jailbirds, thugs, and kufta: etymology of Arabic words (part 1)
In Arabic there are words that don’t look Arabic - and they aren't. The etymology of Baltagi, Idda, shanta, daftar, dukkan
What is a Taghut?
Taghut or Taghout - Arabic: طاغوت - is a term that is specifically used to denounce everything that is worshiped instead or besides Allah.
The index finger in Islam – what does it symbolize?
The index finger, when a Muslim makes a sign with it (by raising it), symbolizes the unity of Allah.
al-rahman and al-rahim – Is there a difference in meaning?
Muslims say "In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the most Merciful", the Basmalah. The attributes are used as synonyms, but there is a fine difference.
