Browsing Category
Islam
28 posts
Islam and its connection to the Arabic language: articles about history, Islamic terms, the style and grammar of the Qur’an, stories from the Prophet Muhammad.
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.
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.
Allahu akbar! What does it mean?
Does Allahu Akbar mean "God is great" or "God is greater" or "God is the Greatest"? There is no clear answer. There even might be an underlying ellipsis.
How do you convert a Gregorian year to Hijri?
The Islamic calendar (Hijri) is a lunar calendar. It started in 622 CE. With a simple formula, it is easy to convert dates.
How are family names constructed in Arabic?
In Europe or the USA we have a first name (given name), maybe a middle name, and a surname (family name). How is it in the Arab world?
الصَّلاةُ خَيْرٌ مِن الْنَّوْمِ: “Prayer is better than sleep” – Is it really “better”?
The Islamic call to prayer is a tricky construction. In Sunni Islam, the muezzin uses khayr (خير) which strangely denotes a comparative (better). Why?