Glossary

Allahu akbar

An Arabic phrase meaning “God is great.”

angrez

This term may refer to a European, an English person, or a Westerner more generally, depending on context.

angrezi

The adjectival form of angrez: English, European, Western.

apa

“Elder sister,” a reverential term that may be used literally or figuratively.

ashrafi

A type of gold coin.

asr

The afternoon prayer.

azan

The Muslim call to prayer.

bahadur

When placed after a name, a suffix that denotes honor or respect. It literally means “brave.”

begum

Historically, a royal or aristocratic title in Central Asia. It is now widely used to denote any Muslim woman of high rank, particularly in South Asia. It may also denote a married woman.

bhabhi

Brother’s wife, sister-in-law.

bhai

Literally “brother” but also used as a term of respect. Often appended to the end of a first name to denote a close relationship.

bibi

A respectful term that refers to upper-class or well-born women, often Muslim. It generally corresponds to the English word “lady.”

bismillah

A common Arabic phrase that means “in the name of God.” It is typically read at the start of an activity.

burqa

One of many types of outer garments worn by women that covers both the body and face. Its style and coverage vary.

dastar-khwan

A cloth spread on the ground on which a meal is served or eaten.

durud

Prayers or blessings said for the Prophet Muhammad.

fajr

The morning prayer, to be completed before dawn.

fatiha

The fatiha is the first chapter of the Qur’an. It is commonly recited over graves.

al-hamdulillah

“Praise be to God.” An Arabic phrase that is used widely by Muslims of all backgrounds.

haram

An Arabic word that literally means “sanctuary” or “holy space.” When combined with the word sharif (noble) and used as a proper noun, it typically refers to the precincts of the main mosque in Mecca or the mosque in Medina that contains the tomb of the Prophet.

Hatim

Also known as the Hajr Isma‘il, this is a small wall opposite the Kaaba that lies within the circular space around which pilgrims walk while performing the tawaf, or ritual circumambulation. The term also refers to the area between the wall and the Kaaba itself.

hazrat

A title of respect. When combined with a name, it refers to deceased saintly individuals particularly.

ihram

The clothing worn while performing the hajj or umrah pilgrimages. Men typically wear two white, unstitched cloths. Women’s clothing may vary but often does not include a veil or face covering.

imam zamin

This is a small amount of money dedicated to a protecting figure, or imam, inserted into a band and tied to the arm of a departing person to protect them during their journey.

inshallah

Literally, “if God wills it.” A phrase applied to any future plan or to denote uncertainty.

isha

The late evening prayer.

labbaik

Roughly meaning “I am present” or “I heed your call” in Arabic, this word expresses one’s intention to perform the hajj or umrah pilgrimages only for God’s glory. It is repeated an unlimited number of times before and during these pilgrimages.

maghrib

The dusk prayer.

marhaba

An Arabic greeting, roughly meaning “welcome.”

masha Allah

“God has willed it.” A widely used Arabic phrase that conveys a range of meanings, including happiness and thankfulness. It is the past tense form of inshallah, “if God wills it.”

mem

A shortened form of memsahib.

memsahib/memsahiba

A South Asian term used to refer to Western, particularly British English, women. It derives from the word “madame.” Begum Sarbuland also uses it to refer to Christians of any background.

miyan

Young man.

muallim

A guide that leads pilgrims through various ritual actions and prayers, who might also be tasked with arranging accommodation and transportation.

nawab

Depending on era and context within Mughal and colonial India, an independent king, a subordinate ruler or governor, or an aristocrat, typically Muslim.

nafl

A category of optional prayers that may be performed during or after certain activities.

niqab

A type of face covering or mask worn by some Muslim women.

pir

A title for a Sufi spiritual guide.

rakat

A term that refers to one set, or cycle, of various prescribed movements and actions performed during prayer.

sahib

(1) An honorific, typically affixed to the end of a name. (2) When used by women, it may be used to refer to one’s husband. (3) A respectful term used to refer to a man, often a European or Western man. Begum Sarbuland also uses it to refer to Christians.

salaam

Literally, a greeting or expression of peace. Salaams can be directed toward sacred spaces, such as the Kaaba or the grave of a saint.

sarkar

An honorific title. Begum Sarbuland uses it to refer to her husband.

shaghdaf

A camel litter; an enclosed space mounted on a saddle to allow the occupant, typically women, to travel unobserved.

sharif

(1) An honorific placed after the name of a place; (2) an adjective used in South Asia to indicate a person of noble or respectable background.

Surah

A chapter of the Qur’an.

tabarruk

Items that have been blessed, typically by their presence in a sacred space or event.

tahajjud

Supererogatory prayers performed during the late night.

tahlil

To praise God by reciting the phrase La ilaha ila Allah, “there is no god but God.”

takbir

To recite the phrase Allahu akbar, “God is great.”

tasbih

Literally “to recite ‘subhan Allah,’” or “glory to God.” It also refers to an object used to count these recitations, typically a looped string of beads that is used like a rosary.

tawaf

The act of circumambulation, typically of the Kaaba.

umrah

Referring to the “minor” or “lesser” pilgrimage, it involves circumambulation of the Kaaba and may be completed at any time of the year. It contrasts with the “major” pilgrimage, the hajj, which may only be completed at a specified time and which requires several more rituals.

vazifa

A litany that typically includes Qur’anic verses, supplications, and other prayers.

vuzu

Ritual ablution, or the act of washing to purify oneself before praying or handling the Qur’an, typically according to a set order.

Zamzam

A revered well in Mecca; may also refer to water sourced from the well.

zuhr

The late morning prayer.