Islamic Glossary: Common Islamic Terms Explained in Plain English
262 Islamic words from A to Z, each explained in a sentence or two of plain English.
Updated 4 November 2026
18 pagesGuide
A4 & US Letterprint at home
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A reference to use any timetime it takesIslam has its own vocabulary, and many of its words come straight from Arabic. This glossary explains 262 of them in plain English, in alphabetical order, so you can look a word up as soon as you meet it in a class, a khutbah, an article or a conversation.
It covers everyday words such as adhan, wudu and zakat, and the terms of Islamic law (fiqh) such as fard, wajib, sunnah and makruh. Where a ruling is involved, the terms are explained as the Hanafi school uses them.
It is made to be printed on A4 or US Letter paper, or kept on your phone, and it is free.
How to use it well
- 1Plain English first
Each word gets a short, clear meaning, with no heavy jargon.
- 2A to Z order
Entries run alphabetically, so any word is quick to find.
- 3Fiqh terms explained
Words like fard, wajib, sunnah, mustahab and makruh are explained the way the Hanafi school uses them.
- 4Basics at a glance
Short overviews of the five pillars of Islam and the six articles of faith, plus everyday phrases.
How to use it
Keep it beside your Qur'an or on your phone. When you meet an unfamiliar word in a lesson, a khutbah or an article, look it up here first. Print it on A4 or US Letter, whichever your printer uses.
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Frequently asked questions
What does this Islamic glossary cover?
262 terms in plain English, from everyday words such as adhan, wudu and zakat to terms of Islamic law such as fard, wajib and makruh.
Which school of fiqh does it follow?
Where a term belongs to Islamic law, it is explained in the Hanafi school.
Is the glossary free?
Yes. It is free to download as a PDF, in A4 and US Letter sizes.
Can I print it?
Yes. It is laid out to print cleanly at home on A4 or US Letter paper.
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