Key Terms – Page 2 – The Quranic Teachings

Shukr (شُکر)

March 16, 2014 Dr. Tanveer Hussain Comments 0 Comment

SHUKR has the following common meanings: -To be thankful [for a benefit or benefits received] -To be grateful -To praise -To eulogise -To acknowledge beneficence and speak largely of it -To acknowledge beneficence of Allah and act in a manner incumbent upon us in rendering Him obedience and abstaining from His disobedience SHUKR has three main aspects when it is rendered by man to Allah: -Being humble, lowly or submissive [in heart and mind] -Praising, eulogising and acknowledging the beneficence of Allah…

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Tazkiya (تزکیہ)

March 16, 2014 Dr. Tanveer Hussain Comments 0 Comment

The word TAZKIYA [when applied to NAFS] has the following meanings: -Increase and augmentation [in goodness and righteousness] -Growth and development [in goodness and righteousness] -Personal development -Development of self [i.e. NAFS] -Self-actualization TAZKIYA is different from TAHAARAT, which is -Freedom from dirt, dust or filth -Freedom from evil or sins -Distance or remoteness from evil or sins TAHAARAT encompasses all the following aspects: Physical: Freedom from dirt, dust and filth/ cleanliness of body Mental: Freedom from evil and sinful thought; Freedom from wrong beliefs, prejudices, etc. Spiritual:…

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Hamd (حمد)

March 16, 2014 Dr. Tanveer Hussain Comments 0 Comment

The word Hamd حمد has the following meanings/implications: 1. Praise, eulogy, commendation, admiration. حمد is different than مدح in that حمد is only of such acts as are volitional [see 3:188] and done by choice, and not are just accidental. For example, describing a pearl as clear and beautiful is not حمد but مدح because the beauty of a pearl is not because of the pearl’s will. The Creator of the pearl is worthy of all حمد. 2. It also embodies the idea of thankfulness. حمد is different from شكر in that شكر is only on account of favour received…

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Zikr or Dhikr (ذِکر)

March 9, 2014 Dr. Tanveer Hussain Comments 0 Comment

The Quranic term ‘Zikr’ or ‘Dhikr’ has been used in the Quran in different meanings, including the following: 1. REMEMBERANCE It includes: calling (something) to mind and keeping (something) in mind; being mindful of (something) and not neglect it; bearing (something) in mind and not forget it. أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ “Surely, peace and tranquility of the minds comes with the remembrance of Allah [i.e. by being heedful of His Commands in all walks of life]”. [Al-Quran Surah 13:…

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Taqwa (تقوی)

February 8, 2014 Dr. Tanveer Hussain Comments 0 Comment

The root of the term TAQWA (تقوی) is W-Q-Y (و- ق- ی). The first form (I) of the verb (وقی) has the following meanings: To guard (something/someone) To preserve (something/someone) To take good care (of something/someone) To take precautionary measure (to protect something) To safeguard, shield, preserve, shelter or protect (someone) from (something) The term TAQWA (تقوی) is related to the 8th form (VIII) of the verb, which is ITTAQA (اِتّقی). This form of the verb implies the action of…

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Jihad (جِھاد)

January 1, 2014 Dr. Tanveer Hussain Comments 0 Comment

The Arabic word ‘Jihad’ or ‘jihaad(un)’ (also spelt as ‘Jihaad’) is a noun. The meanings of every Arabic noun depend mainly upon two factors: a) What is the Arabic root of the noun word, and the signification or meaning of that root? b) What is the form or measure (or baab, as they call it in Arabic) of that noun word? The Arabic root of the word ‘Jihad’ is ‘jahd(un)’ or ‘juhd(un)’, with the following meanings: Power; Influence; Energy; Ability; Labour; Toil; Exertion; Effort; Endeavour; Diligence; Painstaking, or…

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Islam (اِسلام)

November 30, 2013 Dr. Tanveer Hussain Comments 0 Comment

Dictionary Meanings of the Term The verb form IV aslama (أَسْلَمَ) of the verbal noun is’lām (إِسْلَٰم) means: to submit[1]; to surrender[2]; to commit oneself (to an authority, system or a way of life); to resign; aslama lillahi (اَسلَمَ لِلّہِ) means to declare oneself committed to the Will of God[3]. The verbal noun is’lām (إِسْلَٰم) means: submission (i.e. yielding to the law, power or control of an authority); resignation; surrender; reconciliation; accepting someone’s sovereignty and authority. Those who submit, surrender…

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